Official Organ of the 2/30th Bn. A.I.F. Assn

COMMITTEE

Dear Dig,

We received a very interesting letter from Ron Foster, who is still in London. He was there during the big fog at Christmas time and he says this. "We are in the grip of a big freeze here, the coldest winter for 27 years with fog, snow and blizzards. Every day I wear two pairs of socks, two sweaters plus overcoat, gloves, etc. but still I can't keep myself warm. There is ice everywhere, inches deep, the snow freezes the moment it hits the ground. Just before Christmas London had its worst fog in living memory, for five days and nights it lasted bringing the city to a standstill. The only transport running was the underground. Travel by road was impossible, visibility was down to 12". It was a thick dirty fog full of smoke and soot, many old people choked to death, others lost their way and fell into canals and things. All the theatres and cinemas were closed because it was impossible to see the stage except from the first few rows, even in my bedroom I couldn't see from one end of the room to the other. Still, brighter days are on the way with spring only three months away. This year should be an exciting one with the Coronation and all the other things which occur during the summer season. Already tourists are arriving and London is being prepared. Stands are being erected along the coronation route, the price now for a position is up to £200 and it will go up to £500. I got in early, three days after the King died and secured some seats for six guineas each."

Ernie McNiven is making money at Bangalow on the North Coast. Mac has finished with football now.

Jack Hart of Lithgow is working in the State Coal Mine. A couple of years ago Jack went on a trip to Europe and on the way there stopped in Singapore for a couple of days. He inspected Nestles building and the Customs House whilst he was there. He told us that, at the time, Tiger Beer was still as good as before but the price had risen to one dollar per bottle.

Harry Griffis is working with the Postal Department at Taree. Ron McBurney is doing well in the Police Force. He is living at Granville.

Bill Gough of Cabramatta is still working on additions to his house. Bill does not move around much these days. He is very conservative and considers that he is very lucky to be still in employment.

Andy Hyslop, of whom we hear very little, is making a name for himself in the Education Dept. We believe that he has a very good classification now.

From Brisbane we hear from Harry Riches, who recently spent three weeks holiday on his son's farm. You can imagine what type of holiday this was. Whilst Harry was there his son sent two employees on their annual holidays and gave his team of horses a spell. Harry met Alf Jones, Ernie McNiven and Ossie Jackson, who are all doing well, and he swears that whilst Vic Gordon was at Ballina, all the fish left the district for quieter seas. They just couldn't stand that loud voice roaring at them.

In reply to our request for a copy of the History to be sent to the New York Public. Library, Cec Farrer sent his copy along and it will be forwarded to the Library immediately and acknowledged by them.

Bert Welch of North Arm on the North Coast line is farming for a living and at the time of writing to us at the end of January was receiving some badly needed rain on his property. Bill has three children, and all things considered, is doing well.

Arthur Isaac of Bankstown is a bad letter writer but we hear he is making a living as a plumber.

Cec Palmer of Moonan Flat, via Scone is still working at the same place, and now owns the top wire in the fence. Not having enough money to buy a decent car, he bought a. motor bike with a big side-car, glassed in on the front and sides, covered it with a hood and upholstered it in sponge rubber and red leatherette. He makes some terrific trips and has even been to Sydney, which is a long way to carry anyone in a side-car.

ANZAC DAY

All those who live in Sydney and surrounding districts are urged to join the March this year. The assembly point will be the usual place on the Quay side of the Conservatorium of Music. The time of assembly should be not later than 10 a.m., The vexed question of some sort of uniformity of dress has cropped up in the last two years and it has been decided that for this year's March, it is suggested that Association members wear their badges and those who are not yet members wear their Returned from Active Service Badge. It has been found by enquiry that only a small percentage of members of the unit have their medals and this is indicative of the whole of the A.I.F., following a report from Melbourne which said recently, that some six tons of medals were still unclaimed. Within a couple of months we will include a blank application form for you to complete and send for your medals, then before next Anzac Day we will make arrangements for you to have them properly mounted if you so desire. It is unnecessary to add that the conduct on the March should be fitting, for what is a commemoration march for Fallen Comrades.

We have seen some particularly good examples of clowning by isolated individuals in other units in previous marches. This type of behaviour is better fitted for a circus than for a solemn march. Unfortunately we have no rendezvous after the March; it has been found in previous years that marchers are quite fatigued after hours on their feet and the prospect of three or four hours milling at the bar does not appeal. Most marchers will enjoy a drink or two if they can get it fairly easily and then will wander home. Anyway, don't forget the time and the date - 10 a.m., on Anzac Day.

We hear that Tommy Kennedy of "C" Coy, has not altered with the years and is a very solid and respected citizen of the town of Cessnock. Tommy is a family man and is one of the big supports of the local R.S.L. in addition he is a member of the local C.M.F. unit we believe. He never comes to Sydney preferring the quietness of his own town to the rush and bustle of the city. It is unfortunate that Kennedy is a fairly common name (e.g. there were two Tom Kennedy's in our unit), and it is rather embarrassing to be mistaken for others who may land themselves in trouble. We hope that Tom can come down to a General Meeting or Reunion some time to renew acquaintance with his numerous friends. As far as health goes, Tom has little to growl about for he was not wounded as was his namesake in the unit.

ANNUAL BALL

The date of the Ball is fast approaching and we urge you to make every effort to be present. It will be held at the Coronet Restaurant, George Street, near Wynyard Station, on the 6th June. For further particulars ring John Parsons at BW.4401.

We all realise that we are not as young as we were in 1940 but I was smugly sure, until last week, that I was at least "carrying my age" fairly well. I was brought back to earth with a jolt whilst talking to an Estate Agent. During the course of conversation he mentioned that finance was available to ex-servicemen through the War Service Homes Commission and he added that his son was an ex-serviceman. "I am an ex-serviceman myself" I said. Oh; he said looking at me keenly. "Which war?"

Please make all cheques, money orders or postal notes payable to Reg. Ellis, Hunter's Hill.

See you on Anzac Day,

STAN ARNEIL

The 23rd March was a real red letter day for the Arneil's. Little Clare now has a baby sister. Good going Stanley and our very best wishes to you Dorothy.

REG ELLIS

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