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Back to 1971 index or Main Index Makan – No. 194 Official Organ of the 2/30th Bn. A.I.F. Association ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Included with this issue of MAKAN is a special Supplement of 16 pages, which is forwarded to Life Members and Ordinary Members only. The Supplement contains Notice of Annual General Meeting, to be held at COMBINED SERVICES CLUB, Barrack St. , Sydney, on Thursday, 22nd April at 8 p.m. Similar arrangements have been made, as formerly, for those Members wishing to do so, to gather in the Barrack Bar from, say 5.30 p. m. onwards. We will then adjoin to the Dining Room promptly at 6.30 p.m. for a meal (which naturally requires to be purchased individually at ordinary Club prices) and from the meal to the Meeting, which will be held in the Meeting Room, Second Floor and will commence at 8 p.m. sharp. As the Club will want a reliable indication of the Members who will be present for the meal (we have currently reserved for 20) will those desiring to dine at the Club before proceeding on to the Meeting PLEASE 'PHONE PHIL SCHOFIELD at 94.8165, prior to for preference, but by the morning of 22nd April at the latest, and let him know your intention. In order to comply with Licensing Laws, and to save time registering you when you arrive, would all Members who will be attending the Meeting only, please also ring 94. 8165. You will then be registered in advance, and you will be able to proceed to the Meeting directly by the lift. Members will notice that the Agenda for the Annual General Meeting contains several Special Resolutions to be put to the Meeting which, if passed, will amend our Constitution, and will have a considerable effect on the future running of the Association. Because of their importance, some notes and explanations concerning these Resolutions are included in the Supplement, along with a Proxy Form, which all Members who are unable to attend the Meeting are asked to use. The Annual Report and Financial Statements are also included, which makes the Supplement complete, and handy for use at the Meeting. ANZAC DAY: BATHURST MEMORIAL CAIRN You will recall prior mention in MAKAN of the perpetual trophy (cost defrayed by donation by one of our members) which the Association has given to the Bathurst R.S.L. for annual competition amongst the junior members of their band, as a mark of appreciation of that Club's genuine and continuing interest in our affairs. After consultation with the Bathurst Club, it has been decided to make the presentation to the band, at Bathurst, on a suitable occasion during next Anzac Day celebrations. Apart from the two official representatives (who will be appointed at the Annual General Meeting) it is hoped to have as many as possible attend the Bathurst Ceremony on 25th April next. Would anyone able to make the trip to Bathurst PLEASE GIVE BRUCE FORD A CALL PER 'PHONE (Home : 50.8936, Office : 29.6352) as soon as possible, so that he can, if it is so wished, make arrangements for accommodation, and in any event, be in a position to advise Bathurst of the numbers attending; as well as having at the Annual Meeting the names of those available for selection of the two official representatives. ANZAC DAY: SYDNEY Members are reminded that Anzac Day falls this year on a Sunday, and the March will be held on that day. Details of assembly points were not available before MAKAN went to press, but it is a pretty safe bet that we will form up in much the same position as in previous years - in Macquarie Street, in the vicinity of the Registrar General's Office. In any event, newspapers will supply the information prior to the day. It is just 25 years since that first Anzac Day after our return, and your Editor recalls the very good roll-up we had on that occasion; when our group of over 200 presented a pretty fine bunch of coves, despite our vicissitudes. Harry Riches is making the trip from Brunswick Heads to carry the banner, and it would be an equal gesture on our part if we made a special effort to rally around the Banner in order to present Harry with another good bunch to march behind him and make him feel that his effort was worth while. Those who, like the Editor, can't physically do the marching, might consider the alternative of turning up at the assembly point for a yarn with the boys prior to them setting off on the actual march. Unfortunately for our usual arrangements, because the day falls on a Sunday and there does not appear to be any relaxation of the Licensing Laws, to date we have not been able to arrange a Meeting place at the Occidental, or at any other pub, after the march. All clubs so far approached have been completely booked out and, at this stage, it would appear as though we will have to make individual arrangements to gather in small groups at various clubs where different ones amongst us are members. Should any possible venue for a get-together be found subsequently, you will be advised of the location at the assembly point. 8th DIVISION MEMORIAL: BATHURST Final accounts have issued and have been passed for the appeal made for funds for the Memorial, and donors will be pleased to learn that a net surplus of $832.50 was achieved. This sum has been presented to Legacy, through their Bathurst group. SICK PARADE Kevin Ward reports: In Concord: Discharged since last MAKAN: Jack Hardman HQ Coy LAST POST It is with the utmost regret that we record the passing of three of our mates. Unfortunately, we did not hear of these deaths until just recently, although they occurred at different times up to two years previously, and it is accordingly not felt appropriate to include our usual eulogy; but to their families, though very belatedly, we extend our heartfelt sympathy. A. J. (Sam) Finlayson (A Coy); E. K. (Curly) Fraser (B Coy); S. R. (Stan) Larkin (B Coy). WE WILL REMEMBER THEM PHOTOS OF THANBYUZAYAT CEMETERY Through the good offices of Stuart Peach, and more particularly Col. C.E.M. Newton O.B.E., Attaché at the Australian Embassy, Rangoon, who took them, we have received photos of the headstones of several graves at THANBYUZAYAT Cemetery, as per list below. In addition, there are some other photos of the Cross of Sacrifice, and a general view of part of the cemetery. Would any member knowing of anyone who would be interested in receiving any particular photo, please ask them to get in touch with the Editor. Pte. C. J. Blackadder A single photo showing:- L. Cpl. F. W. Flanagan &Pte. N. S. Reid. NEWS, VIEWS AND WHOS WHOS Tom Davis (D Coy) sent in the following towards the end of last January, but as MAKAN had been made up, and was just about to go to the printers, his letter was held over for this issue. He says: Recently my wife Marj and myself enjoyed a cruise on "Himalaya", and among the ports visited was Singapore, where we spent two days and one night. Also on the cruise was Mrs. Margaret Hickson and her sister, whom we had met at Bathurst during the unveiling of the 8th Div. Memorial. Mrs. Hickson is the widow of Brian (D Coy, who died while working on the Railway) and it was quite by accident that we met her both at Bathurst, and again on board ship; and we had many enjoyable drinks and talks together. Prior to sailing from Australia, I had written to the Singapore Central Lions Club to see if they could make arrangements for a reliable taxi driver to meet us and take us to Changi, Selarang, Kranji War Cemetery, Bukit Timah and Mount Pleasant. However, the Secretary of the Club replied that he would be personally responsible for our visit, and would conduct us to these places. Mr. Lai Pang Fee met us at the ship, and after an interview with a reporter from the "Eastern Sun" and "Herald" (the story appearing in both papers next day) we were taken to Changi Prison, where arrangements had been made for us to have the doors once more opened for us, but under different circumstances from last time. The Chief Warder escorted us to the Chapel, and on to the roof of the Administration Building. Nothing has changed, except that the walls are no longer white, but a dirty black. The area behind the goal, where the 2/30 lines were, is now a wilderness of coconut trees, banana palms and banana grass. The area where the hospital was is now built on with houses for the warders. At the guard house at Selarang Barracks, the Corporal of the Guard rang the Orderly Room to seek permission for us to enter. Not only was permission granted, but the Adjutant and Orderly Officer escorted us around, and we walked once again the Barrack Square ; and one's mind flashed back to that morning of 17th February, so long ago, that we marched along that same road, and into the same buildings. As we drove back through the city streets, names, which I thought I had forgotten came flashing back: Geylang Road, Bridge Road, Outram Road (by the way, the gaol here no longer exists - in its place is a multi-storey shopping complex) River Valley Road, Thomson Road, Bukit Timah Road, and of course one could never forget Lavender Street. Along the Bukit Timah Road to Bukit Batok, where today, on the very top, stands the mast of Radio Malaysia and its transmitter. As we drove up that road to the parking lot, and then walked slowly up the steps which led to the top, one could not but help think of the many days spent there using the changkol, shovel and basket; also of the day when the Japanese officer addressed us as "Gentlemen, please do not steal the Emperor's petrol", and after driving away a short distance, ran out of petrol - the masters at "milking" petrol tanks had been at work. As we looked over the City of Singapore, one could see the very changed skyline to that we knew, with multi-storied buildings in every direction. Along the Woodlands Road, then we visited the Kranji War Cemetery, and as we walked slowly along the lines of graves the names of our mates came back - names which I had almost forgotten for quite a period of time. We paid our humble respects in this restful, well kept cemetery, built on the gentle slopes overlooking the Causeway and Johore Bahru, so close to the battle positions the 2/30th held. On our return to Singapore, the names Mandai Road and Nee Soon flashed into view, together with McRitchie Reservoir and Thomson Road, and past the houses we lived in at Caldecott and Mount Pleasant. It is interesting to note that in these places visited, very little has changed - they are as we knew them - but the face of Singapore has changed. Gone are many of the street stalls and old buildings, and in their places are the multi-storied shopping complexes and home units. The rickshaw is no more. Change Alley is still there, but its life looks to be short lived. The Great World and New World are still there, under different names, but unfortunately they were shut the only night we were in the City. Our Guide, Lai Pang Fee, couldn't do enough for us - he perhaps had an interest in Australians. He was only 18 months old when the Japs occupied Singapore. He never knew his father, as the Japs took him away shortly after the occupation; and he never returned. We enjoyed every moment of our trip, and both came back much heavier than we were before we left, as the company was pleasant and, all in all, we lived for 26 days in idle comfort and contentment. (Tom celebrated his 21st birthday at Changi with his buddy, Reg Napper (D Coy). On their return, Reg introduced Tom to his sister, Marj - she is now Mrs. Tom Davis, wife of the Superintendent of the Cobar Ambulance Station. - Ed.) **** Alice Larkin, widow of Stan (B Coy and a former Life Member) wrote in from Evans Head and enclosed a sizeable donation to MAKAN, at the same time expressing her appreciation of regular receipt of the journal. This gift was totally unnecessary as we are very happy to continue to send MAKAN to the widows of our mates, but we do appreciate the gesture and the thought behind it. Son, Jeffery (15) does his School Certificate this year, and Mark (9) is still at Primary; and they are both very fond of sport. She mentioned having called on Althea Fraser, widow of Curly (E. K. , and B Coy) in January last, and the family were well. The daughter works in a Solicitor's office in Casino, and the son is employed by the Agricultural Department. We also got some news of George Lister (B Coy), wife Nessie and family. Their daughter Marie (15) also does the School Certificate this year, eldest son Bill (19) is in the R.A. A. F. at Wagga, and the two younger boys Raymond (12) and Donald (10) are both at Primary School. It is perhaps only natural that Alice should tell us of these families as Stan, Curly and George were buddies and joined the Army together, while Alice is also the sister of George Lister. Thanks again, Alice, both for the donation and your newsy letter. Please keep up the good work, and let us have more news from time to time - Ed. **** Ness Lister, wife of George (B Coy) writing from Mummulgum, and sending in George's subs, confirmed the news in Alice Larkin's letter, and also the fact that George is a poor correspondent. We would miss out on a lot of news, and subs too, if we didn't have the staunch support of the wives. **** Honey Barnes, wife of Len (HQ Coy) writing to Bessie Ellis from their plantation near Cairns, Q. , had quite a bit of news about the success, and hard work which has followed the story published in the "Women's Weekly" last November, and a subsequent coverage by A. B. Q. in their "This Day To-Night" programme. Apart from the fact that Len had to produce a detailed plan and set of instructions for the manufacture and use of the climbing irons, for a man in S. A. , they have had extensive orders from all over the place; and it looks as though they may even go into the export business to California. She mentioned that as a result of the publicity she had heard from the wife of Curly (J. F.) Simpson (B Coy) with whom she used to work in Sydney during the war, and from whom she had not heard for about 25 years. She also enclosed a cutting from a Queensland paper showing a photo of a mosaic reproduction of the Artillery Corps emblem, which had been unearthed recently at Selarang Garrison, and which we have sent on to the 2/15th for information. **** Mrs. Maurice, widow of Harry (A Coy) 'phoned to express her regrets at her inability to attend the Gemas Memorial Ceremony and her appreciation of continued receipt of MAKAN, as she is still very interested in having news of Harry's old mates. **** We were pleased to welcome back into the family Les Hemming (HQ Coy) of Yagoona, Jack Burke (C Coy) of Dalby, Q. , and Tom Rockett (C Coy) of Grafton, who have recently joined up. **** Tom Rockett (C Coy) has suffered a spell of really bad luck with his motive power of late and is currently faced with the problem of learning to walk all over again - with the aid of two tin legs. When admitted to R. G. H. Concord early in the year for further examination, it was decided that his right leg (and everyone thought that was his good one) would require amputation. Within a matter of about 8 weeks the left leg followed suit; and to most of us (particularly at 61 years of age) that would probably have been the last straw. To Tom, however, it was merely a fresh challenge of a kind which he had faced in different form previously, and he is either the best actor alive, or a truly remarkable man. Should any of you feel down in the dumps and quite certain that you are receiving a raw deal, call on Tom, and you will leave with the unquenchable spirit, which carried Tom - and a lot of his mates - through many crises, fairly bubbling out of you. Tom hails from Grafton, where he was President of the P.O. W. Association for many years, and so devoted his efforts to their well-being that he received quite a citation on his retirement from that office. His daughter (24) is married and the mother of the Rockett grandchild (6 months old and the apple of Tom's eye - and he'll prove it with a photo) while his son (21) is working with the Flood Mitigation Commission. (I hope Tom will forgive me - and knowing him I am sure that he will - for featuring him like this, but I left him "bubbling over", and I felt that his fortitude and courage were a living example of the "Spirit of the Regiment" about which we have so often boasted perhaps latent in some of us, but very vibrant when the chips are down. - Ed.) **** At somewhat short notice, and on a specific day to suit the Guest of Honour, a few of us (25 plus late-comers, who had previous dinner dates) gathered at the Hotel Australia on 19th February to tender a farewell dinner to Ron Stoner, prior to his departure for Perth, W. A. What with the convivial company, and a few jugs of this and that, a most enjoyable night was had by all, and one thing, at least, which must surely have appealed to Ron, was that everyone present (and they covered representatives of every rank in the Army from Brigadier down to Private) had a few words to say to him, and about him. Strangely enough, though references were naturally made to the time when he was Keeper of the Japanese Pleasure House at Kanburi, the remarks were all laudatory (some of them almost embarrassingly so) and he must have felt secretly very proud that such a cross-section of ranks, amongst his mates, could feel that way about him. It was patently evident, however, that all the speakers were genuinely sincere, and equally sorry to lose the services of such a stalwart supporter of the Association. Unless our records are hay-wire, Ron's removal to Perth will mean that the circulation of MAKAN in W.A. jumps to 2, as he joins the company of the widow of our late beloved R. M. 0. , John Taylor, who lives at Claremont. In his reply, and in typical Stoner fashion, Ron stoutly defended his girl friends at the Pleasure House, and reminded us, inter alia, of the extra and special foods he was able to supply to our sick cobbers as a result of their generosity. **** An occasion such as Ron's farewell dinner, when the cheering bowl has been passed freely around the assemblage, presents a bit of a field day for a news hound; but one disadvantage lay in the fact that most of those present were much younger, and could certainly take it better than the representative of the news media, who may have got a few garbled stories ; but some odd bits of news did seem to get through to him. **** For instance, Garry Evans (A Coy) gradually calmed down, and explained why he and his wife Marie were a bit crooked on Poms. As staunch supporters of that game called cricket, and keen Aussie barrackers to boot, they were naturally incensed that the Poxes should have departed with the Ashes, but that was only half of it - another Pom had placed the come-hither on their daughter. After a sip or two the story emerged: daughter Lesley (24) had, like lots of other Australian girls, shot off on a world tour, and she eventually returned to the bosom of her family on 10th December last - when the Ashes were still ours. In due course she announced the great news that she had met a particular nice sort of a Pom, and she was leaving again on 5th May, to return to England to marry him: and when the Poms eventually took the Ashes, Garry reckons that was the last straw. One consolation, Marie, you will now have a genuine reason for persuading him to take you on an overseas trip in the not-too-distant future. **** An informant, albeit with tears of envy in his eyes and reverence in his voice, potted Fred Bladwell (HQ Coy) who, as President of the Marrickville Anzac Memorial Club reputedly rules it with a rod of iron, and is not averse to taking over the duties of chucker-out, should the occasion demand it. When your Scribe approached this strong man (with some diffidence and very wary of a back-hander) he found in lieu of a raging lion a sweet little budgerigar, billing and cooing about his son Frank (29). After a jug or two, the mumblings became intelligible, and it would appear that Frank is a High School Master - an achievement which confirms that he takes after his mother, Grace, who previously had to supply all the brains in the Bladwell family, and still continues to be forced by Fred to follow her profession of teaching. Not content with merely being good at his job, Frank was awarded a scholarship with the Rotary Group Education Exchange, which means that he left early in March, as the guest of Rotary, on a 8 weeks world lecture tour, which will take him firstly to Houston, Texas; where he will lecture on Tertiary Education, the Opera House and the N. S. W. Police Force. After doing his stuff at several Centres in the U.S.A. , Frank will return, in more leisurely fashion, but still giving the odd lecture, via London, Paris and Rome. It would be nice if a bit of the son's charm and ability could be transferred to his father, but that is probably asking too much - Grace hasn't been able to do much with him over the past 30 odd years. Seriously though, congrats from us all. **** President Arch (C Coy) even admitted to a somewhat embarrassing situation which occurred to him a few days previously. Eldest daughter, Diane , attained the age of 21 on 15th February (it is a pretty safe bet to say that 15th Feb. , 1950, was a lot happier day for Daphne and Arch than that day eight years previously had been for Arch - Ed.) and Arch and Daphne did the right thing. They called in the caterers and a drink waiter or so, plus all the trappings, and turned on a birthday party at their home. Quite naturally, and particularly in this modern day and age, Arch had not previously met many of the invitees, so he had quite a bit of catching up to do on introductions as he hovered around the assemblage, making sure that their liquid refreshment requirements were satisfied. Early after the guests had arrived he approached a group, which happened to include Diana., with the waiter at his side to dispense their orders, and meekly asked if he could get them some drinks. Diana did the right thing and announced to the group that this was her father, and proceeded to introduce the guests - the first happened to be a young man, nearest Arch. Said young man, with outstretched hand, shot past Arch, and warmly shook the hand of the waiter. Arch admitted, in fairness to all parties, that the waiter, resplendent in tuxedo, looked far more dignified than he did; but it was a bit awkward for a moment or two. With everyone in a good mood at Ron's party, it may have been the right moment to whip around the Stetson to make sure that Arch is decked out correctly on future occasions - he has a few more children who will attain the ripe old age of 21 in the years to come. **** Tom Nixon (HQ Coy) modestly stated that he was not much good at his favourite pastime, bowls, but the cup that cheers worked wonders. He got all coy and admitted that he played pennant bowls for the Coogee-Randwick R.S.L. Club. Having got him started, it was no trouble to drag out of him that daughter Dianne (18) had just won a scholarship to Sydney University, where she will do Psychology. He also came to light with the information that he was presently in touch with the sister of Jack Burke (C Coy) who was now living at Dalby, Q. , and was a T.P.I. and not so good; and that Ben Pearce (A Coy) could be found around the precincts of the R.S.L. Club, Sawtell. A few cups later he produced an amusing story about Jackie Smith (see "Do You Remember") and followed it up with news of Jimmy Hill (HQ Coy). Jimmy has had a pretty hard time of it lately, and though Repat have been very good, the going is not very easy; and Jimmy is house-bound these days. He lives out Engadine way, and if any of his mates happened to drop in they would be welcome. (It is a far cry back to the very early days as P.O.W., when we were still getting some real food and has set up a boxing ring at that very select camp at Second Avenue, largely at the instigation of Bobby Bee (HQ Coy, who was subsequently one of the cholera victims at Kami Sonkurai) and to the delight of the Jap commandant of Singapore Island, whose house overlooked us and who loved, as he called it, "box-fighting" . Jimmy, do you remember whipping the socks off Zipper Charlton, who was something of a professional? - Ed.) Just when it looked as though your Scribe would prize a few more columns out of Tom, someone interrupted, and the chain was broken - but we didn't do too badly. **** Then someone noticed Bruce Greer (HQ Coy) weeping silently into his glass. Upon being informed that precious Black Label was the stuff you sipped reverently and certainly didn't pollute with salty fluids, he took a swift pull at the glass and informed us that he was really feeling sorry for Tom Nixon's Dianne, who was just starting on an academic career. His son Ross (21) graduated from Hawkesbury College last year, and hasn't yet been able to find a suitable job. However, after a few "steadiers", it transpired that his real trouble was genuine pain. As a Real Estator out Petersham way, he has been applying himself so assiduously to the task that his profits have caused him to run neck and neck with Harry Collins. That part of it was O.K., but being a careful Guardian of the Loot, Bruce has been sitting on the pile of dollars and cents; which had grown to the stage where his feet no longer touched the floor and he had to have extension legs put on his table so that he could reach it. Even that wasn't too bad, but when they introduced those 8-sided 50c pieces, the pile got so uncomfortable that it pained him to sit on it - or anywhere else for that matter. So he scooped up the loot, bunged it in the family vault; and he has retired from business at a somewhat earlier age than most of us are able to. Poor Bruce, he just couldn't bear the thought of building up another painful pile. Sad, isn't it? **** Joe (Merv) Geoghegan (HQ Coy) was too busy preparing his speech to be interrupted with minor matters, but he did come to light with the information that the last time he had seen Hank Massey (HQ Coy) was at approximately 3 o'clock that very afternoon. Having occasion to visit Parramatta, Joe was intrigued by the traffic jam which extended from Church Street back to the highway, and practically on to Penrith. He eventually made his way on foot to the front of it, to discover a benign old gentleman sitting serenely in his car which refused to budge. Upon closer examination it proved to be our old friend Hank; so Joe and a few bystanders organised a trailer party and cleared the traffic jam by towing him into the gutter. (Hank, if you were one tenth as good at keeping a car going as you were at keeping a 'phone operating, even when things were at their thickest and worst, that would never have happened - Ed.) **** No trouble was experienced in getting Steve Allardice (HQ Coy) going - the main difficulty was in sorting out the news from the asides. Your Scribe, who by this time was probably in the same condition as Steve, thinks it went something like this:- Son Stuart (22) ("Blow, note the spelling") is presently in camp at Puka doing his deferred National Service - he is with the 15 R.N.S.W.R. (Parramatta Lancers). That part was O.K. , as was also the fact that he works for Qantas. A liberal translation of the gurglings appeared to indicate that the same Stuart (Steve would be unlikely to have two Stuarts in his family) in pursuit of his job with Qantas, and just prior to commencing his National Service, recently returned from a trip to Europe, where Munich and Stuttgart so impressed him with their way of living that about the first words he greeted his father with were "You don't know how to live, Dad". To add coals to the fire (or biscuits to the barrel) he informed Steve that as soon as he can get away, he is returning to Europe "to enjoy life". (If my poor old memory serves me right, Steve, you were about the same age when we first arrived in Singapore, and I didn't notice you lacking in any capacity to enjoy life - Ed.) Son, Gregory John (19) ("Haskins, note Christian names. Joe Geoghegan, note, his hair is much longer than your son's") spent twelve months with Ron Eaton's (BHQ) Empire - Overseas Containers Ltd. - but, while acknowledging the propriety of the job, Gregory has recently entered the George Patterson Advertising Agency as a Trainee where he hopes to rise to great heights. **** There were literally dozens of other coves with limpid eyes and bubbling lips who were anxious to fill the columns of MAKAN, but by this time Steve and your Scribe had gotten a bit sentimental, and your Scribe's notes from thence onwards are both indecipherable and completely unintelligible; and being a strict recorder of fact, it would be improper of him to invent any stories. Seriously though, Ron's dinner party was a most pleasant and convivial affair. Of course we downed a few jugs, but if any of you have any doubts as to the sobriety of the gathering, ask the Old Man - he arrived, strictly sober, from a dinner party just as the speeches were concluding. Anyway, wives, you eventually received home your husbands, in good order and condition - even the Ed's wife had no complaint. **** Des Gee (HQ Coy), sending in "a few spare dollars" from Mooney Ponds, Vic. , regretted his inability to attend any of our functions, and expressed appreciation of the good efforts of the Committee and of MAKAN in keeping the Association going. His daughter was married last October, leaving only a 14-year-old son at home. The family are all well. SERVICE CORNER No additions since last MAKAN. PAINTS: Joe (M. R.)
Geoghegan - Business 637.2234 Private 78.2428. **** DO YOU REMEMBER? Lots of stories could, and have been told of the brutality of our guards, but it is only fair to recall the odd story or two recording something in their favour. Do you remember when we were on X. 1. Party in Johore, digging funk holes, and we had Arai (a rather tall and well-built Korean who spoke a reasonable amount of English) as one of our guards ? Although it was naturally forbidden for him to do so, when Arai was on night duty he used to switch the guardhouse wireless over to the Far Eastern Transmission of the B. B. C. , then the following morning, in the middle of the tapioca patch, he would tell your Scribe the genuine news. It was Arai who passed on the information of the Jap surrender on the morning just after Jock McLean has volunteered to do an extra stint and had left to get confirmation of the rumour he had heard the previous afternoon. It was also Arai, when approached, who agreed to grab a bike and pedal it hot foot for Kranji with a note from Doc Taylor to the hospital there, requesting some anaesthetic, so that he could operate on one of our blokes who was bleeding to death internally from perforated bowels or stomach or some such. Arai got caught by the guards at Kranji, and got one hell of a belting for being there, but he got the anaesthetic, and got it back in time; and our bloke lived. *** Hank, the Yank was undoubtedly the best of them all. Do you remember, Bob Jack, the night we had pinched a battery out of one of the trucks and you were ironing out a bug or two in the wireless set, in your room, when Hank and a bunch of guards descended on us to search the camp at Second Avenue? I grabbed the battery and shot out the door, virtually into their arms, and when one of the guards broke into fluent Japanese while pointing at the battery, Hank merely smiled when I told the guard the battery was "Dami Dami"; and he accepted my invitation, and brought his guards with him into my office , while he explained that the Old Man (the Jap Commandant of Singapore Island) was as wild as a hornet, because he had got in his car and had started the engine; but while he was lighting a cigarette the engine had cut out. He had finally discovered a complete lack of petrol, even though he had had the tank filled a short time previously. So he had told Hank to rustle up a posse and search the camp. But Hank, fearful of what they might really find if he gave the guards an open order on the search, told them to look for money only. Having allowed a lot of their time to be wasted on idle chatter in my office, Hank then remarked that he had surely given the boys enough time to get rid of "wirelesses and any other dangerous things" (the wireless by this time was safe in its hiding place in the roof) and he had better start the search. He could hardly contain himself as he watched the guards passing over compasses (which they declared "Dami" BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T TICK), daggers and even a Verey pistol, looking solely for money. When we entered one tent, reeking of petrol because the occupants had not had time to finish decanting it from the open kerosene tin into the small containers, I thought the game was really. up; but one of the lads had the presence of mind to start washing his hands in the petrol, and Hank dragged me away from the tent and burst into laughter as he remarked "I didn't tell the silly B... s anything about gas, so he (the guard) thinks that fellow is washing his hands in water". Hank gave us a clean sheet that night, but he did advise abstention from milking trucks and cars for a while. In any event, petrol was promptly severely rationed to the trucks, and any surplus on return to camp removed, so that it became unprofitable to go milking; and the boys switched their activities to pilfering cement. That is another almost unbelievable story, and one which ended in very sordid fashion; but it was undoubtedly Hank who played a large part in saving five of our lads from being shot. In retrospect and in fairness to the Commandant, who, in my books, was the closest approach to a Christian gentleman that I have met amongst the Japs, he was the one who actually conducted the Trial, and awarded the ultimate sentence of gaol in a compound which we had to build and guard, while he fed them on very reduced rations. But Hank had given his assurance in advance that if we did certain things everything would be O.K. - and it was. *** It was the self-same Commandant who allowed the erection of the simple wooden cross, in memory of Australian dead, on the site of their Memorial which we had built on top of Bukit Batok, and he requested (not ordered) us to erect a boxing ring on the site, and give exhibitions of "box-fighting" on the day of the official opening and dedication (or whatever they called it) to which we Second Avenue gang were invited as guests - he even provided beer for the "box fighters". It was strange to see the entire Jap assemblage on that occasion gathered around our boxing ring, while the handful of Australians were gathered around those colossal mountains of flesh who had been specially imported to give exhibitions of Sumitimo wrestling. When we left Second Avenue to join the mob at River Valley, he even expressed regret at the necessity to transfer us, and explained that a special Jap/Korean unit was taking over the rationing (which is what we had been doing, and why we had been feeding rather well) ; and he provided transport for us to River Valley Road, which enabled us to take with us the rice grinder and the wireless (which by this time had been converted to mains supply and was a bit awkward to transport) in a butt of rice, plus all the junk we had accumulated. **** Talking of Bukit Timah: Do you remember the cure for "Flaming Onions" which we had obtained from a Chinese gentleman, and which was very effective; but so painful on application that the procedure required the patient to be held down while his best cobber did the painting - which resulted in a brilliant orange effect? Do you remember Stonja McMahon receiving the treatment (how he galloped over the countryside after the application) and when he was subsequently showering; Jack Rowe (a good Irishman and, as he put it, a "true believer", who later died on the railway at No. 2 Sonkurai) happened to walk past? He stopped dead in his tracks, and with horror in his voice exclaimed: f4Sgt McMahon, I never thought I would live to see the day when a true believer would desecrate his body with that colour". It was the same Jack Rowe who was placed in charge of the rice grinder at River Valley Road, and how he enjoyed telling all the other units how much rice he would allow them to bring and grind, and when they could do it. **** Do you remember those early days, when we were road and bridge building around the Golf Links/Reservoir area and our Guards were Jap soldiers - mostly recovered from wounds, and awaiting transfers ? Jock McDougall recalls the only known occasion when Stuart Peach fled in the face of the enemy - with a Jap W.O. hotly in pursuit, sword drawn and intent on carving Stuart up. The arrival of a Jap Officer caused the W.O. to stop and salute and, fortunately for Stuart and us, the misunderstanding was straightened out. Anyway, Stuart is still in one piece. **** Do you remember when we had arrived back in Sydney, and the country boys were being sent to their home towns by train? Tom Nixon recalls travelling up the North Coast with Jackie Smith (2/20 Bn. and Concert Party) in the same compartment. As the train crawled past a repair gang, the usual cry came from the fettlers: "Paper", "Paper". Quick as a flash, Jackie shouted back: "Use grass, like we had to for the past 32 years". **** Do you remember Thomson Road days, when B. J. took up residence as Group Commander, and had the Jap guard turned out for inspection? In the odd assortment of garb they wore, they naturally failed to pass the test, and the Guard Commander was ticked off properly in B.J. fashion. It ended up with the members of the guard being sent along to Bert Galbraith (the Bn. Tailor) who did the best he could, with the available materials, to deck them out in decent fashion. Do you remember seeing one of the guards, complete with rifle and bayonet, legging it hotfoot over the countryside with B. J. after him, waving his stick and declaring to all and sundry that nobody entered his office without being announced and invited to do so ? He had just about reached the stage where he had all the guards eating out of his hand, and completely under command, when that mysterious change-over of guards occurred, and the temporarily unguarded P.O.W. went walkabout - even to Lavender Street. It was a pity that B. J. was recalled to Changi to take over Command A.I.F. - otherwise we may have had the spectacle of the guards doing the work, while P.O.W.'s supervised. **** SUPPLEMENT WITH MAKAN No.
194. Mch. /Apr. 1971. Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Members of 2/30 Bn. A.I.F. Association will be held in the Meeting Room, Second Floor, Combined Services R.S.L. Club, 5 Barrack Street, Sydney, on Thursday, 22nd April, 1971, at 8 o'clock p.m. AGENDA Ordinary Business: 1. Apologies. Special Business To consider and, if thought fit, to pass the following Special Resolutions, with or without amendment, due notice of which has been given and received. Amendments to Constitution: 1. Clause 1. MEMBERSHIP That from 1st January, 1972, the Annual Subscription for Ordinary Members shall revert to 50c. 2. Further amend by the addition of a final paragraph to read: Provided that the Central Executive may at its discretion at an ordinary Meeting of the Executive declare payable by each Life Member and each Ordinary Member an amount of Subscription to the Official Journal of the Association known as MAKAN. Such subscription shall be declared annually by the Central Executive and shall be deemed to be due and payable by all such Members in addition to any membership fees and levies also due and payable by such Members. Subscriptions so received shall be set apart for the journal and such amount shall be separately accounted for in the Books of Account of the Association, and duly audited. 3. Clause 3. OBJECTS Amend by the addition of a final paragraph to read: (f) To publish and distribute to Members, Honorary Members, Next-of-Kin and such other persons and Bodies as the Central Executive may determine from time to time a Periodical to be known as MAKAN and to be the official Journal of the Association. Such to be printed at intervals of not greater than three calendar months. 4. Clause 4. OFFICE BEARERS Amend by deleting the whole of the text of the existing Clause 4. and by substituting: The Office Bearers of the Association shall be Patron, President, Vice-President, Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer, Hospital Visitation Convenor, MAKAN Editor and eight other Members to be known as the Committee. All Office Bearers shall be elected only from Life Members and/or Ordinary Members of the Association and shall hold office until the date of the Annual General Meeting next succeeding that at which they were elected. Nominations for Office Bearers shall be in the hands of the Hon. Secretary one week prior to the date fixed for the Annual General Meeting. Such nominations must bear the signatures of two existing Members of the Association and of the Nominee. Retiring Office Bearers may stand for re-election. In the event of insufficient nominations being received by the Hon. Secretary in terms of the foregoing to fill all the vacancies occurring in the Office Bearers the Chairman of the Annual General Meeting shall upon being so informed by the Hon. Secretary declare nominations open for the vacancies so occurring. Nominations for the vacant positions so declared may then be made by Members present at the Annual General Meeting and shall be deemed to be in due and proper form and acceptable for election in terms of the provisions of Clause 7 following. 5. Clause 5. POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRAL EXECUTIVE Amend the first line of the last paragraph to read: The Central Executive shall meet at least every two months on a date and at a time and 6. Add to the last paragraph so amended, after the final words "to co-opt any members of the Association to act thereon" : The Central Executive shall also have the power to appoint a Chief Correspondent and to designate to such appointee such duties as the Central Executive may think fit from time to time. Such Chief Correspondent so appointed need not be a financial member of the Association. 7. Clause 6. LEGAL OFFICERS AND AUDITORS Amend the second line to read: Officer and an Honorary Auditor/s who shall hold office until the date of 8. Clause 10. ANNUAL REUNION Amend by deleting the whole of the text of the existing Clause 10, and by substituting: There shall be held an Annual Reunion of ex-members of the 2/30th Bn. A.I.F. on a date and at a place to be determined by the Central Executive from year to year. At least four weeks notice of the date and place of the Reunion shall be given to all members of the Association by publication in the MAKAN. 9. Subject to the passing of the foregoing Special Resolutions, the following Ordinary Resolution is foreshadowed:- Without in any way limiting the powers and functions of the Central Executive, it is a strong recommendation from this Annual General Meeting that the Central Executive shall, prior to the close of each Financial Year, fix a subscription rate for MAKAN on the basis of the minimum reasonable amount required to cover estimated costs of production and distribution, etc. for the succeeding year, and that such amount shall be declared as due and payable by all financial Members firstly on and from 1st January, 1972. It is further strongly recommended that the Central Executive examine the feasibility of deducting from each Ordinary Member's Annual Fee received, and setting it apart and applying it towards payment of his Annual Subscription for MAKAN, an amount sufficient to cause the total cash amount required to be paid by each Ordinary Member to equal that to be paid by each Life Member. Dated at Sydney this 31st day of March, 1971. By Order of the Central Executive Bruce Ford ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1970 In this eventful year we were saddened by the loss of our old and esteemed friend, Herbert Pratley of "Yarras", who had tended our Roadside Memorial Cairn at Bathurst since its unveiling and dedication. Our deepest sympathy was extended to his family, and we are grateful of their assurance that they will continue to care for our Cairn. As a mark of appreciation of their continuing interest in our wellbeing, and more specifically, their kindness in continuing to conduct the Memorial Service at our Cairn each Anzac Day afternoon, we were very pleased to donate to the Bathurst Sub-Branch a perpetual trophy for annual competition amongst the Junior Members of their Band, who turn out in full strength and help to make the Cairn Service a memorable affair each year. Events during the Year Anzac Day March was well attended by Members, and an even larger attendance is hoped for at this coming march, when our Banner will be carried by Harry Riches, who is making the trip from Brunswick Heads especially for the event. Don Garner and Phil Schofield represented the Association at Bathurst, on Anzac Day, at the Memorial Service at our Roadside Cairn. A notable occasion affecting the Association was the unveiling and dedication of the 8th Division Memorial at Bathurst, which was well attended by Members and Next-of-Kin, and where we were honoured by having our Patron perform the unveiling. A further memorable occasion, of distinct honour to us, was the unveiling and dedication of the Gemas Memorial at H. Q. 17 R.N.S.W.R. , Pymble, when we were also very well represented by at least 300 Members, Next-of-Kin and their friends and families; and our Patron performed the unveiling, with Padre George Polain (2/26 Bn. ) assisting in the dedication. The Annual Reunion Dinner, held at the Hotel Australia in November last, was also well attended. Finances Financial Statements, submitted for your consideration, show a reasonably satisfactory position, but during the year we were faced with financial difficulties, which caused us to make a veiled appeal to members. The response was overwhelming and heart-warming, and donations, in some instances really original, have enabled us to carry on. A scheme for placing our finances on a continuing satisfactory basis will be discussed at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. Membership We are faced with the inevitable realisation that relentless time, for one reason or another, continues to reduce the numbers of our Financial Members, who declined by 10 during the year. Our record of Next-of-Kin with whom we are able to maintain contact, increased by 3. It has grown increasingly difficult over the years to maintain contact with all those with whom we would like to, but a concerted effort will be made during the current year to improve the position materially. Hospital Visitation Under the directorship of Kevin Ward, we have continued to maintain regular visiting of R. G. H. Concord, and, where the information is obtained in time, visits have been made to Lady Davidson. Kevin is often hampered by lack of information and would appreciate prior, or at least immediate advice of admission to either Centre. Although he manages to get by fairly well, he would appreciate the offer of a few more volunteers to join his panel of visitors. This is a very worthwhile service, particularly in the case of the Country Member, who is sometimes lacking in relatives and other friends living in the city area. Last Post We sadly note the passing of the following members of our Battalion, and regret that in some cases quite a long time has elapsed between their passing, and the knowledge of it being brought to our notice. We extend our deepest sympathy to their families. F. J. (Tommy) Evans We Will Remember Them Appreciation The Executive suffered a real loss when his removal to Western Australia deprived them of the services of Ron Stoner, who had given excellent service as Editor of MAKAN. At the instigation of your Patron, Phil Schofield has volunteered to carry on with the job. We would find it very difficult to carry on without the help and assistance of our Good Ladies, and our special thanks are accorded to Bessie Ellis, Cecily Boss, Betty Collins and Dorothy Ward for the continuing excellent services rendered by them. Our thanks and appreciation are also extended to the Pratley Family, Mr. G. Sands, Bathurst Sub-Branch R.S.L., 17 R.N.S.W.R. and the many others who continue to show a warm-hearted interest in our well-being. In conclusion, the retiring Members of your Executive wish to thank all those Members, who by their ready co-operation and assistance throughout the Year have helped so much in running the affairs of the Association. Bruce Ford Arch Thorburn Hon. Secretary President 2/30 Bn. A.I.F.
ASSOCIATION
AUDITORS' REPORT We have examined the above Statement with the records of 2/30th Bn. A.I.F. Association and in our opinion the Statement is a true record of all monies received and expended by the Association. (Signed) F. W. DUESBURY & CO. CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS. BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER, 1970
INFORMATION SUBMITTED CONCERNING RESOLUTIONS AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION TO BE BROUGHT FORWARD AT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON 22nd APRIL, 1971. To obtain Circulation figures for MAKAN we require to take Membership Figures, which at 31/12/70 stood at:
Based on present day (Feb/1971) prices, and on a circulation of 425 copies, total cost of production and postal charge for one issue amounts to:
When the Association was founded over 25 years ago, we had no thought of publication of MAKAN, the only publication in our sights (being incorporated as one of the Objects of the Association in the original Constitution) was that of GALLEGHAN'S GREYHOUNDS, which was successfully accomplished in 1949. But Stan Arneil had started a roneoed News Sheet which he called MAKAN, which grew in size and popularity to become the MAKAN of today, and which has become so much a part of our way of life that general consensus of opinion seems to indicate that it should be preserved at all costs; and its continuation should be assured of being incorporated in the Objects of the Association. In the early days we were able to carry the publication from funds in hand from the membership fees paid by Life Members, and the annual fee of 5/- (later increased to 10/-) paid by Ordinary Members, but, as costs rose, the Executive had to seek help by way of donations to keep MAKAN afloat, culminating in an appeal last year which yielded substantial funds by way of donations from both Life and Ordinary Members. A saving of approximately $120.00 p. ann. could be effected if MAKAN were registered for Transmission by Post as a Periodical, and in order to achieve this, and comply with Postal Regulations, we would require to do several things: 1. Actually sell MAKAN to
at least 75% of the people receiving it. If we obtained Registration under Category A. , costs per issue would be reduced, and amount to:
Registration as a Periodical is accordingly most desirable, but we would still have to find in excess of $400. per annum, and this would require to be obtained, genuinely, from at least 75% of the Members, and not merely by continuing to receive generous donations from the comparatively few regular donors. In order to put the matter on an equitable basis for all, and obviate the necessity to appeal constantly for donations (while bearing in mind that we are very happy to continue to deliver to 22% of the circulation free copies) it is now put forward for consideration that an Annual Subscription Rate for MAKAN be charged, and be made payable by all Life Members and Ordinary Members. On the figures previously quoted, this would require 333 Members (78% of the circulation) to provide $414.00 p. ann. for MAKAN, which works out at $1.24 per head, say $1. 50 in round figures; to provide for rising costs (which seem inevitable), variations in the size of MAKAN, and stationery and postage to cover normal correspondence to Members. For the purpose of achieving this, Notice of Motion has been received from two Members of the Association of their intention to move the Resolutions as set out in the Notice convening the Annual General Meeting; and the foregoing largely explains their reasons for so doing. With MAKAN placed on a regular subscription basis, it is considered possible to reduce the Ordinary Members Annual Fee to 50c. The Resolutions not dealing specifically with MAKAN were included to bring our Constitution up to date, and in line with developments which have occurred over the past 25 years, and are self-explanatory. If the proposed Resolutions are agreed to, a further Resolution is foreshadowed, along the following lines: A Resolution which will strongly recommend to the Central Executive that they shall fix the Subscription rate for MAKAN each year on the basis of the minimum reasonable amount required to cover the estimated costs of production and distribution, etc. , and that the first Subscription shall be declared payable as from 1st January, 1972. It will also be strongly recommended that they examine the feasibility of adjusting the total payments to be made by each Member so that Ordinary Members and Life Members will henceforth contribute the same amount each year. It is technically possible to do this, merely by adjustment of our bookkeeping records, and without the necessity to further amend the Constitution. This also allows the Executive to give the proposal a trial run for, say one year, without forcing them to reach any immediate irrevocable decision on the matter. The Member who foreshadows this latter Resolution feels that, after 25 years, the time has now come when all Members of the Association should share equally in the overall running costs, which largely amount to the cost of continuing MAKAN. It is also considered possible that some Members (for various reasons, including financial) may not wish to receive MAKAN, while still remaining a Member of the Association. In this latter event, if a Life Member, no fees would be payable, and if an Ordinary Member, an Annual Membership Fee of 50c would be payable. However, bearing in mind the Association's firm policy of ensuring that Members should not be denied any privileges by reason of financial difficulties, and the generous nature of many of our Members who invariably include "a bit extra" when sending in Subs, or by making a straight-out donation, it is felt that sufficient funds will continue to accrue from these sources to enable us, discretely, to ensure that we maintain contact with all Members. Our records indicate over the years that there have been quite a few retirements from the Association through failure to pay Membership Fees, and in some of those cases it is felt that financial difficulties may have been the major contributing factor. While a dollar or so membership fee does not mean very much to those of us who are in the habit of calling at the Club or the Local on the way home from work, to someone dependent entirely upon a Pension, or other reduced circumstances, it is a major item of expenditure. If this scheme for financing MAKAN is approved it is felt that a strictly Private and Confidential scheme could be introduced whereby the more fortunate amongst us could sponsor the Membership of our less fortunate Mates, preferably anonymously, but certainly without embarrassment to anyone. It is also felt that should such a scheme be introduced, it should be established on a strictly private basis, and that no further mention in MAKAN need, or ought to be made of its existence - any necessary records being kept in a confidential file by one person only, who would be specially selected for the job. By these means it is hoped to bring back into the Family at least some of those who have dropped out along the way, and at the same time ensure that we lose no further Members through financial difficulty. As all these matters are of extreme importance, it is desired that as many Members as possible should express their views on the desirability, or otherwise, of amending the Constitution as suggested, and of bringing into operation the suggested scheme of finance. Under the provisions of the Constitution, all Members who are unable to attend are entitled to appoint a Proxy to vote on their behalf at any General Meeting, AND YOU ARE ASKED TO EXERCISE THIS RIGHT, especially on this occasion. A Form of Proxy is attached. Will you please fill it in, sign it, detach it and return it to Bruce Ford, direct, as soon as possible, and certainly so as to reach him NOT LATER THAN 19th APRIL. While it would be preferable to have your specific "For" or "Against" recorded opposite each Resolution, you may feel that something could come up during discussion at the Meeting which could cause a change of idea. In that event, it is suggested that you could safely leave the specific instructions blank, and leave the voting to your Proxy; and he would be guided by your brief instruction which you could record in the space opposite "General Comment " along the lines of: Agree completely. Generally approve. A good idea. Undecided. Lukewarm. Disagree entirely. The whole thing stinks, or any comment you wish to make (rude or otherwise) so that a genuine assessment of the wishes of the majority of the Members may be obtained at the Meeting. The Important Thing is to make some comment, and send the Proxy Form in to Bruce Ford. Back to 1971 index or Main Index |