Port Macquarie’s sesqui-centenary year was given a tremendous launch by the surf carnival at Flynns Beach on Sunday.

More than 3000 people saw 400 hundred competitors from 20 clubs compete in a carnival that went with clockwork precision.

Although the clubs that competed were some of the state’s (and Australia’s) best, they were surprised the local club could stage such a carnival and provide such competition.

In the final point score, Port Macquarie with 29, was only nine points behind North Cronulla 38, which entered the largest visiting team.

The local club forced strong Illawarra club, North Wollongong, into third place with 21.5 points, while Far North Coast club Byron Bay and Newcastle club Swansea-Belmont tied for fourth place with 15 points.

The glamour of the carnival was stolen from state and Australian champions by local junior swimmer Rus Pilcher, who created a huge impression by winning three surf events, despite a knee injury which slowed him on the beach. In the junior belt swim he defeated up-and-coming Newcastle junior Bruce McDonald of Nobbys, leading all the way to win by two body lengths. He had a close tussle with W. James of North Cronulla, in the junior surf race. 

Pilcher lead to the buoys, but on the swim in, James caught a swell to draw even at the break. However, Pilcher managed to hobble up the beach ahead of James to win. His third victory was in the Ironman event, winning a $50 trophy donated by his father, Mr. Ches Pilcher.

Although his knee cost him valuable time in the sprint, Pilcher caught up magnificently in the swim. He was among the leaders in the ski race when a vicious shore dump capsized four skis. He managed to extricate himself to clear out in the swim race.

What to do with all those cars? – Editorial

For the past few weeks Port Macquarie has been experiencing its annual summer problem – what to do with all those cars?

It is not a problem peculiar to Port Macquarie, for at Forster and Coffs Harbour cars have also taken over. The congestion of traffic and the inability to find parking, particularly in the shopping area, is causing much more discontent than usual.

Holidaymakers are openly expressing their dissatisfaction when they can’t get anywhere near the shops with their cars.

Meanwhile, the local “main streeters” continue to use up much of the parking space in Horton, Clarence and William streets, as if it were something of which the town has plenty.

At the end of the school holidays the problem will not be nearly so bad but, within the six week period, enough damage will have been done to the prestige of Port Macquarie to cause more serious thought and at least some attention being given to the problem.

When holidaymakers talk about quitting the town because of the car problem it is time to get into top gear and see what can be done about it. The growing problem is one that the Chamber of Commerce and the Municipal Council could talk over together.