The headlines? They revolve around a general rates increase, "holiday people" and av talent quest final. Read on ...

Since the commencement of the school holiday period, Port Macquarie has been invaded by large crowds of holiday-makers

Mixed opinions have been expressed about the numbers of people here, but a check shows that there were undoubtedly more people here than last year.

There were more campers on the reserve, where close to 2,500 people occupied 450 tents at the peak period. .

Among the campers was Mr. Jack New, the £12,000 lottery 'winner from Warren, who made the headlines when his first thought was a holiday at Port Macquarie when told he had won the lottery.

Hardes' camping ground, at Nobby's Beach, improved and enlarged, and with up-to-date facilities, has a record number of tents.

All the new flats and holiday cottages added during the year—and all the others, of course—are fully booked out.

Shelley Beach had quite a number of campers, and the river bank along the way to Settlement Point was well patronised by camps and caravans.

Mrs. St. Clair's Caravan Park on tlie Kempsey Road has been catering for large numbers of caravanners. Hotels and guest houses have all been packed out.

The Xmas Eve and New Year's Eve crowds completely packed Horton Street and The Green area, and motor traflfic was denser than in any busy city street.

With an increasing tempo, first noticeable around 11pm, a particularly . large crowd around the main street and on The Green saw the Old Year out and the New Year in.

Clowns and revellers added to the gaiety, and the fun went on till the early hours of the morning.

The weather was not particularly kind to the holidaymakers. Day after day of hot sunshine prior to Xmas was followed by several days of cool southerly winds — most unsuitable for the beaches and fishing. However, it remained fine until the New. Year, when one or two days were spoilt by rain.

Visitors should have been well satisfied with the variety of entertainment — available six nights, each week.

The Ritz Theatre drew large crowds to every picture session, the management having an excellent variety of programmes, frequently changed, to choose from. The young people were well catered for by the dances every night in the Oxley Hall, and for dancing the weather was often well suited.

The minnie golf course, setup in tropical surroundings next to Evans' Bakery, was a popular spot and was well patronised.

The Green attractions drew the usual large .crowds, though carnival promoters say spending was; not as free as in former years.

The R.C. Church Committee and, the Diggers ran carnivals, whilst the Golf Club had its, minnie golf course 'functioning on the Green."

Outdoor sports were well patronised, and next to the races, the bowlers had one of the biggest days — on Boxing Day.

The breakwall was thronged each day, and large crowds fished wherever it was possible to get a line in. .

The two boat sheds, Clark's in Port Macquarie, and Mr Fred Staples at Hibbard, had a busy time keeping the boats and bait up to enthusiasts.

Catches were mixed, but most generally managed to get "a feed." Some good catches of whiting were reported from tip the river.

A good down-fall of rain is needed to bring the fish down.

Sergeant M.Clifford, officer-in-charge of the local police, reports an: orderly crowd, and one or two instances of crime of a minor nature.

Local police are to. be congratulated on the capable manner in which they handled the large influx of visitors.