Five new members inducted on Friday night last lifted membership of the Port Macquarie Rotary Club to a record high figure of fifty-four—a figure well above average in country communities.

The occasion was a twenty-first birthday celebration for the local club, and over 120 people sat down to dinner at the golf club.

Rotary was formed in Port Macquarie in 1947 when weekly meetings commenced in the latter half of that year; the club’s Charter Night dinner was held on 22 May, 1948. Rotarian “Bill” Joscelyne conceived the idea of a monster birthday party and Friday night’s happy occasion was the result.

Rotary’s current president Stan Ryder and Mrs. Elizabeth Ryder were hosts to a rather impressive assemblage; other service clubs were represented, and there was a place for Miss Sally Hanington (Rotary’s queen candidate at this year’s Carnival of the Pines).

Four of the original charter members, still active in the club—N. W. Joscelyne, A. L. Crisp, C. T. Chapman, and C. T. Uptin—were among those present.

The rotary club’s achievements were suitably acknowledged when the mayor, Ald. C. C. Adams, presented on behalf of the municipality a framed certificate “in appreciation and recognition of the voluntary services by Rotarians over the past twenty-one years.”

In presenting the certificate to President Stan Ryder, Ald. Adams said that rotary since its foundation had achieved success with many note-worthy, projects. Year in and year out we find the name of rotary associated with projects of sound and valuable contributions to the community, he said.

In a toast to the “Port Macquarie Rotary Club”, Rotarian Charles Uptin outlined the activities of the club in its 21 years. Among the club’s achievements, he said, are the planting of Norfolk Island pine trees, which led to a tremendous upsurge in tree planting; Rotary’s homes for the aged; Rotary Park; the Observatory; the names on a tile at the baths; the school bus shelter; Rotary’s welcome sign; major contributions to the Ambulance and the Hospital, and the brick fence at the cemetery.

Rotary, he said, had given the C.W.A. $500 to pay the last of its debt on its building and in a smaller way had made contributions to every organisation and appeal in the town. On top of this Port Macquarie had sponsored Rotary Clubs at Wauchope and at Laurieton. Foundation member, Clive Chapman, acknowledged the toast.

The induction of five new members, by president Stan Ryder, was something on a more serious note, and at the same time a hearty welcome was given to Police Sergeant “Bob” Plain; journalist Charles Morgan; Presbyterian Minister “Bob” Allen; R.S.L. Club secretary-manager Harry Butler, and Jeweller George Hay.

Block of Land Worth $1500

Mr. Stan Ryder, put a figure of $1500 on the block of land at North Shore disposed of in conjunction with the Rotary Club’s name-on-a-tile project. The block, or at least a piece of it potted up, was presented to the winners by the donor Roger Dulhunty on Friday night. This was one of the highlights of a pleasant 21st birthday function for the Rotary Club.