The story of Horton Street

The Chamber of Commerce, at its meeting on Thursday night, appointed a sub-committee to approach shop owners and tenants on Horton, Clarence and William streets, to assess reaction to proposals that there should be a planned ‘doing up’.

Emphasis was given to two points: that the approach be on an entirely voluntary basis (that is, there is to be no coercion); that if anything is done it must be professionally planned and followed through. The decision was made after the “Story of Magdalan Street” (Norwich, England) had been seen on film by about 40 men and women in the conference room at the Royal Hotel.

The film showed the street before and after a planned effort was made to brighten it, and the transformation was a remarkable one. 

Attention was given mainly to getting rid of every sign, awning, or appurtenance that wasn’t necessary in the street and then repainting, after some structural maintenance, in selected colours.

The meeting was of the opinion that the success or otherwise of such a scheme would depend on the enthusiasm for it by those involved.

Messrs David Donovan (Chamber Chairman), Brian Heagney (secretary), Jim Boardman, Roger Dulhunty, and Norm Usher were appointed as sub-committee to approach those involved.

The committee will also take a look at the cost involved. During the discussion the matter of parking in the main street again came up, along with the suggestion for the Chamber to employ a “brown bomber”.

It was felt that fines would meet the expense of such an extreme measure made necessary by employees and business houses parking cars in the main street all day.

It was also revealed that negotiations, at the committee stage, were under way to ascertain the possibility of acquiring land in Hay Street for parking purposes.

A list of potential members of the Chamber, numbering 400, was submitted to the meeting by Mr Roger Dulhunty. The president thanked him, and an effort is to be made to increase membership.

Beard contest starts Saturday

Beards will be the fashion in Port Macquarie as from Saturday next – until the sesqui-centenary celebrations week in October. Near Les Worthy’s barber shop, on the western side of Horton Street, certificates will be issued to all who are clean-shaven on that day, and so a hairy contest will begin.

The Remington people are offering no end of prizes and the committee has drawn up a choice of beards – from the discerning to the Ned Kelly. 

Mr Ted Walsh, of Hastings Glass & Glazing, has written to the editor also offering to give a prize for this contest.

Those who wish to enter the beard-growing contest are asked to get their certificates on Saturday, or as soon as possible afterwards.

A flowing beard will be of no use at the end of the contest without a certificate. Types of beards are to be depicted in main street shop windows.

Bus Concession

Concessions may soon be granted to pensioners travelling on private buses in the Oxley electorate. The scheme will be extended to the North Coast area and the rest of the state soon.