Despite heavy trading each day last week, before the recognised opening, Thursday’s trading figure was beyond expectations. Manager Mr John Whiteway, said Woolworths were extremely pleased with the performance of the supermarket.

Trading began on Monday only because the staff had set a new record for quick openings. “Within one week of being able to get into the store we were open for business,” he said, “and this, I am told, is the best time a Woolworths store has achieved for an opening.” 

All sections of the supermarket were busy, particularly the meat and smallgoods sections. Twelve people in the butchery department worked non-stop most days. Mr Whiteway said people were obviously appreciating the hygienic handling of food stuffs, the packaging, and the attractive presentation.

Even the fruit and vegetables are cellophane packed. Taking a proud place in the supermarket was Wauchope Cheese - the first sales for this new district product, manufactured by the Upper Hastings Dairy Co.

Only in the bigger city areas of the country have Woolworths two stores operating, and present indications are that the two stores here – in Horton Street and in The Plaza – will be required to meet shopping demands.

One of the most striking displays at the supermarket is the pet food section, where an almost inconceivable variety of canned and packaged foods are available. 

Some of the holidaymakers have already arrived, but busier trading can be expected when the usual after-Christmas influx occurs.

Holiday crowds will reach peak on Boxing Day

Port Macquarie will have a record number of holidaymakers by Boxing Day. Camping grounds are giving indications of record crowds, and bookings are particularly heavy for holiday accommodation from later this week. Caracamp, the biggest of the “under canvas” areas, already has a big crowd, and a large number of bookings have been made from Boxing Day.

Christmas Day falling mid week is believed to have had some effect on the pre-Christmas bookings. An even higher standard of accommodation has been made available this year with several new places taking their first bookings; eating out facilities have also been improved andexpanded, and with favourable weather promised holidaymakers should have a happy time.

Carnival of the Pines?

A poorly attended meeting on Wednesday night last decided to abandon next Easter’s Carnival of the Pines. The carnival secretary, Mrs.Vi Row, said “the usual three” committee members were present, plus Mr. Vaggelas, Mr. Greg Hannant (tourist officer) and Mr. Peters, who chaired the meeting in absence of Ald. Adams.

Owing to lack of support, the meeting agreed to abandon the carnival for next Easter. A public meeting is to be called in January, and the possibility of holding the carnival later in 1969 will then be discussed. Mrs. Row stated she would resign if better support is not forthcoming.