Today we behold the culmination of many years of planning and the creation of a masonic temple which will not only serve members of the lodge well, but will also stimulate further interest in masonic ideals within our town.

Thus spoke the mayor of Port Macquarie, Ald. C. C. Adams, at a Saturday afternoon function when a plaque was unveiled to mark the opening of the new temple for masonry in Port Macquarie.

Referring to the new temple, Ald. Adams said he could not recall having visited a lodge where the décor had been so tastefully selected. Just as the south section of the lodge building used for banquets and all festive occasions is delightfully appointed and furnished; so too, is the temple, where the lodge work is practised.

Mostly of cedar, and turned exquisitely by the hand of Mr. George Kerville, the appointments within the temple also won the admiration of visiting masons. More than 170 masons attended the ceremonies and the installation banquet.

The banquet was held at the El Paso restaurant and a happy occasion concluded a notable day for masonry in Port Macquarie.

Tourist Brochure Completed

A tourist brochure on Port Macquarie and the Hastings Valley, commissioned by the Tourist

Authority at a cost of $2500 for 60 thousand copies, has been completed and the brochures are being distributed. The brochure contains many magnificent photographs of the region.

The cover photo is a shot of the giant golf ball at Tacking Point. Tourist Officer, Greg Hannant, explained that the Authority felt this striking and unusual shot would attract people to look at the pamphlet.

The main task of the brochure is to attract visitors to the town. For this reason most of the brochures will be distributed outside of the town.

Mr Hannant admitted that it was impossible to gauge the effectiveness of a brochure. No figures can be produced to show its success or failure, only the quality of the brochure can be judged. Here, at least, he feels the brochure is a winner.

No brochures will be available in Port Macquarie until the methods of local distribution are ironed out.

Town Band

Following the reasonably successful performance of the band on Anzac day, members agreed to try to keep it afloat.

At the first practice after then J. Pike resigned as bandmaster and nominated Keith Turner for the position, which was accepted by him.

Practices have continued since then and although all members have not honoured the promises given an interesting series of practices have ensued.

There are some of the older members who retain possession of band property - instruments, music stands and uniforms who should return these, if not intending to carry out their obligations to this town necessity.

Air Ambulance Appeal

Support for the appeal fund to purchase a second Air Ambulance is coming from many sources. At the end of last week, more than half - $1298.50 - the $2500 quota for Port Macquarie has been raised.

On Sunday, Apexians washed cars; tomorrow morning women will drink tea with the mayor and at the same time arrange a street stall.