Anzac Commemoration Well Attended
The fifty-fifth commemoration of Anzac Day in Port Macquarie was observed in a sincere spirit of remembrance for those who fought and died for the freedoms their country enjoys today. Numbers marching, close to 400 returned men, at the Dawn Service and the 11 a.m.
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Commemoration were on a par with previous years, whilst a greater number than usual watched the march as it progressed along Horton Street to the Memorial, now situated on the harbour shores.
It was a glorious day, and - if anything - the sun a little too warm for those standing throughout the commemoration.
Dawn broke to the beat of kettle drums and the sounding of the bugle as close to 100 returned men and a few citizens met at the war memorial at 5.30 a.m. Here the service was a brief one, with the Revd. Padre R. Allan giving the Benediction after the one simple wreath of remembrance had been laid on behalf of the R.S.L. sub branch by Mr. E. Bernasconi.
Both sides of Horton Street were well lined with onlookers when the 1970 march to the memorial commenced, with the flag bearers leading the 1914-18 troops, followed by the ageing men of the 1939-45 World War.
The Municipal Band, led by bandmaster K. Turner, was followed by the school choir, the R.S.L. Youth Club and representatives of the High, Primary and Convent schools, followed by goodly numbers of cubs, brownies, guides and scouts.
A well- ordered assembly at the War Memorial with each section of the parade moving to its pre-allotted position. There was ample room and all were comfortably placed when the strains of the National Anthem rang out. At the call from Mr. Ken Radley, wreaths or books were placed on the memorial.
Laurieton's Day on the River
Glorious sunshine greeted the hundreds of spectators and competitions at Laurieton's day on the river on Sunday as part of the Captain Cook Bi-centenary celebrations. A large crowd had gathered to attend the open-air non-devotional church service at Apex Park, arranged by the Ministers' Fraternal of Camden Haven.
Guest speaker on this occasion was the Reverend Bob Sprackett, of Sydney.
Ministers taking part in the service included Rev. Hugh Proctor, Rev. Bob Hardie and Father Donovan from Kendall and the Rev. Bruce Westbrook from Port Macquarie.
Following the church service, an impressive sight was that when prior to the blessing of boats by Father Donovan approximately 70 fishing boats and private pleasure craft, all gaily decorated, made a cavalcade the Camden Haven River to the bridge site.
Laurieton Apex Club members had a barbecue lunch going, and kept the inner man well satisfied prior to and during the weigh in of fish.
Joy rides were given by David Sonter in a beach buggy, and his dad Reg, with his magnificent boat, gave rides on the river - all proceeds going towards the business houses candidate in the charity queen quest, Miss Jenny Ryan.
Taree Aquatic Club members were there too, and entertained with water ski stunts by the men, and the glamorous ballet group added colour and spectacle to an already natural setting.