Wauchope not only achieved a new high in international relationships at the weekend, but also the largest attendance at its annual Show in its 61 year history.

The town had the distinction of welcoming to the show American Deputy Ambassador Appling, who opened it, and 29 of his countrymen from Canisteo, New York State, who were there to pay a return goodwill visit to Wauchope, Canisteo's sister city of three years standing.

It is estimated that more than 5000 people were on the showground at the peak time, straight after lunch, on Saturday. This is borne out by total gate receipts of $2920, up $140 on the previous year's record-breaking total.

Blessed with almost perfect weather conditions the Show opened auspiciously on Friday with a record first day crowd. The largest attendance ever was also reflected in every other facet of show society revenue.

The opening ceremony was impressively in line with the uniqueness of the occasion. The 29 visiting Americans and their Rotary hosts were grouped around the official rostrum from which officials spoke.

Happy and smiling they stood in the foreground against a background of decorated prize-winning horses and stock valued at many thousands of dollars and representing in several instances the very best specimens of their particular breeds.

Beyond this there was the rich green of the showground ring and in the further distance the blue hills rounding out a picture of great rural wealth and beauty.

Endorsing the welcome given by show society president Harold Lindsay, Hastings Shire Council president, Cr John Abi Saab, said the ambassador's visit had added great honour to the occasion.

Pink Ladies

A special trolley for use by the Pink Ladies organisation within the Hastings District Hospital was handed over to them last week by the secretary, Mr Barnes, representing the hospital board.

Good Sports

"Members of the bowling fraternity are good sports: if you weren't you wouldn't play the game," said the District Association president, Mrs Flo Bailey, at a high tea held at the West Port Bowling Club on Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the day Mrs Bailey had officially opened the 12th annual Easter Carnival of the West Port Macquarie Women's Bowling Club.

The carnival which was held last week, had a bad start on Wednesday when rain resulted in bowls being played in the afternoon only. Close to 200 bowlers attended the carnival.

At 5pm, on Wednesday afternoon, both visiting and local bowlers assembled in the club house for high tea.

President of West Port Macquarie Women's Bowling Club, Mrs. Ella Evans, presented Miss Jacky Buchanan (Miss Port Macquarie 1971), an official guest.

Jacky expressed her appreciation to all members of the bowling club who had helped with her sponsorship. She said she had been very surprised and very shocked to find that she had won the title.

"I had so much to do that I did not have time to think about winning." Queen Jacky then wished the ladies a happy and enjoyable carnival in Port Macquarie.

The high tea was followed by varied entertainment items presented by members of the Port Macquarie West Women's Bowling Club.