The official opening yesterday morning was an impressive occasion, with a strong representation of parliamentarians and party officials. Many wives accompanied their husbands. Perhaps one of the best known among them was Mrs. Cutler, wife of the State Leader of the Party, Mr. Charles Cutler, who officially opened the conference.

The Cutlers are no strangers, for they have been welcome annual holiday visitors to Port Macquarie for the past twenty years.

To this impressive gathering and the delegates assembled Mayor Stewart Kennedy extended a hearty welcome to Port Macquarie. Ald. Kennedy said he hoped delegates would find time to fully appreciate the natural beauty which put Port Macquarie in the top three holiday areas and seaside resorts in Australia, and that they would be comfortable in the ample first-class accommodation now available in the town.

Being a Country Party blue ribbon seat we look to our representatives at all times for their support and due consideration of our local problems.

There is some apprehension at the present time, he said, with State planning delays, harbour facilities, delay with Oxley Highway, and in our efforts to maintain and further embellish what we have achieved and to protect the very fine natural heritage with which our town has been blessed, we need the full support and co-operation of government departments at all time.

On the opening day on Monday of Port Macquarie Women's Bowling Club's 17th annual carnival, visitors took out all the trophies.

Unabashed by two hundred women bowlers, the mayor, Ald. D. S. Kennedy, was on hand to give a hearty welcome.

Glorious weather has prevailed for the three days of the carnival. Standard of play was high when four teams went through the day each winning four games.

This achievement was referred to by president, Pat Macskimming when she congratulated the winners before a gathering of 250 at high tea on Monday night. Association president Flo Bailey presented the trophies.

On Tuesday, a bulldozer at work gave the first indications of a new bridge over Lake Cathie. The location for the new bridge will be alongside and east of the present bridge.

Tender price is $96,069 and the contractors are M. R. & E. M. Firth, of Tamworth. Half the cost of the bridge will come from the Department of Main Roads, and one quarter each from the shire and municipal councils.

Of five spans, the new bridge will be almost twice as long as the present bridge. It will be 24-foot wide between kerbs and two 6-foot footways will give the bridge an overall width of 36 feet.

Finalists in the 1971 "News" knock-out four-ball event at the golf club on Sunday were Frank Johnson/Bob Huddleston, and Tony Reed/Brian Heagney. Reed and Heagney played too well all day on Sunday to record a very creditable win in the event.