A large crowd of over 200 people, including many visiting parliamentarians and leading local dignitaries, were present for the occasion. Mr Cowan thanked the Board of Directors for their initiative and foresight in providing such an amenity for Port Macquarie.

"I have opened many local government projects with great satisfaction, but there is no greater thrill for me than to officially open something that has been provided by private enterprise," Mr Cowan said.

"This rest home is not only something great for Port Macquarie, but for the state also. One of the great changes of modern times is the need to look after the aged people in the community and in Port Macquarie 20 per cent of the population are over 60, compared to 10 per cent for the whole of Australia.

"The reason for so many old people in Port Macquarie must come from what the town has to offer, you have a wonderful climate, scenic views, first-class amenities, and most of all, nice people.

"This new rest home must give great satisfaction to the board who instituted it, and to all the local tradesmen who have worked on it."

The Roaring Twenties dinner dance held by the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce last Friday night was an outstanding success. Over 60 guests attended the function which was held at the El Paso Restaurant.

Everyone was dressed Roaring '20s fashion, and a wonderfully gay atmosphere prevailed throughout the night.

The Portside 4 entertained the guests until12.30 pm and then Warwick St Clair provided '20s style records so that the dancing could continue.

Mr Bill Parson, secretary of the Chamber, presented necklaces to women wearing the best garters. Bob Hazelwood, the proprietor of the restaurant, presented a magnum of champagne to the best dressed couple. Dr H. Hodgson and his daughter Lucy; Ken and Margaret Wilson shared this prize.

At a very enjoyable installation dinner last Friday night, Allan Mettam continued in the position of president of the Port Macquarie Lions Club.

The dinner was held at the Golf Club with a large number of guests in attendance. Installation of officers for the coming year was carried out by district governor Stuart Willis.

Mr Mettam reported to members on the club's last 12 months. Members worked a total of 1530 hours to support Lions Club and other community projects.

Money raised during the year totalled $1760, a figure much less than anticipated. The joint air pageant with the Flying Club on Easter Sunday was conducted on the most perfect summer's day with missed gate takings due to perfect beach and surf conditions. The Art Union conducted in aid of the Senior Citizens' Welfare Committee proved more difficult than anticipated.

Mr Mettam mentioned the untiring efforts of members, Lions ladies and other citizens who assisted. Donations were made to the Eye Clinic at Taree and Senior Citizens' Club.