This game joined the long list of occasions when Port went into a match with a 13 comprising reserves and under-18 players, with a sprinkling of first graders.

It was surprising then to see a very good crowd of Port supporters turn out to see what was confidently expected to be a one-sided exhibition.

Gloucester started off in brilliant fashion and aided by some puerile defence, had 11 points on the board in as many minutes. And that was the story for the whole of the match.

It was not known just what kind of opposition would be offered by Gloucester in the reserve grade. The position was soon clarified with Port putting the ball over the line for a try in the first minute of the game.

Port had a lead 16-0 at half time and wound up the scoring with a 35 nil win.

Apart from the big score, it was the solid defence of the forwards that was most conspicuous.

The whitewash of Gloucester was a pretty good effort, because only on the previous Sunday this same team had only gone down by the odd point to the powerful Forster.

Visiting croquet players dominated the victory dais when the 16th annual tournament concluded successfully this week.

Best individual player was Colonel Saalfeld of Mosman, a former Australian champion, and the runner-up to him, Geoff Wilson of Nambour, was just breaking into the game in C grade when the first tournament was held here.

Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been coming back to Port Macquarie each year since. Mrs. Cyril Lewis partnered Singleton's Mrs. Tullock to be runner-up in the A grade doubles.

Fluoridation of the Port Macquarie/Wauchope water supply is to proceed.

Port Macquarie Municipal Council on Tuesday night, voted five to three in favour of an amendment moved by Ald Boardman, "that council adhere to the 1966 decision to fluoridate the water supply and immediately notify Hastings Shire Council that this council now favours the work proceeding".

Ald Boardman has moved an amendment to a notice of motion moved by Ald Westerweller that the question be referred to the public by a referendum to be conducted in conjunction with the council elections on September 18.

The resolution was seconded by Ald Hatsatouris and further supported by the mayor, Ald Kennedy, who said he was concerned as to whether he had the right to ask everybody to take medication in order to benefit the children.

Those who voted in favour of the amendment were Aldermen Boardman, Gott, Adams, Huxley and Thurling.