Colonel Williams spoke of the many hardships of prisoner-of-war life.

He felt the greatest hardship all prisoners had to bear was shortage of food over a period of years.

Before the dinner, members marched to the War Memorial for a wreath laying ceremony.

A full contingent of the Hastings District Pipe Band led the marchers to the memorial.

The dinner was attended by approximately 100, members of the POW Association, and their guests.

Local arrangements were in the capable hands of ex-POW's Dudley Bale and Bruce Campbell.

A magnificent performance was given by the pupils of Port Macquarie Primary School on three evenings last week to mark Education Week much to the delight of parents and friends.

Mrs Pattie Johnson conducted the 74-member orchestra which played extracts from the Cowboys and Indians operetta and Mrs Wass played the piano.

Students also performed the operetta Dame Durden's School at the primary school's play nights.

The switching on of the new court lighting system of West Port Tennis Club took place on Sunday night last.

Combined with this ceremony was the annual presentation of prizes for the last year.

The president, Len Twohill, welcomed all members and guests, including the mayor, Ald D.S. Kennedy and former councillor George Bale.

Mr Bale was responsible for the building of the courts which took place almost 20 years ago.

Ald Kennedy switched on the new system which had been installed at a cost of $980, $500 of which was contributed by the club.

Mr Bale addressed those present and recalled the starting of the West Port Club - contrary to the wishes of East Port Club, who felt that it was better to have one strong club rather than two weak ones.

Over the years, however, the club has prospered and today has a membership of 125, who have available to them four playing courts.

The president, Mr Twohill, expressed his thanks to the members for the work they had done in raising funds for the new lights. He also added thanks to those people who had generously donated trophies to the club for their presentation night.

The Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce has written to council re the planting of Norfolk Island Pines and the necessity to maintain the image these trees have given to the town.

The chamber stated that they appreciated the problems facing council in the planting of these trees in the streets, but suggested that council might see its way clear to make available 50 pines each year free of cost to residents for planting on their property.

Over a period of 10 years this would result in 500 Norfolk Island Pines - a move which must surely add to the attractiveness of Port Macquarie.

Ald Boardman, in moving the recommendation, said that it was an excellent idea. Ald Huxley seconded the motion and it was then passed.