Official opening of Andrews Park, Wauchope, on Friday afternoon, by the Minister for Local Government and Highways, Mr P.H. Morton, MLA, was an occasion at which warm tributes were paid to the outstanding service rendered to local government by ex-shire president Cr J.R. Andrews, for whom the park is named.

The tributes were paid by the Minister, the Member for Oxley, Mr Bruce Cowan MLA, and the Shire president, Cr John Abi Saab.

The park was a colourful scene at its opening with the rich green sward of the huge oval contrasting with the darkness of the sealed entry roads and the glistening white of the rail fence.

The minister was so impressed he immediately announced a new grant of $2000 for further improvements to the oval.

Other good news conveyed by the minister was that plans are now being prepared by the Department of Main Roads for a new bridge on the Oxley Highway at Ellenborough and that sealing of this highway, within Hastings Shire's boundaries, should be completed by the end of next year.

Mr Morton said he was also pleased to announce that tenders would be called before the end of the year for a $4 million traffic bridge and highway deviation on the Pacific Highway at Telegraph Point.

Garden Winners

Mayor of Port Macquarie Ald D.S. Kennedy recently presented Mr And Mrs G Roberts of Chalmers Street, Port Macquarie, with their award for coming first in this year's Herald Garden Competition.

Second prize winners were Mr and Mrs L Lawrie, also of Chalmers Street, and the third prize winners were Mr and Mrs Monckton who live in Chalmers Street too.

Shark Catch

A twelve foot black whaler shark caught last week by Mr Merv Radley was brought back into Port Macquarie on his trawler Trade Winds.

The shark was caught outside the bar very close to Bird Rock. Since then Mr Radley has caught two smaller sharks of about nine feet in length.

He said that during the past weeks he has seen many sharks in the water around Port Macquarie.

Queen's Scout

Christopher Mark Usher, younger son of Norm and Gwen Usher, of Gordon Street, has been awarded as a Queen's Scout.

Chris is the grandson of Ralph Usher, the founder of scouting in Port Macquarie. He began scouting as a cub with Akela Woodlands 19 years ago and moved onto scouts where he once again earned the top award, the Scout Cord.

He became a Senior Scout with the Port Macquarie troop under Peter Brest.

The award was made by past District Commissioner Peter Merrotsy, who was quite instrumental in Chris achieving the award.

Peter spoke about the high and singular honour that goes with this award and its responsibilities to the community.

While all were gathered for the presentation, Mr Merrotsy also presented Mrs Evelyn Moy with a thanks badge from the scouting movement.

This is a highly prized award as less than 1200 exist and all are numbered and named.

Evelyn has worked tirelessly for scouting for over 13 years. Her boys were all Sea Scouts and Ian is now Scouter of the Troop.