This 'grandstand drama' also had the distinction of being the third serious sea rescue to take place in the vicinity of the town's dangerous harbour bar within a week. The two survivors of the latest saga were Lindsay Dunbar and Peter Allan from the Sydney area.

Mr. Dunbar's wife saw the mishap occur from the land and frantically raised the rescue alarm with a number of other "sea scanners" some armed with looking glasses. Fortunately for the two men, they were rescued by another fishing boat after spending only 15 minutes in the sea. Their rescuers were two Port Macquarie men, Barry Bennett and Burnie O'Brien, who were also returning at the time from a deep sea fishing trip in their boat "Solo".

The Carnival of the Pines jet rescue team arrived on the scene shortly after the two men had been plucked from the water. It had to spend two more hours in a bad sea helping to retrieve and tow the waterlogged boat in which the visiting fishermen had been swamped. Another unidentified boat also assisted in this part of the operation. After being brought to shore, Mr. Dunbar and Mr. Allan gave their heartfelt thanks to their rescuers.

Another "behind closed doors" meeting of Port Macquarie Municipal Council held on 7 December decided to spend $70,000 on rebuilding the town library on its present site with extensions into the present parking area behind. When news of this 'secret' development leaked out late last week an urgent meeting of the Port Macquarie Chamber of Commerce management committee was held to discuss the matter as one of extreme urgency. The meeting decided to appeal to the council to 'stay its hand' on the project and to take part in a joint investigation with the chamber to find a more suitable alternative site. The chambers' main criticism was that the council was acting contrary to previous undertakings given to the chamber that the entire site in Clarence Street would continue to be devoted to parking for Horton Street shoppers. The mayor, Ald. C. C. Adams, countered a confrontation by announcing that only about 1,000 sq. feet of land behind the existing library would be lost to parking.

The porpoise pool in Port Macquarie's Marine Park is taking shape. The outlines of the new entertainment drawcard are now visible as construction progresses. The pool is expected to become a major holiday attraction to the thousands of visitors who come to town each year.

Last week the tavern at Telegraph Point has the distinction of being the first one of its kind to be opened in the State. Port Macquarie is due to have its own tavern early in 1972.