Lavvy levy remains

Despite a strong representation of moteliers at Tuesday night’s meeting of the municipal council no change has been made in the fixed charge for pedestals, $26 for the first occupancy and $13 thereafter. The new charge applies immediately. The new charge was agreed upon in open council; Tuesday night’s decision for it to stand was made “in committee” after the president of the Hotel/Motels Association Mr Reg Cabot had addressed the aldermen.

Letter to the editor

Sir, with regard to your article of February 4, about the Lavvy Levy, may I point out it is the motelier and flat owner who benefits from the sewerage. To most of us it is an expensive luxury but, to the motels and flats, a necessity. The new rate of $13 for all toilets after the first two in a motel or block of flats only, is quite fair as they are the only people to make money by renting their toilets; the ordinary ratepayer does not usually charge his guests for the use of his conveniences. Signed “Ratepayer”.

Birthday party 

A very happy atmosphere prevailed at the Croquet Club on Monday, February 10, when friends, relatives, and past and present members of the Croquet Club assembled for the 80th birthday of Mrs L Campbell – a life member, past president and secretary, and one of the instigators of croquet to Port Macquarie. The Croquet Club’s publicity officer, and patroness Mrs MacMillan, daughter Iris (Mrs McLennan) and grand-daughter Patricia were guests. President Evie Lewis, foundation member of the Croquet Club, in congratulating Mrs Campbell said they had worked side by side in complete harmony for the 16 years since the club’s inception. It is marvellous for anyone to reach the great age of 80 years and still be actively interested in the game, she said.

Mining talc here

An industrial talc mine at Lake Innes, which failed commercially more than 10 years ago, has been successfully re-opened and operated in recent months. The mine was opened by Commercial Minerals in late 1968. With assistance from a neighbouring pastoral company Vilro,  the company built a gravel road to the mine area. Ten years ago when the mine was first opened, by Cavanough, Dick and Wallis, it was for the purpose of securing only the very highest quality talc for the cosmetic trade. Work of extracting payable quantities of top grade mineral from this area proved too costly and the venture failed. Commercial Minerals advised last night’s meeting of the council it had re-opened the mine and sought authority to carry on operations. Council deferred a decision pending a report from its town planning consultant, Mr R. Jackson.