Mermaids Carnival

Beautiful weather prevailed at Flynns Beach on Sunday for the Mermaids' biggest carnival.

Over three hundred girls from 5-13 years of age competed in a full day of beach and water events. Port Macquarie Mermaids took out the overall point score with Coffs Harbour second and South West Rocks third.

The iron maid attracted forty-seven competitors and was won by Margaret Parker of Port Club. Port's A B junior surf teams were successful in gaining a 1st and 3rd placing out of six teams.

A great surf win went to Wendy Rowland who competed against twenty-eight keen surfers to gain first place.

High praise went to Port's Mini Marchers, who not only looked great, but carried a reel the full parade distance.

Scholarships presented

Scholarships valued at $100 each and provide annually for four Form V and four Form VI students at Port Macquarie High School, were presented at the weekly school assembly onMonday last.

Dr H. Hodgson, president of the RSL Sub Branch, and Mr H. Butler, secretary/manager of the RSL Club, visited the school to make the presentations.

Form V students to receive scholarships were Nigel Wratten, Robyn Latham, Peter Beames and John Raddatz. Form VI students were Simon Nimmo, Lesley Burgess, Paul Steele and Frances Walsh.

Mr. Butler also handed over a cheque for $500 being the annual RSL Club endowment for the Don Steele Memorial Library at the school.

Editorial: A desirable place

The beauty of the coastal mountain ranges and their convergence with the sea, the gentle zephyr breezes that spread their cloak from time to time, the twinkling lights from the homes on the hillsides, the mingling of people from all parts of the state and beyond, are a few of the things which make Port Macquarie such a desirable place in which to live.

Many come here with preconceived ideas, often formed on holiday visits; others come with an open mind,but all eventually find Port Macquarie a very delightful place in which to live and work.

Few come seeking adventure; they come mainly because of Port Macquarie's preoccupation with just being itself.

But, inevitably, there are the adventurous, and the town owes much of its new found fame to those investors who have developed tremendously both the accommodation and commercial activity.

But the basis of it all is that with which we are preoccupied - Port Macquarie is a desirable place, and we should be further preoccupied with making it more so.

Our every aim should be directed towards two things - beautification, and preservation of those things historical. In those two fields of endeavour there's no end to what might be attempted, and achieved.

Just as an example, why would we want to put the monster motor car on Oxley Beach when it lends itself to being the most beautiful natural spot in the town?

Women's bowls

It was a proud day for the Port Macquarie Women's Club on Tuesday when the Hastings-Haven Association president, Mrs F. Bailey unfurled their second successive grade 2 pennant in bright sunshine.

Following the unfurling ceremony, president Flo presented pennant players with their badges.