For six months of the year, local people and visitors, all with their families, look to our beaches more than to any other outdoor activity for their sport and relaxation.

Clean beaches, safely patrolled beaches, and a minimum of interference for all enjoying the sand and the sea are the ideal to aim at.

Already, indeed for the past few years, the motor car has caused dissatisfaction among many people using the beaches, and this No. 1 problem is a long way off being overcome.

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Cleaning of the beaches during the summer period just concluded was not all that it should be in "a premier seaside resort."

At times, in fact, it left much to be desired.

Increasing demands on the sand space available on the two main surfing spots - Flynn's and Town Beach were surely evident to one and all in recent months, and last week's council meeting seemed to reveal doubts in the minds of at least some of the aldermen when what appears to be a breakaway group sought permission to set up Nipper activities on the Town Beach next surfing season - a matter more under the control of the Surf Life Saving Association, perhaps, than the council.

What was revealed, however, was the pressing need - rather than some off-handed advice to the council - during the winter months for one or two evenings being given over to a more searching discussion between the aldermen and representatives of the people on matters generally concerning Port Macquarie and its beaches.

Described as the "greatest day ever for Laurieton" the Capt. Cook Bi-Centenary Celebrations procession was held on Saturday morning.

A crowd estimated at over 3,000 people lined both sides of Bold Street, prior to the commencement of the procession which turned into Bold Street at the School of Arts and finished on the Laurieton Oval where judging took place.

The procession was headed by two motor cycle police then the Hastings Pipe Band and the Surf Club Mermaids and the Junior Rugby League teams. Marbuk Park led the procession with Brian Barnett atop a utility with two huge snakes entwined around him, the truck towed "Mumma" the giant crocodile.

Marbuk's second float was a four wheel buggy driven by Mrs. Lorraine Callinan in period costume; the Hastings District Historical Society was next with the monument of Capt. Cook raising the flag; the Boy Scouts and Cubs followed with their bush roadster.

Window displays were outstanding, and the judge was given no mean task in deciding the winner in the Captain Cook Bi-Centenary Celebrations at present underway in the Camden Haven district.

The theme of the displays involved Captain Cook and his association with the Camden Haven.

Winners were announced at the art exhibition on Saturday night.

First prize was awarded to Reid's Real Estate Agency with a magnificent Captain Cook display and model of the 'Endeavour'.

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