A man who delivered mail in Port Macquarie with horse and sulky and who gave 30 years faithful service in the local post office has been honoured by the Queen and farewelled by his mates.

He is Mervyn Wheeldon of Ackroyd Street, West Port Macquarie, whose second term with the post office concluded on November 20, when he reached the retiring age of 65 years.

Mr Wheeldon was the guest at a function at the post office, arranged to mark his retirement. He served all 30 years of his Port Office career in Port Macquarie.

He delivered mail for two years (1925-1927) using horse and sulky as a means of transport. From 1927 to 1942, Mr Wheeldon assisted his father Mr J.R. Wheeldon in various jobs.

In 1942, Mr Wheeldon commenced duty as a postman in Port Macquarie, and in 1952 was promoted to postal officer.

In making a presentation to Mr Wheeldon, Jack Hurrell, postmaster, drew attention to the fact that Mervyn had given long and faithful service to both the Australian Post Office and the people of Port Macquarie.

Westport School opened

In the presence of several hundred parents and pupils the Westport School was officially opened on Saturday afternoon, November 21, by the Member for Oxley, Bruce Cowan.

Mr Cowan also planted a commemorative tree within the spacious school grounds, situated on an historic site - known for more than 100 years as Douglas Vale.

The school has been occupied since May 19 last, and provision has been made for additions as the need arises.

A substantial brick building, it was erected at a cost of $200,000, 243 pupils (105 infants, 138 primary) are enrolled, and six teachers staff the school.

Joe Mannix funeral

Members of Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch and Club were strongly represented at the funeral on Friday afternoon of World War I veteran, Joe Mannix.

Mr Mannix, who was 75 years of age, died in the Lady Davidson Repatriation Hospital Sydney, following a short illness.

Before he retired Mr Mannix was a member of the staff of the Department of Main Roads.

In Port Macquarie he was closely identified with the RSL Sub-branch and club where he was highly regarded for his open friendly nature and his unfailing cheerfulness.

It was a tribute to his continuing popularity that for 16 years he was re-elected unopposed as patron of the RSL Club, a position of which he was particularly proud. He was a foundation member of the Club and a former treasurer.

High school farewell

The annual farewell banquet for Form VI students of the Port Macquarie High School was held this year in the dining hall of the Port Macquarie RSL Club on Thursday last.

As usual Form V students, with the assistance of Mrs E. Borger, home science mistress, and Mr A. Ranger, club catering officer, were responsible for preparing and presenting the dinner.

The hundred and sixty seated at the dinner were unanimous in their praise for the arrangements, the food and the casual entertainment provided by Mr R. Staples, and Mr A. Mainwaring.