John Durack: Michael Clancy, I'm pleased to be able to invite you to follow up on that. Michael Clancy, for the few of you who don't know, is son of Dad's sister, Elizabeth. Michael Clancy.
Michael Clancy:
That is very hard to follow, but I can quite understand it, particularly Matthew's comments. Now he has felt, as he says being a third generation below his grandfather, I would say second, but still. I'm in the same generation as Michael and John and Matthew, and I feel that same thing, even though I'm just a cousin, the effect that Bill and Noni have had on me is wonderful, and I really appreciate it. I've felt it for a long time.
I first met Bill in 1950 face to face, when he came over on the sad occasion of his father's funeral in Perth. I remember the time, I remember it distinctly, and it's been reinforced over the years, because over those years that I lived in Perth, and he was in Toowoomba, it was continually reinforced by the letters that came through to his Mother. And these came through on a regular occasion each week, so we would meet at Gran's and listen to these letters, that told of the development of this wonderful family that we have here today. And it was wonderful indeed.
Later in the '50s I met Noni for the first time. I think she came over in about 1956 with Bill. Bill and Noni came over quite frequently. And I also remember returning a visit in the mid-'60s when I came over; again Bill helped me: he attended a speech that I had to make, the last speech I made. It was great to have Bill there as a support, and I've felt it all along.
Now look, I didn't want to make a speech, I haven't got a speech. But what I've really got is just the message, because I do feel I'm from the other side. From this side it's the other side, from the West we talk about the Eastern States as being the other side, and that's referred to in Aunty Mary's book. I feel I'm representing the other side and I've got messages from Bett, Bill's sister, Elizabeth, my Mother, who sends her best wishes and love. Also from my sister Perpetua who I spoke with this morning again, just recently, also sends fondest love; and also from Reg and Enid with whom I spoke with recently. They're both very well, and delighted to know that there's this meeting today, and they send their best wishes. So that's the purpose of my being here. My standing up is to pass on those wishes, and also may I say thanks from myself and Margaret for this wonderful opportunity to be here, and it's just been a wonderful afternoon. Thank you very much.
APPLAUSE
