$5000 raised for Timor kids

By ELIZABETH BINNING

Heads were bopping and feet were tapping last night as the people of South Waikato raised $5000 at a special benefit concert in Private Leonard Manning's memory.

But for others in Putaruru, like the parents and colleagues of the 24-year-old New Zealand soldier slain two years ago in East Timor, it was about more than just music. It was about acknowledging those who have died serving their country and about raising money for the children of East Timor.

The concert's profits will go towards the East Timor Schools Trust, which was set up by the parents of Private Manning, who was killed by militia fighters while patrolling the border with West Timor on a peacekeeping mission in July 2000.

Linda and Charlie Manning visited East Timor last year and saw first-hand how much the children needed books, classrooms and resources for learning. On their return to New Zealand they decided to establish a trust for the village children that their son had talked of so fondly.

"He thought they were great," said Mr Manning.

During the concert Mr and Mrs Manning sat in the balcony of the Putaruru Plaza Theatre with members of the Army, including Lance Corporal Neilroy McGregor, who had served with Private Manning.

Colonel Martin Dransfield, Private Manning's commanding officer, paid tribute to Mr and Mrs Manning's strength after their son's death.

"They have taken a personal and family tragedy and turned it into something positive."

Feature: Indonesia

CIA World Factbook: Indonesia (with map)

Dept. of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

Antara news agency

Indonesian Observer

The Jakarta Post

UN Transitional Administration in E Timor

East Timor Action Network