Compiled by Cameron McCullough
CONTRACTOR Davey is making rapid progress with the construction of the 20 chains of Wells road, for which he was the successful tenderer.
Mr. Davey has a reputation as a capable contractor.
Wells road is undoubtedly destined to become the natural relief channel for the ever-increasing motor traffic to the popular bayside, and it is realised that in the near future it will become necessary to complete the construction of this road right through to Frankston.
The Dandenong council is at present constructing its unmade portion of Wells road to its boundary at Eel-race road, Contractor Jim Finch having been the successful tenderer.
Mr. Finch is another contractor who puts his very best work into his contracts, and he carries the best wishes of a large circle of Seaford friends.
With these two contracts finished there will be but about 2¼ miles of this road to construct, and it is a very wide opinion that the Royal Automobile Club were made acquainted with the value of this road, as a relief for the congested Pt. Nepean road, it is quite possible that very strong and influential representations would be made to the Government to complete the construction of Wells road.
That Pt. Nepean road is now over-taxed and quite incapable of safely dealing with the traffic is becoming more apparent every year, and if the motor traffic continues to increase in the same proportions each year a very short time must elapse before the congestion becomes a positive source of danger.
Every wise Government makes provision for future requirements, and no doubt it was thought Pt. Nepean road would meet traffic for some years after its construction, but that it has reached its carrying capacity for present day needs is a fact.
Wells road now comes into place as the most practical road to take the surplus traffic.
Motor traffic is increasing at the enormous rate of 65 per cent each year, and if we want it we must provide for it.
***
OWING to the sagging of the overhead gear between Seaford and Frankston, the electric trains were delayed for some time on Friday morning last.
The trouble was located early in the morning and engineers were hastened to the scene and wires put in order.
The trouble affected the sub-station at Seaford to some degree and special men conducted tests after the wires were repaired, and at about 9 a.m. everything was found to be O.K.
***
THE residents of Mornington consider the railway service to the Mornington Peninsula inadequate, and suggest that the line should be electrified.
The Railway Commissioners have considered the question of increasing the existing service, and are of the opinion that the traffic offering does not warrant such a step.
When the line was inspected last week, the Commissioners promised the local people that arrangements would be made in the summer time table for the 8.10am down train to be run express to Frankston with the exception of one stop at Caulfield, thereby saving about 25 minutes on that portion of the journey.
Arrangements are also being made for a conference of railway officers and representatives of the various districts concerned to be held to further discuss the train service problem, and if it be found practicable to effect any improvement in the Mornington service, the connecting services will correspondingly benefit.
The Commissioners are not prepared at the present juncture to give any definite information as regards the electrification of the line, beyond saying that this is one of the lines listed to be considered for conversion to electric traction when the proper time arrives, although at this stage it is not known when that will be.
Commenting on the allegation that £300 a year is being incurred in expenses for the train crews while camping at Red Hill on two nights a week, the Commissioners say the amount involved is little more than £100 per annum, and the present method is regarded as the most economical possible.
***
CORPORAL C. W. R. Wilson (Siege Battery Ammunition Column) who enlisted at Baxter and afterwards lived at Frankston, has been awarded the Medaille de Sauvetage and Diploma.
The decoration is the second highest in France, and there has only been two awarded in Victoria.
***
Police Court. FRANKSTON POLICE COURT. Monday, 30th July.
Before Messrs. C. W. Grant (chairman) and J. Brown, J.’sP.
EDUCATION ACT.
Senior-Constable Culhane proceeded against Mrs. Sandays for neglecting to send her child, Kenneth, to school the required number of days.
No appearance of defendant. Fined 2/-.
VACCINATION ACT.
Senior-Constable Culhane v. Albert Edward Ritchie, J. B. Jolly, and A. H. Johnson for failing to comply with Vaccination Act.
Senior-Constable Culhane stated that all the parties held conscientious scruples.
The chairman remarked that if they gave proper notice under the Act they could secure exemption.
Senior-Constable Culhane: The majority of people don’t know that.
They must give notice to the registrar.
A fine of 10/- in each case was imposed.
DRUNK AT FRANKSTON.
Arthur Grant, who was spending a weekend visit in Frankston, pleaded guilty to being drunk on Sunday last.
Constable Graham said he arrested defendant in Pt. Nepean road on the night in question. He was very drunk and was locked up for his own safety.
A fine of 10/- was imposed.
NEW ESTATE AGENT.
The application of Wm. Armstrong to be licensed as a real estate agent, was granted.
ADJOURNED.
R. Pearce v. Ethel Hines. No appearance of either party. Adjourned for four weeks.
***
THE most important topic in Chelsea at present is the proposal to remove the Chelsea road crossing to Thames Promenade, with no gates, and to provide a sub-way for pedestrians in the centre of Chelsea station, also closing the foot crossing at the south end of the station, which runs out opposite Mr. Fricke’s.
Feeling is running high and many lengthy arguments are the order of the day; in fact, business is often held up whilst the question is debated.
The three Centre Ward councillors are in an unenviable position, as they are constantly being approached by the different sides to support them.
They will certainly have to display more than the reputed wisdom of Solomon to settle the question amicably.
On Thursday events took a new turn. Word was received that one of the officers of the Railway Department, who is an expert on crossings, would attend the meeting of the Chelsea Progress Association at the Beachway hall on Wednesday next at 8 p.m., in order that he might get an expression of public opinion on the vexed question.
It is understood that the attitude of this meeting will settle the question for good and all. Whatever decision is registered by the meeting will very probably be at once given effect to by the Commissioners, in order to save further trouble.
This paper strongly advises the citizens of Chelsea to attend in force and settle the question, not on any narrow or selfish basis, but in the best interests of all, let your motto be: “The greatest good for the greatest number.”
Human life is the first consideration.
***
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 1 & 3 Aug 1923
