Compiled by Cameron McCullough
YESTERDAY afternoon a little event which in years to come will assume historical importance, took place on the old Cranbourne road reserve, when a working-bee, under the direction of Cr. F. H. Wells, commenced the clearing of the site to be occupied by the Frankston High School.
Despite the short notice given, there was a fair muster of people, the ladies, as usual, predominating. The men will have the opportunity of remedying this state of affairs, as many other “bees” are to be held on the same spot.
The next gathering will take place on Saturday afternoon, 16th March, and it is expected that enthusiasm in the work will grow as the time goes on. The ladies did not wield spade or axe yesterday, but they came armed with baskets and hampers, filled with delicacies, and in quantities sufficient to feed a small army.
Amongst those present were noticed Mesdames Coxall, Rogerson, James, Barclay, Golds, Harrison, Reynolds and Benson. Many of them brought their knitting and sewing, and while the men levelled the ti-tree and undergrowth the busy fingers of the mothers kept pace with the swing of the mattock.
The men who composed the “bee” were: Cr. F. H. Wells, Messr H. C. Barcley, Silas Oliver, W. B. Cunningham, W. E. Watkins, J. Scarborough and, later in the day, Cr. Gray and Mr. Young.
It won’t be the fault of some of the Frankston folk if the erection of the new High School building is not proceeded with immediately. Another working-bee will be held at the Frankston cemetery tomorrow (Saturday) after which the energies of the volunteer workers will be entirely devoted to the clearing of the High School site.
An early start will be made with the gardens, and in this connection Cr. Bradbury has made a generous offer to supply the necessary plants from his noted nurseries.
MR. G. Patroni, of the Pier Hotel, Frankston, is said to be a good footballer, and will, we understand, play with the Frankston team.
THE President of the Easter Monday Sports (Mr. J. B. Jolly) is successfully seeking trophies in Melbourne for this popular gathering.
THE friends of Mr. Will Kay will be pleased to see his son Clarrie about again. He has had a long and severe illness.
MASTER W. Buckingham is laid aside with rheumatism. All will wish him a speedy recovery.
THE friends of Mr. A. Davis, of Kars Street, Frankston, will be pleased to know that his wife, who has been in a private hospital for some weeks, is now making progress towards recovery.
THE many friends of Cr. H. J. McCulloch will regret to learn that he is seriously ill, and has been removed to Sister Creswick’s private hospital, where he is being attended by Dr. Maxwell.
It appears that Cr. McCulloch contracted a chill while out on a duck shooting exhibition. He treated his indisposition rather lightly until more serious symptoms developed, and he was compelled to take to his bed.
We sincerely trust that he will soon be about again and able to resume active participation in public affairs.
MR. Willie Spencer, the champion rider of USA, accompanied by his wife and Mr. J. Cross, handicapper of the League of Victorian Wheelmen, paid us a visit last weekend, and spoke very highly of our foreshore.
The visitors were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. T. Wrigglesworth.
WHILE passing along Young Street Frankston, a few days ago, our representative saw a motor cycle and side car being driven towards Playne Street, when, without any apparent reason, it altered its course, and charged one of the gum trees at the side of the street.
When approached, the rider said that the steering gear had jammed, and caused him to swerve. He had, however, shut off, and beyond a little bending, not much harm resulted.
Parents Must Warn Their Children
In one brief moment a young life is cut off. Oh, the tragedy lying behind it!
And whilst no amount of advice can bring back that bright, young spirit, if anything can be either said or done that will prevent another happening of this kind, it would indeed be well worth while.
However, one cannot fail to notice the many narrow escapes some children run.
Often this is from want of thought, and the children are not truly seized of the danger they run when playing in open roadways, where vehicles, motors, and others are continually driving.
All drivers have at some time or other had experience of youngsters who will stand in the road waving their arms, and practically defying the oncoming vehicle, and in numerous instances accidents have only been avoided by the driver having to pull up almost on top of one of the youngsters.
However, with the advent of the motor, it is a much more difficult matter – even when brakes and all other gear is quite all right.
If then accidents are to be avoided, parents and guardians must warn their children of the dangers of the road. They must be taught to cross the road quickly when they have to cross, and on no account play or loiter in the road itself.
If the danger is so impressed on the minds of the children while they are young, we feel sure that – while accidents may not be entirely avoided – it will certainly have a tendency to reduce them to a minimum.
FRANKSTON COURT
Before Messrs C. W. Grant (chairman), C. Gray, P. Wheeler and J. Brown, J.’sP.
William King was charged with having travelled between Caulfield and Moorooduc on January 25, in a first-class compartment, being the holder of second-class ticket.
King, who pleaded guilty, said he had taken a second class ticket, and was travelling with his luggage in the guard’s van.
At Frankston he got out, and while walking along the platform, met a friend, who invited him into his carriage.
After they had something to eat the train went on, and he did not notice that it was a first class carriage.
Defendant was fined 10/-, and 7/6 costs.
Frederick Walter Pain was proceeded against by the Electricity Commission for an infringement of one of the rules of the Commission, to wit, employing a “C” grade license man, not being under constant supervision of an “A” or “B” grade man.
Frank Percy Sawyer, prosecuting officer, of the Commission, said that on the 6th day of August defendant had employed Athol Muir McComb, at Pratt’s Buildings, Frankston, there being no “A” or “B” grade license man there all day.
Mr. L. C. Jones, instructed by Messrs. McPherson and Kelly, who appeared for Pain, contended that no offence had been committed.
After a lengthy hearing the Bench, however, considered that a technical offence had been proved, and inflicted a fine of 10/-, with 15/- costs.
Cr. Gray did not adjudicate in this case.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 5 & 7 Mar 1924
First published in the Frankston Times – 5th March 2024