DURING the monthly sitting of the Council on Friday last, what may be termed as the aftermath of the monster indignation meeting which eventuated in the Frankston Palais, on November 14, 1924 was conveyed in a communication under the signatures of Mr. T. J. McMurtrie (chairman) and Mr. L. J. Ward, secretary.
The letter in question sounded forth the indisputable mandate of “John Citizen,” passed by resolution, viz.:-
“Owing to the DEPLORABLE STATE into which the finances of the Shire have been allowed to drift, this meeting of ratepayers of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings, have no longer confidence in their representatives at the Council table.”
There was a brief pause in the Chamber of Horrors and strange happenings, when Cr. Alden took the initial plunge into the abyss and vortex of controversial element, by saying: “I move that this letter be referred to the ‘Economic Committee’.”
Cr. Gray said that in all seriousness he would move: “The request contained in the letter be complied with.”
It was very evident, he contended, that in consequence of the “muddled state of affairs” in the Shire arena, the ratepayers had lost confidence in the council. It might be alright in the criterions of some of the councillors to try and make a comic opera out of the recent meetings in the local Palais, but could any councillor cite a bigger gathering of indignant ratepayers than that which had transpired on Friday evening, November 14 last?
Cr. Alden: You know very well the motion won’t be carried. That’s why you’re moving it, added the Tyabb representative. (Sensation).
Cr. McCulloch sneeringly retorted that Cr. Gray was fortified by reason of the resolution passed at the Mt. Eliza meeting of ratepayers, as he (Cr. Gray) knew his seat was safe.
Cr. Gray denied the safe impeachment, and again referred to the Palais meeting.
Cries of how many voted for the motion and further interruptions followed Cr. Gray being challenged on the score that he was out of order, whereupon he made an appeal to the chair.
The President: Cr. Gray is quite in order.
Cr. Gray (proceeding): The people who did not vote acquiesced in the resolution, and I would like to again point out it was the biggest meeting ever held in Frankston.
Cr. McCulloch: The previous week’s meeting was quite as large.
Cr. Gray: It was referring to the meeting at which Mr. McMurtrie had been unanimously voted to the chair. A big meeting, and people were there from all parts of the Shire.
Cr. J. Unthank: Not from our end.
Cr. Gray: I saw a lot of people from all parts present.
Cr. Alden: Yes, out of curiosity.
Cr. Gray: I know some of the councillors are going to burlesque my motion because they are afraid of their skins. (Uproar).
Cr. Brown rose to a point of order.
Cr. Gray’s allusion was “quite uncalled for.”
Cr. Gray: I withdraw the word “skins”; but I’m moving a distinct resolution in view of the number of people who voted at that big meeting.
“I did not know until I saw the advertisement in the paper that a meeting was being called, and I refused to speak at the second one.
Cr. McCulloch: How many people voted for the no confidence motion ?
Cr. Gray: I cannot tell you, but I repeat that even those who did not vote acquiesced in the terms of the resolution.
Cr. Miles: Were they ratepayers?
Cr. Gray: I cannot say, but that has no bearing on the case. The question is that a motion was carried at the big public meeting which stated the ratepayers had no further confidence in the councillors. The people at that meeting had either reason for their action or they had not. I had nothing to do with the organising of the meeting; I simply went there as one of the ratepayers, and one of the councillors who had been condemned.
At all events, the no confidence motion should not be burlesqued; we must give the people some consideration, and believe their intentions are in the direction of helping the Shire along.
“That is the view I am taking,” said Cr. Gray, “and, in any case, those people who were opposed to the no confidence motion should have voted against it. They should have got up at that meeting; never mind what they stated afterwards in the street and elsewhere. The council, as a body, has been condemned”.
Frankston High School – Mr. Wm O’Grady’s Generous Donation – Form Shield To Be Purchased
Not so long ago, Mr. Wm. H. O’Grady, J.P., of “Dulce Domum,” Melbourne road, Frankston, who is a most popular citizen of the town, generously donated ten guineas towards the local High School.
Incidentally, it may be mentioned that at the time, the fact was duly recorded in the columns of “The Standard.”
The headmaster, Mr. R. E. Chapman, then put forward the admirable suggestion that a Form Shield be purchased, and this idea has been adopted by the committee.
The shield will be of wood, 241 by 181 inches, and mounted in silver. It will be awarded monthly to the successful form, and the merits of award shall be adjudicated on the “highest aggregate marks obtained.
It is anticipated that this fine shield will be presented by the donor on Speech Night, Thursday, December 18.
The Mt. Eliza Riding – Cr. Gray’s Resignation – Filling the Vacancy
Through the medium of our advertising columns to-day, Mr. J. J. Neville announces that in response to a requisition, he has pleasure in placing his services at the disposal of the ratepayers for the seat in the council rendered vacant by reason of the unexpected resignation of Cr. Gray, who up to Friday night last, represented the interests of the people of Mt. Eliza, not only with distinctive merit, but sterling and conscientious regard for their welfare.
Unhesitatingly, it may be said that his retirement from the active sphere of municipal life will be widely regretted.
He always proved himself a grand fighter for the cause of justice to all.
With regard to the prospective candidate, Mr. Neville, he was born at Gisborne in 1882, and for a period of 42 years was a valued employee in the service of the railways until he retired three years ago.
During the sensational break of the land boom about 1904, and when Frankston was in the throes of the debacle, Mr. Neville came to the town as R.S.M.
Since then he has been a frequent visitor. For the past three summers he has been a permanent resident in our midst, and being now a man of leisure, will be able to devote his full time to civic affairs, while, in addition, a systematic training in administrative work is an asset in his favour.
On the other hand, we are credibly informed that Mr. J. B. Jolly, the well-known and progressive citizen of Frankston,, has also been asked to allow himself to be nominated for the vacancy.
We understand that Mr. Jolly is considering the position, and will announce his decision in the course of a few days.
It is rumoured that Mr. J. R. McComb may enter the field and go to the barrier.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 10 & 12 Dec 1924