Compiled by Cameron McCullough
FOR a long time past the maintenance of the Hastings road – the principal route to Flinders – and the expense incurred thereby, has been agitating the minds of the local Council.
Upon several occasions, it was alleged at the monthly sitting that the heavy wagon loads of the Defence Department, en route to the Naval Base, did not tend to improve matters, and it was deemed the powers behind the scenes might feel disposed to make a grant towards the upkeep of the road in question.
When the Prime Minister (the Hon. S. M. Bruce) came to Frankston on Saturday, January 31 1925, for the purpose of performing the ceremony in connection with the laying of the foundation stone of the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, the chairman of the committee (Cr. Oates) at a later stage, and while in conversation with our Federal member, alluded to the vexed subject of the aforesaid road, and Mr. Bruce promised to use his influence in the desired direction.
Sir Neville House, who is now Minister for Defence, passed through Frankston on Saturday morning last. Precisely at 9.30 o’clock he called at Cr. Oates’ place, and asked him to accompany the party in a motor car on a tour of inspection of the main road to Flinders.
Interviewed in the evening by a representative of “The Standard”, Cr. Oates mentioned that the portion of the road over which the Department’s wagons travel had not been tarred, and Sir Neville House had seen for himself its condition, and was satisfied it was going to pieces.
Cr. Oates also pointed out that the Council had found it necessary to have its roads tarred, in order to “keep them together.”
The Minister for Defence said he would like to assist the Council, if possible, and promised to ascertain what could be done.
Further questioned by the journalist, Cr. Oates stated he had suggested to Sir Neville House, in the event of the Department not being able to comply with the previous request of the Council, and if a grant were being given, this year, to the states, would he see that the Shire of Frankston and Hastings was not forgotten?
In regard to this, the Minister courteously indicated he would give his support to the proposal.
THE many friends of Mr. W. Wilson Young, who recently underwent a successful operation for his eyes at the Alfred Hospital, will be pleased to know he is home again.
Mrs. Merrie, wife of Mr. F. A. Merrie, of the Frankston branch of the State Savings Bank underwent an operation for appendicitis at Sister Creswick’s private hospital on Sunday last, and is, we are pleased to state, progressing favourably.
Mrs. Lewis, wife of Mr. T. Lewis, Frankston, who has been in indifferent health for some time, has found it necessary to live in a drier climate.
Mr. Lewis, who is employed on the railways, has secured a farm at Elmore, in the Bendigo district, and this week Mrs. Lewis and one of her sons left for the new home.
Mrs. Lewis leaves many friends in Frankston who earnestly hope that the change of climate will restore her to full health again.
Mrs. Lewis was an ardent worker for the Frankston High School, and her efforts in that connection will long be remembered by the Advisory Council.
Miss Breen, who has for some time past been the popular manageress at the Frankston Golf House, is leaving shortly for fresh fields and pastures new.
Mrs. Sherlock, wife of Rev. H. Sherlock, delivered an interesting address on mission work in Samoa, at the monthly meeting of the Methodist Women’s Mission in the Frankston Church on Thursday last.
Mrs. Shellock spent several years in mission work in Samoa, and with her husband only recently returned to Frankston where their relatives and friends reside.
Mr. and Mrs. Les Evans, of Frankston, intend making a motor trip to Sydney during the Easter holidays.
The Misses’ Purves returned to Frankston this week after 3 months holiday spent in various parts of the State.
Mr. A. Tasker, assistant stationmaster at Frankston, is on sick leave, suffering from an attack of Influenza.
Through the Prince’s Highway. Two thousand miles in a “Buick.”
Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Quartermain, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. A. Aitken, of Frankston, who had been away on a most enjoyable holiday trip to N.S.W., returned home on Sunday night last.
During a journey, extending over eighteen days, the party covered a distance of approximately 2000 miles in the latest model “Buick,’ and with the exception of a punctured tyre, met with no further mishap en route.
Proceeding via the glorious Prince’s Highway, they were much impressed by the beautiful scenery, especially from Lakes. Entrance to Eden (N.S.W) on the south coast, while in the famous, Bulli Pass the continual mass of ferns, standing 20 to 30 feet high was a sight well worth beholding.
In due course, the party reached the Blue Mountains and the ever favourite resort of Katoomba.
They visited the Buchan (Vic.) and Jenolan (N.S.W.) caves, but the former appealed to the party’s estimation as being far ahead of the latter.
On the return trip from the alluring and enchanting environment of the Blue Mountains, one of the typical mists of that region fell upon the party about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and proved of such density that Mr. Quartermain had to switch on the headlights of the Buick.
Throughout the trip, which, from first to last, was a thoroughly enjoyable one, fine weather prevailed.
Drunken Revellers get the maximum fine at Chelsea
A riotous party mounted the train at Frankston on Saturday last.
The members of it had missed the char-a-bane at Mornington, where they were participants of a boot employees’ picnic.
Shortly before 9p.m., Senior-Constable R. Hore was given the information when outside the Chelsea station. With Constable Hooper, he easily located the carriage which was singing with gusto the song, “It Ain’t Going to Rain No More.”
Constable Hore endeavoured to make himself heard to the singers, who were in a second-class smoker, but to no avail.
The louder he spoke the more they sang. So he arrested six men.
Outside the station some seemed likely to bolt. Constable Hore produced a revolver, and the stick he always carries, sent Constable Hooper to the front, and threatened to “dong” the first man who tried to break away from the party. No-one broke!
At the Chelsea Court on Monday, Leonard Swift, Albert Donaldson, Henry Smith, William McCaddy, Jack Murcott and Alexander McDonald were each fined £5 for offensive behaviour.
In spite of a plea by Mr. Reg. Wadham (who appeared for the accused) that as they had been in the lock-up at Chelsea from Saturday night until Sunday midday, Mr. P. Cohen, P.M., who presided over a Bench consisting of Messrs. A. Hunter, G. R. A. Beardsworth, E. Williams, and N. Stephens, J.’sP., said that such conduct could not be excused.
They had given drink to young girls, according to the evidence of the police, and had made the carriage in a filthy state.
It seemed strange to him that Chelsea should always be the venue for offences committed outside of it.
Chelsea had a bad name without dragging cases that could easily have been taken on to another place.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 3 April 1925