Compiled by Cameron McCullough
On Sunday a fire started on the old Langwarrin camp site, and taking a course from Robinson’s Road, on the Langwarrin side, swept through the property of Mr. Alex. Russell and entered the paddocks of Messrs. Geo. Young and Harry Docwin, where the fire-fighters succeeded in stopping the advance.
A great body of fire rushed down on the property of Mr. Newton Holdsworth, and although valiant efforts were made to combat the flames the homestead and adjoining buildings were soon ablaze, and in an incredibly short time were reduced to ashes.
Mr. Holdsworth made several unsuccessful attempts to release a bull which was chained to a fence, but he was driven back time after time until finally the poor brute had to be abandoned to its fearful fate.
Mr. Holdsworth is a heavy loser.
Practically everything on the farm was destroyed with the exception of a reaper and binder. A motor truck, traction engine and farm implements were all destroyed.
Hay stacks, said to have been recently sold by Mr. Holdsworth to Mr. H. C. Barclay, of Frankston, were destroyed.
It is estimated that Mr. Holdsworth’s losses will amount to well over £2000.
From Holdsworth’s the flames passed on to Bolt’s property, known as “The Gums.”
The house, which was unoccupied, soon went up in flames.
Near this point the fire crossed the road and entered McGuire’s and swept through the properties of Messrs. Dick McCarthy and C. J. Young. Here 50 firefighters had hard work to save Mr. Young’s home, but were successful after a strenuous battle.
Mr. Young was compelled to remain on the roof of his home until midnight to extinguish the sparks which fell on the building from the burning timber adjoining.
A welcome change in the wind ultimately made his place safe.
Mr. Young’s orchard and vegetable garden suffered considerably, even the pumpkins and marrows being baked as though in a furnace.
Mr. Arthur Unthank experienced a narrow escape from losing his property.
His hedges, and creepers were burned and the orchard scorched.
When the wind changed, as above related, Mr. Smartt’s homestead was endangered. So serious was the position that Mr. Smartt removed his household furniture and effects to a place of safety.
He had about half a-mile of fencing destroyed, but saved the grass paddocks and buildings.
The neighbours in this locality were all menaced, the flying sparks carried by the high wind being the chief danger.
Another fire started at Baxter near the Mornington railway line, passed through Mr. A. Firth’s property and crossed the Mornington Road. A combined effort of neighbouring property owners saved Mr. W. Firth’s house, but the fire destroyed much fencing.
It crossed Coolart Road into Mr. R. W. Firth’s large property, then to Mr. I. Webb’s, where three rows of his orchard were destroyed.
After passing through Heywood’s paddock the fire was stopped.
About thirty persons assisted in extinguishing the flames, spray pumps, beating with boughs, ploughing breaks and other methods being adopted.
Another outbreak occurred at Red Hill on Sunday, Mr. D. Ryan’s unoccupied house and 600 tons of firewood belonging to him were destroyed, also fencing owned on the properties of Messrs G. Clarke, A. Ratcliffe, and W. Cleave.
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Child lost
Master Brock who, with his parents, is at present staying in Frankston on holiday, and residing on the “Island,” had a very lively experience on Tuesday last.
The lad, who is only three years of age, wandered away about 10am.
His parents became very anxious and made every effort to locate the lad but without success.
At about 5pm the fire bell was rung, and, as usual, a ready response was made by members of the local Fire Brigade.
After a long search the lad was found in grocer’s shop at Carrum, having travelled along the beach for about six miles.
The safe return of the lad caused great rejoicing to the anxious parents.
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Bush Fires Relief Fund – local council’s appeal
Yesterday the Shire president (Cr. F. H. Wells) with Cr. Brown (Seaford) and Mr. J. A. P. Ham (Shire secretary) met and decided to immediately issue subscription lists in conjunction with the Bush Fires Relief Fund.
The hearts of all Victorians have been stirred by the tragedy of forest fires and loss of lives and homes.
The general desolation caused will be met with a generous response by the more fortunate citizens of Frankston, far removed from the scenes of appalling disaster.
The Shire president (Cr. F. H. Wells) has called a meeting of the ladies of Frankston and district to be held in the Mechanics’ Hall this (Friday) afternoon at 3 o’clock to assist the fund which has been inaugurated, and on Monday night next a public meeting will be held in the Mechanics’ Hall.
The Shire president appeals for donations of money, clothing or useful commodities to be sent without delay to the Shire secretary.
He gives twice who gives quickly when the need is greatest.
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A NUMBER of councillors from the Frankston and Hastings Shire attended with councillors from Cranbourne Shire as a deputation to the Country Roads Board on Wednesday last.
Cr. F. Wells (Shire president), Crs. W. J. Oates, R. F. Miles, J. Bradbury, W. Hutchinson, of the Frankston and Hastings Council, and Crs. Curtis, and Syme, of the Cranbourne Shire were the representatives, with Mr. Muntz (Frankston), and Mr. J. Dowden, (Cranbourne), Shire engineers.
Cr. F. H Wells stated that the object of the deputation was to seek assistance from the C.R.B. towards the two roads, which were constructed some time ago.
The roads referred to were the Frankston-Cranbourne Road, and the Frankston-Dandenong Road. These two roads were constructed under a heavy cost, and at present, with the heavy traffic passing over them and the continued dry spell were in a bad state of repair.
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Personal
Master Charlie McClelland who fell from a bicycle and injured his knee prior to the Xmas holidays, is still attending the Alfred Hospital and receiving medical attention.
Master Charlie Cummins, whilst riding a bicycle in Thompson street on Saturday last, fell against the barbed-wire fence lacerating his upper lip which necessitated several stitches.
Mrs. T. Marshall, accompanied by Mrs. Benson, will leave by motor for Daylesford on Sunday next, where they intend spending a fortnight’s holiday.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Jones, with Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Hanton have returned home after a very pleasant motor tour through the North-East and part of N.S.W.
Mr. Merrie, formerly manager of the State Savings Bank at Frankston, paid a visit to the district this week.
He was accompanied by Mrs. Merrie and her mother, Mrs. Duncanson. Mr. Merrie is now in charge of the bank at Murton.
Mr. Clarke, owner of the famous racehorse, “Windbag,” was present at the race meeting held at Mornington on Tuesday last.
Mr. Tom Lambert the well-known horse trainer was present at the Mornington race meeting on Tuesday last.
Miss Jean Turnbull, of “Tintagel”, Frankston, will leave for England by the s.s. “Cathay” on March 2.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 19 February 1926