Compiled by Cameron McCullough
A WELL organised concert, resulting in a profit of over £20, was held in the Mechanics’ Hall, Mornington, on Friday evening last, in aid of the Bush Fire Relief Fund.
As a choral concert, this entertainment stands unsurpassed in Mornington.
The audience was indeed fortunate to hear such talented singers as Mrs. Holman, of Frankston, and Mr. William Cadrou, a leading tenor from Melbourne.
It was a most inspiring feature during the evening to see about forty singers seated on the stage, giving their services free to raise funds for the alleviation of the unfortunate persons who have been left homeless in Gippsland through the recent bush fires.
Mr. E. P. Davies, as conductor, of the Frankston and Mornington Choral Societies, displayed in no small degree the result of his labours, which was most creditable.
Although several leading singers from Frankston were unable to attend, the harmony in the choral items was good.
Mr. Davies should receive more encouragement at Mornington with the establishment of a Choral Society.
During the evening Mr. Davies appealed to the audience to take more interest in this society, which should flourish. The membership fee was only 2/6 and all music was supplied free.
Cr. G. H. Hallum, as chairman, was very popular. He said he was very pleased to see the local Choral Society established. He did not remember seeing such a company of singers at Mornington before. He thanked all for their attendance.
The pianiste, Miss O. Prosser, discharged her duties ably.
Mrs. Rand, as secretary to the concert, had much to do with the evening’s great success. Her interest in the society is much appreciated. Unfortunately, Mrs. Rand received word of her brother’s death in Sydney a day, or so before the concert.
Those who assisted during the evening included Mr. B. Parsons and Mr. N. Freeman.
Arrangements are being made to render “The Crucifixion” at Mornington during Easter.
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Level Crossing Fatality
Point Nepean railway crossing, at Mornington, where George Cook and his father were badly injured (the former subsequently died) about nine weeks ago, was the scene of another fatality on Saturday evening last at dusk, when H. Clover, a motor cyclist, ran into the engine of the 6.45 train to Mornington.
The deceased was an insurance agent residing at 30 Sargood Street, Coburg, and was proceeding towards Mornington.
The front of his Veloce motor cycle struck the piston of the engine and caught a foot-plate, wrenching it aside.
The machine was then thrown on to the cattle pits, whilst the rider was hurled into a new picket fence (erected since the last accident) and two rails of fencing had to be removed to extricate him. Death was instantaneous.
He sustained cranial injuries, resulting in his skull being severely mutilated.
His neck was broken, also his back, legs and an arm. The impact was frightful, as Clover was travelling at a high speed, and evidently failed to realise that he was approaching a railway crossing, though a jinker was pulled up waiting for the train to go by and the wig-wag signal was operating.
It appears that he did not see the train until it was just passing him, as the front of his machine was smashed and left on the rails of the cattle pit.
The train was brought to a stop within about a hundred yards.
Some boys witnessed the accident and stated that the motor cycle was travelling at a good speed.
A strong wind was blowing at the time and may have prevented Clover from hearing the train whistle, which was sounded for two minutes.
The side of the engine was dented and slightly damaged where the motor cycle collided with it.
Clover was a married man, aged 48 years, and father of two children.
The body, after examination by Dr. Somers, was conveyed to the Morgue by Mr. J. Birch, in charge of Constable Carey.
It is stated by those who live near the crossing that dozens of motorists just avoid collisions with trains every week, and that the crossing will never be made safe till gates are erected.
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AT the Frankston court on Tuesday last, before Messrs. C. Grant (chairman), J. Nott Marsh, C. Gray, and E. Brown, J.’sP., Albert Ernest Day, of Mordialloc, was fined £2 for driving a motor car on the wrong side of the road in Bay street, Frankston, and travelling at a speed of 35 miles per hour.
Bernard Jeans, of Oakleigh, was charged with having ridden a motor cycle without a licence, and also for riding on the wrong side of the road in Bay street. Defendant was fined £1 on the first charge and £2 on the second.
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Frankston Football Club Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of the above club was held in the Mechanics’ Hall on Monday night last. Mr. H. J. McCulloch (president) in the chair.
There was a large attendance of members and players.
Mr. J. Broomhead (hon. secretary) read the minutes of previous meeting, and they were confirmed on the motion of Messrs. Walker and McMurtrie.
Correspondence from the junior club was received, in which it was stated that in the interests of football it had been decided to unite under the one ruling body. The books, etc., were handed to the secretary of the senior club.
The secretary submitted the follow in report for last season:
Members of the Club, Ladies and Gentlemen, your Committee has very much pleasure in submitting for your perusal and approval this summary of our activities during the past season.
The loss of over 50 per cent of last season’s players (some of whom were granted clearances, while others retired) was keenly felt by the club, and the failure of the team to gain a place in the final four was largely due to this fact.
The task of the Selection Committee in selecting suitable players to fill these vacancies was indeed a most unenviable one, but their decision to encourage junior players — although not producing immediate results, will prove of lasting benefit in the seasons to come.
Owing to our limited finances at the beginning of the season we were unable to employ a coach to assist us in the building up of our team. However, as the season advanced, and with the subsequent rise in funds, we were able to procure the services of a coach, whose good work was terminated by pressure of business.
Members of the team are to be congratulated on their sportsmanlike spirit in paying half-fare when travelling to opposing teams.
The performance of the Mornington Football Club in rising from their poor position on the premiership list to second position was a very creditable one.
In the finals, Mornington defeated Naval Depot (minor premiers) after a hard game, but Naval Depot reversed the position in the grand final, thus winning the W. S. Keast trophy for the second consecutive season.
Thanks to the generosity of patrons and the successful work of the Park Improvement Committee, we were able to commence the season on one of the finest playing ovals outside the suburban area.
The good condition and central situation of our ground justified our claims to the semi-final, final, grand final, and both inter-club matches.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 5 March 1926