Compiled by Cameron McCullough
On Sunday last the hamlet of Baxter was surprised out of its usual calm, by the extraordinary sight of a body of eighteen well-dressed men tramping in orderly formation along the roadway.
Speculation was rife as to the invasion, but it proved to be a peaceful one, consisting of members of the “Wallaby” Walking Club from Melbourne.
They were on the tramp to view what sights Baxter and the surrounding country had to offer.
After climbing the hill to Barrett’s, dinner was partaken of in real country style, all sitting on a large log.
After this a visit was made to the residence of Cr. Geo. Young, and considerable surprise was expressed by all members of the party that such a beautiful view existed so close to Melbourne, and was so little known.
The party consisted of doctors and other professional men, and was led by Dr. Hornabrook, of Collins street.
After leaving Cr. Young’s the route taken was through the Langwarrin military reserve, on towards the Government pine plantation, then back by rail to Melbourne.
Little Apples. Little Fines. Little Jokes
When the name of Christopher Chandler was called an elderly man stepped forward at the Frankston Court last week to answer a charge of topping fruit (apples) as discovered in cases on May 8.
Asked how he pleaded, Chandler remarked that he “would like to hear the evidence.”
Mr. W. G. Smith (whimsically): Yes, it is, perhaps, a wise thing.
Thomas Wadson, inspector, said four cases of apples exposed for sale for Chandler were so packed that the top layer contained apples of an average diameter of between 2¾in. and 3in. Some of the apples were even larger than 3in.
But the under layers contained 50 per cent of an average of between 2½in. to 2¼in.
Chandler had said that he had not packed the fruit himself, and he had been in so great a hurry that he had not properly supervised.
The fruit was unblemished and of uniform quality throughout.
Chandler: I am eligible for the old age pension. I have never been charged before, and I do not want in my life to have a conviction recorded against me. I would ask your Worship to take all the facts into careful and lenient consideration, and, if possible, allow me to make a reasonable donation to charity or to unemployed funds to atone for my mistake, and not record a conviction.
I would esteem it a great privilege.
The Bench was obviously impressed by the appeal.
A hint by the magistrate drew a blank as far as Inspector Wadeson was concerned, for he informed the Bench that he had no authority to withdraw the charge.
Mr. Smith then informed Chandler that a conviction was not such a very terrible blot on a man’s character in a case of this kind.
A fine of 10/- was inflicted.
Chandler: I thank your Worships. I will pay a pound to charity. I feel that I have deserved something for my carelessness.
John Millar, Langwarrin road, Frankston, was the target of similar charge for the same date, by Inspector Wadeson.
Millar said he had made a mistake and put the wrong grade in the boxes. He had never sent apples to market before as he had only been on the place twelve months.
In fining Millar 10/-, Mr. Smith remarked that it was strange that with all the excuses that it was always the little apples that got to the bottom of the case. (Laughter).
Queen Of Fire Brigade
A euchre party and dance was held in the Mechanics’ Hall last evening to raise funds for the “Queen of Fire Brigade” (Miss Dorothy Legge).
There was a large attendance, and the function was very much enjoyed by all present.
The excellent music supplied by Messrs. Taylor Cooper, R. Amor, F. Bishop and Miss Amor, was much appreciated.
The fire brigade members were present in uniform.
Supper was provided by the ladies, who assisted Mrs. Legge in a very capable manner. Mrs. Legge desires to thank all the ladies and others for their gifts, donations and assistance given at the function referred to.
Frankston Park – Improvement Committee
A meeting of the Frankston Park Improvement Commttee was held on Thursday evening, June 25, Mr. T. J. McMurtrie presiding.
The hon. secretary, Mr. McGovern, reported that the improvement scheme had been completed and had given general satisfaction.
The cost had run into some hundreds of pounds and there was still a liability of £116, which must be liquidated within the next six months.
Mr. McMurtrie conveyed the gratifying information that the work on the oval had been a great success, and with reasonable care and attention would equal anything of the kind outside Melbourne.
It was important, he said, that the finances should be put on a satisfactory footing, and as all the public benefitted by the improvement works carried out there should be no difficulty in raising the necessary money.
It was decided to ask the ladies to form a committee to organise a bazaar as a means of providing the necessary money.
It was announced by the chairman that Mrs. Swanson, of Langwarrin, had won the competition organised by the committee for which a sovereign was the prize.
Personal
Miss A. M. Armstrong has arrived at the Frankston State school, in succession to Miss Pepper, who was transferred.
Mr. W. J. McIntosh, the well-known Frankston dentist, is at present seriously ill at his residence, Melbourne road. Mr. Davis, L.D.S., is acting locum tenens for Mr. McIntosh.
The Rev. A. P. McFarlane, vicar of St. Paul’s Frankston, who has been spending a holiday at Healesville, following a recent illness, has returned home again quite restored to health.
The many friends of Miss Winnie Hallinan, licensee of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Frankston, will be pleased to learn, that though still an inmate of Dr. Maxwell’s private hospital, she is progressing favourably.
Mr. Pitt, head-master of Seaford school is on the sick list and had to keep to his room on Thursday last.
Mr. Alf. Davey, manager of Taylor & Ritchie’s local motor garage, and Mr. Reg. Ritchie, of Mornington, have returned from their motor tour through New South Wales, having covered a distance of over five hundred miles. They were absent for about three weeks, and a very enjoyable trip was experienced.
No trouble was experienced with the car used, which was a Ford Tourer. Mr. Davey is more than satisfied with the way this car performed over such a long journey, considering that the roads were in such a bad state.
The party were invited by the residents of Lockington to accompany them on a hare drive at this spot, and good shooting was had, hares and quail being plentiful.
A bag of 200 hares was obtained by the party, and nearly 400 quail in four days. No dogs were used for the birds.
The scenery was delightful on the trip, and is recommended to anyone contemplating a trip by motor.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 3 July 1925