Compiled by Cameron McCullough
A UNIQUE event took place on Tuesday last at Frankston, when the Mayor of Prahran, Cr. J. C. Pickford, brought along about 300 boys from the State and Technical schools of Prahran, for the purpose of planting several acres of land with pine trees in view of the urgent necessity of providing against the tremendous shortage of timber which will take place in this country in the course of a few years.
The Mayor has conceived the idea of interesting the school children of Prahran in this matter, and after negotiating with the officers of the Education and Forestry Departments and consulting with the headmasters of the various schools in Prahran, he has succeeded in creating a very live interest in this question.
The Government has placed at his disposal an area of ten acres of Crown lands on Hastings road, near Frankston Golf Links, as a commencement, and dedicated it to the schools of Prahran for this purpose.
The Prahran City Council is behind the Mayor in this matter, and is assisting in the necessary fencing and clearing of the land, which has been ploughed and harrowed by the Forestry Department.
The first planting of the pine trees took place on Tuesday last, when about 2000 trees were placed in their proper position on the land. The headmasters and some of the teachers and members of the various schools’ committees, together with the members of the Council were present and gave short addresses to the young foresters on their work.
The Mayor of Prahran (Cr. J. C. Pickford) addressed the boys before they began the big job, and said the forests were being depleted, and, furthermore, the importation of timber into this country was tremendous.
The growing of timber in this country would mean a good deal of employment, and would eventually mean that the markets would be well supplied.
There was a large number of representative men present, including (Crs. G. May (Shire president), C. Gray and W. J. Oates, also Mr. J. A. P. Ham (Shire secretary) and Mr. Muntz (Shire engineer).
Mr. Hartland represented the Forestry Department.
Cr. May welcomed the visitors to Frankston, and said that the idea was a very good one.
The boys, no doubt, would in future years realise the great amount of good they were doing to the country in having helped to look after the interests of the forests.
The Mayoress, Mrs. Pickford, planted the first tree and the Mayor the second. Other trees were planted by the Town Clerk of Prahran (Mr. John Romanis) and Mr. Greenwood (of Prahran), also Cr. G. May.
The visitors were entertained at luncheon by the Mayor of Prahran (Mr. Pickford) who also provided the boys with afternoon refreshments.
Mr. Hopkins, of Frankston, carried out the catering arrangements, which were greatly appreciated.
A special train brought the boys to Frankston.
Permanent trustees will be appointed in accordance with the regulations of the department, and it is proposed the future to take down parties of senior boys from time to time who will help to tend the young plants, clear away any wild growth, and plant additional trees as the land becomes available.
A pine tree at maturity becomes of very great value, and when 1000 trees can be grown to the acre, it can be readily ascertained what the value of the scheme will become in the course of years with very little cost, as pine trees require no attention after the third year.
This is the first attempt to interest school children in this important subject, and it is believed that most beneficial results will be obtained, not only from a monetary point of view, but also creating in the minds of our growing boys a forest conscience which will be of inestimable value to the community in the years to come.
The quarry – electric power installed
Electric installation has been carried out at the Moorooduc quarry, and consists of one 60hp and one 30 hp motor, making a total of 90hp to drive the whole of the plant.
Another addition to the plant is a Kelly and Lewis 9 x 8 compressor. This is to be used for the driving of the drills.
The whole of the work was carried out by the Frankston and Hastings Shire electrical staff, the manager of which is Mr. D. J. Quartermain.
The current was switched on on Monday last, and proved to be very satisfactory.
The benefit to be derived from the installation of electricity at the quarry is that the metal will be turned out more expeditiously, and, it is claimed, effect a big saving financially to the ratepayers
Frankston Police Court
Before Mr. W. G. Smith, P.M. and Messrs. W. C. Grant and W. Armstrong, J.’sP.
LICENSING PROSECUTIONS.
The licensee of the Pier Hotel, Frankston, was charged with having sold liquor during prohibited hours.
Constable Peach (Melbourne), said that in company with Constable Hooley, he visited the Pier Hotel on Sunday, April 19, and saw men drinking at the bar during prohibited hours.
Mr. Murphy (for defendant): These men were all challenged by the licensee, and as they said they were bona-fide travellers the disposal of liquor is justified.
In fining defendant varying amounts totalling £8, the P.M. cautioned the defendant to be more careful in future.
Two men charged with being on licensed premises after hours were fined 20/-.
“LANGUAGE” CHARGE.
For using “language” on the footpath of the Pier Hotel, a man named Mackenzie was fined £3 with £2/19/- costs.
WON’T GO TO SCHOOL.
James Atherton, who did not appear, was called to give reason why his child, Margery Atherton, has been absent from school.
“This matter,” said Senior-Constable Elliott, “has been before the court fully 20 times.”
The defendant was fined 10/-.
PERSONAL
Mr. T. Marshall, of Bay street, Frankston, who has been indisposed, is now able to be about again.
Mr. E. Neville, of Mt. Eliza, who has been ordered a change of climate by his medical adviser, will leave for Queensland at an early date.
Mr. W. G. Hiscock, of Frankston, has been appointed chairman of the new Railway Station League, and Cr. Miles secretary.
Mr. Geo. Keast has generously advanced £100 on behalf of the citizens, to secure the unemployed grant of £100 from the Government for the improvement of the Cranbourne road reserve.
Mr. Keast assisted the High School movement in a similar way some months ago.
Mr. Jack Leith, the old-time Melbourne footballer, is in Frankston recuperating after a serious operation, and is staying with his sister, Mrs. R. T. Picking, at “Mydugra.”
“Jack” is a great pal of “Joker” Cameron, of Frankston.
Master Bruce McComb, son of Mr. and Mrs. E. McComb, was an inmate of the Alfred Hospital some time ago.
When he seemed to be making satisfactory progress he was allowed to return home. We now very much regret to have to report that Bruce has again been taken to the hospital, where another operation has been performed.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 24 July 1925