Compiled by Cameron McCullough
FOR a considerable time the people of Mornington have been buoyed up under the impression that there was every likelihood of the line between Frankston and Mornington being electrified, and rosy visions of future progress and prosperity were indulged in, but on Thursday last the Railway Commissioner-in-chief paid Mornington an official visit, and was waited upon by representatives of the Mornington Shire Council and Progress Association, who laid before the Commissioner a strong plea for the electrification of the line, based upon the rapid material progress of Mornington during the past two years.
The Commissioner, in reply, said: “You are not in the wood,” a piece of Americanism that plainly intimated that in the Commissioner’s opinion, there were other places that had greater claims for consideration in this respect than Mornington, and added the electrification of the line would not pay at this juncture.
It remains to be seen what this community will do under this setback; whether they will in a fatalistic way accept this decision as a dispensation of providence, or gird their loins for a further effort.
The following statements were laid before the Chief Commissioner for Railways: The annual valuation for 1924 was £31,650; the annual valuation for the current year is £57,451; the assessment for 1924, £1440; and for this year was £2500.
During the last eighteen months sixty private dwellings and shops have been erected, valued at £59,000, and 3000 allotments have been made available from a number of subdivided estates, and the Council has borrowed £6500 for the purpose of improving the streets.
And some stress was laid upon the marked progress that has been made by the golf, bowling, racing, tennis, and croquet clubs during the past twelve months.
Great interest is being taken in the “bal masque” (plain and fancy dress) which is to be held on Thursday, August 27, in the Mornington Mechanics’ Hall. The arrangements, which are in the hands of the secretary (Mrs. Webster) are being carried out with a view to afford the greatest pleasure and comfort to the dancers.
Many visitors around the district are expected. The musical programme will be carried out by Mr. Davies’ splendid orchestra of Frankston. Prizes will be given for the best costumes.
The tickets, which are at popular prices (ladies 2/6, gentlemen 3/-) are selling well. Dancing will start at 8 pm and continue until 2am.
The refreshments are in the hands of the Mornington ladies.
Tickets and masks may be obtained from the secretary – the latter if ordered in good time.
Gentlemen are warned to be very careful what ladies they make conquests of before supper, when the unmasking will take place.
Road Reports – Peninsula Roads Praised
Through the courtesy of Mr. J. A. P. Ham, Shire secretary, we have been supplied with a copy of a journal published by the Royal Automobile Club of Victoria.
The paper under notice contains road reports supplied by the Touring Department of the Club, and the following extracts will prove interesting to Peninsula readers:—
During the past few weeks the system of reports upon the state of the roads throughout the State has been initiated. Branch secretaries from the various country centres have been communicated with and gladly supply any local information that is likely to be of service to the Tourist Department in the publication of these reports.
Five have already been issued and have proved a source of usefulness to motorists in their travels. So far the following have been published:
There is no gain saying the fact that the general condition of roads in the State is worse today than for many years.
There are some notable exceptions respecting specific roads which the Country Roads Board has reconstructed, and where these are maintained by the board the conditions are good.
The best area for roads within easy reach of the city is the Mornington Peninsula, but there is one drawback in that to gain the arterial highway – the Point Nepean road – there is a very rough section from the sixth to the ninth mile posts.
Beyond through Moorabbin, Mordialloc and Carrum to Frankston the road is excellent.
From Frankston two roads diverge, one to each side of the Peninsula (a) through Mornington, Dromana and Sorrento to Portsea; and (b) through Somerville, Hastings and Shoreham. to Flinders; the two arteries being connected by a cross-road linking up Cape Schanck, and striking Point Nepean Road between Dromana and Sorrento, at a point about 50 miles from Melbourne.
The roads leading to the Mornington Peninsula – to Mornington, Dromana and Sorrento on the one hand, and to Somerville, Hastings and Flinders on the other – are still among the best in the State, and continue to attract scores of motorists.
Mr. Moore, fruiterer and confectioner, of Playne Street, Frankston, has opened a branch shop in Plowman’s buildings, Bay street, next door to Stell’s garage. The new shop has been nicely fitted up and well stocked with fruit, vegetables, confectionery, etc. Afternoon tea is provided.
HASTINGS
The Railway Commissioners paid their annual visit to this district on the 13th inst., and were met by a large deputation of tradespeople and, residents.
Several requests were put before the Commissioners, many of which were freely granted by Mr. Clapp, who was in his usual good humour.
Cr. D. Hoban thanked the Commissioners for the many favours granted to Hastings.
Unless rain soon comes there will be many residents short of water, and there are many water holes for stock which are not quarter full.
Cr. D. Hoban has again been elected unopposed to the Council as representative for the East Riding, and with Crs. Unthank and Alden will make an inspection of various roads which require attention, on the 7th of next month, accompanied by the Shire engineer (Mr. Munts).
PERSONAL
Mr. W. Priest, of Young Street, who has been on the sick list for some days, is now about again.
Mrs. Richard Wells, we regret to report, has been laid aside with an attack of influenza, and has been in bed for the past week.
Mr. J. B. Jolly, of Frankston, has been confined to his home, “Avondale,” for the past week with an attack of pleurisy. We wish him a speedy and complete recovery to health.
Mr. W. H. O’Grady, J.P., of Frankston, has just returned from a fortnight’s holiday. The genial and smiling Mr. O.G. appears to have greatly benefited by the change.
This is the first holiday he has been able to take for many years.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 21 August 1925