Compiled by Cameron McCullough
AT the last meeting of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings the Electric Light Committee submitted the following report:
Consideration was given to the request of the Frankston Traders’ Association that energy should be supplied at a reduced rate for block lighting, and it was decided, in view of the financial position, to recommend the applicants to again apply in about three months.
Consideration was given to the request of the Frankston Traders’ Association for improved street lighting, and it was decided on the motion of Cr. Oates, seconded by Cr. Bradbury, that the street lighting be improved by three 100 candle power lamps being erected at each end of the gardens in Bay street; three 50 candle power lamps being erected at Barclay’s corner; one extra 100 candle power and a 3.2 candle power lamp being erected at the entrance to the Honor Avenue, one 100 candle power being put in instead of the present 50 candle power lamp at the intersection of Young street and Wells street; and one 100 candle power lamp being put in in Young street, between Wells street and Ross Smith avenue.
An application was received from residents, asking that a lamp be erected at the intersection of James street and Cranbourne road, and it was decided that the request be complied with, on the motion of Cr. Oates, seconded by Cr. Pratt.
The Frankston Riding members were instructed to report to the next meeting of the committee on the necessity of a street lamp being put in in Playne street on the Dingle Dell estate.
An application was received from the Frankston Returned Soldiers, asking for reduced charges for lighting, and it was decided on the motion of Cr. Pratt, seconded by Cr. Montague, that the charge be reduced to 7d. per unit.
A request was received from the Frankston Returned Soldiers’ Association, to be allowed to erect notice boards on the electric light poles at each end of Thompson street, and the request was granted on condition that the boards are in conformity with other street notice boards, and that the name of the street is on the top of each board.
Consideration was given to a return prepared by the electric light manager, showing the outstanding accounts, and it was decided on the motion of Cr. Miles, seconded by Cr. Montague, that the outstanding accounts owing for more than one month be placed in the hands of the Shire solicitor for collection.
The question of travelling expense for the Shire engineer was considered, and it was decided to recommend to the Council, on the motion of Cr. Bradbury, seconded by Cr. Armstrong, that the travelling allowance be fixed at £120 per annum.
The request of the Frankston Scouts to hold a sports gathering in the park on Cup Day was granted on the usual terms, subject to them arranging joint occupancy with the Glenhuntly Congregational Sunday School.
Permission was granted to the Salvation Army and the Christian Endeavour Society to occupy the camping area during the Christmas vacation on condition that they provide their own sanitary conveniences.
Consideration was given to the residential area by-law, and it was decided to incorporate the clauses recommended by the Public Works Department, and to recommend the Council to adopt the by-law.
Cr. Bradbury’s action in granting permission to Mr. Sowden to erect a boathouse at Canadian Bay was endorsed, on the motion of Cr. Miles, seconded by Cr. Montague. |
The complaint of Mr. Lomax relative to lamps blowing out owing to interference with street wires by some unknown person was referred to the electric light manager, with power to act, on the motion of Cr. Armstrong, seconded by Cr. Miles.
A Neglected Heritage
That interesting stretch of country, known as Mornington Peninsula, extending from Frankston, and in a southerly direction to Point Nepean, is, indeed, a neglected heritage, for despite the fact that many thousands of people traverse it from end to end, year in and year out, the one set purpose is to view its scenic grandeur, and with never a thought as to the enormous amount of wealth, in the way of valuable pigments, clays, metals, and deposits of magnificent granite, which lie hidden under ground.
In connection with the granite deposits of the peninsula, it is now common knowledge that some of the very finest green stone ever seen in Australia has recently been located and quarried in the vicinity of Dromana.
It has been stated by experts that the green granite of the peninsula is even superior to that imported from Italy, for the reason that it is beautifully tinted with pink specks.
Grey granite there is in abundance. Of red ochre, there are also large deposits. Gold has been found in most of the peninsula creeks, and some years ago many fossickers made handsome cheques at the “TubbaRubba” rush.
Quite recently, copper ore, with traces of silver and gold intermixed, was unearthed at a shallow depth within four miles of Frankston township, and it would not be surprising to hear of rich deposits being discovered in the near future, and at a greater depth.
At Pearcedale although that district is not exactly on the peninsula proper, black coal has been located.
No attention whatsoever has been paid to the fine mineral waters of the Mornington Peninsula; yet, within half-an-hour’s walk of Frankston, magnesia, sulphur and (iron) chalybeate springs exist, and are ever flowing to waste.
One large mineral spring, known as the “Blue Lagoon,” is situated at Frankston Park, but of latter years this spring has fallen into disrepute. Large quantities of fine pipeclay are known to exist on the peninsula, and it has been declared that the bed of Kananook Creek, once known as Tangerong River, is composed largely of this material.
Enterprising business men are now turning their attention to the possibilities of good returns from the hidden mineral, and other deposits of Mornington Peninsula.
Seaford
On Sunday last a large whale was observed some distance out to sea.
The visitor, who is no doubt the same chap as has been seen at various other places around the bay, put in a lively half-hour at Seaford, and gave exhibitions of his abilities to create a vast commotion in the water, flapping his huge tail and beating an otherwise placid sea into a smother of foam.
After spouting several times he dived to his watery haunts.
Mt. Eliza Progress Association
A well-attended meeting of the above was held at the Mt. Eliza Hall on Wednesday, September 29.
General business and inward correspondence was dealt with.
It was moved that the secretary (Mr. Moseley) write to the secretary of the Frankston Council, thanking him on behalf of the Council for their prompt attention to better lighting in the district.
At the close of the meeting the ladies’ committee provided refreshments, and an enjoyable dance was held.
At last Friday’s council meeting Cr. Montague succeeded in getting a “tenner” to spend in a very bad part of Boundary road.
This should produce a chorus of approval from those who were sore about its bad condition.
Frankston Bowling Green
The Shire president (Cr. Wells) will preside at a public meeting in the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall on Thursday night, 15th inst., at 8 o’clock, to arrange for the formation of a bowling club at Frankston and the preparation of greens and croquet lawns on the site which has been granted on the foreshore.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 9 October 1925