Compiled by Cameron McCullough
IN the presence of a representative gathering of Peninsula public bodies at the Mornington Shire Hall, on Friday afternoon last, Mr. F. Hansford, president of the Victorian Civil Ambulance, made the presentation to the Peninsula of a Ford ambulance wagon.
The wagon has all the necessary inscriptions, also a first-aid kit.
It will be stationed at the Mornington fire station, and by any person ringing Mornington 126 or 13, immediate service will be guaranteed.
In the absence of the Mornington Shire president, Cr. P. McArthur, who has been ill for some time, Cr. J. G. Barrett occupied the chair.
Cr. Barrett commenced proceedings by saying that the motor wagon would be a great thing for the Peninsula, and he was pleased to note that such a number were present to take an interest in the service.
He then introduced Mr. Hansford, who was well received. This gentleman spoke of the establishment of country ambulance services, which was only made practicable by the generosity of the Edward Wilson Trust, c/o “The Argus.”
Thirteen centres had been established. In the city the service had plenty to do without going to the country. Last year 105,000 miles had been traversed by their motors, and £476,000 spent. Although this seemed a lot it was far short of the possible.
Sir James Barrett, as treasurer, was an energetic worker for the service, with a remarkably powerful punch.
When money was required he was the man to obtain it with little effort.
The Edward Wilson Trust had already given £5000 towards the establishments of country ambulances. Mr. Hansford spoke of the first ambulance wagon presented at Yarra Junction, where many men were injured at the saw mills.
At one time it took 19 hours to take a man from Poweltown to the Alfred Hospital, but now four hours was sufficient to do the journey.
He (Mr. Hansford), Sir James Barrett, and Mr. Hicks had done much work for the service.
Amongst the country centres established are Yarram, Rushworth, Traralgon, Yallourn, and Mirboo North.
At Bendigo the wagon had not been well looked after, and was a disgrace.
Returning to the Peninsula wagon, he said that it was the consummation of Cr. J. Jack’s wishes. Ever since he brought the matter up at the Bittern Progress Association, he had persevered in a very enthusiastic manner to bring the matter to a head.
He congratulated Cr. Jack on his work in the matter.
The ambulance was for everyone. The first rule was “Never Turn Back.” When the wagon sets out it must not return until the patient is taken to medical attention.
The next rule was “First Come, First Served.” The quicker a patient is rescued the better for all concerned, himself, his family and the hospital.
He had much pleasure in now making the presentation. (Applause).
Cr. Barrett thanked Mr. Hansford for his great interest towards the establishment of a Peninsula wagon.
It was indeed a great asset. He called on Mr. A. C. Allingham to move a hearty vote of thanks for the lecture, before which Cr. Jack was asked to speak as organiser to the service.
Cr. Jack said that it was similar to a wedding breakfast, when the bridegroom says : “This is the happiest day of my life.” This day was his second happiest day.
When he set out on the great task of raising money to purchase the wagon four years ago, he was confronted with difficulties.
He hoped to establish a service like the Queensland service, the best in the world.
Entertainments had to be held, as £600 a year was required. Although he travelled every part of the Peninsula, from Aspendale to Portsea, asking for support, only £57 was obtained.
The best supporters he had were Messrs. Lyng (Dromana), and Mr. Allingham (Rosebud). Only that he was laid up with paralysis the former would have been pleased to be present at this presentation.
Hon. A. Downward, M.L.A., had supported the scheme and made an effort to secure a grant from the Government, but was unsuccessful, although he gave a good private donation.
The councils had guaranteed £25 a year, which was now sufficient. He moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Hansford who had advised him (Cr. Jack) to put in a claim for a wagon for the Peninsula.
Ex-Cr. C. Gray, of the Frankston and Hastings Shire, expressed his pleasure at having an opportunity to speak on ambulance work. He said classes for ambulance work all over the Peninsula should be commenced, as in other parts.
Everyone would then know what to do for a patient before the medical assistance arrives.
He had much pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks to Mr. Hansford, which, when put to the meeting, was unanimously carried.
Mr. Hansford, in responding, said that he had 18 years’ experience in the Civil Ambulance Service. He was thoroughly in support of Mr. Gray’ s proposal to start classes in first aid instruction, which were absolutely necessary.
Cr. Linley moved a hearty vote of thanks to the Edward Wilson Trust, which was seconded by Mr. T. Baker, who said the establishment of the ambulance wagon was a great idea.
Rubbish Removal
RATEPAYERS are hereby notified that the Contractor will attend to remove rubbish from their premises as detailed hereunder:
Mount Eliza Riding, boundary on the south along the foreshore to the north Seaford boundary, thence by the east side of Point Nepean road to Beach Street, thence east to the railway line, thence south along the railway line by Baxter Street, thence south-west to Kars Street, thence to William Street to Point Nepean road to the commencing point; and commencing at the intersection of William and Kars Streets, thence along the east side of Kars Street to Gweno Avenue, thence west to the intersection of Cliff road, thence north along the west side of Cliff road to its intersection with William Street to the commencing point; and both sides of Point Nepean road from the northern boundary of the Mount Eliza Riding to “Cobb’ Cottage—WEDNESDAYS.
Within the area bounded by Beach Street, Young Street, Davey Street, and the Foreshore, the Contractor will also attend on SATURDAYS.
It is an offence to place an receptacle in or upon any lane, street or right-of-way. Receptacles must be placed close to and inside the entrance to each property. The Contractor will replace the receptacle in the place from which it was removed by him for the purpose of emptying.
All receptacles must be placed in position on the night preceding the day for attention as above stated.
The receptacle shall be constructed of galvanised iron of not less than 24 gauge; shall have a capacity of not less than 2½ nor more than 4 cubic feet; shall be provided with side lifting handles, and a tight-fitting lid with a flange overlapping the top.
J. A. P. HAM, Shire Secretary. Shire Of Frankston And Hastings.
Minton Boys’ Home
To the Editor.
Sir, In your paper last week appeared a notice re the Minton Boys’ Home, which is very misleading to the public.
It states that we (Mr. and Mrs. W. Minton) are not authorised to collect or receive subscriptions.
We have never asked for or received from any person subscriptions.
Our home at Mount Eliza is supported privately, and is not a charitable institution.
We shall be very glad if you will reply to that statement, as so many of our Frankston friends have called our attention to it.
Yours, etc.,
(Mrs.) W. Minton, Matron, Children’s Convalescent Home, Mount Eliza.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 16 October 1925