Compiled by Cameron McCullough
MR. P. WHEELER, J.P., conducted a magisterial inquiry on Monday last into the circumstances surrounding the death of Percy Evans, aged 49.
Raymond Victor Dawson, labourer, deposed that on Saturday, 17th October, at 7pm, he was driving along Hastings road to Somerville, about 3 miles from Frankston, when he saw the body of a man hanging by a rope from a gum tree near the roadside.
Witness did not cut the body down, but hurried to Mr. J. Williams’ residence nearby. Mr. Williams was not at home and witness then phoned for the police.
Evidence was adduced to show that deceased had been staying at the Bay View Hotel, Frankston, for two or three days, and booked a room on 15th inst.
He was last seen at the hotel at 4.3pm on 17th inst.
Senior-Constable Elliott deposed that he responded to a telephone message and found deceased hanging from a tree with a cord around his neck.
Deceased’s feet were hanging on the ground with the hands loose by the sides. Witness cut the body down. It was warm, and witness endeavoured to restore life by artificial respiration, but without avail.
Dr. Johnson, who later examined the body, pronounced life to be extinct.
Letters found on deceased went to establish his identity. It is understood that Evans formerly resided at the Ritz Hotel, St. Kilda.
A verdict in accordance with the evidence was returned.
A RATHER serious accident befell our highly respected citizen, Mr. G. E. Shepherd, senr., of “Malurus.”
In driving a horse and jinker along Park street, it came in contact with a stump at the side of the road.
The impact threw Mr. Shepherd out in front of the wheel, rendering him practically helpless.
Fortunately, the pony was quiet, and remained stationary until help was forthcoming.
Mr. Shepherd was badly bruised and shaken, though no bones were broken.
He is under the case of Dr. Somers, of Mornington, and is now making favourable progress towards recovery.
Farewell Smoke Social to Mounted Constable Addison
In the supper room of the Palais on Friday night last, a smoke social was tendered to Constable Addison, who is leaving the district, having been promoted to Myrtleford.
Mr. Addison will be in charge of the police station in that district.
As was stated by Senior-Constable Elliott, who was present, the promotion was one to be proud of, and was due to Constable Addison’s zeal, tact and devotion to duty.
There were over forty gentlemen present, with the Shire president (Cr. F. H. Wells) in the chair.
A most enjoyable evening was spent. Musical items were rendered by Messrs. Elliott, Amor, Tait, E. McComb and J. Nolan. Mr. Cecil Ramsdale, who was at his best with “bed-time” stories, kept the ball rolling with fun and laughter.
Mr. Norman Clements, assisted by Mr. Cecil Ramsdale and others, were responsible for the arrangements, which were complete in every detail.
The function was a success from start to finish.
The first toast honored was “The King,” proposed by the chairman, Cr. Wells.
Cr. Wells, in proposing the toast of the guest, said that all extremely regretted the departure of Constable Addison. During his stay here he had made many friends. They were, however, all pleased to see him climbing to the top of the ranks.
Mr. Addison had always proved himself a good citizen, a zealous officer and courteous to everyone.
The speaker hoped he would continue to advance, and that some future day he would be back in Frankston again.
Cr. Wells wished both Constable Addison and his wife prosperity and good health. (Applause).
Mr. P. Wheeler, J.P., in supporting the toast, said he had always found Mr. Addison a genial chap, and one who carried out his duties tactfully.
Constable Addison and Mrs. Addison would leave many friends behind them in Frankston.
Mr. H. J. McCulloch, speaking on behalf of the Frankston footballers, said he wished to convey the team’s good wishes to Constable Addison, who had been a member of the committee, and had also donated a gold medal to the club.
Mr. McCulloch said he was glad to know that Constable Addison’s merit had been recognised by his superior officers.
His promotion to Myrtleford would, the speaker was sure, be followed by other successes. (Applause).
Cr. Bradbury said Frankston’s loss would be Myrtleford’s gain. Mr. Addison had been very popular in Frankston, and the speaker was glad to be present to support the other speakers and wish him prosperity and happiness.
Messrs. H. Gamble and J. Nolan also spoke in support of the toast.
Mr. N. Clements said the guest was very popular, and had got on well with the people in the town.
They were sorry at losing him, but were glad that his transfer meant promotion. They wished him and his wife every good wish and happiness in his new sphere. (Applause).
Senior-Constable Elliott said he was pleased to be present, and thought that Mr. Addison was very fortunate to have the people saying such good things about him.
Mr. Addison carried out his duties faithfully, and he (the speaker) was glad to see him receiving promotion to Myrtleford, which is a great town.
Senior-Constable Elliott hoped Mr. Addison would be equally successful in his new district, as he had been in Frankston.
Messrs. W. McCarthy, G. Yuill and W. Amor supplemented the previous speakers’ remarks.
The chairman, Cr. Wells, then presented Constable Addison with a wallet of notes as a mark of esteem from the people of Frankston. (Applause).
Mr. Addison, on rising to respond, was greeted with loud applause. He said he was very sorry to leave Frankston.
The people of the district were the finest he had ever met.
He would always think of them and the wallet presented to him would serve to remind him of the very happy time he had spent amongst them.
Mr. H. Gamble proposed the toast of the “Shire Council,” saying that there was no doubt that a councillor’s life was not a happy one. They do their best, and are subject to a lot of criticism.
Cr. Bradbury, in responding, said the people of the district were enjoying many benefits, which other places within a twenty-six mile radius of the city did not possess.
He looked forward to the time when Frankston would have a yacht harbour, with the Kananook creek well improved.
Mr. W. Amor proposed the toast of the “Frankston Football Club” and hoped that next year they would be premiers.
Mr. McCulloch responded, and thanked those present for the manner in which they had supported the toast. He hoped that with the young players who had played in the team this year Frankston would prove themselves capable of winning the premiership.
Mr. P. Wheeler, J.P., in proposing the toast of “The Committee” who had made arrangements for the social said that the arrangements were very complete, and all present were greatly indebted to them for giving the opportunity in bidding farewell to Constable Addison.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 23 October 1925