Compiled by Cameron McCullough
IN the presence of a gathering of electors on Monday afternoon, at Dandenong, the returning officer for the Flinders electorate (Mr. W. J. Field) declared the result of the recent poll, the final figures being:
Bruce, S. M: 33,173
Beardsworth, G. R. A: 19,748
Informal: 868
Majority for Bruce: 13,425
The total number of voters on the roll was 57,666, and of this number 53,789, or 93½ per cent exercised their rights.
In moving a vote of thanks to the returning officer, Mr. Bruce paid a tribute to the work carried out by Mr. Field and his staff during the recent election.
He also referred generally to the impartial and efficient manner in which electoral officials throughout the Commonwealth had discharged their duties.
It was a matter for great congratulation, continued the speaker, that the electoral machine had been able to meet so smoothly the unprecedented demands imposed by the introduction of compulsory voting.
A tremendous burden had been thrown upon the electoral officers in this part of the State.
In Flinders the poll had been brought to reality not only efficiently, but rapidly, and it had been ready to be declared for several days.
As Prime Minister, his duties had prevented him from spending much time in his electorate during the campaign, but the enthusiastic work of his supporters had increased his majority nearly seven times compared with 1922. He trusted that this result was in no wise due to the fact that he had been absent nearly all the time. (Laughter).
He specially thanked the Australian Women’s National League, the National Federation, the Farmers’ Union, and the Country Party throughout the electorate for the very great assistance they had given towards his re-election.
Mr. Beardsworth seconded the vote of thanks, which was carried by acclamation.
Mr. Field briefly returned thanks, stating that where a man’s “bread and butter” was concerned, it was gratifying to hear that the work carried out had been appreciated.
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Frankston High School – “Keast” Scholarship
No less than forty-one candidates attended at the Frankston High school on Wednesday morning to compete for the scholarship so generously offered by Mr. G. Keast, of Frankston.
They came from schools all round the Peninsula, from Carrum Downs to Crib Point and Mt. Eliza to Merricks, from Seaford, Langwarrin, Hastings, Somerville, Pearcedale, Red Hill, Balnarring, Moorooduc and Mornington.
They were young and enthusiastic, full of high hope and determined to do honor to their respective schools.
They knew there could be only one winner, and forty would be disappointed, but the race was very well worth while.
Did it not mean to one an opportunity for a four years’ free course of study in the best kind of school the State has to offer with all equipment found; a place of honor in that school as a scholarship holder, and considerable honor to the school and the family that produced such a successful competitor.
They entered on their tasks in a very businesslike way, because only the picked representatives of all the contributing schools had assembled for the contest, and no stone was to he left unturned, no fraction of a mark lost that might mean all the difference between failure and success.
Since Wednesday the staff of the High school have been hard at work correcting the examination papers, and when all the results were tabulated this morning it was found that the honor had been secured by George Todd, a sixth grade boy at the Frankston State school, with Edmund Barclay, Hastings, second.
Then follow in order: Jack Broderick, Carrum Downs, 3; James Kelleher, Mornington Convent, 4; Bertha Godling, Moorooduc, 5; Esma Smith, Frankston, 6; Sylvia Evans, Frankston, 7; Edgar Chapman, Red Hill, 8; Connie Wood, Mt. Eliza, 9; Pearl Ramsdale, Frankston, 10.
Mr. Bishop, headmaster of the high school, would like to congratulate the candidates on the good work they did, and the schools on the fine class of student they are turning out, and trusts that all these competitors will endeavour to avail themselves of the opportunities provided by the high school for obtaining an advanced education.
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Memorial Suggested – Late Mrs. Grace McComb
A movement has been initiated in Frankston to erect a brick fence and suitable gates to the frontage of the Frankston cemetery, as a memorial to the late Mrs. Grace McComb, who was one of Frankston’s oldest and most respected citizens. The Shire president (Cr. Wells) is according the movement his cordial support.
It is estimated that the work would cost £30, and it is not anticipated that there will be any difficulty in raising the required amount. Collectors have been appointed and contributors may send subscriptions to the Editor of “The Standard,” and an acknowledgment will appear in these columns.
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Brevities
Mr. W. S. McCarthy, in responding to a welcome given him at the Traders’ Association meeting last week, said he had no idea that it was comprised of such a large number of keen and enthusiastic members, who were anxious to see Frankston go ahead.
The Traders Association have decided to spend £10 for the erecting of festooning in the streets of Frankston at Xmas.
In addition to receiving the pennant, the Naval Depot seconds, winners of the Peninsula District Football premiership for 1925, were also presented with a magnificent shield suitably engraved, at Somerville last week.
Mr. Geo. Keast has generously donated a scholarship to the Frankston High school tenable for four years, from January, 1926.
The Butterfly Fair opened this afternoon at the Palais in aid of the building fund of the Frankston Presbyterian church, will be continued this evening.
Frankston school children are giving a concert on Thursday, December 10, in the Frankston Palais, in aid of the school piano fund. The programme will be carried out under the supervision of Mr. Cecil Ramsdale.
On Wednesday, December 9, a concert in aid of the Methodist Church Choir fund will be given in the Mechanics’ Hall. Melbourne professional singers will assist in the programme.
A grand Xmas Jumble Fair will be held in the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall on 15th and 16th December. Dancing will take place at night.
Mr. Harry Bineham has been elected secretary of the Frankston Horticultural Society.
Frankston traders are arranging a comprehensive programme for Christmas. The town is to be made gay with electric light festoons and foreshore amusements will be provided.
Meeting of the Frankston branch of the A.W.N.L. on Tuesday next at 3 o’clock. A large attendance is expected as this will be the last meeting for the year.
Frankston Fire Brigade committee meeting next Tuesday night. All bazaar stallholders requested to attend.
“Cinderella” pantomime by Miss Vesper’s pupils at Frankston Palais on Friday, December 11.
“The Mornington After” will be staged at the Somerville Mechanics’ Hall on Tuesday, December 8, by the Somerville Dramatic Club. Proceeds towards school piano fund.
Tomorrow members of Town Planning Association will visit Frankston at the invitation of the Traders’ Association.
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From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 4 December 1925