Compiled by Cameron McCullough
THE Frankston Fire Brigade had a busy time during the early part of the week in assisting to quell scrub fires in various parts of the district.
Members of the brigade responded promptly to each alarm, and under the direction of their captain, Mr. D. H. Petrie, did very effective work.
On Sunday evening a fire assumed alarming proportions in the scrub along Humphries Road and scores of residents with the Frankston Fire Brigade, turned out to do battle with the flames.
Fortunately no homesteads were destroyed, although seriously threatened.
The fire fighters did good service at the home of Mrs. Broomhead and others in the vicinity.
The fire swept through the properties of Messrs. A. B. and J. R. Walker, and later in the week burned fiercely over acres owned by Messrs. Bright, Cubitt, Ross and Murphy, the latter having about £200 worth of timber destroyed.
On Monday, what might have proved a serious conflagration, broke out at the Folly, on Mornington Road.
The speedy action of some motorists who were passing made the position safe.
The Shire president (Cr. Wells) is desirous of ascertaining the names of the party of gentlemen referred to, in order to thank them on behalf of the Council.
Fires raged in the vicinity of the Moorooduc quarry, and caused anxious hours to residents living in the vicinity.
Late on Wednesday morning the Fire Brigade was summoned to this district. The firemen and upwards of 100 residents fought the flames strenuously till evening, and succeeded in saving the homes and properties of Messrs. J. Clipperton and J. Sage.
Mr. Norman Clements, also had an anxious time, but a change of wind relieved the position, and the outbreak was subdued.
In our advertising columns notices of thanks appear from property owners who express appreciation of the efforts of the Fire Brigade and others who assisted in fighting the fires.
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Accident to cyclist
Athol Croskell, aged 40, of Frankston, the rider of a motor cycle, collided with another cyclist on Tuesday evening last in High street, Prahran.
He was picked up unconscious and taken to the Alfred Hospital with a fractured skull and severe scalp wounds.
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Moorooduc
The cricket match between Moorooduc and Balnarring, which was to be played at Moorooduc on Saturday last, was postponed on account of the Bittern races. It will be played at a later date.
Bush fires were prevalent here through the weekend, and the Sabbath was broken in efforts to preserve the city of Moorooduc.
Quite a number of homesteads were threatened with fire, and would surely have been destroyed had it not been for the valuable assistance of the Mornington Fire Brigade, and others who joined the party.
There was a large number of locals also, and each man found plenty of fire to belt at.
Mr. Genat’s residence was the centre of activities, and it was only by well-directed fire breaks and the aid of a disc plow that it survived. He lost 100 tons of 2ft. firewood and fencing.
It was most interesting to see the variety of animals fleeing before the fire, wallabies and possums being stupified to such an extent that they could easily be caught, and rabbits were singed bare.
Eric Goding, second youngest son of Mr. H. Goding, has been admitted to the Melbourne Hospital, suffering from loss of blood, caused by a blood vessel bursting in the back of his head.
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Personal
Mrs J. Jones and family, of Cranbourne Road, Frankston have returned from an enjoyable holiday spent in the Ballarat district.
Mr. W. S McCarthy is at present spending a holiday at Mallacoota.
Mr. W. H. Sowden, of Cliff Road, Frankston accompanied by his wife, is leaving for England on Tuesday next. Mr. and Mrs. Sowden are travelling by the steamer “Orvieto” and expect to be away for about six months.
Mrs W. S. Kent Hughes, of Balmerino Avenue, Toorak, and Mrs. Robert Hamilton, of Gordon street, Toorak, have taken a house in Frankston for a month.
Miss Jeanette Barrett, younger daughter of Sir James and Lady Barrett, has been the guest of Mrs.Walter Hoadley, at her Frankston cottage for the past week. Miss Dorothy Stirling, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. R. A. Stirling, of St. Kilda Road is also staying there.
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Boys’ brass band visit to Frankston
On Saturday last the brass band connected with the Methodist Boys’ Training Farm, visited Frankston.
The members of the band are boys whose ages range from 10 to 15 years. Twelve months ago not one of the boys could play a note of music, but taken in hand by their instructor, Mr. Williams, who is also the bandmaster, they made rapid progress, and now they are known throughout the State as one of the best juvenile bands in Victoria.
Recently the band made a week’s tour throughout the Wimmera district and at their performances collected over £400. The band travels in an up-to-date motor van, the body of which was donated by Messrs. George Bros., of Richmond.
On arrival at Frankston on Saturday the visitors played selections on the beach during the afternoon and at night a splendid programme was rendered at the Bay Street gardens.
The band was entertained at supper at Nolan’s Cafe by the Frankston Traders’ Association.
Mr. G. Apthorpe, in welcoming Mr. Williams and the boy, said he was surprised at the proficiency of the band. Each boy seemed to be master of his instrument.
“It is the best boys’ band I have heard in Australia,” said Mr. Apthorpe, and in giving them a hearty welcome, he expressed the hope that they would again visit Frankston at an early date.
Mr. C. J. Pope, whom, we believe, was mainly responsible for the band’s visit to Frankston, also welcomed the boys on behalf of the Traders’ Association, and the citizens of the town.
He hoped to see the band again in about a month’s time to assist in a big demonstration in Frankston.
“I hope you have all enjoyed yourselves,” concluded Mr. Pope.
The Boys (in chorus): “Too right” and “Yes we have.”
Mr. Williams, on behalf of the band, thanked the people of Frankston for the warm welcome extended to them.
It was a pleasure to visit Frankston.
“You have a beautiful beach,” he said, “with ideal bathing spots and shady sand banks.”
He could quite understand the great popularity Frankston enjoyed as a seaside resort.
Referring to the band, Mr. Williams said that his boys, like all other boys, required a good deal of supervision.
They were splendid lads, however, and he was delighted with their behaviour and the great interest they took in their work.
Mr. Williams thanked the Traders’ Association for the way in which the boys had been entertained.
The boys on leaving gave three hearty cheers for Frankston.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 5 February 1926