Compiled by Cameron McCullough
Last Saturday afternoon the Sixth Victorian Marathon race was staged by the Malvern Harriers, under the auspices of the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association, from Frankston to Melbourne and over the full distance of 26 miles 385 yards.
There was a large attendance of the public at the Frankston park to witness the start, the Frankston Athletic Club being represented by Cr. F. H. Wells (president), Mr. Bloxham (vice-president), Mr. W. W. Young (secretary) and several members of the committee.
The arrangements made for the race were very complete, and a credit to the organising ability of Mr. Sweeting, who received great assistance from his club officials and representatives of the Victorian Amateur Athletic Association, as well as from Wesley College, the authorities of which placed their oval on St. Kilda road and dressing accommodation at the disposal of the promoting club.
It was fitting that Mr. H. A. Abbott, who directed the first two Victorian Marathon races, conducted by the East Melbourne Harriers, should act as referee and chief, clerk of course for Saturday’s race.
Before the start Mr. J. L. Kiddie, president of the Malvern. Club, addressed the runners. He said that he greatly admired the spirit that prompted the contestants to undertake their gruelling task, and hoped that the best man would win.
Punctually at 1 o’clock, Cr. F. H. Wells, in the absence of the shire president (Cr. W. P. Hutchinson), sent the field away.
For the first two laps, B. V. Maher (Carl.), R. L. Hunt (Geelong Guild), H. Gardiner (Moreland) and J. Cummins (Moreland) were in charge.
At the end of the second lap Cummins took command. “Norm” Chiverton was in fourth place, while “Mick” Hayden (Botany, N.S.W.), was midway down the field.
In the rear came J. A. Gillespie (Coburg), the oldest competitor, Gillespie is 42 years of age.
After eight laps the runners entered the open road with Chiverton in the lead, a few strides ahead of Cummins. Mailier was in close attendance, the field being 20 yards behind.
Immediately the runners felt the strong head wind, and it was felt that no records would be broken.
Nothing less than sheer enthusiasm induced JackGillespie (Coburg), the 42-year-old runner, to face the starter.
He has reached the age when his pace does not count, but he is imbued with the true amateur spirit of competing the course for the sake of the sport alone.
It was not surprising, therefore, that he received a great ovation from Mr. W. S. McCarthy and other Frankston sportsmen as he tailed the field through the township.
With victory well in his grasp, “Mick” Hayden passed through Elsternwick at 3.31, two minutes ahead of Kellskog.
Hayden was battling along gamely, but he looked: a tired man.
However, when, a spectator said “Have you seen our harbour?” the Botany harrier smiled and went on as before.
There were hundreds of spectators outside the Elsternwick Hotel to cheer on the runners.
As Hayden entered the Wesley College oval, he was accompanied by Sinton Hewitt, who shouted to him, “Well done, Mick, the best man won.”
Hayden was striding slowly but confidently, and looked tired, However, he responded to the great ovation from the crowd by waving his hand.
He had achieved his great mission – that of bringing victory to his native state, New South Wales.
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Frankston Moves On
That one of Frankston’s residents, at least, has confidence in the ultimate growth of Frankston to one of the most popular of the bayside towns, is evidenced by the spacious dance hall erected by Cr. W. J. Oates at the rear of the present well-known “Wattle” cafe.
Those who have not yet inspected it will be well repaid for the time taken to visit this addition to the township’s places of entertainment.
The dancing floor, which is 32ft x 130ft, is of excellently laid hardwood, finished by the latest in sandpapering machines.
It is the most roomy in the district, and should accommodate 200 couples comfortably.
Full provision has been made in the way of exits, while up-to-date windows give ample ventilation without draughts.
A good deal of thought has been given to the lighting and the official opening, which, we understand, will be in a few weeks, should be a brilliant one.
A modern sewerage system is now in course of installation.
We trust that the venture made by Cr. Oates will meet with the success it deserves, and so encourage further efforts to push Frankston to the front.
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Peninsula Motor Ambulance
A committee meeting of the Peninsula Motor Ambulance Service was held at Mornington on September 25.
The Flinders shire was represented by Mr. A. C. Allingham (chairman), Cr. S. M. Holland (president of the Flinders shire), and Cr. J. Jack; Frankston and Hastings shire by Cr. May and ex-Cr. C. Gray; Mornington shire, by ex-Cr. H. E. Edwards (hon. treasurer) and Cr. J. F. Bieiri (hon. secretary).
The committee dealt with several requests from persons not able to pay the full amount of the fee for service rendered.
The secretary reported that from the 9th October, 1925, up to date the ambulance had run 2537 miles in 203 hours.
Full charges for service were £118/11/3; collected, £67/6/-; drivers’ fees paid, £45/18/6.
There were 17 services, also four attendances of the motor ambulance at race meetings in the Mornington shire; 20 services in the Frankston’ and Hastings shire; two services in the Flinders shire; also one attendance at the. Balnarring and Bittern races.
Extra donations have been received from the Mornington and Frankston Choral Societies of £11, also by the Balnarring and Bittern race club of £18/10/-.
It was decided that all subscribers of a sum of 5/- per annum should become members for the current year and for a donation of £10 or more they should be elected life members for the Peninsula Motor Ambulance Service.
The secretary was instructed to write to the shire secretary at Frankston “re a proper understanding, be tween the two shires of Mornington and Frankston and Hastings regarding infectious cases and the transport to the Infectious Diseases Hospital at Fairfield”.
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Personal
In the current issue of the Victorian Railways Journal, the name of Mr. A. G. Tasker, late assistant station master at Frankston, appears in the honor roll, with 38 years service to his credit. He joined the railways in 1888. The Frankston Traders’ Association is arranging to tender Mr. Tasker a social.
Mr. Chas. F. Jewell has joined the literary staff of the “Standard” and commenced his duties today. He will make regular visits to outlying districts, satisfactory motor transport having been arranged to enable him to reach all parts of the Peninsula.
Mr. Jewell is also authorised to collect accounts due to the Standard Newspapers Pty. Ltd.
Mr. A. E: Rogan returned to Frankston this week from a trip, to America, having been absent for four months.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 8 October 1926