Day: February 3, 2015

A DEBT collection firm with links to underworld identity Mick Gatto is setting up shop in Hastings. Gatto Corporate Solutions Pty Ltd, a debt purchasing company which buys debts then pursues creditors for the money owed, has leased office space in High St, opposite Hastings Library. Gatto’s surname is on the office window but the former boss of the notorious Carlton Crew is not a current co-owner of the business despite initially owning one third of its parent company Gatto Corp, via a private company, when it was formed in 2009. Gatto Corporate Solutions managing director Anthony Swords told The…

NIGHT-TIME taxis patronage across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula has dived after the launch of Uber’s ridesharing service in late December, according to frustrated cabbies. US based Uber, backed by corporate goliaths including Google and investment bank Goldman Sachs, is operating its uberX service illegally in Victoria (‘Uber’s arrival challenges taxi operators’, The News 20/1/15). Taxi owners and drivers are angry that the state government and regulators seem unwilling to act to stamp out the unregulated ridesharing service. Several have told The News young people in the 18-30 age bracket in particular are shunning taxis and using Uber’s smartphone app…

DISTRICT GOING into the third last round of MPCA District cricket, there are six teams all vying for a place in the finals. Top of the table Red Hill is assured its place, however, the race is well and truly on for the teams looking to occupy the final three placings. Whilst Somerville, Carrum and Mt Martha hold spots in the top bracket, Seaford and Main Ridge are waiting for any wrong move so they can swoop. And going on the results of the first day’s play of Round Nine, there is plenty of opportunities opening up. Red Hill hasn’t…

PROVINCIAL MORNINGTON’S quest to push into the MPCA Provincial cricket top four was dealt a boost on Saturday when it left the field after the first day with the upper hand against Baxter. In a must win game for the Dogs, they lost the toss and bowled first against the competition’s ladder leader and sent them packing after 67 overs. Luke Popov was at his vintage best for the visitors, bowling 18 overs and finishing with eight maidens and a super performance of 5/26. Sam Buchanan was brought into the attack late in the day and did the job for…

SUB-DISTRICT BALNARRING went from chocolates to boiled lollies in MPCA Sub District cricket on Saturday. After recording an outright victory in their last match and again putting themselves into finals contention, they failed with the bat on Saturday when placed under some real fire. Rosebud is looking to cement its place in the top four and even push for a place in the top two, a position it has held for the most of the season. The Buds hosted the Saints on Saturday, turned up the heat on the visitors and they wilted under the pressure. It’s one thing to…

THE friends of Mr G. Griffith, of Somerville, will be pleased to learn that he is so far recovered from a severe attack of bronchitis that he is able to return home, after being in a hospital in Melbourne for a fortnight. *** A VERY enjoyable evening was arranged by two very young ladies, Miss Doreen Dove, and Miss Sydney Levine, at Frankston House, on Wednesday evening, January 27th, in aid of the Patriotic Fund. This example could be followed by others. A splendid programme was given, including songs, party songs, recitations and dances. These young ladies are to be…