Author: Cameron McCullough

THOSE persons who decline to sit at table whilst there are thirteen present, and who scent the gravest danger if it should so happen, that there is thirteen at any gathering, will now have a further proof of the fatality that they allege goes with the number thirteen. Recently the leg of a racing pigeon was washed up on the bench at Edithvale, with the dread thirteen on its leg band. Of course, there is no doubt that the poor bird would have died a similar death if his number had been any but thirteen; still those good souls who…

CONDITIONS were perfect for football on Saturday last and a big crowd witnessed the first semi-final match between Somerville and Frankston at Somerville. The special train chartered by the Frankston club was well patronised. In the first two contests between these two clubs Somerville defeated Frankston rather easily – the first game Somerville scored 9.7 to 6.12; the second, 13.10 to 4.0; whilst Frankston had their revenge in the third match. Somerville had a strong eighteen in the field, but Frankston were minus Arthur Gamble, who is on the injured list, and this sturdy follower’s assistance was sadly missed in…

POLLING was conducted in two ridings of the Shire of Frankston, and Hastings yesterday, when Cr. J. A. Alden succeeded in retaining his seat in the East Riding against his old-time opponent, Mr. T. Barclay, Hastings. Cr. Alden, as was forecasted by “The Standard” had no difficulty in heading the poll – being returned by the handsome majority of 146 votes. The Mount Eliza Riding contest proved much more interesting. Cr. May, as we previously stated, made many friends during his two years term at the council table, and as events proved, those friends proved in a practical way their…

AT the council meeting on Friday last the president (Cr. Armstrong) took the opportunity of making complimentary references to the good work done at the council table by retiring councillors. Referring to Cr. May, he expressed the hope that he would be successful in his election, and wished him the best of good luck. He felt sure that Cr. May had done his best for the ratepayers during his term of office, and, if returned, he could be relied on to give the same excellent service. (Hear, hear). Cr. May, in responding, said the president had known him for many…

IT seems incredible, but never-the-less, it is true, that in this great continent of Australia with its scanty population and its wide reaches of good pastoral and agricultural land and a climate unsurpassed in the world for its mild range of temperatures, that the products of the soil should practically be out of the reach of most people by their excessive cost. Perhaps in no other country is it possible to keep stock during the winter without hand-feeding and housing, but, despite that great advantage arid the benefit of large stations, some of which in area approximate the size of…

Compiled by Cameron McCullough CONTRACTOR Davey is making rapid progress with the construction of the 20 chains of Wells road, for which he was the successful tenderer. Mr. Davey has a reputation as a capable contractor. Wells road is undoubtedly destined to become the natural relief channel for the ever-increasing motor traffic to the popular bayside, and it is realised that in the near future it will become necessary to complete the construction of this road right through to Frankston. The Dandenong council is at present constructing its unmade portion of Wells road to its boundary at Eel-race road, Contractor…

THIRTY-five years after first being mooted, and after countless effort by volunteers, and hundreds of thousands of dollars spent, the plan for a sound shell on the Western Port foreshore has officially been killed off. The proposal was left off the Hastings Foreshore Masterplan last year, and the Mornington Peninsula Shire has confirmed it will not go ahead. One of the long-term proponents of the project and a member of the Western Port Soundshell Committee, Brian Stahl OAM, has expressed his disappointment and dismay at the outcome. “Those involved in the project are at a loss that after so many…

ANOTHER unseemly episode occurred in the grim tussle betwixt Mornington and Frankston on Saturday last. It occurred in the third quarter, on the High street side of the oval, where the noisiest of the barrackers had congregated. They gave trouble the best part of the day, and were only kept in check by the presence of Constable Graham, who did his best to keep the playing space cleared. Earlier in the match there had been two fights, but on each occasion George Cook intervened and prevented the sparks becoming flames. He is to be commended for his sportsmanlike action in…

MR. J. D. Jennings (president of the Frankston Progress Association), and Mr. J. Bradbury, jun., waited on the Council last Friday in support of the proposal of the Progress Association to place bowling greens and tennis courts on the road reserve alongside Mornington road on the town side of The Fernery. Mr. Jennings said the scheme, if given effect to would supply a longfelt want. The site chosen was a good one, and the bowling greens would be a great asset to the town. Mr. Bradbury said the plans, drawn by an architect, were before the council and conveyed an…

IN last Wednesday’s issue I explained that in future we must get an ambulance of our own or go without one, so it will be wise for us to consider what system we will adopt. I outlined the Victorian system, so that the most suitable service must be adopted. In Queensland they have the best ambulance system in the World. In any part of Queensland any person who needs an ambulance can have one at any time free of charge. Only persons who can afford it are expected to contribute according to their means. They own their ambulance buildings, both…

IN the year 1897, whilst driving to his home at Boneo on the southern part of the Mornington Peninsula, a man of 55 years met with an accident that caused him to be an invalid for 26 long years. With him were two mates. One of these was intoxicated, and he pushed the man of 55 years off the wagon seat, over the iron guard. He fell heavily. Upon being medically examined, it was found that he had broken his neck! It was then said that he could only live a few hours, or days at the most. Instead, he…

THE marriage of Mr. Roy Calder (a returned soldier) to Miss Mary Wickes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wickes, of the Langwarrin store and post office, was celebrated on Wednesday afternoon, June 13, at the Methodist Church, Langwarrin, the Rev. A. E. Wellard officiating at the ceremony. Mr. Walter Patten was the best man, and the bridesmaid was Miss May Haughton, a cousin of the bride. The church was beautifully and tastefully decorated for the occasion, for the young couple, though comparatively new residents, had endeared themselves to all classes. Miss Wickes, for her ready help as a pianist to…

WHEN Mr. Mark Brody launched his idea of holding a calico ball in aid of the funds of the Women’s Hospital, he relied on the ladies of the district to assist him in carrying the project through to a successful issue. He was not disappointed. Once again the call of sweet charity fell on responsive ears, with the result that the function which eventuated on Thursday night last will result in a substantial cheque being forwarded to worthy institution above named. Added interest was aroused from the fact that the beautiful new Palais de Danse had been made available to…

AT a recent social gathering of members of the Frankston Cricket Club the question cropped up as to why cricketers were not permitted to use the Frankston Park. There seemed to be absolute unanimity of opinion that cricket matches should be played in the park, and a resolution was passed instructing the secretary to convene a special meeting of the club for the purpose of fully discussing the question and taking steps to bring the matter before the Shire Council. This meeting eventuated last Saturday night, at Frankston House. The attendance, however, was very small, only nine members being present.…

THE rough and squally weather which prevailed along the bayside on Wednesday last caused a considerable amount of damage. Remarkably heavy seas were running and the wind blew with hurricane force, rendering the electric service useless and dislocating business arrangements. The shore line from Mornington and Frankston to Aspendale and Mentone was a beautiful sight, but at Frankston serious damage was done to the pier. At the end of the pier piles were forced out and the structure pushed, leaving a huge gap in the L end of the pier. The heavy timber was dashed ashore. The rest of the…

WHEN Charlie O’Brien appeared at the Frankston court two weeks ago on a charge of drunkenness, he promised the Bench that he would shake the dust of Frankston from off his feet, and make for fresh fields and pastures new if given “one more chance.’’ The Court took him at his word, but Charlie failed to keep his part of the contract. Last Monday morning he faced the magistrates again. He was unshaven and generally presented a most unkempt appearance. He was charged with vagrancy. Senior Constable Cullane said accused was arrested on Saturday night near the Frankston railway station.…

THE Point Nepean Road is becoming notorious for the number of motor smashes and mishaps occurring on it lately.  Another one of these distressing accidents happened at Seaford on Sunday afternoon. At about 4pm, Mr. Fred Shenfield was returning on his motor cycle to his home at Seaford with his father, Mr. L. J. Shenfield, who was in the side car. When nearly opposite “Fernlea”, the cycle suddenly swerved and crashed into a stout electric light pole with a sickening force. Mr. Shenfield, senr., was pinned under the body of the heavy cycle, and considerable difficulty was experienced in extricating…

LAST Monday evening, Thomas Lyons, motor car driver, called at the Frankston police station and told Senior-Constable Cullaine a sensational story of how he lost his motor car. He said he was driving for Vickery’s garage, Melbourne. When at the top of the hill the car stopped and he walked to the back to examine it. Suddenly the car began to move, and before Lyons could reach the brakes, it was careering backwards down the hill. Swerving, it dashed over the steepest part of the cliff, and fell into the sea. The car was badly damaged. Its framework was buckled…

THE Rev. C. Angwin, of the Mordialloc Methodist church. (late of Frankston) had a thrilling experience and most miraculous escape on Sunday night last on the Point Nepean Road, between Chelsea and Edithvale, at about 6.40, when riding his bicycle to take the evening service at Edithvale. He was run down by a motor car, the occupants of which were young men. He was lifted from his seat, thrown on the guard of the motor car wheel, projected on the road, and after being whirled from one side of the road to the other he regained his feet, feeling dazed,…

ANZAC Day was observed as a closed holiday in Frankston last Wednesday by many of the business people. It was noteworthy that all returned soldiers closed their shops during the whole day. It is difficult to realise why the full significance of the day should appeal less to John Citizen than to the man who offered his all for the freedom of his country. At 3 o’clock in the afternoon a commemorative service was held under the arch at the Honor Avenue. The attendance was not as large as in former years, due no doubt to lack of proper organisation.…

OVER twelve months ago representatives from various organisations in Frankston met and formed a committee to raise funds for the general improvement of the Frankston Park. Subscription lists were issued and the district canvassed, but the response in cash was not encouraging, less than £20 being collected. Last night the committee met again primarily with the idea of considering a letter from Mr. R. Coxall, secretary of the Frankston Football Club, asking for improvements to be made in the direction of providing dressing rooms, etc. Mr. W. Lind: Have you decided where the new dressing shed is to be erected?…

IN his 1962 speech at Rice University, John F Kennedy laid down the reasoning for his country’s effort to go to the moon before the decade was out. He stated “man, in his quest for knowledge and progress, is determined and cannot be deterred”. The quest for knowledge of the vast universe is at the edge of science’s understanding, even 60 years after Kennedy’s famous speech. And it is as true now, as it was then, that the next generation are set to take us further into this great unknown, still determined and undeterred. On Saturday 1 April, 26 Year…

IT started with a simple phone call. A person wanting to book their “guests” into Pt Leo Estate’s fine dining restaurant, Laura. Nothing that would alert the venue’s general manager, Roger Lancia, that anything was out of the ordinary. Until it was mentioned that before these “guests” could visit, a team would need to attend to inspect the property. The inspection happened and the team loved what they saw. It would be a perfect place for their “guests” to come for lunch and a wander in the sculpture park. “Still no names had been mentioned at this point, but I…

THERE was a notable gathering at Mt. Eliza last Saturday afternoon to take part in the ceremony of opening the new public hall, erected by the residents, largely as the result of voluntary labor. The Prime Minister, with Mrs. Bruce, whose home, “Ormiston,” is within a mile or two of the new building, arrived shortly after 3 o’clock, and were received by the president of the hall committee, Cr. Dudley Detmold, Major Geoff Grice (vice-president), and Cr. J. R. M. Walker (hon. sec.). The attendance numbered between 200 and 300 people, and included many city visitors, as well as residents…

AT the close of last year the school children were promised “the best of picnics and sports,” as a reward for a good year’s work and especially for their success in gaining merit and qualifying certificates, and right well was the promise honored, for last Thursday will long be remembered as a day of days. This fine result was due to perfect organisation by the staff, and a hard-working committee of ladies of exceptional ability, backed up by generous donations from the parents and child-loving friends. The contest, began at 10 o’clock and continued through the day with breaks at…

It was a one-man mission, but Nigel Dalkus has made it happen. And soon you too will be sporting the fruits of his labour. The new M-Plate, exclusively for Mornington Peninsula residents. “It hit me one day when I was in bumper-to-bumper traffic on Peninsula Link. How do I know if the guy in the BMW X-5 next to me is a corporate type from a suburb I’ve never heard of clogging up our roads, or just a local battler taking his kid to Auskick?” “The solution? A plate for your car letting everyone know you’re from the Mornington Peninsula!”…

AN intrepid group of year eight students from Peninsula Grammar have embarked on an exchange adventure to Malaysia. The eleven students will spend eight days abroad, visiting cultural and tourist sites in Kuala Lumpur, and attending classes at the school’s Peninsula International School in the city. “This will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience the sights and sounds of Malaysia”, said Muriel Bakker, the school’s Community Engagement Manager. “Not only will they be there as tourists, but also as students, taking part in the structured classes of the existing students at the Malaysia campus of the school.…

Four brothers, John Francis Skinner, William Lindsay Skinner, Mark Skinner and Daniel Skinner were charged with offensive behaviour at Frankston on the 19th inst. Senior-Constable Cullane conducted the prosecution and Mr. H. Shelton appeared for the defendants, who pleaded not guilty. Albert Shannon, grocer, gave evidence to the effect that at about 5.30pm on the day in question he saw the four defendants fighting amongst themselves near Wheeler’s chemist’s shop, in Playne Street, Frankston. One man was knocked down and while he was down one of the others kicked him. The men continued fighting on towards the new picture theatre.…

AT a meeting convened by the Progress Association 18 months ago it was stated that sly-grog selling had become quite a business in the district, most of the liquor being brought from Mordialloc and Frankston, which were well supplied with hotels. Supplies were also brought by persons spending the week-end in Chelsea, and made a good profit out of illicit selling on Sundays. The result had been that Chelsea was known as “the bottle merchants’ paradise.” At this meeting a committee was formed, with Mr. A. Roberts as secretary, to take steps to suppress the sly-grog evil in the district.…

YESTERDAY afternoon another meeting of Frankston residents was held in the Methodist Sunday school to receive reports in connection with the movement inaugurated to oppose a liquor booth license at the Frankston sports on Easter Monday. There was a good attendance and Mrs. Twining was voted to the chair. Mrs. Goodwin, hon secretary, stated that the services of Mr. Utber (Messrs. Hunt & Utber) had been retained to conduct the case for the opposition before the Licensing Court. Opposing petitions were now in circulation and were being largely signed. Mr. Barrett, of the central organisation in Melbourne, had visited Frankston…