Author: Cameron McCullough

ON Monday, 6th inst., a demonstration of apple packing will be held at the Tyabb Co-operative Co’s Cool Store. Mr P. J. Carmody, Chief Orchard Inspector, knowing of the hundred different methods or systems used in packing, and again, in some cases, of the ignorance of any proper pack at all among new growers, has arranged to give all growers an opportunity of seeing a pack which, universally used, would be, in his opinion, a boon to the apple growing industry. Mr Krole, the Government demonstrator, will carry out the demonstrations, and the Company’s secretary, Mr Houffe, hopes that a…

“I HAVE not seen a better one-roomed school in the State,” was the verdict of Mr. Tait, Director of Education, when he inspected the new school at Seaford yesterday afternoon. The occasion was the official opening of the building by Sir Alexander Peacock, Minister of Education. Seaford residents met with little success in their agitation for a new school until Sir Alex assumed office. About 12 months ago he promised a deputation from the Progress Association and school committee, that the building so long promised would be erected at once, and that he would perform the opening ceremony. He did…

AT the Frankston Police Court on Monday last, before Messrs. C. V. G. Williams, C. W. Grant, W. Armstrong and Luxford, J’sP., a man named Arthur Nichols, aged about 30 years, was charged with unlawfully setting fire to a dwelling place on the 8th February. Senior Constable Bray conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Barnett appeared for the accused. The case, as outlined by the police, was that Nichols had been working for Mr. Mervyn Jackson, dairy farmer, Wells Road, Frankston. He was dismissed on 13th January. On the 27th January Nichols paid a visit to Jackson’s house, but soon left…

THAT an incendiarist is in our midst is the contention of many local residents. Recent conflagrations seem to point that way. Fires at Seaford and Frankston have destroyed much valuable ti-tree, but their origin seems to be clothed in mystery. But, just as from the tiny acorn grew the mighty oak, so do devastating fires in most cases have their nefarious birth in the flame of the little match. And the origin of recent fires seem to be the work of one who has lost his mental balance. Evidence of this was obtained on Sunday last. While out walking, a…

A VERY trying experience was undergone by Mr Bradshaw, of Bradshaw & Lawley, the well known Yarraville timber merchants, at Frankston during last weekend. On Saturday afternoon, he set sail from Williamstown in the 25 feet sailing boat, “Jessie,” and, after a stormy passage across Port Phillip Bay, arrived at Frankston about 7pm. A heavy sea was running at the time, and the little boat was tossed to and fro like a cork. Mr Bradshaw found it quite impossible to land, as the waves were breaking against the pier with great force. Messrs Norman McLeod and Bert Tulip came to…

LAST Sunday, for the second time within three weeks the foreshore has been on fire. This fire occurred as the result of the careless use of fire by a visitor, who as one of the community, has every liberty on the foreshore, but who, instead of spending 3d. on a quart of boiling water, preferred to risk burning Seaford out by lighting a fire in a kerosene tin. The fire quickly got out of control, and in a few moment acres of valuable ti-tree were a seething mass of blood-red flame, belching up immense columns of black smoke. The alarm…

AT the Frankston Police Court, on Monday last, E. Edwards proceeded against John Powell, a former estate agent at Edithvale, for the recovery of a debt amounting to £29 5s. Mr A. W. Foster appeared for Edwards. Powell promised to pay £1 per week in the meantime and finally settle the debt within six weeks. Edwards had a second debt case against Frederick Worrall, but as Worrall did not respond when his name was called, Mr Foster asked the Bench to fine him for contempt of court. He was fined £1 for non-attendance as a necessary witness, and the case…

A YOUNG well-dressed man named Eugene Chandler, was charged with selling liquor without a licence on the 31st December. In the court were several barrels of beer and 240 bottles of beer, which had been seized by the police. Inspector McCormack conducted the prosecution, and accused, who pleaded guilty, was represented by Mr. Dorian. Albert W. H. Peach, plainclothes constable attached to the Licensing Branch and stationed at Melbourne, said: At about 7.15 on Saturday evening. 31/12/21, in company with Senior Constable Wall and Constables Dunn, Morrison and Trevitithick, I visited a well-known cafe and boardinghouse at Chelsea known as…

THOUGH called the Mornington Express, it does not mean, of course, that this aristocrat of the seaside track (says a writer in an exchange) makes an absolutely uninterrupted run to that salubrious terminal, for passengers residing as far as Mordialloc are at liberty to travel thereby while in the slacker season, residents of even Mentone and Cheltenham are privileged to book passages. Its daily routine is to arrive at Flinders street at about 9.30am, which it does with creditable regularity, and leaving on the home journey with becoming fuss and dignity at 5.9pm. In the interim, however, it is out…

THE president and secretary of the Italian Seniors Social Club Dromana Inc are ‘looking to the future’ and ‘keen to put animosity behind them’ after a robust annual meeting on 26 November 2021 (“Apology call after ‘robust’ annual meeting” The News 15/12/21). “Tempers were frayed, and words spoken” said secretary of the club Mila Kellaway. “We believed we acted in the best interests of the club and the membership in electing a new committee, and we look forward to working with our members”. Ms Kellaway acknowledged the good work the previous committee had done, despite disagreements between the parties. “We…

THEY came from the orchards on the hills and valleys of Mornington Peninsula yesterday to witness the official opening of the railway extension of 10 miles from Bittern to Red Hill. For nearly 40 years these settlers had been struggling for a line, and as the first passenger train steamed into the new station at the foot of the hills they saw the consummation of their hopes. It was a great day for the district. The small town enthusiast is the finest enthusiast of them all, and from Bittern to Red Hill there were 1000 enthusiasts about the possibilities of…

AT the Frankston police court on Monday last before Messrs C. G. V. Williams, chairman, C. W. Grant and W. Armstrong J’s.P, a young man named Dennis William White was charged with riding a motorcycle on a public highway at a speed dangerous to the public. Senior Constable Bray conducted the prosecution and accused, who offered no evidence on his own behalf was undefended. Constable Bannon said on Sunday November 6 defendant passed along the main street and when near the railway ramp, he was travelling at the rate of 70 miles an hour. This constituted a grave danger, to…

INTRODUCED by Mr Downward, M.L.A., a deputation consisting of Crs. Oates, Wells and Mr L. R. N. Utber, waited upon the Director of Education on Wednesday last to urge the establishment of a higher elementary school at Frankston. It was explained that a site covering six acres in a suitable position was available, and that the required number of pupils for the type of school suggested had undertaken to attend. It was also stated that residents of Frankston and the adjoining districts were prepared to subscribe £1000 towards the cost of the proposed school. The Director gave a sympathetic reply,…

AT the Frankston police court on Monday last, before Mr. Knight, P.M., and Messrs. C. W.,Grant, Chas. Gray and W. Armstrong, J.’sP., a young man named Wm. Berry was charged with a serious offence against Eva Florence Parker, who resides with her parents at Langwarrin. Inspector McCormack appeared to prosecute, and Mr. McFarlane defended. Evidence was given that the girl, at the time of the alleged offence, was under the age of 16 years. She swore that accused visited her home on the 30th November, during the absence of her parents, and took advantage of her. After that date he…

THE Mornington races, in aid of the Somerville soldiers’ memorial, passed off successfully yesterday. Our sporting contributor will deal with the racing next issue. Wallace Mitchell, the well known bookmaker, made a spectacular landing on the course in his aeroplane. *** THE Frankston Park Improvement Committee met on Monday evening last, Cr Chas. Gray presiding. Others present were Messrs T. J. McMurtrie, S Lawrey, Willox, Dalman, Hector McComb, H. McComb, McCulloch, H. Morrison, Young, Hague, R. Fairnie (Secretary). Replies to postal appeals for subscriptions were not numerous, but an excellent result was obtained by Mr H. Morrison by personal canvas,…

SEAFORD, like Frankston and other seaside resorts, has for some time past been the happy hunting ground of the elusive burglar, and things got so bad at Seaford that residents spoke seriously of appointing a night patrol for the protection of weekend homes. The losses in the aggregate amount to several hundreds of pounds. The Seaford Progress Association made repeated appeals to the Commissioner of Police for protection, but without result, so members experimented in the methods of Sherlock Holmes with satisfactory results. It was Mr Tubbs who first got on to the scent of the burglar, and, as his…

THE death occurred on Sunday night last, at St. Vincent’s Hospital, of Mr Frederick Benson, who had been a resident of this district for several years. The cause of death was an abscess on the brain. Deceased was 29 years of age, and was a fine, robust specimen of Australian manhood. He was ill for less than a week, and the news of his demise came as a painful surprise to his many friends throughout the Peninsula, where he was held in the highest esteem. The late Mr Benson married the daughter of Mrs Reynolds, of Frankston, and very deep…

QUITE a gloom was cast over the whole community here, when the news was circulated that a double tragedy had occurred at the “Krangala” orchard, whereby two well-known and respected young people had met their deaths in a painfully sad tragic manner. The victims were Stanley Clarke, aged 27 years and Janet Ross, aged 26 years. The former was a native of Somerville, and had lived here practically all his life. He enlisted for active service with the 14th Battalion, and took part in the landing at Gallipoli. He was a man of splendid physique, standing 6ft. high, and looked…

SOMETHING of a sensation was caused in the town of Somerville on Tuesday morning, when it was discovered that burglars had visited two of the local places of business during the early hours of the morning. Mr George Keast was awakened at about two o’clock by the noise of someone endeavoring to open the back door leading into his shop. Finding that someone was on the premises, the burglars decamped, Mr Keast hearing the fast trot of a pony on the road towards Frankston. It was then discovered that the thieves had previously paid a visit to Westaway’s News Agency,…

THIS week Cr Gray’s residence in Frankston was, during his absence in the city, entered by thieves, and a quantity of goods removed. The police are investigating. *** THE output of metal at the Moorooduc quarry last month was 3,500 yards, on which the Council received 2s per yard. *** THE report of the meeting of the Tyabb Cricket Club came to hand too late for today’s issue, but will appear next issue. *** THE anniversary of the Somerville Methodist Church will be celebrated by a concert in the local hall on Saturday (tomorrow) night. On Sunday special services will…

A PUBLIC meeting was held at the Recreation Hall, Langwarrin, on Monday night for the purpose of electing trustees and a committee for the reserve lately granted at the Military Reserve by the Defence Department. The attendance was representative, and the keen interest taken in this the initial meeting indicates that this reserve is going to become a popular sports arena for a large and rapidly growing district, and it is predicted that it will be made use of by many other bodies beside those locally, who intend using it for cricket, football and picnic purposes, for all of which…

SOMETHING in the nature of a mild sensation was caused amongst strollers along the beach on Thursday morning by the appearance of a huge sea lion on Long Island. The mammoth mammal came ashore twice just at the rear of Miss Walker’s residence, but did not stay long on shore. He, standing erect, appeared to stand at least five or six feet high, and would weigh something like a ton or thereabouts. An eye witness claims that it was considerably larger than the specimen in the Aquarium. The Long Island visitor was of the somewhat rare glossy brown variety, and…

The Mornington Peninsula was rocked by a wide ranging earthquake at 9.15am today (22 September 2021). The earthquake’s epicenter was in Mansfield and is reported to have been up to 6.0 on the Richter scale. It was felt through Metropolitan Melbourne, down the peninsula and in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne, with reports of it being felt in Shepparton and Albury. On the peninsula, houses shops and factories shook for approximately 10 seconds. Office buildings in Melbourne’s CBD have been evacuated out of fear of aftershocks. There are reports on Vic Emergency of building damage across metropolitan Melbourne, but currently…

THE Mornington Peninsula Association rang down its curtain on Saturday last, when, before a very large and enthusiastic attendance, Carrum wrested the premiership from Hastings by 14 points. The match was played at Somerville. Hastings did not make any changes, and relied on the same team that defeated the Carrumites the week before. As Mackay was on the injured list, he was replaced by Homsie in the Carrum team, whilst Carroll was replaced by Johnstone. Apart from these changes, the sides were the same as published in “The Standard” last issue. As umpire, Osborne showed distinct improvement, and escaped the…

IN connection with his visit to Frankston on 20th June last, Chief Officer Marshall, of the Country Fire Brigades Board, has forwarded the following report to the Frankston brigade. “This visit was paid specially to test the new water supply which has recently been completed in Frankston, and further, to instruct the members of the brigade who had no previous opportunity of working the water from the hydrant. There was a full muster of the brigade, and everything was ready for a test of the water at a fire plug close to the railway station, when I arrived. Using the…

THE State Premier, Hon. H. S. W. Lawson, visited Frankston last Saturday. Prior to speaking in the Mechanics’ Hall at night, he was entertained at dinner by the Frankston branch of the National Federation. The function took place at the Pier Tea House, when about 40 ladies and gentlemen sat down to table. Mr H. Gamble, president of the local branch of the Federation, presided. After Dr Maxwell had given the toast of The King, Mr Gamble proposed the State Government. He referred to the fact that on no previous occasion had Frankston been honored with a visit by a…

The Committee for Mornington Peninsula has written an open letter to the Victorian Premier and Chief Health Officer to request the Mornington Peninsula be urgently included in regional Victorian-level restrictions in the new roadmap to reopening. Open Letter to the Victorian Premier and Chief Health Officer 1 September 2021 The Hon Daniel Andrews MPPremier of Victoria Dr Brett SuttonChief Health Officer of Victoria Dear Premier and Chief Health Officer, The Committee for Mornington Peninsula writes to request that you include the Mornington Peninsula as part of regional Victoria for the purposes of COVID-19 restrictions in the new roadmap to reopening, to be…

DESPITE adverse weather conditions, there was a splendid attendance at the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall on Tuesday night, when Mr A. K. T. Sambell, who has been brought out by the Frankston Branch of the National Federation, expressed his views. The Shire President (Cr W. P. Mason) occupied the chair. He said that nothing in his public career had given him greater pleasure than the task of assisting the candidate in this election campaign. Mr Sambell, who was most cordially received, spoke for nearly three hours. The soundness of his views and his undoubted earnestness in offering what he considered practical…

THE election to fill the seat so long occupied by Mr Downward is exciting an extraordinary amount of interest. The reason is on the surface. Mr Downward, in allying himself with the Labor Party to defeat the Government, lost the support of a great body of electors. Of those electors some were Nationalists, some were supporters of the Country Party, most were men and women with no respect for the wirepullers, paid organisers and touts of any party organisation. All were, however, agreed on a few simple points. They want a Government which will develop the resources of the State…

THE Port of Hastings Authority has been fined $20,000 at Frankston Magistrate’s Court for unauthorised vegetation removal in February 2020. The 7200 square metres of foreshore cleared was adjacent to the Crib Point jetty. The port authority was prosecuted by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council after the authority failed to gain approval for the clearing. The court was told that representatives of the Port of Hastings Authority and power company AGL – which planned to establish a now-abandoned gas import terminal at the jetty – had met with a council arborist in mid-2018 to discuss removal of some vegetation around the…