Unveiling of Alfred E. Bates Memorial.
In July last, at the suggestion of Mr Jas. Noble, who had the approval of the Mechanics’ Institute committee, the Mornington Progress Association (says the Post) resolved to erect a clock in the facade of the Mechanics’ hall as a public appreciation of their late hon. Treasurer, and as a lasting testimonial to his many estimable qualities as an exemplary citizen.
The progress association appointed the following gentlemen as a committee to give effect to the resolution: Messrs P. McArthur, R. Nunn, P. Olson, Jas Noble and F. M. Linley (hon treasurer), and no difficulty was experienced in raising the amount required.
On Tuesday, at 4.30 pm, about 200 persons were assembled by public announcement to witness the ceremony of unveiling the clock and a handsome brass tablet as a consummation of the work performed on behalf of the subscribers.
A dais was erected under the clock, in front of which were arranged two rows of chairs for the accommodation of the ladies of the Red Cross Society and the public Senator Geo. Fairbairn was invited to perform the ceremony, but was unable to be present.
Mr. L. J. Flannagan, president of the progress association, consequently was selected and presided at the gathering.
The Rev S. Sandiford, Mr F. M. Linley (hon treasurer), Crs R. Nunn, J. G. Barrett and P. McArthur, and Revs N. Webster and T. H. Woodford occupied seats on the platform.
Mrs and Misses Bates were present.
Mr F. M. Linley submitted a financial statement showing 102 subscribers responsible for £40 19s.
The disbursements were as follows: – Cost of clock and inscription plate, £32 15s; freight and incidental expenses (including ladder) £3 4s, and the balance to be kept in reserve for repairs and maintenance.
He then delivered a panegyric which spoke eloquently of the many public services through which they were indebted to the late hon treasurer, Mr Alfred E. Bates, who was a high-minded, great-hearted and open-handed citizen. Judged by the highest standard of commercial ability and integrity he was a top-quality man; he was so trusted, and his scrupulous exactness in business matters were so well known that almost every public body in the town sought him as its treasurer; he was gifted, with imagination and saw the “Mornington beautiful” of the future and worked for it as few would have done.
His sympathetic heart went out to our heroes in the trenches and he started a “tobacco fund” now being continued by his daughters.
The Rev S. Sandiford spoke of the late Mr Bates as a personal friend whose unselfishness and moral rectitude proved his exceptional worth.
He regretted that too often the good works of men departed were forgotten and their names lost in oblivion, and that their value and worth in this life were not fully appreciated until after their death.
In the history of Mornington there had been a few such, and he was particularly pleased to be present on this occasion at the public recognition by a grateful community of the work done by The late Mr Bates.
Mr Flannagan spoke feelingly in sympathy with the remarks of the previous speakers, and concluded by unveiling the clock and then the tablet.
Before dispersing the National Anthem was sung.
Following is the inscription on the tablet, which is surmounted by a small shield bearing the monogram of the association. “M.P.A.” This Clock was erected by public subscription to commemorate the many services rendered to the town by Alfred E. Bates, Esq., J.P. August 1917.
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Our Letter Box. RE MOTOR. FATALITY AT FRANKSTON.
TO THE EDITOR
Sir, – In reference to the death of my son “Toby” who was killed by a motor car, on the Hastings road, Frankston, on Sunday last, I desire to express the deep gratitude of my wife, family and self, to the people of Frankston, Langwarrin Camp and the surrounding district, for what they have done for us.
Words can not express what we feel for the kindness shown, the more so as it came from those from whom we least expected it. – Yours etc.
FRANK F. ADDICOTT.
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Our Letter Box.
RE MOTOR. FATALITY AT FRANKSTON. TO THE EDITOR
Sir, – Now that a deplorable and fatal motor accident has, occurred in Frankston, is it not time that our Councillors took a hand and passed a by-law restricting drivers of motor cars to a limited speed.
One has only to stand on the Melbourne road (on Sunday particularly) and wonder why motor accidents are not more numerous.
Some people want to know why Constable Ryan does not prosecute. The Constable cannot do so unless a by-law is passed. The sooner it is passed the better for our children’s safety.—Yours respectively,
JAMES HOCKING.
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A REPORT of the Somerville Fancy Dress ball, held on Wednesday evening will appear in our next issue.
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OUT of the four prizes awarded at the Somerville Fancy Dress Ball on Wednesday, three were brought home to Frankston.
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AT the meeting of Frankston and Hastings Council, held on Thursday, Cr Oates was elected President for the year. The allowance was fixed the same as last year.
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THE Treasurer of The Frankston District Roll of Honor Fund acknowledges with thanks the undermentioned Donations: Mr Edward McComb, “Black Billy” £1; Mr Jas Jolly, £1 1s.
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Now the eggs are getting plentiful Mrs Deane will be pleased to receive some for the sick boys at the Military Hospital, Langwarrin, and wishes to thank those who so generously donated eggs last season.
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THE secretary of the Frankston Branch of the Red Cross Society begs to acknowledge the following donations.: – Per Miss Chrisp – Mrs Jas Grice, 20 eye bandages; Mrs Chrisp, 1 doz washers ; Mrs O’Loughlin, 1 pair socks.
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SERGT Hayward and Mrs Hayward entertained the juvenile members of the district at a birthday party in honor of their eldest child, last Saturday afternoon.
The children were entertained with games until refreshments were served, the centrepiece of which was a three tiered birthday cake.
The afternoon was pleasantly spent and terminated with pictures.
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WHAT might have proved a serious accident occurred just opposite the “Standard” office, on Saturday last, as the procession was approaching the saluting point for the second time.
Mr Wootton and Mrs Rudall were standing near a motor car, viewing the procession, when a horse attached to a jinker, took fright and bolted into them, knocking both down, the horse itself also falling and pinning Mr Wootton to the ground.
The army medical unit happened to be passing at the time and turned promptly out of the procession and rendered, assistance, rejoining the procession at a later stage.
Both of the sufferers by the accident received a severe shaking and bruising, but, fortunately, so far as we can discover, nothing more serious.
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From the pages of the Mornington Standard, 8 September 1917
As published in the Mornington News – 5 September 2017
