THE Marathon Race over the classic distance of 26 miles 385 yards, conducted by the Malvern Harriers, was held on Saturday last, the course being 8 laps on the Frankston Park Oval, thence direct by Point Nepean, Brighton and St. Kilda Roads, to the Wesley Cricket Ground, where 3 laps were run.
The starters were: G. Blake (the veteran holder of several 5 and 10 mile championships), T. Sinton Hewitt (who has been selected to represent Australia at the Olympic Games in October), E. Roberts, B. V. Maher (runner-up in the South Australian championship), P. L. W. Collins, A. Heywood, and J. Gillespie.
A. A. Parker, a prominent runner, was unable to start owing to blistered feet.
There was a large attendance at Frankston to see the start, including Lieut. Col. Stevenson, D.S.O., C.M.G., Messrs A. G. Harston, R. G. McCallum, E. B. Lawrence, and many other old performers on the track or across country.
The officials were: Starter, Major Conder, from Langwarrin; referee, H. Abbott; timekeepers, H. D. Smith and J. A. Stilwell; judges, A. T. Carthew, J. L. Kiddle, H. Dredge, and Crick; stewards, C. E. Coe; B. E. James, E. Gilmour, and F. Batt; medical officer, Dr Donald Bennett; senior medical officer at Langwarrin.
The men were got away smartly by the starter, and the winner turned up in E. Roberts, who completed the distance in 3 hours 5 minutes, 53 seconds, the other places being filled by B. V. Maher (2nd), 3 hrs 32 mins 43 secs, and J. Gillespie (3rd), 3 hrs 59 mins 14 secs.
T. Sinton Hewitt had to retire when running strongly at 20 miles owing to cramp in the stomach; Maher ran for over 15 miles with blistered feet, and his performance is very creditable.
Great interest was taken in the race, and there were fully 3000 people at Wesley Ground to see the finish, while the checking posts along the route attracted large crowds.
The weather was favorable, but dust at certain stages hampered the runners.
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AT the Moorabbin Council on Monday the application of the Moorabbin Soldiers for financial assistance towards the purchase of a hall was further considered.
The President Cr Brownfield said that he intended to give notice for a vote of £75 to the Moorabbin branch and £25 to the Mordialloc branch.
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ON Sunday last the christening of Lawrence Arthur Minton took place at St. Paul’s, Frankston.
The boys of the Seaside Home were present to witness the ceremony, which was carried out by the acting Vicar, Rev. Cox.
Miss McKenzie, of “Beachleigh,” acted as Sponsor for the boy.
The home boys, to the number of 40, were provided with a special dinner and tea by Mr and Mrs Minton, in honor of the event, at the home on Oliver’s Hill, Miss McKenzie presented Lawrence Minton with a silver mug, suitably inscribed.
Miss McKenzie donated £1 to give the boys a treat at the coming of the Prince.
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THE representative of Messrs Coates and Co., who has been instructed by the Shire Council to inspect and place a valuation on the Frankston Gas and Electric Light Works, visited the town on Wednesday.
The managing director of the Gas Company, together with the local manager accompanied the valuer, but it was noticed that none of the councillors or their officials assisted at the inspection.
It would be interesting to know what section of gas pipes the expert was shown, and why the inspection took place in the absence of the shire engineer or some other shire official.
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A GRAND concert will be held in the Frankston Mechanics’ on Friday, evening next in connection with the Returned Soldiers’ Association, when 1914-15 Military will be given out.
A good programme has been arranged.
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CONSTABLE Revell, of Hastings, is on the sick list, suffering from a poisoned arm.
He is being relieved by Constable Buyers.
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MR Hartland, of the State Nurseries Frankston, recently returned from a months vacation spent in the Grampians district.
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MR W. W. Young of this journal, who has been Visiting his daughter at Ouyen in the Mallee, returned to Frankston last Saturday.
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THE many friends of Mr James Grice, of “Moohdah” will be grateful to learn of his steady restoration to health.
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CR H. E. Unthank received a hearty welcome from his colleagues on again taking his place at the Council table last week.
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COUNCILLOR D. E. Hoban ,J. P. president of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings is a striking example of what may be accomplished in this country by exercise of thrift and industry.
Not so many years ago the popular ‘Dan’ as he is familiarly named by his friends – and they are legion – was employed in the Somerville district as a wood cutter at the wage of 4s per day.
Today he may be included in the list of the fortunate and much envied class vaguely described as ‘men who sit behind it.’
Twenty three years ago Mr. Hoban found employment in the liquor business and for the last 17 years he has been the licensee of the Royal Hotel, Hastings.
It is worthy of note that during the whole of the 23 years referred to Mr Hoban neither smoked nor drank and he carried out his duties as a licensed victualler in a characteristically thorough and conscientious manner.
He takes a keen interest in all public affairs and institutions and has held at one time or another every position of honor that may be bestowed on a capable and deserving citizen.
He fills the position of Shire President with ability and tact and his recent appointment as a Justice of the Peace, gave general satisfaction throughout the Shire.
Last month Mr Hoban disposed of his hotel to Mrs L. Dalton, of Coburg, at a highly satisfactory figure.
He will continue to reside in Hastings, but has in view a trip to the old country during the coming year.
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Heard in the Train
A public holiday will be observed throughout the Shire of Frankston and Hastings on Wednesday, 26th May, the day of the Prince of Wales landing.
Since the refiners were installed at the local gas works, about a week ago, the objectionable odour associated with the gas service has disappeared, but unfortunately the strength of the light appears to have likewise diminished.
The street gas lamps produce a struggling, feeble light and the fine big lamp over the doorway of Mr C. W. Wood’s shop is quite out of action.
One of the many and dangerous holes in the asphalt footpath in Bay Street brought a Frankston resident to his knees last Wednesday morning.
The victim’s remarks were not supplicatory, in fact, they were not suitable for publication.
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FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 14 May 1920
First published in the Mornington News – 19 May 2020
