LAST Monday night the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall was crowded with friends and well-wishers who assembled to say farewell to Mr and Mrs A. G. Wilcox.
The popularity of the guests was testified to by the large and representative attendance, accounted for by the fact that during a long residence in Frankston both Mr and Mrs Wilcox have proved admirable citizens in every way.
The hall was beautifully decorated. Friends from the country had supplied an abundance of wattle blossom, and with palms and other pot plants loaned by Mr A. Bailey of the Frankston Nurseries, a very fine effect was secured.
Balloons of various colors hung from the ceiling and added to the picturesqueness of the scene.
The Frankston Brass Band was in attendance under the leadership Mr Blaskett, and the inspiriting music supplied sent the proceedings along with a live swing.
Dancing interspersed with songs and other items made an attractive programme.
Mr Fairnie’s songs, with Miss Kimlin at the piano were greatly appreciated while Sergeant Finn in his clog dance turns, met with a most enthusiastic reception.
The catering arrangements were supervised by Mrs C. Dalman, Vice-President of the Wattle Club and this lady is to be complimented on the completeness of the arrangements in this connection.
The guests on arrival to the hall were met by members of the committee, and as they were being conducted to their seats by the chairman of the committee (Mr M. Brady), the band struck up “For they are jolly good fellows”. The people rising and joining in with fine effect.
After refreshments had been served Cr Oates took charge of the proceedings, and the guests were escorted to the stage, where valedictory speeches and presentations were made.
Rev. E. P. Macfarlane (Anglican), said he was pleased to be present to testify to the profound respect in which Mr and Mrs Wilcox were held by all classes of the community.
They had been excellent citizens, and Frankston was sorry to lose them.
The present splendid gathering of friends and well-wishers, including the leading citizens of the town, was an eloquent testimony of the respect felt for the departing guests.
The rev. gentleman spoke as a citizen, and one who had known the Gregory family for many years. (Cheers.)
Mrs Wilcox, as a member of that family had a splendid example set her by the late Mrs Gregory, than whom Frankston never had a greater friend and benefactor.
The speaker referred to Mrs Wilcox’s work on behalf of public movements, wherein her great energy and organising ability had proved invaluable.
Mr Wilcox was a man of great geniality, and was also largely identified with the public life of the town.
He had done much to advance the commercial prosperity of Frankston and the district could not afford to lose him.
Mr and Mrs Wilcox would carry with them the love and affection of all who knew them well, while everyone joined in wishing them every prosperity, health and happiness in their new home. (Cheers.)
Mr H. Vicars spoke on behalf of the R.S.S.I.L.A. and the Frankston Soldiers’ Memorial Committee, Mr Wilcox having been president of both organisations.
Mr Vicars knew from personal observation that both Mr and Mrs Wilcox had worked extremely hard in the interests of the soldiers, and it was entirely due to the initiative of Mr Wilcox that a sum of over £300 was recently raised for the Frankston Soldiers’ Memorial Fund. (Cheers).
Mr H. Gamble, as vice-president of the Frankston Horticultural and Agricultural Association, referred with regret to the departure of Mr Wilcox, who as treasurer of the Association, had proved such a valuable member.
He was always keen to improve the status of the annual shows, and had been instrumental is increasing the value of prizes, notably in the horse sections. The vacancy caused by his departure would be hard to fill.
Mrs Wilcox had proved an invaluable member of the Wattle Club, and in other ways had always assisted local movements for the public good (Applause).
Councillor W. J. Oates, on behalf of the public, presented Mr and Mrs Wilcox with a wallet of notes.
He voiced the general regret felt at their departure, and trusted that they would soon “make their pile,” and return to Frankston to reside for the rest of their lives.
Mr Wilcox had served his country in France, and it was hoped that in civil life he would have all the success he deserved. (Great applause)
Mr and Mrs Wilcox would be missed by many, and it was hoped that with the gift from the residents they would be able to purchase some little token that would serve to remind them of the many friends they were leaving behind in Frankston. (Cheers)
On behalf of the Wattle Club, Mr L. J. Ward made a presentation to Mrs Wilcox of a handsome blackwood roll-top writing cabinet. He spoke in appreciative terms of the work done by Mrs Wilcox as secretary and said that much of the success attained was due to her efforts.
The gift was made in the hope that it might prove useful; also that it would serve to remind the recipient of the many strenuous and happy days spent in the service of the sick and wounded soldiers who visited Frankston at the invitation of the Wattle Club. (Cheers)
Mr Blaskett, conductor, spoke on behalf of the Frankston Brass Band, of which Mr Wilcox was the president.
Mr Wilcox made a brief but heartfelt response. It was apparent, that both he and Mrs Wilcox were greatly moved by the warmth of the reception accorded them.
Mr and Mrs Wilcox departed for Benalla on Tuesday.
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LIEUTENANT Bennett, one of the mechanics, who accompanied Sir Ross Smith in the aerial flight from England to Australia, recently motored from Sydney to Melbourne via the coast, reaching Cranbourne on Sunday last without any mishap.
On proceeding along the Cranbourne road to Frankston the first mishap occurred through the motor getting bogged, but with the assistance of the neighbors the car was extricated and enabled to proceed on its way.
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Heard in the Train
Probably the Council will soon be approaching the ratepayers, asking for permission to purchase the turnout at the Frankston gas works.
Recent events seem to point that way.
Will the Frankston Gas Co. deny that its present plant is incapable of supplying the necessary power to effectively light Frankston?
It’s engine power last season could not generate sufficient electricity for all needs.
This season 500 additional units are required for lighting alone, still there are upwards of 100 residences waiting for current.
And yet some people are reported as holding the view that it would be a difficult matter to prove that the company has not fulfilled the conditions of its contract!
A less difficult proposition would be for a half-dozen long-suffering householders to stand out and absolutely refuse to pay on the grounds that they never received the light for which the company charged them.
The new owner of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Frankston, has a small army of workmen at present engaged in renovating the premises.
He intends expending something like £2000 on improvements and additions.
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FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 25 June 1920
First published in the Mornington News – 30 June 2020
