EDWARD Dess, Draper, of Frankston, proceeded against W. Connal on a charge of using insulting words near a public place on the 3d December.
Mr. Smart appeared, for the complainant, and, Mr. L. L. Rostron for defendant, who pleaded not guilty.
Complainant said that on the day in question he was behind his counter transacting business when defendant rushed into the shop, and shaking his fists in complainant’s face said,
“Dess, you German; you are nothing but a – German. You have no right to be in Frankston among patriotic people.”
Complainant said that defendant repeated the words and similar expressions, and refused to leave the shop when requested to do so.
People attracted by the disturbance congregated at his shop door.
Complainant said he was not a German, and produced Consul’s certificate in proof of same.
He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1850, and had been in Australia for the last 50 years.
Cross-examined by Mr. Rostron, complainant said he was a pure Dane, born of Danish parents.
Defendant did not call him a Hun; witness did not think Connal knew the meaning of the word.
Athol W. Brown, commercial traveller, was in Dess’ shop at the time of the disturbance, and gave corroborative evidence.
Constable Diaball said that at the request of Dess he removed Connal from the shop.
The defendant was under the influence of liquor.
For the defence, Mr. Rostron said defendant had had considerable domestic trouble.
On the day in question he had taken drink.
He was a returned soldier, and had a natural aversion to Germans.
Defendant entered the witness-box and said he remembered going into Dess shop under the impression that Dess was a German. He wanted to tell him what he thought of Germans.
Witness was willing to make amends provided Dess was not a German.
Cross-examined by Mr. Smart, defendant said he was following no occupation at present.
The last time he went to work he took ill and had to return to hospital. He was living on his pension.
Mr. Rostron said if Dess was as loyal as he made out he would be prepared to accept Connal’s apology.
P.M.: We find him guilty, and must convict. It is generally assumed that any person with a foreign accent is a German. Dess may have as big an objection to Germans as Connal.
Defendant is fined £2 in default 14 day, with £2/11/6 costs.
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A NICE haul of salmon trout was made at Frankston on Saturday last by Mr. W. McComb.
They didn’t last very long – once he reached the jetty!
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VARIOUS New Dwellings, etc., are in the course of erection in the Frankston district – at The Heights, and elsewhere.
All this is good to see, for the shortage of material has seriously hampered the building trade in the Frankston district.
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ANOTHER whale has been washed ashore at Balnarring – 35 feet in length.
It is a rare sight to see a whale in Westernport these days, but there was a time when they were as plentiful as seals are at Seal’s Rock today.
And that is saying a lot!
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“WISER people” are saying that the Mechanics’ Institute at Frankston is more suitable for a rustic locality than a progressive holiday resort like Frankston.
They also say the scenery is hardly suitable for Her Majesty’s!
But, all in good time – Frankston, is due for some progressive moves in the future. And a new Town Hall may be included in the programme!
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MR. A. T Walters, of the Bay Street bakery is to be complimented upon the artistic display of Xmas cakes he made on Saturday last.
“It makes me mouf water,” remarked a small boy, who, like most boys, knew a good thing when he saw it!
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A CONTINGENT of boys under the guidance of the Y.M.C.A. will camp on Mr. Baker’s property at Mornington at Xmas time.
The North Fitzroy Boy Scouts will do “the simple life” for several days at Mile Bridge, Frankston.
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AS usual, the Mornington Peninsula is going to be the people’s campingground, so to speak, for the summer months.
Picnics have been arranged for Seaford, Frankston, Mornington, Dromana, Sorrento, and Cowes from various sources – from Trades Hall industrial organisations to church picnics and Chambers of Commerce outings.
Very good: we have an enviable climate, and it is just that we share it with others, especially those from the crowded cities.
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A BUSY man these days is Mr. E. Barrett, who occupies the post of secretary to the Frankston Horticultural and Agricultural Association.
He has arrangements for the forthcoming exhibition well in hand, and everything is working smoothly.
The entry forms have been printed, and are now procurable at Mr Barrett’s office at the Mechanics’ Institute, whilst the catalogues will be available in a day or two.
These are in the course of printing at “The Standard” office.
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THEY are saying that the versatile cricketer, Warwick Armstrong, is personally well-known in the Carrum district, as he is a regular visitor to that holiday resort in the summer time.
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THE Aerial Derby promises to be an event worthy of the seeing.
In today’s issue, the Larkin-Sopwith Aviation Co. have an interesting notice to the public concerning the event, which will be decided over a course between Mordialloc and Frankston on Boxing Day.
Lieut. Ray Parer, R.F.C., will take part in the race.
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REFERENCE was made in “The Standard” last issue to The Fernery’s enterprise in erecting a refrigerating plant.
The work is proceeding, and Mr. Bradbury expects to have things ship-shape by Xmas Eve.
The building is constructed entirely of reinforced concrete, and is altogether a substantial structure.
The concreting was carried out by Mr. S.Lawrey, whilst the carpentry work, etc., has been entrusted to Messrs. Bowley and Coopes.
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THE Prince of Wales Hotel, Frankston, has been completely transformed in appearance since Mr. McKinnon secured the hotel.
A balcony has been added, with frontage to Davey Street and Mornington Road, which adds attractively to the Hotel’s appearance.
Inside and out, it has been completely renovated and painted – and it is safe to say that the Prince of Wales is now one of the best-appointed and best-conducted Hotels in the State.
The Australian Ensign flies from the flag-pole – which is as it should be, for it cultivates a healthy national sentiment.
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FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 17 December 1920
First published in the Mornington News – 22 December 2020
