THE Bittern to Red Hill railway is now well in hand. The earthwork has been practically completed to as far as Merricks, and many of the workmen and drays have moved on to the Red Hill end to complete the earthworks there.
This will, without doubt, be the prettiest section of rail way line on the Peninsula, as the country through which it passes is very rich and a large portion of it is under orchard, especially at the Red Hill end.
Besides the picturesque farms and orchards, the railway follows some of the best scenery on this side.
First, Westernport Bay is seen from the southern side at Balnarring and is followed as far as Merricks.
This in itself forms a beautiful scene as across the bay can be seen Phillip Island, with its clean pastoral country; away farther to the south is seen The Nobbies and the Seal Rocks, while the mainland head, known as West Head, stands high and majestically out of the sea some 100 feet or more, forming the southern entrance to the bay.
All along the main coast can be seen small inlets and bays, all protected by high cliffs and rocks.
Looking up the bay, towards Cowes, one can see the Gippsland Mountains and the highlands on French Island.
From Merricks the line leaves the sea, and steers towards the centre of the Peninsula, and here it commences a long climb to the top of the mount.
All along the line, the sea remains in view, except at small intervals, when it is hidden by a bend in the line or a bolt of timber.
Hills take form at every turn, and one is constantly getting a change of scenery, which is so pleasing to the average eye.
When at last the line reaches the summit and terminus one finds one’s self in quite a large settlement of homes surrounded by orchards of very fine quality, while a large cool store is in course of construction.
There is no doubt the pioneers along this line have worked hard and constantly and we who are going to benefit by this line cannot realise the hardships and trials that have been borne by the good old pioneers who first ventured out into this rough yet beautiful country.
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MR Percy Lyon’s little daughter met with a painful accident on the foreshore reserve at Frankston on Sunday last.
She was playing near the swing stands, when she was struck on the face by the footboard of one of the swings.
The child was conveyed to her home in an almost helpless condition, but has since made a good recovery.
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MR E. J. Parker, while driving his motor car in the city on Monday last had the misfortune to collide with a tram at the intersection of Collins and Market Streets.
Fortunately no one was injured.
The motor car suffered slight damage, but has since been repaired and returned to Frankston.
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MR Mark Brody, in another column invites all interested to attend a public meeting, at the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall, on Monday, 21st inst, at 8 p.m., for the purpose of forming a committee to arrange a dance in aid of the building extension fund of the Royal Victorian Blind Asylum.
The object is a particularly worthy one, and a generous response is expected.
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MRS Lunn, of London, has been appointed to take charge of the Ragged Boys’ Seaside Home at Frankston.
She will arrive by the S. S. Borda on Tuesday, 1st March, and immediately enter upon her duties at Oliver’s Hill.
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THE death occurred at Studley Park on Thursday night, from heart disease, of Sir Frank Madden, brother to the late Chief Justice, Sir John Madden, who resided at Mornington Road, Frankston.
The late Sir Frank Madden was educated in England, France and Melbourne, and for many years was Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.
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A SERIOUS and painful accident happened to an eight-year-old boy, son of Mr Martin Maloney.
The lad was, with others, riding to school on a timber wagon, and by some means got his leg caught in one of the wheels.
Before the wagon could be stopped, the little fellow had his leg frightfully lacerated from the knee downward, though fortunately the limb was not broken.
The sufferer was hurried by his father, who was driving the vehicle to the local doctor, Dr Griffiths, who ordered his removal to the Children’s Hospital, where he is progressing as well as can be expected.
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THINGS associated with the fruit industry are beginning to assume a busy aspect here.
The Peninsula Co-Operative Society shipped during the week 600 cases to London, as a first consignment, and expect to forward 2000 cases by the next boat.
The popular Jonathon variety apple promises to yield a better crop here than is the case in most districts.
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A FIRE broke out on Toomb’s property at Langwarrin last Saturday, and but for the prompt voluntary aid might have caused serious loss.
The people renting the property were absent at the time, and they have to thank Mr H. Cloak for saving the house, as the flames got within a few yards of it.
A few fencing posts were burnt.
The fire spread over 80 acres and reached Brandiz’s property.
Here the lessee, Mr J. Currie, was in a sorry plight, when willing helpers arrived in the nick of time to help him.
The flames had licked up the fowlhouses, and swept the well grassed orchard, being checked only a few feet from the house by the use of watering cans.
The fire crossed Robinson’s Road, but was checked on entering Hindson’s property.
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A MEETING of the Frankston Honor Avenue Committee was held at the Mechanics’ Hall on Wednesday night last, when Cr W. J. Oates presided.
The Treasurer, (Dr S. Plowman) and the Secretary (Mr W. W. Young), with Messrs Mark Brody and J. D. Jennings, were also present.
The Treasurer produced the bank book showing that the amount at credit at the local Savings Bank was £88 10s 11d.
Reference to the minutes of the last committee meeting, held on July 11th, 1918, gave information relating to the selection of suitable brass plates to be affixed to each tree, the price then quoted for each plate bearing the name of a soldier being 3s 9d.
It was resolved, on the motion of Messrs Young and Brody, that steps be taken at once to procure the necessary plates (about 300) and that Mr Jennings be asked to interview city firms regarding present cost.
Mr Brody referred to what he termed the disgraceful condition of the avenue but Mr Young failed to see how the term “disgraceful” could be accurately applied. Mr Brody, in reply, said the trees were imperfectly staked, and were allowed to blow about in all directions. Many were broken down and others pulled up by the roots.
Cr Oates stated that the Shire Council had replanted a number of the trees, but some evilly disposed person or persons had wantonly pulled them out by the roots.
It was decided to ask the Council to again effect re-planting where necessary.
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FROM the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 18 February 1921
First published in the Mornington News – 23 February 2021
