IN criticising the Westernport Development and Decentralisation League, a Melbourne journal says:
“As regards Westernport, the land sharks have cut up and sold to the credulous, ‘desirable residential and factory sites’ by the thousands, so they at least have ceased to have any interest in the place …. There has never been any sincerity behind any of these decentralisation proposals.”
All we can say is that there ought to be, for Westernport is one of the most neglected of all the natural ports in the world.
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SPEAKING of the dangerous air currents in certain parts of Australia, Major T. H. Shaw, the aviator, regards the country at Dromana as the most tricky for air currents, especially near Arthur’s Seat.
At a certain point the air ceases to do any useful work, and instead of the current proving a lifting wind, it forces the machine down.
The worst part, however, is between New South Wales and Queensland, where Sir Ross Smith dropped 200 feet.
That part is described as “the Bay of Biscay aloft.”
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THE recent cricket match between the Dunlop Rubber Co. and Mornington resulted in victory for the seasiders by 101 runs.
The visitors compiled 74 runs, Griffiths being the Mailey with 3 for 9.
Mornington made 175, Griffiths heading the scores with 33 retired, though he was well supported by Jenkins 25, Knuckey 29 not out, Freeman 22 retired, and Cavell 20 retired.
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THOMAS Morse, a resident of Sorrento, was charged in the Criminal Court last week with having unlawfully assaulted Ethel Finney, 26 years of age, at Sorrento on January 22nd last.
Morse was acquitted by the jury, and Mr. Justice Cussen discharged him without comment.
The jury found that the girl, who admitted being “in trouble” some eight years ago, was a consenting party to all that had occurred.
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A RECENT reference in “The Standard” to the old convict settlement at Sorrento has prompted other journals circulating throughout the Peninsula to enlarge upon the subject.
Thus, we see the subject is not without interest.
Most of the settlers at Sorrento suffered, evidently, from a tired feeling, for Captain Collins told Lord Hobart they were “a worthless set of people,” who made no attempt to be successful in agricultural pursuits.
Still, vegetable gardening and duck raising reached astounding heights of popularity – everyone wanted to cultivate peas and raise ducks!
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“THE Peninsula is beautifully diversified with hills and dales,” wrote Tuckey, the explorer, a century ago, “but the kangaroo seems to reign undisturbed, lord of the soil – a dominion he is likely to retain for ages.”
This is one of the most remarkable predictions ever rendered famous by non-fulfilment!
Lieut. Tuckey, like most of the explorers whose names are linked with the history of the Mornington Peninsula, had a tragic end, being captured by the French in 1805, and released in 1815, only to die of African fever whilst exploring the Congo.
***
AN employee of the Country Roads Board, Clarence Roy Willis, aged 25 years, was arrested at Mornington last week and lodged in the Melbourne Gaol on a charge of having criminally assaulted an elderly widow of 67 years of age.
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SO Frankston is really to have its bowling green in common with other progressive centres. The green should have been established years ago.
Bowling, as a pastime for the man who is not as youthful as he used to be, has come to stay, and its popularity is increasing so much so that the demesne is being invaded by the ladies.
To the young, the game might appear to be just about as exciting as skittles, but it is a fact that the game can be developed almost into a science.
Mornington has its bowling green, and, in following suit, Frankston has done the right thing.
***
DESPITE the fact that the Mornington Peninsula Water Scheme has been completed for several months, water scarcity is still a common complaint between here and Chelsea, and water carting is the order of these days of heat and mosquitoes.
Owners of houses have quickly availed themselves of the benefits of the scheme, but several tenants of houses have complained that the residences they rent have been neglected in that respect.
The State Rivers and Water Supply Commission, which is making preparation for the collection of levies, are, however, considering this matter from the viewpoint of general utility.
***
THE Country Roads Board has now-a-days the respect of the general community, but it was not always so.
When it first came into existence, 75 percent, of the shire councils opposed it.
Today, 90 percent support it.
Evidently the remaining 10 percent are sleeping as soundly as ever.
Mr. Calder, the chairman, is naturally proud of the fact noted above.
The Roads Board does certainly construct good roads, and has been responsible, to a large extent, for the development that has taken place of late in rural districts.
Because of that, “The Standard” believes that the Country Roads Board has thoroughly justified its existence.
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“THE Standard” reminds those interested that the Moorooduc sports, under the auspices of the Moorooduc Branch of the Victorian Farmers’ Union, will take place at the Mornington Racecourse on Wednesday next.
The programme was advertised in “The Standard’s” last issue, and is a large one, which will necessitate making an early start.
The secretary, Mr. James McLellan, has arrangements completed for a very successful day’s outing, and all that is wanted in that respect is kindly treatment by the weather.
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ADAMSON, Strettle & Co had a very good sale at the Tanti Market on the 21st, when 100 sheep, on account Mr Claude Grice, sold to 31s, and others to 28s, whilst fat lambs brought 14s.
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THE euchre party and dance organised by Mesdames Muday and McSweeney in aid of the funds of the Alfred Hospital, proved a splendid success in every way.
The gross receipts amounted to £8/10/-, and, as expenses were small, the ladies above mentioned have been able to send on a cheque for £7 to the hospital authorities.
The result is highly satisfactory, and shows what can be done by the exercise of energy and enterprise
The gathering was also a great success from a social point of view. Al the card-tables were-filled, and much interest was taken in the competition.
Mrs. Paxman donated the 1st prizes for ladies and gents, which were won by Mrs. Fielder and Mr. Frank Andrews respectively.
The booby prizes donated by Mrs. McSweeney were won by Mrs. J. Cameron and Mr. McKenzie.
The Frankston Orchestra supplied the dance music free of charge, and their generosity was much appreciated.
The refreshments served during the evening were also donated.
***
FROM the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 4 March 1921
First published in the Mornington News – 9 March 2021
