MR. Essex A. D. Bond, of the new Frankston firm of auctioneer’s, Bond & Baxter, having arrived at the conclusion that Frankston wants a new picture theatre, has also come to the further momentous decision that he is the man to supply that want.
These two important points being fully considered, Mr. Bond is not allowing the grass to grow under his feet.
Yesterday the “Standard” representative was afforded the opportunity of inspecting the plans of the new building, drawn by the city architect, Mr. J. L. Armstrong.
On Wednesday Mr. Armstrong visited Frankston with the contractor, Mr. F. Freneham, when the site was further inspected and arrangements made for commencing the work of construction forthwith.
It is anticipated that the theatre will be ready for opening on Christmas Eve.
Although Mr. Bond is the “live wire” connected with the movement, the enterprise will be known as the “Frankston Cinema and Palais de Dance Co. Pty. Ltd.”
A number of Frankston residents have already taken shares in the venture, it having been part of Mr. Bond’s policy to give the local people first chance of subscribing the required capital.
Whatever amount is necessary will be readily subscribed in Melbourne.
The new building promises to be a beautiful example of modern architecture, and on the spacious site in Playne Street, opposite the State Savings Bank, will show up to the best advantage.
The land on which it will stand has a frontage of 100 ft. and was purchased at a cost of £1500.
The structure is to be of brick, the front to be colored white with black facings.
The main hall will be 78ft. 6in. deep by 50ft. across.
It will be provided with a spacious balcony furnished with lounge chairs, a la Continental.
The seating accommodation in the main hall will consist of movable chairs, so that the floor may be made readily available for dancing.
An imposing entrance is provided from Playne Street with two lock up shops on either side.
Three of these shops will be 20ft. by 15ft. and one 16ft. x 15ft. The entire building is estimated to cost £8000.
When doubt was expressed by our reporter as to practicability of such an extensive building being completed in 13 weeks, Mr. Bond replied that he was relying on the judgment of the contractor in the matter.
An ample supply of bricks had been provided for, and unless unforeseen difficulties arose the new theatre would be available to the Frankston people next Christmas Eve, as already stated.
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A LARGE number of workmen were discharged from the Flinders Naval Base on Wednesday last.
Only a few employees were retained.
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THE Shire Secretary (Mr John E. Jones) is inviting tenders for the lease of the Wells Street Tea House for a period of three years.
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MISS Dorathea Macmaster advises that the new term for intending pupils commences on Monday, October 16th.
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THE Somerville Stars Football Club are holding a grand concert on Tuesday, September 23, when visiting and local talent will supply the programme.
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A MEMORIAL fair, in aid of the Somerville Soldiers’ Memorial will be held in the Horticultural Hall, Somerville, early next month.
In the hands of that capable organiser, Mrs Geo. Shepherd, success is assured.
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AS a result of the vagaries of the new electric power arrangements, the staff of “The Standard” was compelled to work all night last night to ensure the production of “The Standard” today.
A similarly lengthy shift is necessary tonight to produce the “Phillip Island Standard” and “Carrum Borough Gazette” which are also published at this office.
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FRANKSTON parents are perhaps unaware that children, apparently school children, may any day be seen wandering across the railway line in the vicinity of the subway.
It is not possible for the railway authorities to be continually on the alert to warn off trespassers, and parents would be well advised to take a hand in the matter themselves before a serious tragedy occurs.
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CAPTAIN E. M. Wells and Lieut. Dixon, of the Salvation Army, are now canvassing the Frankston district in the interests of the Self Denial Fund of the Salvation Army and will appreciate any assistance offered.
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A NEW automatic flashlight beacon has replaced the old lamp on the end of the jetty at Flinders.
Since the destroyer “Swordsman”, of the Australian squadron, struck a rock off West Head some months ago whilst negotiating a narrow channel, a wooden beacon has been placed on the furthermost point.
The light on the jetty, which will be similar to the one on the Knobbies, at the extreme point of Phillip Island, will be an additional safeguard to vessels entering the bay.
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THE new subway at Frankston railway station is probably a very excellent sort of subway as subways go.
As an aid to locomotion the device will not meet with the commendation of the average traveller, but evidently this is a case where the underground method must be accepted as a necessary evil.
Whoever is in control of the thoroughfare should pay some little attention to the small boys with bicycles who so thoroughly approve of the new subway that they spend hazardous moments speeding down the steep inclines with gleeful recklessness.
It is risky for the boys, but it is worse for those passengers who perhaps is just commencing to ascend after stiffly propping down the incline.
We feel sure that this matter has only to be mentioned and it will receive prompt attention from the authorities.
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MR. Will Allen, of Crib Point, is at present a patient in Nurse Creswick’s private hospital under the care of Dr. Maxwell.
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MR. E. J. Parker, secretary of the Frankston Football Club, has received a letter from Mr. Harold Haddock, secretary of the Hastings Football Club, congratulating Frankston on winning the premiership.
The message is much appreciated by local players.
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ATTENTION is directed to the business announcement of Messrs. A. & G. Henderson, Monumental Masons, of Carlton, appearing in another column.
This firm is noted throughout Australia for its high-class work, both as designers and manufacturers, and can be thoroughly recommended.
Messrs. Henderson have been entrusted with the Carrum Soldiers’ Memorial.
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THE Mayor of the Borough of Carrum, Cr. Stephens, has convened a public meeting at the Council Chambers, Station Street, Chelsea, at 8pm on Thursday, 4th September, for the purpose of discussing ways and means of establishing a High School in the Borough.
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From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 15 September 1922
First published in the Mornington News – 13 September 2022
