THE Point Nepean Road is becoming notorious for the number of motor smashes and mishaps occurring on it lately.
Another one of these distressing accidents happened at Seaford on Sunday afternoon.
At about 4pm, Mr. Fred Shenfield was returning on his motor cycle to his home at Seaford with his father, Mr. L. J. Shenfield, who was in the side car.
When nearly opposite “Fernlea”, the cycle suddenly swerved and crashed into a stout electric light pole with a sickening force.
Mr. Shenfield, senr., was pinned under the body of the heavy cycle, and considerable difficulty was experienced in extricating him from his unfortunate position.
Dr. Maxwell, of Frankston, and Dr. Le Souef, of Chelsea, were quickly on the scene, and shortly afterwards two Melbourne doctors happened to be passing and assisted in rescuing, and administering to the unconscious man.
Upon examination it was found that Mr. Shenfield was suffering from concussion, a broken arm and several broken ribs. He was conveyed to the Alfred Hospital.
His son escaped with bruises. He had a miraculous escape from serious injury.
Mr. Shenfield, senr., is a prominent member of the Seaford Progress Association, and deep regret was ex-pressed by the Shire President (Cr. W. Armstrong, J.P.) and other members at the unfortunate and serious injury with which Mr. Shenfield had met.
This paper adds it sympathy, and wishes him a speedy recovery.
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ON Monday morning last the first court was held at Chelsea.
The Bench was occupied by Mr. Cohen, P.M., and Cr. W. Stephens (Mayor), Crs. Hunter, Richardson, Funston, W. Armstrong, Messrs. R. J. Burroghs, James, Callaghan, Frewin, Cook and Giles, J.’sP.
Before opening the court, Mr. Cohen, P.M., said he desired to congratulate the people of the district on the progress of the Borough, which necessitated the court being established at Chelsea.
He had presided at the neighboring courts at Frankston and Cheltenham, and knew that the bulk of the court business at those places came from the Chelsea district.
It was therefore natural that the Chelsea people should want a local court and thus save them travelling out of their own district.
The Mayor, Cr. W. Stephens, expressed pleasure that the court at Chelsea was at last an established fact.
It would save expense to litigants and prove of benefit to the Borough in every way.
He took the opportunity of congratulating the police of the Borough on the splendid manner in which they carried out their arduous duties.
Mr. A. Leslie Williams, on behalf of the Bar, said it was undoubtedly the correct thing that justice should be administered within the Borough.
In the past more than half the business transacted at the Frankston and Cheltenham courts came from the Borough of Carrum. The fact that justice was being administered locally would, he thought, make the people less litigious.
This was borne out by the fact that he picked out 30 debt cases to bring before the present court, and the rush that set in to effect settlements had been marvellous. (Laughter).
He congratulated the residents of the Borough on having secured Mr. Cohen as the presiding magistrate. He was held in high regard by the judiciary of the State and there was no blame more honored for competence and fairness.
Mr. Callaghan endorsed all that had been said regarding Mr Cohen, whom he had frequently met at the Cheltenham court. Personally Mr. Callaghan regretted that the necessity for a court had arisen at Chelsea. The first comers to the district were all Arcadians and had no law troubles.
Difficulty only arose when others came to the district and rooted out those who were law-abiding. (Laughter).
Constable Feehan, on behalf of the police, congratulated the Borough Council, the Progress Association, local magistrates and citizens on securing a court for Chelsea. It would prove a boon to the inhabitants.
THE FIRST CASE
J. J. Lawrence, of Carrum Downs, proceeded against E. H. Noble, for the sum of £2/2/6 money due. Mr. A. Leslie Williams appeared for the plaintiff.
There was no appearance of the defendant. An order was made for the amount claimed with costs.
WHO IS THE OWNER?
Chas Scott, Inspector for the Borough of Carrum, charged Thos. W. Hunter with allowing a pony to wander.
Defendant did not appear.
The inspector stated that the pony had been impounded and was released to Wilfred Hunter, who signed the pound book for Thomas W. Hunter, who he said was the owner.
The P.M.: That is not evidence. You must conduct these cases properly.
At this stage Mr. Hunter, senr., made his way to the front of the court. He said the Wilfred Hunter referred to was his grandson and was only 7 years of age.
Inspector Scott: I can produce the pound book.
The P.M.: Here we are in a difficulty. If Wilfred is the owner he should have been charged in the Children’s Court.
Inspector Scott said the owner was Thomas W. Hunter, the father of Wilfred.
The P.M.: You must supply the necessary proof. The case will be adjourned for 14 days.
THE DOG ACT
Mrs. Dodds was then charged with neglecting to register two dogs within 15 days after receiving notice.
Inspector Scott proved the case.
Defendant said it was an oversight.
She paid regularly every year and had paid the fees since receipt of summons. Fined 5/- with 2/6 costs.
THE DOG DIED
Edith Thompson was charged with failing to register a dog.
Defendant: I am very sorry but the dog died 6 or 7 weeks ago.
Inspector Scott said he saw the dog alive 3 weeks ago.
Defendant: I think not!
Fined 5/- with 2/6 costs, the P.M. remarking that an order would not be made for the registration fee as the dog was dead.
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HASTINGS v. NAVAL BASE
By the small margin of 4 points, the Flinders Naval Base compelled Hastings to take the count on Saturday last.
The match, played at Hastings attracted a good crowd and was of a friendly but spirited nature throughout.
In the first quarter Hastings scored 3.5 to 1.1, but against the wind they failed to score, whilst the Navy lads added 1:5.
The blues still had an advantage of 5 points at the interval.
Upon resumption, a good even game resulted, and at the “spell-oh” Hastings were leading by 1.7 to 3.7.
The naval brigade decided to invade the foes territory and do the job properly or die in the attempt.
The final term was one of great energy, and after many exciting moments the Base forged ahead.
Hastings made a brilliant effort. Langholtz, Boyce, Jack and Campbell were seen to advantage in a series of passes.
Jack had a shot, but it fell short – just when a goal would have won the match!
Campbell picked it up smartly and snapped a point from a difficult spot.
When the bell rang, Naval Base had won by 4.13 to 4.9.
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From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 16 & 18 May 1923
