WHEN Charlie O’Brien appeared at the Frankston court two weeks ago on a charge of drunkenness, he promised the Bench that he would shake the dust of Frankston from off his feet, and make for fresh fields and pastures new if given “one more chance.’’
The Court took him at his word, but Charlie failed to keep his part of the contract.
Last Monday morning he faced the magistrates again. He was unshaven and generally presented a most unkempt appearance.
He was charged with vagrancy.
Senior Constable Cullane said accused was arrested on Saturday night near the Frankston railway station.
Residents complained that his conduct was such as to cause terror among women and children, begging money and food. He carried a swag, which when opened proved to be full of rubbish.
Accused said he couldn’t comprehend such a charge being laid against him. He had been unfortunate, he admitted. He came to Frankston from Flinders, where he had been employed on a chaffcutter. He intended doing business in Frankston, and entered the town intending to have a haircut, but the Fates had ruled otherwise.
If given another chance he would not tarry longer to consult with Frankston’s tonsorial artists.
He had work to go to in another district and would make a bee line for same immediately the court gave the word “go”.
The Bench reminded accused of a similar promise made two weeks ago.
Such a poor starter at barrier rise could not be relied on. He was ordered to be imprisoned for seven days.
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THE past three Saturdays have witnessed what must rank as probably the most successful working bee held in Baxter for many years past, and the enthusiasm with which it was entered upon was not dampened in any way by the showery weather that hindered the efforts of the workers on the second day, and threatened to hold up the completion of the work, but fortune smiled and the work was to all intents finished by dusk on Saturday last.
Our local church as the result of this good work has received two good coats of paint outside and its bright appearance now bears testimony to the good work done.
The surroundings have been tidied up, and when not engaged preparing and serving afternoon tea, the ladies busied themselves cleaning and dusting and generally brightening up the inside.
The efforts reflected great credit on all who were concerned in it. All worked with a will and most of those present on the first day were still hard at it on the last day.
In having a practical man like Cr. J. C. K. McLean, who, before he took up a rifle in 1914, had wielded a paint brush for many years, to direct operations, we must be counted fortunate, and under his expert guidance the job was carried through in a way that left nothing to be desired.
Our popular minister, Mr. W. B. Watkins, was present each day, and garbed in “Oshgosh” overalls and paint, was well enough camouflaged to be almost unrecognisable.
His enthusiasm undoubtedly was a great factor in the success of the effort.
Mr. H. B. Legge, of Frankston, who, in addition to his work with the brush, made many needed repairs to the spouting, etc., placed residents here under a debt of gratitude in coming so far and giving such a lot of time to the work.
Others who contributed their share were Messrs. A. W. Hawken, G. Grant, C. Grant, W. Wilson, V. Stott, J. Parris, and Geo. Collett. Mesdames Hawker and Collett and Misses Parris, Rogers and Green were the ladies who did such splendid work and provided the afternoon tea each day.
True to his usual custom, Mr. Fulton devoted his attention to the clearing up of the ferns and undergrowth, but what is now wanted is another effort – this time with plows and harrows – to complete the destruction of the bracken fern, shape up paths, and plant out some hardy trees and shrubs.
It would not be a big job, and with the present fine trees the surroundings would then really be in keeping with the spic and span appearance of the church itself.
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ST. Paul’s Church of England, Frankston, was chosen for the marriage which united members of two of Victoria’s well-known families.
As weddings go these days, the party was a comparatively small one, owing to the express wish of the bride.
She is the only daughter of Brigadier-General and Mrs. Harold Grimwade, “Marathon,” Frankston and “Amesbury House,” South Yarra.
The bridegroom is T. Chester, only son of the late Mr. Chester Manifold, and of Mrs Manifold; “Talindert”, Camperdown.
As the bride’s parents have made “Marathon” their most loved home it was but natural that they, as well as their daughter, preferred that the wedding should take place at Frankston.
The church was prettily decorated with clusters of white flowers on each pew, and massed arrangements of palms, ferns, white chrysanthemums and trails of Virginia creeper about the pulpit and chancel.
Spanning the aisle was a charming arc of asparagus fern and purple and white flower.
The ceremony was performed by the Bishop of Ballarat, an intimate friend of the bridegroom’s family.
He gave a very impressive address after the ceremony.
Assisting the bishop was the Rev. A. P. Macfarlane, vicar of St. Paul’s.
The bride who was given away by her father carried herself with graceful charm as she walked slowly up the aisle. Her white frock of the new satinrep, which is termed Bridal satin was fashioned in long straight lines which admirably suited her lissom figure.
The bodice had short plain sleeves, and it fell in simple lines to the hips where soft folds gave a deep waist finish, and were clasped by a large ornament of pearls and diamente.
A pointed panel fell at the side, and from the back depended a panel train of the satin, folded at one side so as to show a cloth of silver lining.
The touch of silver on the frock was repeated as a finish to the long flowing tulle veil for the graduated bandeau of orange blossom and buds had a silver foundation, and it was tied at the back by a bow of silver tissue ribbon.
A string of lovely pearls and an 1830 bouquet of orange buds and blossom completed the attire of a lovely bride.
The bridesmaids were Miss Betty Nichol (Clunes) Miss Katharine Thornton (cousin of bride), and immediately following the bride two very small girls, cousins respectively of the bride and bridegroom.
After the ceremony, which was fully choral there was a picturesque climax, for school maids formed a guard of honor outside the church. All worn white frocks, and held tall branches of ti-tree studded with bright flowers.
The sang a chorus to wish happiness to Mr. and Mrs. T. Chester Manifold.
The guests subsequently re-assembled at “Marathon,” where they were welcomed by the bride’s parents at the entrance door. From there, to the room where the bridal party received, the hall was beautifully banked at either side with pink and white flowers.
Marguerites were on all sides, but particularly so in the ballroom, where wedding tea was served for the walls had a high dado of evergreens studded by clusters of the starry white blooms.
In addition, there were loops of white tulle caught by bunches of these flowers.
The only toasts were proposed by the Bishop and by the bridegrooms.
By request of the bride they were very brief.
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From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 23 & 25 May 1923
First published in the Mornington News – 23rd May 2023
