THOSE persons who decline to sit at table whilst there are thirteen present, and who scent the gravest danger if it should so happen, that there is thirteen at any gathering, will now have a further proof of the fatality that they allege goes with the number thirteen.
Recently the leg of a racing pigeon was washed up on the bench at Edithvale, with the dread thirteen on its leg band.
Of course, there is no doubt that the poor bird would have died a similar death if his number had been any but thirteen; still those good souls who dread thirteen will never believe.
In this regard it is interesting to recall that “Dicky Lee,” for many years champion goal-kicker of Victoria, always bore the number thirteen. Yet one could not class him as unlucky.
However, how did the pigeon die?
One can easily conjure up a vision of the poor faithful homer, being intercepted by an alleged sport with a gun, wounded, yet still making for· home, falling into the water exhausted and finally the remains after battering about in the water, the leg with the mystic thirteen washing up at Edithvale.
What a shame it is to shoot these beautiful, useful and intelligent birds.
***
USERS of electric power in Frankston are notified by advertisement in another column that the current will be cut off on Monday next, between the hours of 7.30am and 5.30pm, to allow certain alterations to be carried out to the system on Cranbourne road.
This interruption will be a serious matter to the many industries in the town, which are solely dependent on electric power.
***
LAST evening while Lieut.-Colonel Lazarus, shire engineer of Frankston, was delivering a lecture before the Northcote branch of the A.N.A., he received a message that his father had been killed.
Lieut.-Colonel Lazarus hastened to the Alfred Hospital where he ascertained that earlier in the evening his father had been knocked down by a motor lorry at Hawthorn earlier in the evening and received such injuries that he expired shortly after admission to the institution named.
Deceased, who resided at Camberwell, was about 76 years of age.
Much sympathy is felt for Lieut.-Colonel Lazarus in his sad bereavement.
***
“THE Standard’s” special report of the Minister of Land’s visit to Aspendale and Mordialloc last week to inspect sites suitable for a high school, caused considerable concern in Frankston.
Cr. F. H. Wells was early on the move, and expressed his determination to organise a deputation to wait on the Minister of Education without a moment’s delay.
He interviewed several leading residents, and ultimately, in reference to “red tape” conditions rigidly enforced in the government departments, it was decided to write to the Minister, reminding him of his promise to establish the high school at Frankston.
Mr. John E. Jones. expects to receive a reply to place before the Council meeting next Friday, when further developments may be expected.
A strong sub-committee of the council should be appointed to attend to this matter and fight strenuously and consistently for Frankston’s rights.
***
MRS. F. Henderson, who has opened an up-to-date milliner’s and dressmaking establishment in one of the shops in Mason’s picture theatre, in Chelsea Road, Chelsea, opposite the Municipal Chambers, though quite a young Woman, is quite an old identity in Chelsea.
Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Lawrence, played a notable part in the early advancement of Chelsea.
Mr. Lawrence was a very active member of the fire brigade, whilst her late husband, Mr. Fred Henderson, who lost his life in the war, was one of the first Chelsea boys to enlist.
Prior to enlistment he was a local dairyman and was well known to all in the district.
Mrs. Henderson is a sister of Mrs. A. Judson, of Point. Nepean road, Chelsea.
Mrs. Henderson has herself taken part in many local affairs. Our representative, in having a chat with her, had a pleasant verbal picture of Chelsea, past and present.
Mrs. Henderson has great faith in the place and states that many old friends are dropping into the shop to have a chat.
Naturally she would like to welcome many more, either for a chat or business.
***
FRANKSTON and district residents will be interested in the advertisement appearing in another column relating to the wild flower and daffodil show to be held in the Palais de Danse, Frankston, on Saturday, 15th September.
A committee of management, acting for the Frankston Progress Association, has arrangements well in hand.
In conjunction with the flower show, a competition for school children for singing and recitations will begin at 7.30pm.
Intending competitors must give their names and particulars to Mr J. D. Jennings at the State school before Friday, 14th September.
Members of the Field Naturalists Club will be present, besides representatives of many suburban horticultural societies.
***
FRANKSTON POLICE COURT
Monday 2nd September. (Before Capt. Sherlock and Mr. C. W. Grant, J.’sP.).
Constable Graham v. Chas. Harding, riding motor cycle on footpath in Frankston on 30th ult.
No appearance of defendant. Fined 10/-.
Constable Graham v. John Faull, failing to have identifying number on front of motor car. No appearance of defendant. Fined 10/-.
Senior-Constable Culhane conducted the prosecutions.
The application of Francis Funston, of Pearcedale, for a real estate agent’s license was granted.
Joseph Bray, of Frankston, was granted a carrier’s license.
Two men, named Hancock and Ritchie, charged with drunkenness, were each fined 5/-.
Senior-Constable Culhane and Constable Graham deposed as to the arrest of defendants.
Capt. Sherlock, addressing the offenders, said that Frankston was a favorite seaside resort with a good reputation. It was intended to retain that reputation if possible, and keep it free of drunks and disorderly people.
***
THE Somerville ground on Saturday was in first-rate order for the second semi-final match between the above teams, and a good crowd assembled from all parts of the Peninsula.
The takings at the gate amounted to about £47.
Both teams had a representative 18 afield, and from the bounce the spectators were treated to some fast play.
The Navy started off with rare determination and showed more dash and system than their opponents.
The game was played in a most friendly spirit, although there were plenty of hard knocks given and taken.
Beaumont, the field umpire gave a good exhibition of umpiring, and the majority of the spectators were quite satisfied with his decisions on the whole.
The Base led at every stage of the game and won rather comfortably, the final scores being: Naval Base, 10.14; Mornington, 7.10. Griffiths, of the Base played remarkably clever football, and was the most consistent man on the field, being closely followed by Gilmour (Mornington), who was a tower of strength to his side.
On Saturday Frankston and Naval Base meet in the final match, to be played at Somerville, when a good game is sure to result.
The Frankston club are running a special train, which will leave Frankston at 2.15 and return about 6 p.m.
***
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 5 & 7 Sep 1923
First published in the Mornington News – 5 September 2023
