BAXTER residents have good reason to be proud of their hall, now almost completed, for quite apart from the fact that it is an extremely substantial and sightly building – large enough to provide for the needs of the district for many years to come – its presence, bears eloquent testimony to the public spirit and enthusiasm of the greater portion of the residents.
For the past five months, “working bees” have been carried on every Saturday afternoon, the average attendance being about ten, while the families have never once failed to provide the much appreciated refreshments.
In addition to this, during the time that the actual erection was being carried out, one or more volunteers were present practically every day to assist where possible, and thus help to keep the cost for labor down to the very minimum.
During the past few weeks, the painting of the building has been the chief item, and by the opening day, its appearance will leave nothing to be desired.
In appealing for support in surrounding districts, residents have no need to be different – such an example gives them a good and valid reason – for no one begrudges a coin or a helping hand to those who get busy and help themselves, before asking others to “lend a hand”.
Strenuous efforts were made to induce the Premier to come down and perform the opening ceremony, but other engagements necessitated an apology.
Details re the opening will be published later.
Given a fine day, a very large attendance, both afternoon and evening, from all the surrounding districts is expected, and the ladies are hard at work preparing for the bazaar.
On the following Friday (23rd), the crowning of the winning Queen in the Queen Carnival will take place – the occasion being a concert, followed by an all-night dance.
By these two entertainments, it is hoped to reduce considerably the amount outstanding in connection with the building.
A list of all donations will be published when all lists are in. A splendid response has already been made, and the utmost gratitude is felt locally to those in other localities who have contributed to the appeal.
***
CONVINCING evidence of Frankston’s popularity as “the Queen of the Bay” was again at hand yesterday.
The number of visitors as recorded by the railways was about 1700, while other means of transport could have, at a conservative estimate, accounted for at least half as many again, making approximately 2550.
“A more orderly crowd”, to quote Senior-Constable Culhane, “has never been here”, a total absence of disorderly or intoxicating behaviour being a specially noteworthy feature.
The visitors included a number of picnic parties, of which the Trinity Grammar School (Kew), in charge of Mr. Clayfield, “had the time of their life”, to use, the words of one of its members, and it is reasonably safe to assert that this expressed sentiment covered the opinions of all the other picnickers.
***
THE council has received word from the Railway Commissioners, acceding to their request re the widening of Young Street by bringing the existing footpath into alignment with the railway fence and removing the trees.
Work will commence very shortly.
***
THE hon. secretary of the Frankston Soldiers’ Memorial (Lieut.– Col.Lazarus) has received a notification from Miss White, the lady who has been holding classes for dancing in Frankston, that she intends giving a children’s dance at the end of the present month, in aid of the soldiers’ hall.
A committee of soldiers’ wives and relatives has been formed to carry out the supper arrangements.
Messrs. Ritchie and Taylor have also intimated, that they intend to give a “Ford” day, the proceeds of which will be equally divided between the soldiers’ hall and the Frankston branch of the Alfred Hospital Auxiliary.
As the proceeds of the “Ford” day this firm held recently at Mornington topped two hundred pounds, these two institutions should be greatly benefited thereby.
***
ON Friday next, 9th inst., the Frankston Tennis Club are holding their grand ball in the Palais de Danse.
The splendid floor is well known, and to help the dancers to thoroughly appreciate it, Gabriel’s Band will attend to their wants with a selection of the very latest music.
A first-class supper will be provided, so all Mr. McGovern, the energetic secretary, wants you to do is to buy tickets and come along, he’ll do the rest.
***
ON Saturday morning, about eight o’clock, a fire broke out in Chelsea Road, Chelsea.
The local fire brigade once more proved their efficiency; they were promptly on the spot, led by Lieut. Fricke and Fireman Hart.
The place on fire proved to be a one room bungalow at the rear of Mr. Barrett’s house and it was completely destroyed, but the firemen were able to prevent the flames spreading to adjacent properties.
The cause of the outbreak is unknown.
***
MR. Sam. Hamilton, of Carrum, who has been an inhabitant of the foreshore at Carrum longer than probably any man in the district, was an eye witness of what was well nigh a drowning fatality on Sunday last.
Some children were playing on the new groyne at the mouth of the Patterson river, Carrum.
One child suddenly slipped off into the stream, which is now nine or ten feet deep (according to Mr. Hamilton).
A young man, who was rowing, plunged in and rescued the child.
Like most heroes his name is missing; after saving the child he didn’t stop to argue.
This paper says “Bravo”! to the young man.
***
The Gesner v. Earl Case
To the Editor.
Sir,
To satisfy the curiosity of the many people who have asked me questions re above case, I may state that one of the prime causes for my lady-like neighbor’s attitude towards me is that I have been fighting for my rights, and furthermore, that I was forced to secure same through the Central Health Department and its council, to whom all credit is due, inasmuch as they have proved themselves to be something above the “jelly-fish” type.
What I have had to put up with during the last twelve months can be well understood by any person coming to my place.
My neighbor’s animals (pigs, cows and horses) have rort havoc and destruction.
As an instance what were very fine “terraced” houses, are now merely so many sticks.
The wonderence given, on oath, by the claimant and her witness at the court, was induced a rotten “frame up”, and its such I termed it.
Why! The very audacity of the witness desiring to peruse the complainants sets of terrible words which were written upon her list, before submitting it upon to the Bench, was in itself enough.
Naturally, the Bench would not give evidence to such execrable filth.
Now, since these “vile and insulting” words were brushed aside why was I ordered to pay 20/-?
Surely not for saying “I don’t care a d––n”. However, it is an ill-wind that blows nobody good; so the State’s coffers will benefit to the extent of 20/-. Yours, etc.,
A. L. EARL.
***
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 7 & 9 Nov 1923
First published in the Mornington News – 7 November 2023
