THE Chelsea Hotel question again came before the Licensing Court held recently.
On the Bench sat Messrs. Barr (chairman), Loch, and Tanner, P.M. Mr. Maginnis, for the petitioners, stated that he regretted he would have to ask the Court to proceed in the absence of Mr. Williams, the objectors’ counsel.
He read a letter he had received from Mr. Williams, to the effect it was agreed that this day’s argument should be heard by the Bench only, if he, Mr. Williams, could arrange to be present.
He failed to effect an agreement with the petitioners in the matter. Therefore he would have to object to the matter being proceeded with then.
The letter pointed out that at the previous sitting Mr. Maginnis himself was not able to attend for the petitioners.
Had he, Mr. Williams, insisted upon his rights then, the matter could have closed in the absence of petitioners’ counsel; but at great inconvenience he, Mr. Williams, asked for an adjournment, on behalf of his opposing friend.
He now suggested that in fairness the same should be done for him. On two occasions objectors’ counsel obtained adjournments owing to the absence of Mr. Magennis, when on either occasion objectors could have gone on.
Mr. Maginnis said the letter made him feel somewhat embarrassed.
Mr. Loch—Why go on with it now, then? Why not wait, as suggested, for a more convenient time?
Mr. Maginnis—Unfortunately, my clients are anxious to close the matter, They have been put to considerable trouble and expense.
Mr. Maginnis—I beg to ask leave to withdraw the petition for the purpose of adding a number of new names.
Mr. Loch—You want to take care in this matter, Mr. Maginnis. You are buying yourself a law suit. It is a matter for grave questioning whether you can make use of the names in this petition again once you have withdrawn it.
Mr. Barr—The matter of withdrawal is one for the Chief Secretary to deal with. If application is made to him, and it is referred to this Court, we may offer no objection.
Mr. Maginnis—I then make formal application for the withdrawal of the petition.
The Chairman—You want the Court to take note of your wish to withdraw. Very well, then.
On Tuesday morning, at the Licensing Court, before Mr. Barr (chairman), Mr. Williams, on behalf of the objectors, made a further application that withdrawal of the petition be not permitted until his argument in the matter is heard.
The chairman reserved his decision for the purpose of consulting his colleagues.
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FRANKSTON GUN CLUB
Next Shoot on Saturday.
The Frankston Gun Club, which during the past few weeks has had to suspend operations owing to inability to secure birds, will hold its next shoot on Saturday, 22nd inst., when turkeys, ducks, and hams will be competed for.
The club has just erected a very fine aviary, built on lines similar to those in use at the Melbourne Gun Club.
The Frankston aviary is capable of holding 2,000 birds and the committee is now in a position to guarantee shoots on days advertised.
Messrs. Wykes, Caudwell, Gregory, McMurtrie and Burton visited Boggy Creek on Tuesday night last, and secured about 100 starlings.
They have been placed in the aviary, with Mr. Baxter in charge.
Mr. C. Caudwell, of Mordialloc, is now the hon. secretary of the club.
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PASSING along Melbourne Road, near Beach Street crossing, one can-not fail to notice the appearance of the tiling on Mr. Kilner’s new residence.
A representation of this paper ascertained that Mr. Percy Chitty was the contractor responsible, and Mr. Pepperell, of Pepperell and Leonard, builders, informed him that Mr. Chitty had undertaken all the tiling work for some time, and that better workmanship could not be wished for.
An inspection of the job referred to should convince anyone of that fact.
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ON Saturday last Mr. C. May, of Baxter, while in town on business, left his pony, saddle, and bridle in a loose box, and on his requiring to return home found that the whole turn-out had vanished.
The police were notified, and a speedy apprehension of the mean thief is hoped for.
Mr. May offers a reward of £5 for information leading to a conviction.
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LAST night a Christmas Tree was provided for the children, of the Frankston Branch of the A.N.A.
The event was a memorable one for the juveniles. A large tree occupying the centre of the Mechanics’ Hall was ladened with toys of all descriptions, and when Father Christmas arrived there was great jubilation.
Mr. Mark Brody, appropriately attired, carried out the part to perfection.
Mr. Montague, in the character of a clown, delighted the young folk with his funiosities, and he was ably supported by a couple of good humored dummies, whose antics provoked great mirth.
Altogether it was an hour of unalloyed joy to the children, and the Frankston Branch of the A.N.A. is to be congratulated on the success attained. Mrs. Barclay, during the evening, delighted the “grown-ups” present with a solo.
The President of the branch, Cr. F. H. Wells, extended a hearty, welcome to visitors.
The arrangements were admirably carried out by the committee under the direction of the secretary, Mr. D. J. Quartermain.
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THE rapidly revolving wheel of time has brought us again to Christmastide, and the threshold of another year.
The season admonishes us of the silent march of days, and bids us pause and ponder.
Looking back on the past twelve months, we may, for the moment, “rest and be thoughtful.”
Individually we can only be introspective of our own private concerns, and what they are each best knows, though in the common experience of humanity, shine and shadow have doubtless more or less marked the pages of each personal history.
As members, however, of the general community, enwrapped socially in the broader folds of the State, and merged as units in the body politic, whose concerns are universal property, we may safely look back upon our position as Australians, and contemplate with equanimity our progress as a district.
Regarding our immediate locality, prosperity is writ large on the year’s annals, and the future prospects are propitious.
Many difficulties have been faced and overcome. The future holds many more problems, social, economic, and domestic.
Mutual consideration and common justice as between man and man will go a long way in the direction of overcoming every trial.
May all difficulties be faced in a large and generous spirit, may confidence and goodwill exist on a just and lasting basis, and the outcome will be A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
This we heartily wish to our increasing host of subscribers, and at the same time take advantage of this opportune moment to sincerely thank each and all for the generous support accorded us, and which we will ever strive to merit.
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From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 19 & 21 Dec 1923
First published in the Mornington News – 19 December 2023
