Compiled by Cameron McCullough
A DEPUTATION from the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council, consisting of Councillors W. J. Oates, F. H. Wells, C. Gray, and J. Bradbury, accompanied by Mr. D. J. Quartermain, the manager of the Council’s Electric undertaking, waited upon the Electricity Commission today, with regard to the many interruptions in the service that have been experienced recently.
The deputation pointed out that, during the month of February there had been no less than eight stoppages – some of them being of quite a lengthy period.
The case of the all day Sunday stoppage was specially stressed, as this stoppage affected the business of the vendors of milk, also the business of those catering for the requirements of the Sunday visitors.
In the case of the Wednesday and Friday stoppages, it was pointed out that this affected the local newspaper, as those two days were publishing days.
The deputation asked further for some assurance that the town would not be subjected to these stoppages in the future, as it was going to seriously interfere with business if this was allowed to happen.
In reply to the remarks of the deputation, Mr. Bate, one of the Electricity Commission Engineers, said they had a record of all the stoppages.
Of the eight occasions of stoppages in February, four of these were due to the Melbourne Electric Light Supply Company, being caused by one of the municipalities between Melbourne and Frankston making some alterations, and the time fixed for these had been made when it was thought the least inconvenience would be caused.
On two other of the occasions the stoppages were caused by the severe electrical disturbances which we had experienced during February.
The other two stoppages had been for some minor alterations, and were only of short duration. And while it was impossible to entirely obviate these interruptions under the present system, the Commission had taken up the matter with the M.E.C., and he hoped as a result Frankston would not be subjected to the same inconvenience in the future.
However, continued Mr. Bates, we hope all this trouble will end in two or three months’ time, when we will be taking over ourselves, and from then on we hope these troubles will be obviated.
The secretary of the Commission (Mr. Liddelow) endorsed Mr. Bate’s remarks, and said that as a result of these stoppages the Commission was also losing revenue, and believed that the solution of the trouble would be the taking over themselves.
The deputation, after thanking the Commission, then withdrew.
Busy Time for Our Police
Mounted Constable Graham, having been called to Melbourne in connection with “Fleet week” duties, Senior Constable Culhane has had a somewhat busy time over the weekend.
Beginning on Saturday, he had occasion to arrest one or two persons, who, having partaken of more alcoholic beverages than was wise, had made themselves objectionable.
Then again on Sunday night two more arrests of persons who, apparently in the same condition as the previous persons, having taken the law into their own hands, were handed over for safe keeping.
Their friends having been duly advised of their predicament, at once made preparation for bail, this necessitating nearly an all-night job for the senior.
However, on Monday morning, there being no Court on Tuesday, Mr. P. Wheeler, J.P., attended the watch-house, and fined the drunks; and in the latter case, remanded the accused until Tuesday, March 25.
Bail was accepted in each case.
RELICS OF THE WAR
Last week saw another submarine dragged ignominiously out of Westernport, on her way to the hands of the ship-breakers, and this week tenders are being called for the purchase of the torpedo boat H.M.A.S. Countess of Hopetoun, which is at present used at the Flinders Naval Depot for the purpose of giving light gun instructions to the trainees at the depot.
THE Blind Soldiers’ Association of Caulfield who on Tuesday last journeyed to Frankston, had a most enjoyable day on the beach, and in the evening at the Mechanics’ Hall.
Luncheon hand tea were served in fine, style at the Fernery, and the day’s outing was pronounced by all to have been a great success.
Life-Savers to be Honored
The committee appointed at a public meeting some time back to inaugurate a fund to provide some suitable recognition of the action of the three boys, Brian Lane, Colin Robison, and Ray Coxall, in regard to the rescue of a young girl, in the case of the first two; and of the rescue of a man, in the latter case, met last night to finalise matters.
Cr. W. P. Mason (chairman of the committee) presided over a fair attendance.
After the minutes and correspondence from the Royal Humane Society had been read, Mr. Russell moved, and Mr. Lovett seconded, “That the matter of securing three gold medals be left in the hands of Crs. Mason and Gray, the presentation of same to be made when the Frankston Life Saving Club hold their picture night.” Carried.
Baxter’s Bird Night
At the public hall, on Saturday night residents were provided with an intellectual treat by Mr. George Shepherd, of Somerville, who at the invitation of the Progress Association, delivered an address on Australian Bird Life.
Mr. Shepherd drew freely on his 50 years first-hand experience of the life, habits, and diet of the birds of Australia in general, and the Mornington Peninsula in particular, and being the happy possessor not only of the “seeing eye” of the trained observer, but also of the “speaking voice,” his address, delivered in an easy conversational manner, but packed full of interest, was closely followed by his audience to the end.
A hearty votes of thanks was called for by President Hawken, and carried.
Mr. Wilson, in supporting, apologised for the behaviour outside the hall, who had apparently been trying to interrupt the proceedings. He expressed his belief that the disturbance was not caused by Baxterites.
MR. Lalor, our popular stationmaster, has now returned to duty after a well-earned holiday.
MR. R. C. Holman, the genial manager of the Frankston Branch of the National Bank, and Mrs. Holman, have returned to Frankston after a pleasant holiday spent in the Western District.
MRS. Howie, of Denbigh Street, Frankston, has just received word that her sister is arriving from Great Britain by the Moldavia to pay her a visit.
WE are pleased to learn that Cr. H. J. McCulloch, who has been an inmate of Sister Creswick’s private hospital, suffering from a serious illness, was yesterday able to leave that institution.
THE usual fortnightly social of the Mount Eliza Public Hall Committee took place on Monday last. There was a good attendance.
Miss Duncan proved to be the lady winner of the euchre party, and Mr. Thomas, winner of the gent’s prize.
It is intended to start a “echure tournament” on Monday week.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 19 & 21 Mar 1924
