Compiled by Cameron McCullough
UNDER very tragic circumstances, the death of Mr. Walter Victor Fitzsimmons, fish merchant, of Bay street, Frankston, occurred on Sunday morning last. The deceased was a young, returned soldier of 27, and served five years in the war.
About 10.15 o’clock on the morning in question, the deceased left his house in company with Mr. George Whittingham, also a local resident of the town, with the intention of going out to fish.
When they reached the Kananook creek, the boat was half-full of water. After bailing the water out of the craft, they dragged it through the sand for a distance of 40 feet in the direction of the sea-front. On approaching the water’s edge, the “deceased, without any due premonition, reeled suddenly, and fell into the boat.
Naturally alarmed at the collapse of his mate, Mr. Whittingham went to his, assistance, but the victim of what later transpired to be a fatal heart seizure, did not speak.
Dr. Hilliard Johnson, who was hastily summoned to the stricken man, pronounced life to be extinct.
The death was reported by the authorities to the District Coroner (Mr. Berriman) who ordered a post mortem, which was held by Dr. Johnson on Monday, when it was found that the cause of death had been due to disease of the heart.
To the young widow and relatives left behind to mourn their sad loss, we extend our sincere sympathy in their bereavement.
The funeral arrangements were undertaken by the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A., and were most impressively conducted.
The cortege left the late residence of the deceased at 2.30pm yesterday, to the Frankston cemetery, the Rev. Mr. Wellard (Methodist) officiating at the graveside.
There were many beautiful wreaths, including one from the local branch of the returned men; over 80 members of that association being present to pay their last tribute of heartfelt sympathy to the erstwhile “Digger.”
The coffin-bearers were: Messrs. G. Chapman, A. Corlett, H. Golds and J. Coster; the pall-bearers being: Cr. J. L. Pratt (president of the local branch of the R.S.S.I.L.A.), Lieut.-Colonel Lazarus, and Mr T. Mitchell (vice presidents), Mr. R. E. Chapman (honorary secretary), and Messrs. Montague and Philbrick.
Somerville – Streamer And Confetti Ball
The Blue Birds held a very successful Streamer and Confetti Ball on Wednesday night last in aid of the fund to assist Mrs. Greenwood.
Dancers were present from all around the district – Balnarring, Mornington, Pearcedale, Tyabb, Langwarrin, Baxter and Moorooduc being represented.
Prizes for the chocolate dance and card dance were won by Mr. A. Telford – both dances with Miss V. Westaway and Miss G. O’Connor as partners. An enjoyable supper was served by the club and greatly appreciated by all.
Motor Car Collides With Telegraph Pole – Lady Sustains Injury
At the early hour of 2am last Sunday, Mr. William Ross, motor garage proprietor, St. Kilda, reported to Sergt. Culhane, of the Frankston Police, that while he was driving along the Point Nepean road, Seaford, in his motor car, it suddenly skidded in the sand, and collided with a telegraph pole.
He escaped with an abrasion on the bridge of his nose, but Mrs. Ruby May Tracey, who resides at Northcote, was not so fortunate. She had been sitting in the front seat of the car, and when the impact occurred, was thrown violently forward, with the result that she sustained a severe cut to her forehead.
Two other occupants in the rear portion of the car escaped without injury.
In company with Dr. Hilliard Johnson, of Frankston, the police visited the scene of the accident, and the unfortunate lady was conveyed to Sister Campbell’s private hospital, at which she received surgical attention, several stitches being inserted in the wound in her head. She is now making good progress towards recovery.
Frankston’s Gas Supply – A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
In looking after the interests of the residents of Frankston and district who are consumers of gas, the Colonial Gas Company is evidently desirous of meeting in the near future all demands and requirements.
While in conversation last Friday with the local manager, Mr. W. W. Friend, a representative of “The Standard” gleaned the information that the recommendations to ensure an adequate supply, which recently were submitted by the former, were approved and sanctioned by the chairman of directors, Mr. P. C. Holmes Hunt.
The suggestion of Mr. Friend, in regard to the installation of a weighting plant to supply the necessary and uniform pressure was duly adopted by the Board.
Material for Davey street is now on the site, and that for Melbourne road extension is in the goods shed at the railway depot.
Also the extension to Oliver’s Hill has been sanctioned. The estimated cost is £5000.
The setting of four retorts is now in hand at the local gas works, and Messrs. Eden and Walsh, jun., who are carrying out the work for the Melbourne firm of J. Hurll & Co., Collins street, expect to complete this part of the job by the end of the present week.
Frankston Life-Saving Club
Again we desire to draw attention to the fact that the final working bee in connection with the erection of the life-saving club house, will be on the scene of operations to-morrow (Saturday) afternoon.
Mr. J. Haggart, of Frankston, who has been, and is a most active partisan in regard to the same, hopes that all members and helpers possible will roll up and assist in completing the building.
The cause is, certainly, a laudable one.
The All-Good Shoe Store
On the front page of this issue Mr. G. Boyle, proprietor of “The All Good Shoe Store,” recently opened in the Palais buildings, Playne street, Frankston, notifies the people of the town and district that his emporium is the shop for service and quality. He solicits a share of patronage, and announces that in regard to repairs they are executed by city experts.
To Bottle Dealers And Others
Attention is directed to an advertisement of the Manufacturers’ Bottle Co. of Victoria Pty. Ltd., which appears in our advertising columns, giving notice to bottle dealers and others that all bottles with the trade mark and brand, “M.I.B.” over “C.V.” in a spade, moulded thereon, are their sole property, and when the contents are once used, the bottles must forthwith, on demand, be returned to the com any or its duly authorised agents.
Obituary– Mr. H. A. Cortissos
It is with deep regret that we have to record the death of Mr. Harry Alfred Cortissos, of Frankston, who, on Tuesday morning last, passed peacefully away in his sleep at the age of 57.
His demise came as a very sudden shock to his sister, Mrs. Mullins, with whom he had resided. Only the previous evening he had been playing with the children, as usual.
The deceased had a wonderful disposition of cheerfulness, and won the esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
For a period extending over 35 years, off and on, he was a valued employee of the Melbourne Storage Company.
The funeral took place to the Frankston cemetery last Wednesday afternoon. We join in extending our sincere sympathy to those relatives and friends in their bereavement.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 3 & 5 Sep 1924
