Compiled by Cameron McCullough
THROUGH official channels we learnt that on Sunday morning last, at 2 o’clock, an attempt was made by someone to break into the Frankston post office.
A youth, named Smedhurst, who was sleeping on the premises, was awakened by a noise proceeding from a window at the rear of the building.
He at once sprang from his bed, naturally alarmed at the unusual sounds at such an early hour, and was just in time to observe a man decamping.
The local police are investigating. Senior-Constable Elliott stated to a representative of “The Standard” on Monday that the marks of a pick had been found on the wood work of the window frame, where the burglar had endeavoured to gain an entrance. Fortunately young Smedhurst foiled the chances of the ubiquitous “Bill Sikes.”
An Age Of Oil – Celebrating Tile Opening Of Bulk Delivery At Frankston
Cr. J. Bradbury was the genial host at a luncheon which he tendered on Wednesday last at “The Fernery,” in accordance with the menu, par excellence, for which it is famous, in honour of the visit to Frankston of the C.O.R. representatives, who had come from Melbourne at the hearty invitation of the popular councillor to celebrate the opening of bulk delivery in the town.
Among those present at a most enjoyable function. were:-Messrs. Larking (Australian manager of the Commonwealth Oil Refineries), J. Harmsworth (Victorian branch manager), J. B. Jolly (chief country representative), Gee. R. Broadbent (manager, touring department, Royal Automobile Club of Victoria); B. Cross (Australian Films), and Mr. Robins (of Cartoon Films), the function being given to celebrate the occasion of bulk delivery to Frankston.
In briefly responding to the toast of “Our Host,” Cr. Bradbury said he regretted the Prime Minister was not present. Mr. Bruce had sent an apology for absence owing to having to attend a Cabinet meeting in connection with the Wool Bill.
The toast of the “C.O.R.”, proposed by Mr. Broadbent, was responded to by Mr. Larking, who said that he could not do better than tell them something about the enterprise which was the cause of having brought about the gathering of fraternal felecitations.
The C.O.R., he explained had not been established as a business proposition in the ordinary sense of the term. During the war period, Australia was faced with a scarcity of motor spirit, and as a solution of the problem to meet an ever-growing demand and to fulfill all requirements in the event of a further international crisis, an association had been started which to-day was known as the C.O.R.. (Applause).
At the outset the Government had put up a sum of money to assist in a great project being consummated, and later had joined forces with the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, with the pleasing result that the original organisation be came known as the C.O.R., established for the purpose of the manufacture of white products motor spirit and kerosene, the primary idea being to avoid being without these commodities in a time of national crisis.
The question had been asked why the C.O.R. did not reduce prices, but such was not the purpose in view as before explained.
Further, the Government was interested to the extent of some thing over half-a-million, also the Persian Oil Company, hence they naturally expected to share a little profit. Therefore, the. C.O.R. charged the same prices as their competitors, as, otherwise, they would become an additional burden to the taxpayer – a thing that was not desired.
Concluding, Mr. Larking said: “We are giving to the motorists a spirit of the highest quality. We are not, however, making any aviation spirit.
I think we can, safely say,” he continued, “that our reception by the public to-day is one which gives us every gratification. We have branches and stores throughout all the States, in Sydney, Brisbane, and Port Adelaide.
Concluding, Mr. Larking stated that the output of motor spirit at the C.O.R., at Laverton, was 20,000 gallons per day, covering five days a week. In addition, he quoted the following figures in respect of kerosene, namely 10,000 and 60,000 for crude oil.
Before and after luncheon the big motor delivery tank of the C.O.R. was much in evidence, and from the Bowser on the curb outside “The Fernery,” Cr. Bradbury superintend a practical demonstration of the rapid manner in which a motor car is supplied with petrol under the bulk principle.
Electric Power Failure – How It Retards Progress
“Put not your faith in princes” can under other and more modem conditions be transposed to read:
“Put not your faith in the Electricity Commission.”
If you do so it will have you at the psychological moment.
For example, last Wednesday’s issue of “The Standard” was well on the way to reaching the stage of printing when, without any warning, the power which is supposed to be guaranteed under the direction of Sir Monash, became obsolete, with the result that matters in the technical department of our old established Journal have, in consequence, of the failure of the current supply, been severely retarding the usual progress of those members of the staff who, week in and week out, dexterously add their co-operative efforts in regards to type-setting.
By reason of a delay which we were not responsible, the issue of Wednesday Inst was not published until late in the evening (for which we tender eulogistic thanks to a great Electricity Commission) owing to the chaos, in general, certain editorials and special reports which are ready for our type operator, and under normal conditions would have appeared in widely-read columns to-day, have unavoidably been left over till next Wednesday’s issue.
Wireless Demonstration at Frankston – Tuning Into 3 L.O. at Mr. H. M. Johnson’s – Melba’s Farewell Night
Melba’s farewell to Grand Opera on Monday night proved a great success to listeners-in at Johnson’s well known Gramo. and Radio Depot, Bay street.
Those who had the privilege of being present on the auspicious occasion under review, enjoyed the novelty of hearing the Diva’s wonderful voice by radio.
Dame Nellie Melba was heard to pleasing advantage, every detail in the performance coming out quite distinctly, also the speeches.
A special feature of the opera was the playing of the orchestra, which came through very clearly, the only fault being that Mr. Johnson’s premises were not large enough to accommodate the big crowd which had assembled.
In fact, the partition next-door had to be removed to ensure adequate space for the enthusiastic throng of listeners-in.
The receiving set used was a four-valve one, as advertised. It is of interest to announce that at the forthcoming football dance a much bigger set will be installed, when special wireless items will be recorded.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 15 & 17 Oct 1924
