Compiled by Cameron McCullough
IT is compatible with sound reason and commonsense that an immediate investigation be made into the disastrous financial position in which the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council is placed at the present juncture of events.
Bluff, and continued camouflage, of the most flagrant order, has been the keynote which certain councillors have persistently struck for some time past, while the lost chord element of procedure, at the monthly meetings has, of recent date, become so pronounced that “John Citizen” is now demanding an explanation of the strange conduct of the old and tired civic fathers in respect of their gross indiscretions, and apparent indifference.
Puerile irresponsibles would not be too strong a term to apply to those councillors, who despite repeated warnings, have plunged still deeper into the vortex of unwarrantable expenditure, and proved themselves to be the true partisans of frenzied finance.
Even when it was forcibly impressed upon them that they, as representatives of the ratepayers, had exceeded the “legal limit,” the juvenile scorn with which the typical schoolboy discards the peanut shells at a picture show, after he has gobbled, with relish, the interior substance; became manifest in the attitude shown by the clique under review.
In short, their would-be superior airs of defiance at the bare suggestion that they should, for the sake of common decency, climb down with whatever degree of honour might be assumed or left to them, and admit their faults the anachronisms pertaining to having utilised the general fund for purposes other than for which it is specifically provided in accordance with the Act, was altogether beyond the submission of ridiculous pride.
They forgot that “beggars cannot be choosers,” moreover, the story pregnant with a strong moral of taking the pitcher to the well once too often.
Now, and at the eleventh hour, so to speak, it may be emphasised that the ratepayers who, virtually, are the masters, have taken direct action; although it is very belated; and during the current week requisitioned the Shire President (Cr. May) to convene an indignation meeting with the object of “expressing their keen dissatisfaction at the manner in which the finances of the council have been managed, also to discuss other matters relating to the council,” and to this request the aforesaid president acceded.
We desire to point out that had the ratepayers, hitherto exercised reasonable interest in the affairs of the council, and those vitally affecting their future welfare, the present deplorable stage would never have been reached.
It was only the apathy of the ratepayers which encouraged the councillors to whom we allude to take unpardonable liberties with the trust reposed in them and thus drift into the mire of reckless expenditure, the ratepayers apparently not recognising that they possessed the equitable right to enforce satisfaction.
Such a demand is not without precedent, nor can the prevailing protest be cited as unique.
Quite recently the ratepayers of the Caulfield municipality agitated for redress, in much the same way as the ratepayers of the Frankston and Hastings Shire have arisen, in their righteous indignation, realising that the time has arrived when drastic action must be taken to avert the grave possibility of total disaster.
In conclusion, we predict that the meeting, on Thursday night next will be fraught with great possibilities for good, and shall be instrumental in something tangible resulting.
Another important factor, the stagnant atmosphere which has been created by the civic fathers and at the council table, permeates the proceedings of negligible quantity, may be cleared away, while co-operative measures will bring about a solution of existing problems.
A Painful Accident
One of Mrs. Woods’ newsboys, Tom Alderson, a stepson of Mr. Pullen, manager of the Moorooduc quarry, while riding a bike, on Tuesday, fell off and sustained a broken collar bone.
Motoring Home From Henley – A Serious Accident
Mr Albert Ward, of Canterbury, brother of Mr. L. J. Ward, Frankston, met with a serious accident on Saturday night last, whilst motoring home from Henley. His eyes were severely injured by glass from the shattered wind-screen, the sight of one eye being destroyed.
Mr. Ward is a prominent city business man and great sympathy is felt for him in his misfortune.
Personal
Mr. and Mrs. C. G. V. Williams, who have been on an extended tour to the Old Country, returned to Australia last week. They visited their “Ballam Park” home during the week and received a hearty welcome from their many Frankston friends.
The youngest daughter of Mr. Leo Pallamountagne, of Frankston, we regret to state, passed away on Friday night last. The child died from convulsions supervening on hooping cough.
The funeral took place at the Frankston cemetery on Saturday afternoon, Mr. H. Gamble having charge of the arrangements.
We are pleased to state that Edward Dess, the son of Mr. and Mrs. M. Dess, of Frankston, who recently sustained severe injuries in an heroic attempt to save the life of an old lady at Darlinghurst, Sydney, during a disastrous conflagration, is making good progress towards recovery.
As stated in last Friday’s issue of “The Standard” Mrs. Dess proceeded to the Harbour City to see her brave son, and on Monday Mr. Dess received the welcome intelligence concerning the improved condition of Mr. Edward Dess.
The death occurred on Sunday afternoon at Mount St. Evin’s Private Hospital, Eastern Hill, of Mr. Hugh McNeill, aged 62 years, a well-known Grazier, of “Bainlee,” St. Arnaud.
The late Mr. McNeill formerly owned stations at Pretty Pines, St. Arnaud; Gowrie Estate, Kerang, and was well known in sporting circles.
He leaves a widow, three sons and three daughters. His remains were interred in the Redbank cemetery on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased was well known in Frankston.
Cricketers Disqualified
Five players in the Mentone “B” team were called before the Mentone committee last Tuesday to explain their absence on the second day of the Edithvale match.
Mentone were leading on the first innings, but owing to the non-appearance of these players had to bat five men short in the 2nd innings and lost the match.
In the case of one player, his omission from the second match and a warning from the chairman were considered sufficient punishment, as he had been told by a member of the committee there was to be no play on the second day, and his name was restored to the selectors’ list.
Three of the other delinquents were ordered to stand down during the pleasure of the committee, which means they will not be able to play competition cricket in Victoria for some time.
The case of the fifth player was held over.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 29 & 31 Oct 1924
