Compiled by Cameron McCullough
ACCORDING to the report of a number of fishermen and people fishing off the Mornington pier, a school of sharks, measuring from 6ft. to 8ft. long, and about seven in number, were seen patrolling some distance from the pier.
The experience that has befallen people in the vicinity of Mentone and Aspendale has made bathers doubly careful as to the risks they take.
In face of such danger, it is only they of the foolhardy and irresponsible genus who venture beyond the limits of safety.
DURING the afternoon sitting of the Council on Friday last, the Civic Fathers, in accordance with old-time methods of procedure, went “into committee” while Mr. D. J. Quartermain, manager of the electrical department, submitted a list of names pertaining to consumers in arrears for current supplied.
The members of the Press, also certain ratepayers present, were requested to make their presence scarce for a matter of ten minutes’ duration, or so, and, of course, acceded to the ruling of the President, moreover, with a much greater degree of courtesy than later was extended to them by the attributes of mystery.
In short, the doors of the Chamber of Horrors, which were closed at the outset, remained so even after the gentlemen of the Council concluded their business “in camera.”
As a matter of fact, it was only due to the vigilance exercised by the Press that it was ascertained the Civic Fathers had come into the open again, and were listening to the plea of Miss McNeil, the assistant Shire Secretary, to be relieved of her duties, in consequence of overwork, as a valued member of the municipal staff.
Apparently, the Shire Secretary did not deem it to be an act of duty on his part, at all events, to appear in the outer office passage, and announce, in stentorian tones after the manner adopted by the officers of the law on Court days: “The Council is now open to John Citizen” (not the Court).
In view of the circumstances, as explained, it is regrettable that we cannot give the speech in detail, as propounded by the assistant Shire Secretary, who since her appointment, has laboured so strenuously morning, noon, and night, in a supreme endeavour to bring arrears of work in the office up-to-date, and thus cause the daily routine to run smoothly like a bubbling brook of progress.
Suffice it is to say, that the onus of failure does not lie at the door of Miss McNeil’s herculean efforts to make good.
LOCAL business people, particularly confectioners, complain that the game of “Housey-Housey”, which is nightly in full operation in one of our main thoroughfares, is seriously interfering with their means of livelihood.
Every night crowds of people assemble at the open-air shrine of chance, and stake their silver on the roll of the little ball.
Sometimes the “school” invests as much as 20/- in the hope of winning a box of chocolates worth little more than twice as many pence.
One young girl was heard to remark the other evening, as she left the playing board, that she had lost 15/- without drawing a single prize.
In and around Melbourne this game of “Housey-Housey” has been objected to. At carnivals, agricultural shows, sports meetings, etc., it is not unusual to see such ventures “given a spin” for the day, but when such “enterprises” threaten to become permanent institutions” to the detriment of ratepaying citizens, it is not surprising that vigorous protests are heard on every hand.
MR. S. T. King, who has been pound keeper for the Carrum Borough at a very inadequate salary, was appointed dog tax collector at the last meeting of the Council, at a remuneration of half the fees collected.
Mr. King’s son was killed in the war. He has been a long resident of the district, and highly respected, and the appointment has found favour among ratepayers.
Cr. Beardsworth, the mover of the motion, said that the appointment would be in keeping with the Council’s policy of preference to returned soldiers, and would assist a very trustworthy officer.
THE death of Mr. Robert Calvert Macafee removes from the scene one of those worthy citizens who was called into the service of his country during the war.
As officer in charge of the Garrison Institute on Langwarrin Camp, by his tact and sagacity, he cultivated the friendship, and gained the respect of officers and men, and many prisoners of war in Europe will remember him with gratitude.
There is little doubt the war service affected his health, for he died at the comparatively early age of 54 years.
As a faithful servant of the Defence Department, hundreds of soldiers
“Can call to mind, with loving thought. Some kindly deed, the icy hand hath wrought, Errands on which, the willing feet hath sped.”
THE Mornington Council has had its attention drawn to the condition of that section of the Point Nepean road, which lies between Vale’s Hill and the Frankston Shire boundary.
Owing to the continued neglect of maintenance it is now in a very advanced state of ill-repair.
The Country Roads Board has issued a strong request to the Council to have the cause of complaint remedied without delay.
THE gratitude which members of the Methodist Church invariably display towards those who endeavour to assist them was strikingly exemplified in the Upton-Cowley wedding.
Although Mr. Arthur Upton has settled in another district, for some time he was recalled to the church of his youth, and on behalf of the Langwarrin Methodists at a social evening, Mr. P. J. Murray presented Mr. A. Upton with a Coleman lamp.
Mr. Allan Corlett, on behalf of the Sunday school, presented the guest of the evening with a family Bible.
Rev. Mr. Wellard paid a warm tribute to the generous aid the guest had rendered the Sunday school, while Mr. Murray praised his sterling character.
Mr. Allan Corlett made a very fine speech, exalting the solid virtues of the guest’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Upton, in their relations with their neighbours.
Their home forms a striking feature in the landscape on the road between Cranbourne and Frankston.
For many years, Mr. George Upton was the sheet anchor of the local school board, and the Progressive Association, and in addition he has been the mainstay of the recreation reserve.
A fine writer, whose contributions frequently appeared in verse, he proved a powerful force to advance the district.
Withal, Mr. George Upton is a very practical and successful orchardist.
The marriage united two well-known families, for the bride, Miss Cowley, is a grand-daughter of the fine old pioneer, the late John Corlett.
Harmony was supplied by Mr. D. Adderley, whose effort was much appreciated; Miss Wellard, whose voice shows cultivation and promise;.Misses A. and D. Bowker, mandoline and organ; Misses G. and Olive Murray, all of whom received recalls.
Speeches on the marriage tie were made by a visiting lay preacher and Mr. Archibald, but we regret that space compels us to curtail.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 14 & 16 Jan 1925
