Compiled by Cameron McCullough
Just as we go to press a reputable ratepayer advises us that this morning he witnessed the man in charge of the sanitary cart make use of the water trough on the Hastings road, near Addicott’s corner, in a manner that should not be tolerated in any well-governed community.
It is alleged that the empty sanitary pans were taken from the cart, dipped in the trough and when filled with water replaced in the cart.
If the above statement is correct, it is time that stringent action was taken against the offender.
Mornington News. Marine Drive.
The work of completing the road from Mornington to Dromana along the foreshore was commenced last week.
According to schedule, this work must be finished by June next, to obtain the benefit of the Government grant.
Once the road is opened to the public, it will unquestionably become the main route from here to Dromana, and very probably will carry the principal part of the traffic from Melbourne and the towns nearer through to Sorrento and Portsea, because, the distance is considerably less than the road now used, and there are no stiff hills to negotiate; the grades are all gentle and easily taken.
Then there is the further attraction of the charming scenery along the foreshores. But since the roadway follows the natural contour of the coast-line, often in short curves screened to a large extent by dense ti-trees, this will be no place for road hogs with their break-neck stunts.
They will need to be sternly reprehensed for the sake of others, and to a much less degree for their own sakes.
When this road is open for traffic there will automatically arise the question when the Shire Council is going to repair the road between Mount Martha and Mornington.
There is no necessity to comment upon its present condition, and the Shire councillors are well aware of the position, and doubtlessly would have had the roadway repaired long ago, had funds been available.
When, however, the traffic is opened through to Dromana and is increased tenfold between here and Mount Martha the matter will become an acute one, and our councillors will be put upon their mettle to solve the question of making possible every essential road throughout the Shire.
This is, however, in the lap of the future.
A man and a buoy. Incident at the Frankston Pier.
An elderly man, named Robertson, hailing from Seaford, and a buoy – not a youth, but a life-saver – created a little mild excitement at the Frankston pier on Saturday evening last.
The man, while fishing, accidentally fell off the pier. A hue and cry were raised: “All hands to the rescue,” and a life-saver was thrown into the briny.
Beyond a slight surprise occasioned by the mishap, the victim of the “Order of the Bath” did not suffer very much from the sudden and unexpected immersion.
When he reached terra-firma he quickly recovered, but the buoy, which had been discarded, was left drifting at random on the waters of the deep, blue sea.
Demand for houses at Hastings.
There is considerable demand for houses in and around Hastings. The shortage is now very acute. Many inquiries are still unsatisfied. Some of the enterprising citizens are now starting to build in order to supply a very long-felt want.
WE regret to record the demise of Mrs. Gillard, of Frankston, which sad event occurred on Friday last, at her late residence, Mornington road.
The deceased lady, who was over 70 years of age, had resided in the district for upwards of 40 years.
To her bereaved relatives we join in extending our sincere sympathy.
Mt. Eiza Public Hall.
For the last four years Mr. Dudley Detmold has worthily filled the office of president of the hall, and it was with sincere regret that his resignation from the committee was accepted.
However, the substantial character of the entrance gate, and of the completed portion of the hall are a lasting tribute to his good work for the hall, and the committee have his assurance that he will be pleased to assist the hall at any time in any way.
At a public meeting of residents held on January 23, and presided over by Mr. John Moseley, Mr. James Bradbury, senr, was elected to the committee by ballot, and at a meeting of the committee held on Thursday, February 26, Mr. Bradbury was unanimously elected president.
The next fortnightly euchre party and dance will be held on Friday next, March 6.
A very enjoyable dance was held on Saturday last, and extra dances will be held on March 14 and 28, and on Easter Saturday, April 11.
The committee are now making an appeal to all residents of Mt. Eliza and other friends of the hall for funds to clear off the debt of £330, and any donations forwarded to the president, any member of the committee, or the secretary, J. R. M. Walker, Box 5, Frankston, will be gratefully acknowledged.
Human Sympathy
Recently the “Hygeia,” as her font, landed several hundred picnickers in Mornington.
A strong north-westerly made her rock badly. A section of the passengers was very sick, and a number of these thought that a liberal supply of whisky and sodas would balance their tummies and keep them in order, with the result that when they landed they were not sure they were not looking at a picture show; the landscape appeared to be moving around in an alarming way.
Later on, about a dozen boisterous young men rolled into a business place for something solid that would counteract the whisky and sodas.
Unfortunately, by this time the whisky microbe was in the ascendance, and they had lost all semblance of self-control, and in spite of tactful handling, made themselves so objectionable that a constable had to be sent for.
When the representative of the law arrived, he tried to placate the leader and the rest. This failed, and defiance of all authority quickly followed; a mix-up, and willy-willy, the leader found himself in durance vile, and an opportunity given him to sit on the stool of repentance, and review the situation.
In due course, a very much abashed and deeply sorry man faced the charge of disorderly conduct, and resisting the police. His erstwhile friends had vanished. He was a stranger in a strange land, and he was up against the problem how he was to pay the fine recorded against him; save the loss of his billet, and himself the ignominy of imprisonment, and the humiliation of his relatives.
His prospects looked black; alone and with but a few shillings in his pocket; a way out seemed impossible; deep gloom enshrouded him, each person thinks their own difficulties the worst in the world.
There was a crunching of heavy boots, accompanied by the rustle of a woman’s skirts, and an officer of the law sharply told him the fine had been paid by the person whom he had most offended.
A friendly voice affirmed this; and admonished him gently on the error of his ways and a reliance in his honesty to repay her, and she was gone.
Presto! The scene was changed; the darkness of his hour was turned to light, and drawing hope by the power of the milk of human kindness, which, though often gruffly denied and covered over with rough incrustations, lies deep within the human soul, and though often jealously guarded, subconsciously dominates our actions.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 4 & 6 Mar 1925
