Compiled by Cameron McCullough
MORNINGTON residents are hopeful that the railway from Frankston will be electrified. The work is due to be undertaken next, after the electrification of the Healesville line, which has already been authorised.
An electric line through to Mornington will bring this beautiful bayside suburb into the suburban residential radius, reducing fares and travel time to such an extent that city business people will be able to reside at Mornington throughout the year.
Meanwhile motor transport has converted Mornington in a few years from a sleepy seaside hamlet to one of the most popular seaside resorts.
Land values are firming rapidly. Up to £15 a foot is quoted for blocks on the waterfront, and inside lots range from £7/10/- to £3 a foot within walking distance of the station.
Motor transport has also infused life into the business section. The town has many excellent shops and cafes. Responding to the spirit of the times, the proprietors of the Royal Hotel have planned great extensions to this well-known house.
The scheme is estimated to cost £30,000. It includes the construction of a new residential wing and an extensive dining room.
Hundreds of visitors had to be turned away during Easter, emphasising the need of these extensions.
All along the main road from the Frankston boundary to Mount Martha substantial houses are being erected, while people possessed of cars are making homes which they expect to occupy for the greater part of the year.
Sudden Death at Seaford
Mr. Robert Gray Stewart, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. David Stewart, died suddenly at his parents residence, Seaford, on Good Friday evening.
The sad event cast quite a gloom over the district, and heartfelt sympathy is expressed with the bereaved parents.
Deceased, who was 23 years of age, was seated at tea with the family at about 6.30 on Good Friday, when he suddenly collapsed and fell on to the knees of his brother, Jack, who occupied the chair next to him.
Restorative measures were at once adopted, but it soon became apparent that life was extinct.
Deceased was a bright, unassuming young man, and extremely popular with all sections of the community.
He was a great football enthusiast, and as assistant secretary of the Seaford Club, rendered valuable and painstaking service.
In his home life he was a dutiful and home-loving son and was particularly attached to his elder and only brother, Jack.
The funeral, which took place on Sunday afternoon, was very largely attended, the remains being interred in the Presbyterian section of the Frankston cemetery.
The Rev. A. Langhorne officiated at the graveside.
The mortuary arrangements were carried out by Mr. H. Gamble.
Wedding bells. Coombs – Higgins
The home of Mr. and Mrs. H. Coombs, of Chelsea road, Chelsea, was the scene of a very pretty wedding on Wednesday, 8th inst., the contracting parties being Annie Amelia, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Coombs, to Mr. John Harold Higgins, eldest son of Mr. Tom Higgins (of England).
The bride, who was given away by her father, was dressed in blue serge and the Salvation Army sash. Miss Dorris Coombs, sister of the bride, acted as bridesmaid, and wore poplin de luxe, trimmed with silk, and wore the Salvation Army sash.
Mr. George Coombs acted as best man. The ceremony was conducted by Brigadier Garbutt, of the Salvation Army.
After the ceremony over fifty guests sat down to a delectable wedding breakfast, which was catered for by Mr. Ward, of Mordialloc, after which musical items and games were indulged in.
The usual toasts were honoured, and speeches were made by Brigadier Garbutt and Captain Sweatman of the local Salvation Army.
The young couple left for the city amid showers of confetti, en route for Ballarat, where the honeymoon is being spent.
WE regret to learn that Mrs. Parker, High street, Frankston, is indisposed, suffering from an attack of influenza.
Mr. F. A. Merre, manager of the Frankston branch of the State Savings bank, has been transferred to Murtoa, after a residence of 21 years in Frankston, and will be relieved by Mr. L. Perrottet, of Murtoa.
Mr. Kerr, the newly-appointed rate collector to the Shire of Frankston and Hastings arrived in Frankston with his wife and family this week, and reported duty at the Council Chambers on Wednesday last.
Mr. Kerr, who is a returned soldier, hails from the Bendigo district.
Mr. M. Symonds, porter, who has been stationed at Frankston railway station for nearly twelve months, has been transferred to Flinders street.
Mr. P. Gow fills the vacancy.
Residents of Frankston will regret Mr. Symonds’ departure. He was a most courteous officer and every ready to give attention to the public wants.
Mr. W. P. Mason met with a painful accident on Friday last. Whilst he was attempting to raise a pipe from the ground he strained his back which necessitated his laying up for a few days. We are pleased to say that he is on the road to recovery and about again, but is not well enough to take an active part in his business affairs.
“Standard” Enterprise Appreciated
Writing to the managing director from Shepparton, under date 9th April, 1925, Mr. R. E. Chapman, late head master at the Frankston High School, says:
“I have just received a copy of the enlarged edition of “The Standard,” and I cannot refrain from adding my congratulations to you and the Standard Newspapers Pty. Ltd. on the excellent production, which, I am sure, will compare favourably with any ether country journal.
I am always anxious to receive “The Standard,” and am especially interested in any news connected with the High School.
Was it another boxer riot?
An unusual sight was witnessed in Wells street, Frankston, on Thursday, April 9.
A contingent of boys of the local High School were observed marching along from the direction of Melbourne road carrying on their respective shoulders a case.
People asked: “Is it another ‘Boxer’ riot?” Of course not; it was only an instance of the preliminary labour involved in collecting the necessary material for making useful lockers for Frankston’s High School.
Frankston Life-Saving Club
The Frankston Life-Saving Club held a most successful dance in the Mechanics’ Institute on Easter Monday evening.
A large number of visitors, besides local lovers of the terphischorean art, added to the success of the evening, and tripped the light fantastic to strains of beautiful music discoursed by Payne’s Orchestra, Chelsea.
IMPRISONED in his signal tower, striving to avert a frightful catastrophe! He knew that a scoundrel was attacking his beloved wife. Was a photoplay ever more appealing and dramatic? Don’t fail to see “The Signal Tower” at the Frankston Cinema tomorrow (Saturday) night.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 17 April 1925
