Compiled by Cameron McCullough
THE other day, a lady was walking along by the dangerous cutting at the top of Oliver’s Hill. There is no foot path at the danger-zone in question, and, moreover, the lady was carrying a suit case.
A fast-speeding motor car whizzed past the lady, and nearly knocked the satchel out of her hand.
The incident, naturally, caused her to experience an unpleasant shock to her nervous system.
Alternatively speaking, if the car had been a few inches more on the side of the portion of the road she was traversing it is obvious that a serious accident would have been recorded.
That a footpath be formed at the particular spot under review for the protection of pedestrians, has been strenuously advocated on numerous occasions, and at the June sitting of the Council, the vexed subject was again ventilated.
After discussion, it was finally resolved that Mr. Jones, the Shire Secretary communicate with the owners of certain land, asking, them to sell the required portion in order that the much-agitated for footpath could be made.
The Shire Secretary emphasised that the owners had already been approached on the matter but were adamant, or words to this effect.
Nevertheless, it was deemed imperative to have another shot at Messrs. Madden and Hills who, previously, had refused to budge from their decision not to grant the civic fathers their application to purchase the land for and on behalf of the public safety.
Now, an Englishman’s house is said to be his castle, but when an Australian squats on the King’s highway, he squats firmly and solidly for all time in his estimation, and that is the end of the section.
Of course, it is not to be inferred for a single moment that Messrs. Madden and Hills’ ancestors comfortably squatted in accordance with the easy-going procedure adopted by some far-seeing gentle men in the early days pertaining to the advent of a future great Commonwealth.
If they did that was their business, namely, to get in opportunely, and avoid the rush.
But it is the decreed business of the council to make sure of the true condition of affairs before plunging into the vortex of land ownership, and the rights there anent.
Recent inquiries at the Titles’ Office have elicited the information that the portion of land required for the purpose of a footpath belongs, virtually, to the Country Roads Board, and not to Messrs. Madden and Hill.
Thus, is presented a situation of circumstances absolutely Gilbertian in regard to its element of absurdity.
In other words, the civic fathers have instructed Mr. Jones, the Shire Secretary, who, we are credibly told, did not serve a, term to an Attorney’s firm, to ask Messrs. Madden and Hill to dispose of a piece, of land which does not belong to, them.
“Ye Gods and little fishes,”for a verity, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”
Mr. Jones, apparently, did not, in his youthful days, polish up, the handle on the big front door, otherwise he might have probed, on behalf of the representatives of “John Citizen,” the strength of the title deeds connected with the portion of the land over, which he was instructed to effect a purchase.
It takes “The Standard” to find things out.
AS stated last week in our Seaford notes, Mr. A. Weatherley’s popular store in that ever-growing township, underwent alterations, and a new brick room is being built.
In addition, the residence of Mr. Weatherley was lowered seven feet, without in any way disturbing the occupants, who were able to fulfill household duties, under normal conditions, just as if nothing unusual was happening.
This circumstance was entirely due to the exploits of Cr. Wells, who has, in the past, won a meritorious reputation as a practical man, not only at the council table, but in other spheres besides.
The difficult work in question, was carried out under his careful supervision, with the able assistance of Messrs. H. Wells, A. Weatherley and B. Wells.
HASTINGS SEND-OFF TO
CONSTABLE ADAMS
The town hall was crowded to its utmost holding capacity on Saturday evening last, the occasion being a social to say good-bye to Mr. and Mrs. Adams, who are now stationed at Macedon.
A very strong committee was formed by residents of Crib Point, Bittern, and Hastings.
The local ladies had the catering arrangements well in hand, and a splendid repast was provided.
Excellent music was supplied by Mr. W. Jones and Miss V. Romeo.
During the evening, attractive items were given, including a very pretty fancy dance by little Nellie Kearns, and comic selections by the ever popular Dan Hoban, both artists being well received.
Cr. D. E. Hoban (chairman) in a few well-chosen remarks, referred to the many sterling qualities of Constable Adams.
The president of the Shire Council, Cr. H. E. Unthank, was then called on to make the presentation, which took the form of a very nice Morocco wallet, well lined with notes.
In making the presentation, Cr. Unthank referred to the pleasure it gave him, in being present to do honor to so capable an officer as Constable Adams.
He wished him and his family the best of luck and good things in his new station.
Constable Adams in thanking the residents of Hastings and districts for their very valuable present and kind words of appreciation, said he did not know he had so many friends until he saw the gathering to bid him farewell.
IT is with a deep sense of regret that we have to record the death of Mrs. Emma Morgan, wife of Mr. Robert Morgan, and proprietress of the “De Luxe” Tea Rooms, Young Street, Frankston, which unexpectedly occurred, between the hours of 11pm and midnight on Wednesday last.
For several weeks the deceased had been a patient in Sister Campbell’s private hospital, Melbourne road, under the care of Dr. Hilliard Johnson, and only a week previous to her sad and sudden demise, the late Mrs. Morgan was reported to be making such excellent progress towards recovery that her many friends were looking forward to seeing her once again in her genial home circle.
As a matter of fact, the deceased, by reason of expert medical attention at the hands of Dr. Hilliard Johnson, and careful nursing by Sister Campbell, had been cured of the serious complaint (blood poisoning) from which she had suffered, but, as a natural consequence, the tissues of the heart were considerably weakened, and death supervened from heart failure with that degree of suddenness consequent upon the after effects of a painful illness.
The late Mrs. Morgan was well beloved by all, and her death came as a great shock to her relatives and friends.
The mother of the deceased is Mrs. Logan, of Melbourne road, who resides with her son, Mr. J. Logan there, a brother of the late Mrs. Morgan; Mrs. Petrie, of Frankston, being a sister.
To the bereaved widower, Mr. R. Morgan, and those left behind to mourn their sad loss, we extend our heartfelt sympathy.
The funeral, which took place this afternoon at the local cemetery, was largely attended.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 23 & 25 Jul 1924
