Compiled by Cameron McCullough
ON Sunday afternoon last, about 3.45 o’clock, Joan Fry, a daughter of Mrs. E. Fray, proprietress of the “Tangerine” Cafe, in the Palais de Danse Buildings, Playne street, Frankston, accompanied by her younger sister, Leila, and Charlie Bunney, were crossing Bay street, Frankston, near Patroni’s Pier Hotel, when a motor cycle and side car, the driver of which was proceeding in the direction of the Mornington road, accidentally knocked down Joan, running over the child’s legs.
It is alleged that the driver stopped, got off his cycle, and after a cursory examination of the little girl, remarked:
“She is not hurt,” then remounted the motor vehicle and continued on his way, while, from a semi-official source, it is stated that when the child got in front of the cycle, he at once applied the brakes in an effort to avoid crashing into her, but it was too late to prevent the occurrence of the mishap.
It is also averred that the child, subsequent to the accident, got up and re-joined her little sister and Charlie Bunney, and the rider of the cycle evidently deeming that no great harm had accrued, left his name, address and the number of the motorcycle, saying: “If I’m wanted, you’ll know where to find me.”
Dr. Maxwell is attending the child at her home. It is feared that besides having sustained several cuts and bruises, she has been injured internally, as hemorrhage has supervened. Otherwise Joan is wonderfully Bright under the circumstances.
Up to yesterday morning the matter had not been reported to Sergt. Culhane of the local police.
The. Councillors and the Quarry – The Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
During the monthly sitting of the civic fathers on Friday, 5th inst., a discussion arose concerning the Moorooduc quarry.
Towards the final portion of the debate, the newly-elected president (Cr. May) courteously requested that a subject matter affecting a prospective business deal be not reported in the Press, and the representative of “The Standard” briefly gave an assurance that nothing which would be detrimental to the interests of the quarry (meaning, of course, the foresaid “subject matter”) would be reported.
In this specific direction “The Standard” was loyal to the cause. Further, it may be emphasised that the entire controversy took place in open council, and if certain councillors stated their opinions concerning the quality of the quarry stone, such criterions, at any time, must be classed by the expert, as merely expressions emanating from the lips of amateurs possessed of the questionable adjudications of laymen; moreover, when any member of a local government body surcharges himself with the crude responsibility of asserting what he thinks about so abstruse a problem, as for example, road construction; the values of metal, or even the duties of a Shire Secretary, a qualified Shire Engineer, etc., it is obvious that the puerile criticism to which flamboyant utterance is given, naturally appeals to the accredited professional as of no material consequence whatsoever.
In short, all the verbose assertions made by the individuals comprising a Council coterie, would not influence an expert nor prejudice the interests at stake.
While “The Standard’” certainly published a verbatim report of the discussion under review, it did not, as has since been grossly averred, give forth to the public at large the particular portion anent the subject of a prospective business deal, but strictly adhered, despite what recently transpired, to its promise by eliminating from its widely-read columns the “subject matter” in accordance with the desire of the president. Think it over!
Mornington Peninsula – Prosperous Towns – Activities at Westernport
Every year sees Melbourne steadily progressing along the bay front to wards Frankston and around the Mornington Peninsula.
Comparatively few years ago Melbourne proper extended practically only as far as Caulfield. Then Glenhuntly was absorbed. Next came Ormond. Now there is almost an unbroken line of suburban homes reaching for miles farther on.
Seaford has developed from being merely a siding for the despatch of sand for building operations in the city to a prosperous community. The increasing number of passengers joining and leaving trains at Seaford is conclusive evidence on that point.
Frankston has developed into something more than a quiet seaside town. It is rapidly expanding.
One of the chief aids in this expansion has been the electrification of the railway line, reducing materially the time required for the journey to and from the city.
Beyond, with the exception of Mornington, there were, until recent years, the fruitgrowing and agricultural areas, small townships, and the fishing villages along the seaside, the latter being very quiet during the winter months, but being suddenly galvanised into activity by the influx of visitors during the summer season.
Recently there has been steady growth in that portion of Victoria lying between Frankston and Westernport Bay. The construction of the main road to Flinders was the first and greatest step in that direction.
The route has become one of the most popular for motorists. The construction of the spur of railway from Bittern to Red Hill has also done much for a large area of country. It has been a boon in assisting the marketing of the fruits and other products of that portion of the Peninsula.
The establishment of Flinders Naval Depot on an arm of Westernport Bay has had a marked effect. The Depot was first occupied by a naval party in 1920, though construction work was commenced in 1912.
First and foremost among the benefits accruing is the matter of water supply. To meet the needs of the Naval Depot in this direction, the engineers of the State Rivers and Water Supply Commission designed a scheme to bring the water from the Bunyip River.
A main from Beaconsfield was first undertaken, in advance of the naval occupation. When this was completed attention was paid to towns and townships adjoining and in close proximity to the water main route.
Frankston, Mornington, Somerville, Hastings, and Bittern, to mention only a few, have now an assured water supply, where previously householders were for the most part dependent on tanks.
Even in instances where townships have not been reticulated there is a means of access to water in dry months which has banished all fear of a water famine.
The scheme in its entirety is one of great magnitude. It provides the means by which sewer age systems may be installed.
In Flinders Naval Depot at present there are more than 1000 naval ratings. This is stated to be more than can comfortably be accommodated in the two three-storey brick barrack blocks. The building of a third barrack block for seamen is contemplated for the near future, the project having been favourably reported upon by the Federal Public Works Committee.
Some of the naval ratings are being temporarily accommodated on one of the vessels attached to the Depot.
Among the works in progress at the Depot are extensions to the ward room officers’ mess.
The brick building is being extended to provide quarters for officers. The construction of a slipway at the main wharf is also in hand.
The establishment of a High School at Frankston has added to the educational facilities, and many pupils come from far beyond that town.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 17 & 19 Sep 1924
