Author: Cameron McCullough

ON Saturday morning last Mr. Miscamble, one of the Railway Commissioners, accompanied by his secretary, Mr Hearle, visited Frankston. He was met at the railway station by Crs. Oates and Wells, Lieut.-Col. Lazarus (engineer), and Mr. J. E. Jones who conducted him to the site of the new subway, where over 100 residents had assembled. Cr. Wells introduced Mr. Miscamble to the gathering, and explained that the people had assembled to urge the department to continue the sub-way to connect with Cranbourne Road. Cr. Oates explained the importance of providing a sub-way for the convenience of residents on the east…

AT last week’s meeting of the Shire Council a communication was read from the Education Department relating to the land at Frankston, proposed to be used as a site for a High School. The Department stated that it had ascertained that the old cricket reserve was only a temporary reservation, and the whole of the area could be vested in the Education Department, if the council and the cricket club concurred. Cr. Mason said the eastern portion of the park could easily be cleared and made available as a cricket ground. Cr. May asked if the Department had expressed any…

JUST before entering Hastings there is a very nasty right angled bend in the main Melbourne road – the road at that spot being very little wider than a motor car. This bend was, according to Dr. Cole, (City Coroner) who conducted the inquest, responsible indirectly for the death of Albert Norman Charles Thompson, aged 34, and the injury to five sailors from the Naval Base. Evidence, given at the inquest by six different witnesses, was entirely in accord. Thomson owner and driver of a 1 ton Ford charabanc, met 10 navy men in Melbourne at 9am on Monday, and…

IT is stated that the Railway Department has revised its plans in connection with the long promised subway which was designed to connect Wells Street with Cranbourne Road. At a meeting of the Frankston Progress Association, held on Tuesday night, Mr Wells stated that the present design was merely to connect the “island” pattern with the subway, the completion of the work, linking up Cranbourne Road, to come later. Members agreed with Cr Wells that a strong protest should be made by residents against the proposal. Messrs Oliver, Lawrey, A. Bailey, Hague, Young and the president Mr J. D. Jennings,…

THE Coolart Estate is looking well under the care of the new owner, Mr Robertson. A large area is under crop, such as oats, rapeseed, and barley, all of which have made rapid headway since the rain came. Oats have been sown more extensively in this district this year, and, should the season be favorable, a good quantity of hay should be available for chaff at the end of the season. The Western Park Estate has changed hands. Mr Hope Campbell, of Melbourne having purchased it from Mr J. Buick, of Mentone. Mr Buick had reserved 200 acres of the…

THE journalistic world in general, and the Victorian Press in particular has suffered a distinct loss in the death or Milner Macmaster, who was the victim of a sad drowning accident at Wangaratta last week. News of the tragic event reached Mrs Macmaster, at Frankston, last Sunday night, and she with her daughters immediately departed for the northern town, arriving there at midday on Monday. The coronial enquiry disclosed the fact that on the day of the fatality, Mr Macmaster left his apartments to keep an appointment to dine with Mr John Bowser, M.L.A., the editor of the “Wangaratta Chronicle”.…

The ex-mayor, Mornington Peninsula Shire councillor, and now independent candidate for the seat of Flinders, Despi O’Connor, has suspended her campaign for the 21 May election. A statement, released by O’Connor today, states she has been made aware she may be in breach of section 44(iv) of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act that states: “Any person who holds any office of profit under the Crown, or any pension payable during the pleasure of the Crown out of any of the revenues of the Commonwealth shall be incapable of being chosen or of sitting as a senator or a member…

AN interesting scene is enacted about once a month in a small weatherboard room within a few yards of the south eastern home of French Island, in Westernport Bay. On what is known as “board day” at the McLeod Prison Settlement members of the Indeterminate Sentence Board, Messrs. S. Manner (chairman), W. R. Anderson, P. M., and C. A. Topp, supervise the work of the prisoners, who number between 40 and 50, and consider requests of a widely varying nature from the men, who are working out their own salvation on the island. While awaiting their interview with the board…

THE Frankston Seconds Football Club had a night out on Wednesday evening last. They organised a “surprise party” and descended on the home of Mrs C. Wood, in Bay Street with all the vigor and enthusiasm that has characterised their performances on the football field since the first day of their inception. The Frankston Seconds Club came into existence as a wee lone organisation a couple of years ago, and like most new organisations, was badly in need of friends. It has now struck more prosperous days, but it has not forgotten its old friends, and it numbers Mrs Wood…

ALL over the civilised world certain “days” are being observed as either national or world-wide occasions. The best known are such religious festivals as Christmas and Easter, observed by all Christian peoples. As religion is of prime importance in the life of man, so it is fitting that his most important holidays (or holy days) should commemorate portions of the life of Christ. Man’s first duty is to God, next he owes obedience to his nation, and it is to keep this in view that certain “national holidays” are kept. Thus we have Empire Day and King’s Birthday as representing…

FLINDERS Naval Depot was under a new command on Tuesday evening, 4th April, and it was a command which was eagerly obeyed. It was still the call of service, and in the service of charity. The response of the Depot was unanimous. With a view to helping the fund to provide a motor ambulance for the Mornington Peninsula – a worthy object originated in Bittern – Mrs. Miller, wife of Captain Miller, Officer-Commanding Flinders Naval Depot, organised a novelty night on the above date. Those attending on the night of the celebrations and looking upon the scene brilliantly set would…

THE calm serenity of Tyabb received a rude shock on Tuesday morning when it became known that Mr. W. Noble, an old and well-known resident, had met with his death in a most tragic manner. For some days a man named Livingstone had been picking fruit for Mr. Noble, and had been living in a two roomed hut at the back of the dwelling and outhouses. During the night a boisterous wind blew continuously, blowing from his hut towards Mr. Noble’s, so that it was impossible for him to hear anything unusual. About 6.30, knowing it was Mr. Noble’s intention…

While most were aware of the hardships experienced by the hospitality and retail industries during Covid, there was one hard-hit group that has been largely ignored by society. Now, the low-profile organisation representing property developers has made an unprecedented move and released their ‘master plan’ for recovery. The Builders And Developers Action Society’s president, Mr Yuri McFladden said in a statement today “nobody thinks of the difficulties property developers go through. How are we supposed to buy Versace and Lamborghinis when there is no more land to develop?” In their sights is the Mornington Peninsula “Green Wedge” and they have…

A VERY important meeting of delegates to the Peninsula Football Association was held at Somerville last night. All clubs were represented, except Naval Base. Mr H. J. McCulloch (Frankston) replaced Mr P. McArthur as President on the motion of Messrs Evans (Dromana) and Floyd (Hastings). Messrs Morphett (Hastings) and Clylesdale (Dromana) secured Carrum’s disqualification from the Association by moving that the boundaries be those existing previous to Carrum’s entry. The voting was equal, and on the casting vote of President McCulloch, Carrum were ousted. It was a lively meeting, yet friendly, and the report in next issue will make interesting…

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire Council has formally resolved to ask the state government to create a new ‘Peri-Regional’ status for the Mornington Peninsula. They believe the new status would “unlock the funding streams and benefits of a regional classification, while preserving access to metropolitan funding programs and safeguarding our cherished Green Wedge planning protections.” Council has joined forces with Yarra Ranges Shire to argue for the new ‘Peri-Regional’ status in recognition of the unique rural and urban character of each Shire. The Green Wedge is currently protected under the Planning and Environment (Metropolitan Green Wedge Protection) Act 2003 (‘MGWPA’). Removal from…

MR. J. Jack, organiser in connection with the Peninsula Motor Ambulance Brigade, completed his campaign on Friday evening last, after spending a fortnight travelling the proposed area, between Aspendale and Portsea. He feels confident that the brigade will soon be an accomplished fact. In every place visited the people proved to be almost unanimously in favour of the proposal, and seed was sown which should produce a good harvest in the near future. The final meeting held at Mornington on Friday evening proved very successful. On 15th March the Bittern Progress Asosciation held the first of a series of concerts…

A VERY nasty accident, which might have ended much more seriously, took place on Friday afternoon of last week. Mr. H. Phillips, who has a young orchard on the “Run,” Hastings, was driving home about 4 o’clock. He had picked up three children going home from school, and was himself sitting in front of the spring-cart. Going down the incline where the Cemetery Road leaves the Melbourne Road, it is surmised, the backband or tugs broke, and the cart ran on to the horse’s heels. Mr. Philips was promptly kicked off the cart, and the horse bolted. Two of the…

TO mark their appreciation of the services rendered by the fire brigades of Frankston, Carrum and Chelsea in subduing recent fires about the foreshore, the residents of Seaford entertained representatives of the brigades above named at a smoke social in the Seaford Hall, on Saturday evening, February 25th. There was a very large attendance, about 100 visitors sitting down to tables bountifully supplied with every good thing known to the culinary art. The Borough of Carrum was represented by Cr. Stephens, and the Shire of Frankston and Hastings sent a strong contingent in Crs. Armstrong, Howell and Latham. Mr. C.…

ON Monday, 6th inst., a demonstration of apple packing will be held at the Tyabb Co-operative Co’s Cool Store. Mr P. J. Carmody, Chief Orchard Inspector, knowing of the hundred different methods or systems used in packing, and again, in some cases, of the ignorance of any proper pack at all among new growers, has arranged to give all growers an opportunity of seeing a pack which, universally used, would be, in his opinion, a boon to the apple growing industry. Mr Krole, the Government demonstrator, will carry out the demonstrations, and the Company’s secretary, Mr Houffe, hopes that a…

“I HAVE not seen a better one-roomed school in the State,” was the verdict of Mr. Tait, Director of Education, when he inspected the new school at Seaford yesterday afternoon. The occasion was the official opening of the building by Sir Alexander Peacock, Minister of Education. Seaford residents met with little success in their agitation for a new school until Sir Alex assumed office. About 12 months ago he promised a deputation from the Progress Association and school committee, that the building so long promised would be erected at once, and that he would perform the opening ceremony. He did…

AT the Frankston Police Court on Monday last, before Messrs. C. V. G. Williams, C. W. Grant, W. Armstrong and Luxford, J’sP., a man named Arthur Nichols, aged about 30 years, was charged with unlawfully setting fire to a dwelling place on the 8th February. Senior Constable Bray conducted the prosecution, and Mr. Barnett appeared for the accused. The case, as outlined by the police, was that Nichols had been working for Mr. Mervyn Jackson, dairy farmer, Wells Road, Frankston. He was dismissed on 13th January. On the 27th January Nichols paid a visit to Jackson’s house, but soon left…

THAT an incendiarist is in our midst is the contention of many local residents. Recent conflagrations seem to point that way. Fires at Seaford and Frankston have destroyed much valuable ti-tree, but their origin seems to be clothed in mystery. But, just as from the tiny acorn grew the mighty oak, so do devastating fires in most cases have their nefarious birth in the flame of the little match. And the origin of recent fires seem to be the work of one who has lost his mental balance. Evidence of this was obtained on Sunday last. While out walking, a…

A VERY trying experience was undergone by Mr Bradshaw, of Bradshaw & Lawley, the well known Yarraville timber merchants, at Frankston during last weekend. On Saturday afternoon, he set sail from Williamstown in the 25 feet sailing boat, “Jessie,” and, after a stormy passage across Port Phillip Bay, arrived at Frankston about 7pm. A heavy sea was running at the time, and the little boat was tossed to and fro like a cork. Mr Bradshaw found it quite impossible to land, as the waves were breaking against the pier with great force. Messrs Norman McLeod and Bert Tulip came to…

LAST Sunday, for the second time within three weeks the foreshore has been on fire. This fire occurred as the result of the careless use of fire by a visitor, who as one of the community, has every liberty on the foreshore, but who, instead of spending 3d. on a quart of boiling water, preferred to risk burning Seaford out by lighting a fire in a kerosene tin. The fire quickly got out of control, and in a few moment acres of valuable ti-tree were a seething mass of blood-red flame, belching up immense columns of black smoke. The alarm…

AT the Frankston Police Court, on Monday last, E. Edwards proceeded against John Powell, a former estate agent at Edithvale, for the recovery of a debt amounting to £29 5s. Mr A. W. Foster appeared for Edwards. Powell promised to pay £1 per week in the meantime and finally settle the debt within six weeks. Edwards had a second debt case against Frederick Worrall, but as Worrall did not respond when his name was called, Mr Foster asked the Bench to fine him for contempt of court. He was fined £1 for non-attendance as a necessary witness, and the case…

A YOUNG well-dressed man named Eugene Chandler, was charged with selling liquor without a licence on the 31st December. In the court were several barrels of beer and 240 bottles of beer, which had been seized by the police. Inspector McCormack conducted the prosecution, and accused, who pleaded guilty, was represented by Mr. Dorian. Albert W. H. Peach, plainclothes constable attached to the Licensing Branch and stationed at Melbourne, said: At about 7.15 on Saturday evening. 31/12/21, in company with Senior Constable Wall and Constables Dunn, Morrison and Trevitithick, I visited a well-known cafe and boardinghouse at Chelsea known as…

THOUGH called the Mornington Express, it does not mean, of course, that this aristocrat of the seaside track (says a writer in an exchange) makes an absolutely uninterrupted run to that salubrious terminal, for passengers residing as far as Mordialloc are at liberty to travel thereby while in the slacker season, residents of even Mentone and Cheltenham are privileged to book passages. Its daily routine is to arrive at Flinders street at about 9.30am, which it does with creditable regularity, and leaving on the home journey with becoming fuss and dignity at 5.9pm. In the interim, however, it is out…

THE president and secretary of the Italian Seniors Social Club Dromana Inc are ‘looking to the future’ and ‘keen to put animosity behind them’ after a robust annual meeting on 26 November 2021 (“Apology call after ‘robust’ annual meeting” The News 15/12/21). “Tempers were frayed, and words spoken” said secretary of the club Mila Kellaway. “We believed we acted in the best interests of the club and the membership in electing a new committee, and we look forward to working with our members”. Ms Kellaway acknowledged the good work the previous committee had done, despite disagreements between the parties. “We…

THEY came from the orchards on the hills and valleys of Mornington Peninsula yesterday to witness the official opening of the railway extension of 10 miles from Bittern to Red Hill. For nearly 40 years these settlers had been struggling for a line, and as the first passenger train steamed into the new station at the foot of the hills they saw the consummation of their hopes. It was a great day for the district. The small town enthusiast is the finest enthusiast of them all, and from Bittern to Red Hill there were 1000 enthusiasts about the possibilities of…

AT the Frankston police court on Monday last before Messrs C. G. V. Williams, chairman, C. W. Grant and W. Armstrong J’s.P, a young man named Dennis William White was charged with riding a motorcycle on a public highway at a speed dangerous to the public. Senior Constable Bray conducted the prosecution and accused, who offered no evidence on his own behalf was undefended. Constable Bannon said on Sunday November 6 defendant passed along the main street and when near the railway ramp, he was travelling at the rate of 70 miles an hour. This constituted a grave danger, to…