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…
Author: Cameron McCullough
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…
INTRODUCED by Mr Downward, M.L.A., a deputation consisting of Crs. Oates, Wells and Mr L. R. N. Utber, waited upon the Director of Education on Wednesday last to urge the establishment of a higher elementary school at Frankston. It was explained that a site covering six acres in a suitable position was available, and that the required number of pupils for the type of school suggested had undertaken to attend. It was also stated that residents of Frankston and the adjoining districts were prepared to subscribe £1000 towards the cost of the proposed school. The Director gave a sympathetic reply,…
AT the Frankston police court on Monday last, before Mr. Knight, P.M., and Messrs. C. W.,Grant, Chas. Gray and W. Armstrong, J.’sP., a young man named Wm. Berry was charged with a serious offence against Eva Florence Parker, who resides with her parents at Langwarrin. Inspector McCormack appeared to prosecute, and Mr. McFarlane defended. Evidence was given that the girl, at the time of the alleged offence, was under the age of 16 years. She swore that accused visited her home on the 30th November, during the absence of her parents, and took advantage of her. After that date he…
THE Mornington races, in aid of the Somerville soldiers’ memorial, passed off successfully yesterday. Our sporting contributor will deal with the racing next issue. Wallace Mitchell, the well known bookmaker, made a spectacular landing on the course in his aeroplane. *** THE Frankston Park Improvement Committee met on Monday evening last, Cr Chas. Gray presiding. Others present were Messrs T. J. McMurtrie, S Lawrey, Willox, Dalman, Hector McComb, H. McComb, McCulloch, H. Morrison, Young, Hague, R. Fairnie (Secretary). Replies to postal appeals for subscriptions were not numerous, but an excellent result was obtained by Mr H. Morrison by personal canvas,…
SEAFORD, like Frankston and other seaside resorts, has for some time past been the happy hunting ground of the elusive burglar, and things got so bad at Seaford that residents spoke seriously of appointing a night patrol for the protection of weekend homes. The losses in the aggregate amount to several hundreds of pounds. The Seaford Progress Association made repeated appeals to the Commissioner of Police for protection, but without result, so members experimented in the methods of Sherlock Holmes with satisfactory results. It was Mr Tubbs who first got on to the scent of the burglar, and, as his…
THE death occurred on Sunday night last, at St. Vincent’s Hospital, of Mr Frederick Benson, who had been a resident of this district for several years. The cause of death was an abscess on the brain. Deceased was 29 years of age, and was a fine, robust specimen of Australian manhood. He was ill for less than a week, and the news of his demise came as a painful surprise to his many friends throughout the Peninsula, where he was held in the highest esteem. The late Mr Benson married the daughter of Mrs Reynolds, of Frankston, and very deep…
QUITE a gloom was cast over the whole community here, when the news was circulated that a double tragedy had occurred at the “Krangala” orchard, whereby two well-known and respected young people had met their deaths in a painfully sad tragic manner. The victims were Stanley Clarke, aged 27 years and Janet Ross, aged 26 years. The former was a native of Somerville, and had lived here practically all his life. He enlisted for active service with the 14th Battalion, and took part in the landing at Gallipoli. He was a man of splendid physique, standing 6ft. high, and looked…