Author: Cameron McCullough

THE Vacuum Oil Co. Pty Ltd held their first annual picnic at Mornington on Saturday last. The weather was somewhat tropical, but the thousand employees who attended enjoyed themselves thoroughly. In the Ladies’ Nomination Race, 120 yards, Mr J. B. Jolly, of Frankston, and his nephew, Mr Frank Heagney, were starters, and the uncle threatened to “eat his hat”, if he didn’t beat the nephew. J.B. – once a fast sprinter – collapsed and Mr Heagney won. “Jim was too sick to eat his dinner, let alone his hat,” said one, when questioned as to whether Mr Jolly kept his…

THE Country Roads Board’s 13 ton steam roller crashed through Quinn’s Bridge (over the Balcombe Creek) last week, but the driver, Mr J. Burton, miraculously escaped injury, beyond scratches and a mud-bath. He was on his way, along the Tyabb Road, from Moorooduc to Mornington, and had got right on to the centre of the bridge – a wooden structure – when it collapsed. Driver Barton’s presence of mind in promptly shutting off the steam probably saved his life. Mr A. E. Callaway, of the Roads Board, inspected the bridge, and says that the mechanical parts of the engine will…

MR Frank Stonite, The Heights, writes: “There is said to be considerable rivalry existing between Mornington and Frankston as to which should be regarded as the Peninsula’s capital. An article – Facts and Figures – in your last issue, gives Frankston the right to the title. Whereas Mornington had only 26,288 passenger bookings last year, Frankston had 114,420 – a difference of more than 88,000 and £3,000 revenue. “In every way, those railway statistics specially proved the importance of Frankston as the vital centre.” *** ON Saturday evening, at the Anglican Bazaar, in aid of St. Paul’s Church, Frankston, Dr.…

THE objectionable conduct of those idiotic galoots who visit Frankston in the summer time, is to be stamped out, according to Mr Clapp, the new Chief Railways Commissioner. He has made a special note of the rowdy elements, and proposes to leave nothing undone to put a stop to it. If Mr Clapp’s prohibitive measure actually prohibits, he will have gained the gratitude of the local and visiting people. Frankston, as a holiday and seaside resort, stands second to none, but once you give the rowdies a bit of rope and permit these unthinking ones to make it “free and…

LAST week, Cr. W. J. Oates, J.P purchased the vacant corner allotment and the property with brick house adjoining in Bay and Wells Streets, Frankston. The price paid ran into four figures. It is gratifying to find our own people thus showing their confidence in the future of the town. The disposal of the land in question leaves but one other vacant allotment in Bay Street, suitable as a business site, for sale. *** ON Sunday last, upwards of 150 invalid soldiers from the Caulfield Military Hospital visited Frankston, and were entertained at afternoon tea in the Mechanics’ Hall. The…

THE councillors of the shire of Frankston and Hastings have received a communication from the Minister of Public Works requesting them to attend before him, at his office in Melbourne, on Tuesday next, 19th inst., for the purpose of discussing the present position, and arriving at an amicable settlement of the dispute which has caused a deadlock for nearly three months. *** AN open air meeting, under the auspices of the Frankston branch of the anti-liquor league, will be held in Bay Street, under the electric light, on Wednesday evening next, at 8 o’clock. Ex-Senator Watson will deliver the address,…

LAST Saturday afternoon, the land situate between the Prince of Wales Hotel and Mr Sage’s shop, Frankston, was offered for sale, on the site. The owner, Mr. Short, considers the situation admirably adapted for shop sites, and he subdivided the block into four allotments. The whole block has a frontage of 100 feet to Mornington Road, with a depth of 200 feet to Kananook Creek, where there is a three feet right-of-way along the bank of the stream. Mr Short has cut his block in two, reserving the rear portion – 100 x 100 ft – as a residential area…

ABOUT seven years ago a number of Melbourne’s leading citizens selected a spot 2½ miles from Frankston as a site for golf links. As was predicted in these columns at the time, the prominence thus given to the town has resulted in many notable visitors being drawn to the district. For what was proposed at the outset – the formation of links second to none in Victoria – has, to a great extent, been accomplished. Thousands of pounds have already been expended on the work, but the landscape architect has to wait on Nature to see his plans brought to…

AT the Frankston Police Court, on Monday last, before Mr Knight, P. M and local justices, Messrs Williams, Grant, and McLean, John Daley, age 35 years, and Harriet Bailey were charged with having been drunk and disorderly in a public place, and with having been guilty of indecent conduct on the foreshore. The female was additionally charged with having used insulting language. Senior-Constable Bray gave evidence to the effect that on Saturday last, he, with Constable Delaney, arrested Daley and Bailey at Frankston. Both were intoxicated, and were behaving most indecently on the foreshore at Frankston. When arrested, the female…

THE case of the Nobles, dealt with in the Frankston Police Court on Monday last, will probably excite a good deal of interest throughout the State, leaving an impression on the public mind that the accused were, perhaps, “more sinned against than sinning.” The attitude of the police in conducting the prosecution was wholly sympathetic. The Melbourne daily papers followed the lead thus given, and pictured to the astounded public the spectacle of a stricken family driven to crime to avert starvation. The story, as related in the Police Court, and reproduced in the Press, was sufficiently startling to give…

ON Wednesday last the Railways Commissioners arrived at Frankston by special train on their annual tour of inspection. They were met at the station by Cr F. H. Wells, and Mr H. Vicars, President of the Frankston Progress Association, and the secretary, Mr W. C, Young. Cr Wells reminded the Commissioners of the necessity for a sub-way or some other method to connect Wells Street with Cranbourne Road, and specially referred to the notice recently posted in the vicinity warning the public that trespassers at that point would be prosecuted. This, he contended, was contrary to a previous promise given…

Active cases of coronavirus on the Mornington Peninsula have dropped to just 10 cases. The dramatic slide has active cases on the peninsula at their lowest levels since 21 July. Just one week ago, there were 37 active cases on the Mornington Peninsula, and two weeks ago there were 52 active cases on the Mornington Peninsula. The low numbers will add weight to calls for the Mornington Peninsula to be excluded from the current metropolitan Stage Four lockdown. Local lobby group, Committee for the Mornington Peninsula, expressed “dismay” at Sunday’s announcement by the Premier that the peninsula would continue to…

AT the special meeting of the shire of Frankston and Hastings last Wednesday week, Cr. Hoban, president, presided for the last time. Cr. Oates spoke in high praise of the capable manner in which Cr. Hoban had carried out his duties as President of the Shire. He had been thoroughly impartial in carrying out the responsible duties of his office, and the council felt proud of the capable and dignified manner in which he had represented the shire on all occasions. Crs Mason, Armstrong and others spoke in appreciation of Cr Hoban and while regretting his departure, hoped that on…

STAGE four restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19 have been hard for everyone. Disruption to regular routines and weeks on end without face-to-face contact with friends and family. But spare a thought for the members of one segment of the community who faced an agonising decision because of the coronavirus pandemic – overseas students. Those boarding at Peninsula Grammar, Mount Eliza had to decide whether to return home or remain in Australia for an unknown length of time. “As the coronavirus pandemic gathered steam earlier in the year, it became apparent that students would have to make a difficult…

After Somerville so narrowly missed victory on Saturday last, there were some of Somerville’s enthusiasts who thought that Somerville ought to lodge a protest against Frankston playing its one-time skipper, Bill Cain. Somerville alleged that it was an injustice to include one who had not played three qualifying games, as they allege that Cain played only two games – one against Dromana on May 21st and one against Somerville on August 14th. Despite the majority desiring to protest, the Somerville skipper, Hutchison, was strongly against it. “No. I’ll not sign any protests.” he remarked, when questioned by the writer. To…

A man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder over an incident in Rosebud on Saturday 29 August. Police allege a man was armed with a tomahawk outside a shopping centre on Boneo Road just after 10am and attacked two males. A 47-year-old man and a 63-year-old man, both from Rosebud, remain in hospital in a stable condition. A 48-year-old man of no fixed address will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday 31 August. Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential…

Emergency services are at the scene of what is described as a “serious assault” at Rosebud Plaza. Sergeant Julie-Anne Newman, of Police Media, said reports had been received of a man armed with a weapon – possibly a knife – at the shopping centre on McCombe Street, 10.15am, Saturday 29 August. A man has been arrested and it is believed two people have been seriously injured. They have been airlifted to hospital. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated. Anyone who has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at…

Confirmed cases and active cases on the Mornington Peninsula as at 27/8/20 Listed in order of most confirmed cases to least confirmed cases. Mornington (Postcode 3931) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 51 – Active Cases (current): 30 Mount Martha (Postcode 3934) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 27 – Active Cases (current): 9 Somerville (Postcode 3912) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 11 – Active Cases (current): 6 Mount Eliza (Postcode 3930) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 11 – Active Cases (current): 0 Rosebud, Boneo, Cape Schanck, Fingal (Postcode 3939) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 10 – Active Cases (current): 2 Flinders (Postcode 3929) – Confirmed…

VICTORIA is dependent upon New South Wales for her coal supplies. But for the coal brought at great cost by rail or steamer from the sister State Victorian industries would vanish. It is a lamentable state of affairs, and we have paid dearly indeed for our experience. Our only hope of the future lies in the Morwell electric power scheme. That there is reason for hope at all is due to the Lawson Ministry. Successive Ministries for the past thirty years have failed to make anything of an asset given by nature that means so much to Victoria. Inquiry after…

Mornington Peninsula Total cases: 155 – Active cases: 60 – New cases today: 3 Total cases on the Mornington Peninsula hit 155. Mornington the current hot-spot with a total of 39 cases and 27 active cases. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: Victoria has recorded 240 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 17,683. The overall total has increased by 237 due to 3 cases being reclassified largely due to duplication. Within Victoria, 101 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and 139 are under investigation. There have been 13 new deaths from COVID-19 reported…

The Mornington Peninsula has had 34 new cases of coronavirus in the last week. The peninsula has had a total of 155 cases, and 60 are still active, an increase in active cases of 17 over the week. The City of Frankston had an increase of 39 cases in the last week bringing the total cases to 194. City of Frankston’s active cases have stayed stable since a week ago at 77. The City of Casey has had an increase of 125 cases in the last week bringing their total to 822 cases with 228 still active. The City of…

Confirmed cases and active cases on the Mornington Peninsula as at 20/8/20 Listed in order of most confirmed cases to least confirmed cases. Mornington (Postcode 3931) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 39 – Active Cases (current): 27 Mount Martha (Postcode 3934) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 21 – Active Cases (current): 7 Somerville (Postcode 3912) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 15 – Active Cases (current): 7 Rosebud, Boneo, Cape Schanck, Fingal (Postcode 3939) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 11 – Active Cases (current): 5 Mount Eliza (Postcode 3930) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 10 – Active Cases (current): 1 Flinders (Postcode 3929) – Confirmed…

Police from the Southern Metro Divisional Response Unit are seeking public assistance to identify two women in relation to a cannabis crop house in Mt Eliza. Police uncovered a commercial quantity of cannabis plants after a warrant was executed at a property in Bambra Street on 14 July. No one was at the residential address at the time of the police search. Investigators believe two women perceived to be of Asian appearance may be able to assist them with their inquiries. Both are aged in their 20s or 30s, of average build and short to medium height. Investigators have release…

ON Monday night last, Miss Mackay was entertained at a farewell social, on the eve of her departure for Mornington. The Mechanics’ Hall was very prettily decorated for the occasion. Dr Mackeddie presided, and while the function was organised by Frankston Presbyterians to mark their appreciation of Miss Mackay’s activities on behalf of the Church, the very large and representative gathering present made the occasion one of general public importance, and indicated the high esteem in which Miss Mackay is held by all sections of the community. Despite inclement weather, visitors were present from far distant centres, and a highly…

Mornington Peninsula Total cases: 121 – Active cases: 43 – New cases today: 7 Seven new cases on the peninsula in the last 24 hours. Total cases on the Mornington Peninsula hit 121. Mornington the current hot-spot with a total of 24 cases and 13 active cases. Key facts from today’s Victorian COVID-19 update: Victoria has recorded 278 new cases of coronavirus since yesterday, with the total number of cases now at 15,863. The overall total has increased by 217 due to 61 cases being reclassified – largely due to duplication. Within Victoria, 64 of the new cases are linked to outbreaks or complex cases and…

The Mornington Peninsula has had seven new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The peninsula has had a total of 121 cases, and 43 are still active. The City of Frankston had an increase of six cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total cases to 151. City of Frankston’s active cases have risen by six cases to 77. The City of Casey has had an increase of 12 cases in the last 24 hours bringing their total to 697 cases with 354 still active. The City of Kingston has had one new case in the last…

Confirmed cases and active cases on the Mornington Peninsula as at 13/8/20 Listed in order of most confirmed cases to least confirmed cases. Mornington (Postcode 3931) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 24 – Active Cases (current): 13 Mount Martha (Postcode 3934) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 16 – Active Cases (current): 5 Mount Eliza (Postcode 3930) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 11 – Active Cases (current): 3 Somerville (Postcode 3912) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 10 – Active Cases (current): 5 Flinders (Postcode 3929) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 7 – Active Cases (current): 0 Sorrento (Postcode 3943) – Confirmed Cases (ever): 7 -…

ON Thursday Morris Bros’ aeroplane made a fight from Mordialloc to Frankston, and the landing and the taking-off were splendid. Amongst the passengers who made the flight at Frankston were Mrs Ward and Miss Dolly Gregory, who thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Morris Bros hope to visit Frankston again shortly to make passenger flights. The date will be advertised in “The Standard” in due course. Messrs Fitzgerald and Sheridan also made a flight. *** ON August 17th, after touring Gippsland, a Peace Loan aeroplane, piloted by Captain Matheson, will arrive at Frankston. Captain Matheson earned “his wings” on the battle fronts…

The Mornington Peninsula has had three new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The peninsula has had a total of 103 cases, and 28 are still active. That is an increase of three active cases in the last 24 hours. The City of Frankston had an increase of two cases in the last 24 hours bringing the total cases to 126. City of Frankston’s active cases have risen by two cases to 66. The City of Casey has had an increase of 32 cases in the last 24 hours bringing their total to 596 cases with 343 still…

“I have no idea what’s awaiting me, or what will happen when this all ends. For the moment I know this: there are sick people and they need curing.” The French existentialist author Albert Camus wrote this in his 1947 book The Plague. How prophetic for our experiences 73 years later. This has been a difficult week for many of us. It has been a difficult week for our families, our friends, and especially our business community. Stage Four Restrictions are here. Many people have had their lives put on hold and feel they face an uncertain future. Businesses have been…