Author: Cameron McCullough

DURING shunting operations on Tuesday night last, when a train of over 1000 tons weight was being manoeuvred, an accident occurred, resulting in a loaded 10 ton truck leaving the rails and mounting the platform. At the time the staff was working at full pressure in order to clear the “down” road for the passenger train. Owing to the darkness, and the curve in the road, great difficulty was experienced in signalling the crew. A train of this weight acquires very great momentum, and a driver requires ample time in which to pull his train up but owing to the…

A VERY fine sample of potatoes has been brought under “The Standard’s” notice by Mr A. E. Lasslett. These potatoes, grown merely as a hobby for private use by Mr Lasslett at the State Savings Bank, Frankston, were of the Carmen variety, and two weighed about 2½ lbs each, whilst the whole plot is likewise good. The seed was not prepared or inoculated in any way, which is further proof of what the soil is really capable of in this district. *** MR Tom Perridge, the Tooradin sportsman, had another successful day at the Mornington gymkhana with his fine mare,…

RESIDENTS and holiday makers at Cowes, Phillip Island, were awakened on Good Friday morning by the droning of an aeroplane, and a favored few received “hot x buns” from the clouds. Mr H. McColl, baker, and storekeeper, of Cowes, realising his inability to supply the needs of the large parties of campers on the isle, arranged with Messrs Borer & Co, the Port Melbourne bread manufacturers, to supply him with 100 large loaves, and a bag of buns by aerial delivery. Pilot Graham Carey, accompanied by Mr H. Stranaghan, left the Port Melbourne aerodrome on Thursday afternoon with their novel…

The bitter wrangle between local and state governments over the designation of the Mornington Peninsula as “metropolitan Melbourne” has reached crisis point with local authorities reaching out to officially become part of Tasmania. The move follows unsuccessful attempts to have the Mornington Peninsula redesignated part of Regional Victoria. “The issue really came to light during the Covid-19 lockdowns,” said local businessman Jeremy Turnstingle. “Being lumped in with metro Melbourne was a huge blow. “If you remember, we were forced to lock down, despite having no cases, while Regional Victoria were able to stay open.” The decision sparked an outcry on…

AT the Moorooduc Stone Quarries on Monday, an employee, Mr Charles Darcey, had a narrow escape from death. He was riding on a truck which was conveying stone from the quarry face to the breakers, when the wire rope controlling the vehicle snapped. The truck immediately gathered momentum and sped down the incline at a terrific speed. Before it reached the bottom, Mr Darcey sprang to the ground and in so doing, struck his chest against a stump. He was very badly shaken, but appears otherwise to have escaped serious injury. *** THE Easter holidays start tomorrow. Already a great…

MR Mark Brody (who says he is “not a councillor”) has written to “The Standard”: I am loathe to rush into print, but the circumstances warrant it. It is a crying shame and disgrace the neglected look of that fine double row of trees planted in memory of those brave boys who assisted (and succeeded) in keeping the detestable Hun from our shores (and God help us if they had succeeded). I am more than astonished at the attitude of parents whose sons paid the supreme sacrifice. On looking over the Avenue, one will see several fine ones with an…

To the Editor Sir, I would like to express my disgust at the criticism by one young person at the concert held in the Institute, Somerville, on Saturday last. This concert was held in aid of a new curtain, and all the artists gave their services free. During the whole performance this heartless criticism went on in the hearing of some of the relatives of the performers. This person, apparently, has not even been educated in common decent manners. We have amongst us two beautiful talented young singers, Miss Vines and Miss Doris Unthank; “Digger’’Nairn, a finished violinist and elocutionist;…

IN criticising the Westernport Development and Decentralisation League, a Melbourne journal says: “As regards Westernport, the land sharks have cut up and sold to the credulous, ‘desirable residential and factory sites’ by the thousands, so they at least have ceased to have any interest in the place …. There has never been any sincerity behind any of these decentralisation proposals.” All we can say is that there ought to be, for Westernport is one of the most neglected of all the natural ports in the world. *** SPEAKING of the dangerous air currents in certain parts of Australia, Major T.…

SOME time ago the Mornington Shire Council refused the use of the local park for picnic purposes to the Sheet Metal Workers’ Union on account of objectionable features at the last two picnics. At the last meeting of the council, the union secretary, Mr. De Gruchy, attended as a deputation, and succeeded in having the embargo lifted. The party has been visiting Mornington since 1885, and the trouble has been caused by a minority, which always will be found wherever a crowd assembles. The union has guaranteed to deal with any of its members who indulge in acts of rowdyism…

THE Bittern to Red Hill railway is now well in hand. The earthwork has been practically completed to as far as Merricks, and many of the workmen and drays have moved on to the Red Hill end to complete the earthworks there. This will, without doubt, be the prettiest section of rail way line on the Peninsula, as the country through which it passes is very rich and a large portion of it is under orchard, especially at the Red Hill end. Besides the picturesque farms and orchards, the railway follows some of the best scenery on this side. First,…

THERE was an extraordinary conflict of evidence in the Frankston Police Court on Monday last, when John Bell was charged with negligently driving a motor cycle. Additional interest was given the case from the fact that the chief witness for the prosecution was a well known resident of the Peninsula named William Cooper Meldrum, who was knocked down by the motor cycle in question, and sustained injuries resulting in the loss of a leg. The Bench was occupied by Mr. Knight, P.M., and Messrs C. G. V. Williams, C. W. Grant, and Cr W. Armstrong, J’s.P. When Mr Meldrum’s name…

MR Mark Williams, who for many years acted as handicapper to the Frankston Athletic Sports Club, was the victim of a stupid joke at the A.N.A. sports on Monday last. In a spirit of jocularity, a man pointed a starter’s revolver at Mr Williams and pulled the trigger. Luckily, it contained only blank cartridges. However, the cartridge exploded and the wad hit Mr. Williams in the right eye. It is feared that he will lose the sight of the eye. As “The Age” says, the same thing has been done so often with such lamentable results that it is hard…

MR W. Klauer, secretary of the Seaford Progress Association, has received the following communication from the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, under date of 17th January 1921: “I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st ult., asking that the commission will take the necessary steps to have the Seaford district deleted from the Order granted the Frankston and District Gas and Electric Light Co, in order that supply can be obtained from the Melbourne Electric Supply Co. The question of revoking the whole Order as proposed by the Frankston and Hastings Shire has now been considered by…

THE opening of the stone quarries at Moorooduc on Friday, January 7 proved a notable event, destined to prove memorable in the history of the district’s development. Men competent to express an opinion on the subject give the unqualified verdict that the Council of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings has done the right thing in establishing an industry so vital to the needs of the municipality. The great need of the day is for roads and yet more roads. The council, assisted by the Country Roads Board, has not been unwilling to supply all reasonable demands for improved thoroughfares,…

AT the Frankston Police Court on Monday last—before Messrs C. G. V. Williams (chairman), C. Grant, and W. P. Mason, J’s.P—a local resident named Edward Barber, dairyman, was charged by Frank Pickup, an employee of W. J. Oates, dairyman, with assault. He also made a claim for damages in connection with the assault. It was decided to hear both cases together. Mr L. R. N. Utber (Hunt & Utber) appeared for complainant, and defendant was represented by Pavey, Wilson & Cohen’s representative. Dr Charles Maxwell said he examined Pickup on December 26th and found him suffering from abrasions on the…

A woman has died and five other people had to be rescued at Bushrangers Bay this afternoon. It is believed four people were swept off rocks about 3.30pm. Two members of the public entered the water to assist. Police Air Wing, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance attended along with the Water Police and local members. All were recovered from the water including the deceased. Five people were taken to hospital for treatment and police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

A CURIOUS case is reported from up the line at Cheltenham. Mrs Henry Bungey, aged 33 years, was bitten on the lip by a mosquito, from which septic poisoning set in. Seven days of severe suffering followed; specialists were consulted, but they afforded no relief, the patient eventually dying in an unconscious state. *** IT is rumoured that among the visitors to Frankston on Xmas Day was the international cricketer, Mr Warren Bardsley, who recently made the huge score of 265 for New South Wales against South Australia. He also played finely in the Test just concluded at Melbourne. ***…

EDWARD Dess, Draper, of Frankston, proceeded against W. Connal on a charge of using insulting words near a public place on the 3d December. Mr. Smart appeared, for the complainant, and, Mr. L. L. Rostron for defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Complainant said that on the day in question he was behind his counter transacting business when defendant rushed into the shop, and shaking his fists in complainant’s face said, “Dess, you German; you are nothing but a – German. You have no right to be in Frankston among patriotic people.” Complainant said that defendant repeated the words and similar…

THE public meeting held at Frankston last Tuesday night for the purpose of considering the matter of forming a bowling club, established the fact that a good deal of enthusiasm underlies the movement. The shire president (Cr W. P. Mason) explained that he had convened the meeting by request, and it gave him considerable pleasure in so doing. A bowling green would, he was sure, prove a great asset to the town, and attract visitors from all parts of the State. It was unanimously resolved on the motion of Mr Milner Macmaster, seconded by Mr E. J. Parker, that a…

THE 150-year-old tradition of reciting a prayer before local government meetings on the Mornington Peninsula has been scrapped after a motion by rookie councillor Anthony Marsh. His notice of motion, tabled at Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 8 December meeting and passed with a 6-5 majority, replaces the “prayer” with a “pledge” by councillors to act in the best interests of the community. Council officers advised that the existing prayer was in the governance rules of the council and that, under the Local Government Act, could not be dropped without community consultation. It could, however, be altered, and Cr Marsh’s notice of…

DURING last week, a huge whale was washed ashore at Stony Point. Weighing several tons, it measured 29 feet 8 inches in length. It had “a hole” in its side, as though it had been harpooned or shelled. We believe some, sailors are converting it into marketable properties. The value of the whale would be something like £200 or £250. *** “THE Age”, in a recent issue, reported that Kwong Sue Duk, the Chinese herbalist, who “hangs out” in Russell Street, was robbed of £1,200 in notes. Sue is what might be termed “a family man”. In China marriages are…

MORNINGTON Peninsula wine producers are facing potentially serious consequences as a result of China’s effective ban on the importing of Australian wines. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on 27 November that new tariffs would be placed on all Australian wine imports while it carried out an “anti-dumping investigation”. Treasury Wine Estates, the owner of peninsula winery T’Gallant and the premium wine brand Penfolds, has been slugged with a 169.3 per cent tariff on all its wine exports to China, effectively killing off their trade with that country. The Chinese market accounted for 36.7 per cent of Australia’s wine export…

ON Boxing Day the Australian Aerial Derby will be decided. The fastest machines in Australia will compete, and they will start from the Epsom Racecourse, Epsom, and race to Frankston and back three times, a distance of 60 miles. The program of the machines will be reported by wireless telephony from Frankston to Epsom, so the spectators will be able to follow the race throughout. The British and Imperial Oil Co. Pty Ltd and The Herald and Weekly Times are presenting valuable trophies, and these will be presented by either the Prime Minister or Senator Pearce, the Minister of Defence.…

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…