THE Chinese Association intend holding their annual picnic in the Frankston Park, today.
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MESSRS Alex Scott and Co will hold their monthly sale at Tanti, on Monday next, when a good yarding of stock is advertised.
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HOLDERS of tobacco licenses are reminded that their licenses have now expired, and anyone selling tobacco without a license is likely to prosecution.
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IN the 138th casualty list, published in Melbourne on Thursday morning, appears the name of Private W. H. B. Daw, of Mornington. He is at present in the 1st A.G.H. Heliopolis.
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THE Rev J. H. Dawe, Presbyterian minister, of Wycherproof, who is spending his holiday at the seaside, will preach at the Presbyterian centres in this district, on Sunday next, as advertised elsewhere.
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THE time for receiving tenders for the erection of two additional chambers to Cool Stores, Tyabb, has been extended from the 3rd, to Thursday, 10th February. Particulars may be obtained at the Department of Public Works, Melbourne.
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MISS T. Carter, A T.C.L. notifies in our advertising columns that she visits Frankston on Wednesdays and Saturdays, for the purpose of giving tuition in pianoforte playing and harmony. Full particulars, as to terms, etc, may be obtained at No 6 Pine Grove, Malvern.
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A meeting of the Frankston Sports Club committee was held on Saturday evening, when it was resolved that the surplus be devoted to the following funds :—Local Red Cross £10, “Wattles” Club, towards entertainment of wounded soldiers, £3 3s, Wounded Soldiers Relief Fund £7.
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ST Paul’s Club, Frankston, in its repetition of the musical comedy “Trial by Jury” a few weeks ago, cleared the sum of £8 5s for the local Red Cross. The takings at the door were £7 3s. Donations were—Captain Coyle £2 2s; Frankston Mechanics’(refund) 15s; Anon 2s.—Total £10 2s. Expenses were—Printing 12s, Hall 15s, hire of properties 10s.—Total £1 17s, leaving a profit of £8 5s which has been handed to the local Red Cross committee.
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THE “Wattles” Club social and dance, held on Saturday night last, was a huge success. The weather was cool and pleasant for dancing and the musical items were enjoyed by all. The club funds will benefit to the extent of something over £2 by the effort.
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THE Tyabb Red Cross Fete, which was to have been held last Monday, was postponed on account of the wet weather, till today. There will be amusement provided for old and young and a good luncheon will be provided on the ground. The Hastings Brass Band will play selections during the afternoon.
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ON Saturday, 12th February, Messrs Coghill and Haughton will dispose of, by auction, that desirable property, the Drywood Park Estate, situated under two miles from the Mornington Railway station, and one and a half miles from the Moorooduc station, in suitable sized blocks for fruit, poultry, and pig farms. The sale will be held in the Mornington Mechanics, commencing at half past two o’clock.
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ATTENTION is directed to our auction column, in which it is notified that Messrs Baillieu Allard Pty. Ltd. will hold an important sale at their rooms, 360 Collins Street, Melbourne, on Wednesday, 8th March, at two o’clock, of that desirable property belonging to Major Chas W. Campbell, and known as Amesfield Park, situated on the main road between Frankston and Mornington, containing 315 acres, on which is built a truly Gothic brick family residence. Further particulars will be given later. The same firm will also sell on Wednesday, 15th March, on the property, the whole of the magnificent furnishings of the above residence, a catalogue of which may be obtained from the auctioneers shortly.
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DEATH of Jas Crosskell- An old pioneer. On the evening, 21st January Mr James Crosskell, one of the last of the early pioneers, passed away aged 84 years. He was born on Rhode Island, USA, and came to Australia after hearing of the gold rush. After working for some years for Wren Bros, he bought their business, and took in with him his brother-in-law (the late Mr H. R Prosser) and the late Mr T. Ritchie; later on Mr J. D. Box and the late Mr P. Renouf joined the firm. The Company was known as the Frankston Fish Co. (Crosskell, Ritchie and Co.) Mr Crosskell still visited the different fishing places, and ran the fish up to Melbourne, while his partners attended to the sale. Their place of business was in the old market which stood on the site of the present Flinders Street station. As trade grew the boat had to be relinquished; and fish carts were used. Most of the old residents of Frankston will remember the fish carts and their three horses, and later, the wagons that ran through from Hastings to Melbourne in time for the 5 a.m. market. These vehicles were driven by the partners themselves, who at that period led a very strenuous life. The members took a keen interest in Frankston itself. They started the first bakery and butchery in the township; they were among the original shareholders of the “Mornington Standard” Newspaper Co., and they held large interests in a brick works that flourished near the landslip in the boom time. After the boom the firm was dissolved, and Mr Crosskell returned to the sea, and even visited Western Australia. He remained at this for some years, but his health failed, and he retired, living quietly until his death. He was twice married, and left issue by both marriages.
He joined the Frankston I.O.R. in 1871, and at the time of his death was the oldest Rechabite on the Mornington Peninsula. For many years the meetings of the local Tent were held in his house, and at different periods he held most of the offices in the Order. He joined the Frankston Methodist Church in 1869, and continued a member till his death. He was also the oldest trustee of the church. Although Mr Crosskell made no boast of his religious beliefs, he lived a life consistent with his profession. He was a good neighbor, generous, I helpful and kind. No one ever appealed to him in vain. He was a man of great determination, and when he made up his mind no power on earth could make him change it.
His last hours were quiet and peaceful, and he gradually slipped his earthly cable and trimmed his sails to the breezes of the unseen world. He was almost the last- if not the last -of the sturdy pioneers, and Frankston is the poorer through his death. He left behind him an unsullied name, and his descendents can ever regard with pride and affection the memory of their sturdy and upright ancestor.
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From the pages of the Mornington Standard, 5 February, 1916