FOR weeks the universal cry in this district has been “How long O Lord how long” are we to suffer from the disadvantages of the atrocious and well-nigh impassable roads which are a distinct strain on ones religion.
For miles, channels have been prepared for laying water-mains and these are now full of water and beginning to cave in.
The resultant earth from the excavations is lying on main roads and the wheels of vehicles which are compelled to traverse these tracks (roads is a misnomer) resemble the wheels of a gun carriage.
Apparently the whole work will have to be done again and the question arises – How will the costs compare with the estimates and who pays?
To the lay mind it seems strange that sections were not completed and filled in at once, thus avoiding the present results.
Evidently there has been mismanagement and muddling somewhere.
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THE members of the Frankston Peace Celebrations Committee are reminded that they are expected to attend a meeting for the purpose of settling accounts in connection with the recent demonstration at the Mechanics’ Hall, at 8 o’clock on Monday night, 28th inst.
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THE monthly meeting of the Seaford Progress Association takes place on Saturday (to-night) at 8 o’clock.
Items on the business sheet include: Report of deputation re footpath, school site, motor traffic, smoke social, Carrum Vale Road, and general business by members.
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AN impromptu dance, arranged by Mrs C. Tait and friends, took place in the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall last Saturday evening (Peace night.)
The event proved entirely successful from every point of view and after paying expenses Mrs Tait was able to forward to the Secretary of the Frankston Branch of the Returned Soldiers Association the sum of £1 10s balance of the proceeds, as a donation to the Memorial Hall Fund.
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MR Wm Meldrum, of Somerville, who has disposed of his orchard, has instructed Messrs Brody and Mason to conduct a clearing sale on the property on Thursday, 31st July.
Full particulars are advertised.
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AT the Committee meeting of the Ragged Boys’ home held at the Institution, on Tuesday evening, 15th inst, Mr W. Minton, the Hon Supt, presented the report of the recent concert held in the Town Hall, Melbourne, showing the net result to be £320.
The chairman (Rev W. T. Roach) stated that the result was gratifying.
Mr James Menzies, M.L.A., moved a motion that the architect, Mr A. Bestow, be instructed forthwith to draw up plans for the erection of the new wing at the Melbourne Boys’ Home, Frankston.
A vote of thanks was passed to the Hon Physican of the Frankston Home, (Dr Atkinson) for his kind attention to the sick Boys of the Home.
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INTEREST in the forthcoming municipal elections is beginning to stir a little.
The sub-division of the North Riding, whereby Seaford is now a separate Riding, makes it necessary for all three North Riding councillors, viz Crs Oates, Mason and Hoare, to retire.
It can be stated definitely that the first two named will seek re-election for the North, and the possibilities are that Cr Hoare will seek one of the Seaford Riding seats.
Mr F. W. Wells is spoken of as a likely candidate for the North Riding. He has been approached by a number of ratepayers, and, we understand, has given a favorable reply.
At a public meeting held at Seaford a week or two ago, three candidates were nominated for the new Riding. They were, Messrs Armstrong, Howell and Lathan. It is now stated that Mr Armstrong will not be a candidate; as he has disposed of his property, and is leaving the district.
It is practically certain that Mr R. McCulloch will accede to the wishes of his supporters and become a candidate for Seaford.
It is also rumored that Mr W. Klauer, the hon secretary of Seaford Progress League, will also be in the field.
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THE death of of Mrs Gregory of “Malunnah” Frankston came as a painful shock to the community yesterday.
Deceased was one of the best known and most highly respected residents of the district.
She had been ailing for some time and on Wednesday last underwent an operation at a private hospital, East Melbourne.
Although she appeared to rally after the operation she collapsed later and died early yesterday (Friday) morning.
The deepest sympathy is felt for the family in their sad bereavement.
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OUR LETTER BOX. MR McCOMB REPLIES.
To the Editor.
Sir,—May I further ask indulgence to trespass on your space while replying to strictures made by Mr. F. H. Wells in your issue of the 12th inst.
His letter purports to be an answer to mine of the 28th ult., and is chiefly noticeable for its inaccuracies and personal aspersions.
First, he impugns the genuineness of my letter, and then launches into an open attack. Neither of these, however, give me grave concern; yet it might be well to assure him that I am still sufficiently vigorous intellectually to have no necessity for signing my name under the contribution of another, neither is it my wont to make statements that are not literally and absolutely true.
He suggests that my use of the word “reserve” is an inaccurate expression, and I certainly did not expect that necessity would be laid upon me to define it.
I assumed that persons of average intelligence would know that land reserved from sale as freehold and set apart for a specific purpose is called a reserve, and when “the” is placed before same it indicates the meaning to be attached thereto, and, despite Mr. Wells’ effort for my enlightenment, I have not yet learned that the local cemetery is not a reserve because it is used for the purpose for which it was set apart.
He does not deny that the destruction complained of was caused by fire, but seeks to justify the same by reference to the presence of weeds and undergrowth as a harbour for vermin, which are matters foreign to my complaint, and in no way justify the use of fire without proper provision for its control.
If the place was then such a disgrace, in my opinion it is much more so now, despite the liberal expenditure of time, energy, and cash since bestowed for its beautification.
But I pass on to deal with his simile. He writes “The trees were like your critical correspondent, their day of ornament had passed.” Well, I admit that this, as a compliment in disguise, is alike flattering and consoling. It is gratifying to learn, even upon the authority of Mr. Wells, that I was once an ornament – a feeling I fear he will never share – but this likeness in beauty does not exhaust the simile.
Mr. Wells found that after their day of ornament had passed these trees were useful for firewood, and so I, to complete his figure, must be still useful, and as use is better than ornament, I grieve not, seeing that I have been useful in eliciting a balance-sheet, which probably otherwise would not have been produced.
I, however, unhesitatingly deny that the trees referred to had ceased to be ornamental, in any way endangered tombstones, or that there was any necessity for their removal.
He says there are a few tons of wood remaining that I may have at that price, but he fails to state what authority he has for cutting down, removal, or sale of timber, hence how can he expect me to avail myself of his offer?
I am, Sir; yours etc.,
JOSEPH R. McCOMB.
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FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 26 July 1919