JUST over the white cliffs of Dover, on the landward side, is a picture of an aeroplane cut in the centre of a green meadow.
It marks as a remembrance the spot where Mr. Rolls landed when he made the first flight across the English Channel from Calais to Dover.
That flight was made barely ten years ago, and when it was made all the world wondered.
It is but 22 miles as the crow flies between Calais and Dover, and Mr. Rolls’ flight was made under carefully selected and favourable weather conditions.
Shortly after his successful flight across a narrow strait, Mr. Rolls was killed by his machine falling when the engine stopped.
Fliers had not then learned what one learned accidentally a little later, and taught the others, that if the airman kept his nerve when the engine stopped, he would plane to the earth in the descending planes an albatross uses when that wonderful flier amongst birds follows a ship at sea, seemingly without the least wing effort.
The great war developed not only the construction of aeroplanes but also their control at a marvellous speed.
Airmen in the war zone had to take risks all the time they were in the air. They counted their lives as of no account, so that they did their work of lengthening the vision of their own Army Commanders and blinding the eyes of the enemy.
Their success meant the difference between victory and defeat, and in reckoning their own lives as nothing they saved the lives of many thousands of their comrades.
So many great deeds have been done in the war that people, from sheer inability of the mind to grasp them, have taken many of them for granted that in other days would have made them gasp in amazement.
One Victoria Cross airman, Captain McNamara, will be showing the country districts on the Peace Loan tour what today’s fliers can do.
No one who has not seen the fliers of today can have any idea of their mastery of the air.
There are children amongst us who have gazed in wonder at the fire balloon rising in the air, and the man on the parachute descending from it.
That fire balloon drifted just where the winds drove it.
Today’s fliers go whithersoever they will, against the wind or with it, on an even keel or upside down.
They rise to amazing heights, or skim over the crowded streets of a city, as they did on Peace Day in Melbourne.
The airmen who will tour the country districts of Victoria within the next few weeks, to make known the Peace Loan, are fliers who have learned their work in war.
It was their keen desire to win the war which made them learn their hard lessons at the risk of their lives.
It is their keen desire to help the Peace Loan which is urging them to undertake their tour in the country districts of Victoria, and tell the people how urgent is the call to help Repatriation through the Peace Loan.
***
THE grand annual ball in connection with the I.O.R, at Hastings will take place in the public hall, on Friday 5th September.
Gabriel’s band has been engaged for the occasion and the function promises to be one of the most successful events of the season.
Tickets may be procured from the secretary, Mr A. T. Hodgens, or members of the committee.
***
THE Wattle Club intend holding a plain and fancy dress ball in the Frankston Mechanics’ Hall on Friday, 5th September.
Prizes are being offered for the best fancy dress and most original dress for ladies and gentlemen – three entries or no award.
Contestants must be 17 years of age or over.
An excellent string band has been engaged and the arrangements for supper are in the hands of first class caterers.
***
SINCE Monday supplementary falls of rain have been registered in various portions of the State.
Mr Griffith, Acting Commonwealth Meteorologist, stated that in parts of Gippsland over an inch fell, and at Walhalla two inches and a half was recorded.
In the Western district some good showers fell, and in some localities the falls were heavy.
Towards Geelong there was an inch.
Light showers fell on the Mallee and Wimmera, and in the northern sections the records were somewhat better.
Half an inch fell in Dunolly and Kyabram district, and at 9am Tuesday it was still raining over a good many stations around Albury.
On the eastern side of the Mallee indications were good for additional falls.
Light rain fell in South Australia and light to moderate in New South Wales, but scattered in the West.
In Queensland there were further falls in the south-east, light to moderate in some places, but in Maryborough district two inches fell.
***
AN illustrated lecture on “Rambles of a Rambler in Japan” will be given by Mr R. Alison-Norris F.R.G.S. in the Methodist Church on Friday, Sept 5th, at 8pm.
Mr Norris has travelled extensively in Japan as well as many other countries, and has considerable first hand knowledge.
The lecture will be illustrated by first class lantern slides shown by Rev E. Tonkin.
There will also be musical items and refreshments.
The charge for admission is 1s, children half price, and the proceeds are in aid of the Methodist Church trust.
***
AFTER a successful business career of 21 years in Frankston, Mrs Jacobs is retiring, having deposed of her well known establishment “The Sunbeam” to Mrs Kimlin.
In another column Mrs Jacobs thanks the public for the support accorded her during so many years and asks that the same liberal patronage be extended to her successor, who takes over on Monday next.
***
AS we go to press the Railway authorities at Frankston inform us that the revised time table has just been issued and will take effect from Monday next.
There are a number of important alterations.
***
A SPLENDID meeting of ratepayers was held on Wednesday night when Crs Oates, Mason and Mr Wells gave addresses.
Mr Marsh also spoke by invitation.
Mr T. J. McMurtrie presided over the gathering in a very capable way.
Notes on the meeting with questions, will be published next week.
***
DR Maxwell, who returned from the war a few weeks ago, and has since been undergoing treatment at the Base Hospital, intends resuming his Frankston practice on the 1st September.
Dr. Atkinson who has been carrying on Capt. Maxwell’s practice during his absence at the front has been indisposed for some days past and is being assisted by Dr Ross.
***
FOOTBALL! Semi-Final Match.
FRANKSTON V. MORNINGTON, at Somerville, on Saturday, 6th September. A Real Dinkum Football Match.
A Special Train will Leave Frankston for Somerville at 2.15pm. Secure your tickets early – Sure to be a rush at the last moment.
Tickets on sale at Messrs Dalman’s, Willox’s, Ledgar’s, Woods and at Miss Coe’s Confectionery, opposite Station.
Fares, 2s Return, Children, 1s.
***
FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 30 August 1919