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 perfection.
The writer was afforded an opportunity of looking over the grounds recently when the Directors of the Golf Links entertained a large number of guests at an all-day outing.
The President, Mr A. H. Sargood, extended a cordial welcome to the “Standard” representative, and in a brief chat expressed great satisfaction with the work accomplished by Mr T. J. McMurtrie, whose task it has been to design, create and maintain.
The links are ideally situate, and afford a magnificent view.
The thickly wooded areas in the middle distance, the shimmering sea beyond, and the greens, like huge carpets in the foreground, while the players, roving hither and thither across the turf, give an added touch of color and movement to the scene.
Enquiry elicited the fact that the whole work of planning and forming the links had been carried out by Mr McMurtrie.
The statement that the course at present is a nine hole one, will not convey much information to the uninitiated, but golfers will appreciate the fact that the full course of 18 holes is to be completed in the near future.
A reservoir, specially constructed, gives the necessary supply of water which is conveyed by means of pipes all over the links, thus enabling the greens to be preserved in splendid order during the driest season.
The sweet smelling boronia thrives particularly well and it is the intention to encourage its growth all over the links.
Native trees and, shrubs are being jealously preserved with most gratifying results.
On the day of our visit the heavens were grey with rain clouds, and a thin mist largely obscured the distant horizon.
Given blue skies and dazzling sunshine the links must present a very fine picture.
A glance through the visitors book revealed the extent to which the golf links are patronised by all the most notable ladies and gentlemen of the State.
Amongst the names inscribed on the visitors’ roll appears the signature of Lord Louis Mountbatten, who spent a happy day on the links during the recent visit of the Prince of Wales.
The Admiral of the Fleet and officers of H.M.S. Renown were frequent visitors.
Frankston is fortunate in possessing in its vicinity such a valuable asset as the golf links.
It is a pity that the road giving access to it is in such poor repair. It,would surely be good policy on the part of the shire council to see that this road is kept in reasonable repair.
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THE two bullocks, which secured second prize at the Royal Show, in the “any age” section, have been purchased by Mr W. Clarke, the Young Street butcher.
They were bred at Orbost by Mr F. Lynn.
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MR A. T. Leadbeater, the Government candidate, will speak at Hastings on Monday. night.
He speaks at Frankston next Friday night.
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LAST Saturday night the Frankston Pictures were very acceptable. Mr Blaskett has things working smoothly and the people are beginning to appreciate the enterprise.
The principal picture was “The Roaring Road.” A very exhilarating picture, indeed. It featured Wallace Reid, whose face, young ladies say, is a glimpse of Paradise. Included in the cast were pretty Ann Little and that prince of middle-aged actors, Theodore Roberts.
Apart from that, there was an excellent supporting programme. Mr and Mrs Sydney Drew’s Masonic stunt was exceptionally amusing, and Scotch songs by “Jock McGrath” – attired in national costume – were very pleasing.
An instructive picture related to Luther Burbank, the Los Angeles naturalist, and his wonderful product, the spineless cactus, which animals now eat ravenously.
Not only has Burbank taught that useless plant to become useful, but has now produced a prune without a stone!
On Thursday night, the Frankston Pictures presented the adorable favorite, Mary Pickford, in “The Little American” at Somerville.
Tomorrow night, at Frankston, they will present Dorothy Dalton in Thomas Ince’s latest picture, “Extravagance”. It attracted large audiences in Sydney and Melbourne.
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COMMANDER Frank Darley, recently selected by the Navy Office to take charge of the Flinders Naval Base, is a very popular and capable official.
Greatly valued by the Navy Office, he possesses a personality that ensures a popularity and respect amongst the depot’s rank and file.
The Minister of the Navy says that the transference of the Naval Depot from Williamstown to the Flinders base should be completed by December next.
As a training establishment the Flinders Naval|Base is to be fully equipped.
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LOCAL “salts” are getting the schnapper lines ready. Some good ‘uns have been hooked between Sandringham and Mordialloc, whilst one or two worth while have been caught in the Seaford zone.
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A WEDDING of interest to Frankstonites took place at West Brunswick on August 18th, when Mr Henry McSweeney, eldest son of Mr and Mrs J. McSweeney, Frankston, was married to Miss Cath Thompson, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs S. Thompson, Skye Road, Frankston.
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MRS Maggie Kappe, who died on Sept 26th at Doveton St, Ballarat, was a sister to Mrs D. Baker, of Bittern
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LIEUT R. J. Parer, the aviator, has purchased the fast-running motor launch, the Kookaburra.
During last week he visited Frankston. He invited some local fishermen to go out, but as the weather was very rough, they preferred to stay ashore. Lieut
Parer has since gone to King Island.
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THE Moorooduc Branch of the Victorian Farmers’ Union are holding a social and dance in the Moorooduc Hall on Wednesday, October 6th.
Mr Jas McLellan is the secretary, and he expects a large attendance.
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NEXT Friday night, the Frankston Cricket Club will hold a meeting in the Mechanics’ Hall.
The President, Dr. C. Maxwell, will preside.
Those interested in cricket, should make it a point to be there, as it is an important meeting.
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THE Grand Hospital Ball takes place at the Mechanics’ Institute, Frankston, to-night.
The proceeds go to the Queen Victoria Memorial Hospital, Melbourne.
The secretary, Mr Mark Brody, has arrangements quite complete.
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FROM the pages of the Mornington Standard, 1 October 1920