THE absence of the Minister of Lands from the city last week made it impossible for the Hon. Alfred Downward to arrange a date for the reception of a deputation of Frankston ratepayers on the High School site question.
Mr. Downward wired the Shire Secretary to this effect on Wednesday last, but ratepayers were not satisfied that all was being done that could be done to fix a date with the Minister.
A deputation consisting of Messrs Lind, Pratt, and Ward waited on councillors on Friday night last and expressed anxiety lest the matter should be allowed to drag on indefinitely.
Councillors were sitting as an electric light committee but they gave time to hear the views of the visitors.
Mr. Lind, speaking on behalf of the Citizens Committee, clearly and definitely stated the position, and councillors gave a sympathetic hearing.
Crs. Gray and Wells informed the deputation that they had a complete understanding that if the deputation could not be arranged on the date suggested, he was to arrange for some other early day convenient to the Minister.
The Shire Secretary, however, was instructed to get in touch with Mr. Norman’s office by phone, and this he did on Saturday morning.
The reply received was to the effect that the Minister would not return to his department until Tuesday.
On Saturday last Mr. Ward had an interview with Mr. Downward, when that gentleman said he would make it his first business to arrange for a date with the Minister.
Yesterday Mr. Jones received advice to the effect that the Minister could not be seen that day, so it is evident that the deputation will not take place this week.
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ON Friday night last a meeting of the Electric Light Committee was held in the Shire Hall. Present:
Cr. W. Armstrong (president), Crs. Howell, McCulloch, Oates, Mason, Wells, and Gray.
The President informed the Press that the matters under discussion were not for publication at that stage as the committee’s report had to be submitted to the full Council.
A good deal of business of vital public interest was dealt with.
One item in particular was a report received from the Electricity Commissioners, offering strong criticism in the manner in which the electrification of Frankston had been carried out.
The Council consulting electrical engineer explained that many of the defects complained of had already been remedied; others were now being attended to.
It was resolved that the Commissioners be advised to that effect.
Mr. D. J. Quartermain, the local manager, employed by the Council, presented a lengthy report on matters affecting his department.
It was decided to take stringent measures to enforce payment of all arrears due for installation and supply of current.
Over £200 was stated to be outsanding in this connection.
SANITATION.
Mr. Pitman, manager of the “Fecto” Coy., had on view his automatic disinfector and cover.
This system was recently adopted by referendum by the ratepayers of the Borough of Carrum, and suggested that Frankston should take similar steps to improve the sanitation of the town.
A number of the “Fecto” machines have already been installed in this Shire and users speak very highly of the contrivance.
The representative of a rival system was present at Friday night’s meeting and obtained permission to place the merits of his machine before the meeting.
Prior to the recent referendum the Carrum Borough held a special meeting to investigate the claims of this machine, which is called the “Omega,” but they were not impressed with it.
Cr. Howell, at last Friday night’s meeting considered that the duty of the committee appointed by the council was to consider a comprehensive scheme for the improved sanitation of the district.
This, he said, could not be effected by the adoption of automatic disinfectors.
Cr. Gray remarked that the Shire Engineer had promised to submit figures relating to the cost of a septic tank for Seaford.
Cr. Mason said Mr. Sambell had been engaged for a considerable time past in preparing a sewerage scheme.
Cr. Armstrong: It will be years before sewerage is adopted.
Cr. Mason: The man in the street says it can be done.
Cr. Wells: Not for the next five years, at least.
Cr. Gray said that a sewerage system would come eventually, but if in the meantime something could he done to minimise the existing trouble it would be wise to consider the best means offering.
It was eventually decided to allow the question to stand over for one month and in the meantime further particulars be obtained in connection with a sewerage system.
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THE proposal to secure a license for a residential hotel in Chelsea is not to be allowed a bye.
The opposition is moving and a meeting was held in St. Chad’s Parish Hall on Friday, 23rd February. There was a very representative attendance.
A strong committee was formed, to be known as the Borough of Carrum Anti-License Committee. The chairman is the Rev. E. J. Durance; vice chairmen, Rev. H. Norwood, and Cr. H. Boyd; hon. secretary, Mr. A. Spooner; treasurer, Mr. Booth.
Active steps are being taken to defeat the proposal.
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HASTINGS PROTEST – Council Regulation Too Severe.
At today’s meeting of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings Council a petition containing 161 signatures and representatives of ratepayers in the East Riding was received in support of the following resolution passed at a public meeting held in the Hastings Hall on February 8, re the wandering cattle question:
“That the Shire Council be requested; in view of the fact that the majority of ratepayers express their disapproval of the action taken, to reconsider their decision.”
There were 12 signatures in favor of the Council’s new regulation prohibiting wandering stock.
The Shire Secretary pointed out that there were 243 names on the East Riding ratepayers’ roll.
The number of distinct ratepayers in the Riding was 450.
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WE are sorry to learn that Mr. J. L. Pratt is on the sick list.
His medical adviser has ordered him a change and complete rest.
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MRS. Lind and Miss Alice Lind who have been holidaying in Tasmania, returned to Frankston last Wednesday.
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ON Saturday last a wedding of interest took place at the Methodist Church, Frankston, when Mr. James Millard, an old resident, was married to Mrs. Emma Clarke, of Langwarrin, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Murray.
The Rev. C. Angwin officiated. After the ceremony a breakfast was given, and the toasts were given by Capt. Sherlock, Mr. Renouf and Mr. Presser.
Response was made by Mr. Millard.
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NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
The attention of “The Standard” management has been drawn to a statement appearing in a contemporary paper which seems to infer that “The Standard” authorised the destruction of printed matter which bore the imprint of another printer.
“The Standard” has had nothing to do with anything of such a contemptible character, and the statement is given an emphatic refutation.
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From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 28 Feb & 2 Mar 1923