Compiled by Cameron McCullough
UNDER the above heading an inaccurate and obviously partisan statement regarding the proceedings in the County Court last week, when Cr. Oates sued W. C. Young, publisher of “The Standard,” and Mrs. Wilson, dairywoman, appears in another paper, which, by reason of its ridiculous partiality is referred to by an amused public as “Oates’ Weekly.”
The newspaper referred to, in its garbled statement of the case, omits to state that the offer to quash proceedings at the eleventh hour came from Oates’ counsel, and that the only disclaimer asked for was a general assurance from Mr. Young that he, as Editor, published the offending notice in “The Standard” simply as an advertisement in the ordinary course of business, and with no intention of casting reflections on Cr. Oates’ personal character, and expressing regret for the said publication.
No withdrawal by Mrs. Wilson, who inserted the offending advertisement, was asked for or received, and yet “Oates’ Weekly” says “It is understood that Mrs. Wilson is to publish a statement.”
A faithful report of the court proceedings appeared in last Friday’s “Standard.” Its accuracy cannot be challenged. We, in a spirit of fairness, refrained from comment, and cut out all embellishments.
The disclaimer “The Standard” consented to publish as a compromise, at the suggestion of Cr. Oates’ counsel, was no more than we were prepared to do at the very outset. The said disclaimer stands.
All added embellishments now suggested by the other side are unauthorised and untrue.
THE Red Hill Show was held on Wednesday last in ideal weather, the rain of the night before laying the dust and making everything most pleasant. There was a very good display, the products of the district being well represented.
A large number of visitors were present, including the Hon. the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Gordon), Hons. Chandler and Tyner, M.L.C., Downward, M.L.A. and a number of other public men.
Speaking at the luncheon, the Minister for Agriculture (Mr. Gordon) quoted figures which had recently been compiled, showing the development of the fruit industry in Victoria.
The Ministry, Mr. Gordon said, had settled large numbers of young men on he irrigated lands of the State. They were engaging in fruit culture, and the industry was growing rapidly. In Victoria 7,500,000 fruit trees had been planted, and of this number 5,250,000 were in bearing. There were also 3,500,000 plants of berry fruits and nuts. The provision of transport facilities and markets would have to be carefully considered.
It was also desirable that more attention should be given to the packing and preparation of fruit for market.
The Department of Agriculture would shortly appoint a superintendent, who would devote the whole of his time to educating growers in packing and preparing fruit for market.
This would be in addition to the superintendent of Horticulture, who had been appointed recently.
Mr. Gordon said that since the 1918-19 season, when the export trade amounted to 330,000 cases, the trade last season had increased to 438,000 cases.
Mr. Chandler, M.L.C., referring to the fruit trade, more particularly in relation to export markets, said that during his recent visit to London he had carefully investigated the condition of the markets and the manner in which Victorian growers prepared their fruit. Fruit from Victoria had not the best name, and it was regarded as inferior to that sent from Western Australia and South Australia.
At Covent Garden market he found that while there were a dozen or even 50 good packs, one faulty consignment was spoiling the name of Victorian apples. Some of the fruit was badly graded and packed. Action should be taken to prevent this class of fruit passing the inspectors.
American growers, however, placed their apples on the English market in excellent condition, well graded and packed in clean cases. South Africa was supplying thousands of cases of pears to the English market, and would shortly be in a position to complete for the apple trade.
Victorian growers sent too many cases of apples to the Covent Garden Market. This trade required to be regulated so that Manchester and other places might be adequately and economically supplied. It cost 2/6 a case to send the fruit from Covent Garden to Manchester, which could be better and more cheaply supplied by direct consignments. He suggested that the Ministry should appoint a Minister to look after the interests of fruitgrowers and the development of the industry.
Frankston Police Court
Tuesday, March 25, 1924 Before Messrs. C. W. Grant (chairman), C. Gray, P. Wheeler, and J. Brown, J.sP.
Martin Liedholm was charged with having ridden a motor cycle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor.
Defendant, who said he was drunk, had thought it would go off after an hour or two rest, was fined £5, in default 14 days. His licence was cancelled.
Patrick Cullen and Alfred William Hall were charged with assaulting W. E. Gossop and A. Saunders respectively, special, officers of the Railway Department.
Defendants, who pleaded not guilty, were defended by Mr. P. J. Ridgway, whilst Mr. Sullivan appeared for the complainants.
The case for the complainants was that the defendants were acting in a disorderly manner in a railway carriage at Frankston on March 16, and upon being spoken to used offensive language and struck the complainants.
The defence was that the defendants, who had been spending the day at Frankston, with some lady friends, were returning to the station.
When going along the ramp a man, under the influence of liquor, had made an objectionable remark to the ladies.
One defendant thereupon took to the man and punched him. They then went to the train, and after taking their seats, these men came along and wanted to make trouble, and it was while this argument was taking place the complainants came on the scene, and thinking they were part of the other parties they got struck. They did not know they were railway officers. In fining the defendants £3 with 12/6 costs each, the chairman said the Bench were determined to stop this conduct on trains.
John Williams was charged with using obscene language in a public place, and also with having assaulted W. T. Glendenning, a special railway officer.
Defendant, who pleaded not guilty, was defended by Mr. O’Connor, while Mr. Sullivan appeared for the complainant.
After hearing the case at some length, defendant was fined £2 and 12/6 costs on each of the charges.
Alex Shelton, who was charged with having been drunk and disorderly, was fined 10/-.
A number of cases of failing to send their children to school were dealt with, and fines of 2/- on each charge were inflicted.
The renewal of a produce agent’s licence was sought by and granted to A. D. Box.
A carrier’s licence was granted to, J. W. T. Parker, of Langwarrin.
From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 26 & 28 Mar 1924