Compiled by Cameron McCullough
A SHOCKING fatality occurred at the railway crossing over the Mornington railway line on the Somerville road near Baxter, on Friday evening last.
The victim was Herbert Melville Prosser, aged 21, son of Mr. and Mrs. H Prosser, of Frankston.
Deceased was in the employ of Messrs. Sherlock & Hay, timber merchants, and at the time of the accident was returning to Frankston with an empty motor lorry.
He was attempting to cross the line at the point referred to when the steam train from Mornington crashed into him.
When picked up the unfortunate young man was found to have sustained terrible injuries.
He was placed on the train and on arrival at Frankston, Dr. C. Maxwell was in attendance and accompanied the patient to Melbourne. Prosser, however, died before the city was reached.
The sad event aroused deep sympathy throughout the whole district.
Deceased, who was of cheery disposition, enjoyed popularity among a large circle of friends. He was a prominent member of the Frankston Fire Brigade and gave active support to various sporting and social organisations.
The deepest sympathy is felt for his sorrowing parents and relatives.
The funeral, which took place on Sunday last, was very largely attended.
The coffin was covered with many beautiful wreaths and flowers. Members of the Frankston Fire Brigade marched at the head of the funeral cortege and the brethren of the Rechabite lodge also marched.
Rev. H. C. Trebilco conducted the service at the graveside, after which Captain Chellow, representing the Country Fire Brigades’ Board, read the firemen’s funeral service.
The coffin was carried from the hearse by Messrs. D. Petrie, J. Cameron, T. Prosser, and H. Hinds.
The pall bearers were Messrs. R. Coxall, J. Wickes, C. Paxman, D. Cameron, K. Tait, G. Farmer, H. Legge and S. Parsons.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. H. Gamble.
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A New Frankston – Brilliant Shopping Areas
Frankston shopkeepers have risen to the occasion and made the town one of the best shopping areas of the outer suburbs.
Attractive window displays in keeping with the festive season are attracting shoppers in large numbers, and the holiday trade this year promises to be a record.
As a result of the efforts of the Traders’ Association, the street lighting has been greatly improved, the electric block system being a decided advantage.
Voting in connection with the window dressing competition is proceeding apace, the public entering heartily into the spirit of the contest.
Electric light festoons have been hung in the principal streets and decorated arches placed at various points of vantage.
The Traders’ Association have arranged an attractive programme for the entertainment of visitors during the holidays.
The beach and foreshore will be the principal point of attraction, and here the merry-go-round and numerous side shows will be found.
On New Year’s Eve a grand fancy dress procession will take place.
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Tarring Of Tyabb Road
At the last meeting of the Mornington Council, Cr. Downward stressed the urgency of attention to the Tyabb road.
It should have been tarred two years ago. The road was made in 1919, and unless something is done to it, this Council will have to spend thousands of pounds, as the road is going to pieces already.
He thought that the worst section should be tarred immediately, say a 1½ miles at a cost of about £200. As the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council is anxious to have the work done, it was decided to communicate with that Shire and arrange a deputation to the Country Roads Board to request the tarring of the road to Tyabb.
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FATHER Xmas arrived at Mt. Eliza Hall on Friday evening last well stocked with goods.
A large tree set in a cement barrel, was erected in the centre of the hall and covered in prizes.
All the local children came along to meet their old friends, and about forty boys from the Minton Boys’ Home also attended.
Father Xmas appeared at the hall about 8.30 and after a busy hour stripped the tree, each child receiving a toy.
From then till about 2 the next morning the dancers took charge of the splendid floor which had just been planed.
The organisers of this splendid function were the Misses Russell, Mr. and Mrs. Green, Miss B. Cozens (who, unfortunately, was too ill to be present), Mr. Ireland (as Father Xmas), and Mr. Kilburn.
Their object was to provide funds to reduce the debt on the building, and proved very successful, the funds benefiting to the amount of £11/10/-.
The committee appreciate very much this friendly help from an outside source, and would much like to see others follow in their footsteps.
Mr. Kilburn as “The Boss,” and Mrs. Ireland, as “Somebody’s Typist,” amused the company very much.
A splendid supper was provided, to which ample justice was done by the large gathering.
The arduous duties of M.C. were capably carried out by Mr. Bleckly, who is a good friend and solid worker for the hall.
The music supplied gratis by Mr. Morton’s jazz band, was all that could be desired. The vice president thanked Mr. Ireland and party for their very enjoyable evening.
Mr. Ireland, in response, said they were only too willing at any time to assist in trying to reduce the debt on the building.
At the Mt. Eliza State school break up Father Christmas was again in evidence and distributed the varied assortment of gifts from the Christmas tree.
A great deal of fun was created by Santa, who appeared in his regulation costume, much to the joy of the children.
Prizes were afterwards distributed, these being generously donated by Mr. and Mrs. F. Syme, each child in the school being a recipient.
Two special prizes, awarded for regular attendance, were won by Audrey Foster and Glen Moseley.
In expression of appreciation three rousing cheers were given for the donors, Mr. and Mrs. Syme.
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ONCE again the Christmas season is with us. The true spirit of the festival is abroad, bringing joy and good-will that is practically universal.
It is a Christmas full of hope for the future, with a present content that finds truthful echo in the wish of “Peace on earth, good will among men.”
When the same spirit of charity and tolerance expands and is carried over into the other days of the year the world will be all the brighter and better, for there is no gainsaying the fact that Christmas always finds a happy community.
“The Standard” takes this opportunity of wishing its many readers A MERRY XMAS And a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
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From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 24 December 1925
