Compiled by Cameron McCullough
WHEN it was learned at the High School Council meeting on Wednesday night last that the Minister of Education, Sir Alexander Peacock, was at Sorrento attending the A.N.A. Conference and would be returning to Melbourne the following day, it was decided to arrange for a “hold up” at Frankston.
Mr. Bishop, head master of the High school, got Sir Alex on the phone, and acquainted him with the intention of the Frankston people.
The Minister laughed, and the phone survived; so did the plan of campaign.
Yesterday afternoon at about 4.30, Sir Alex’s car slowed down when opposite Frankston House, and was quickly surrounded by a large crowd of residents.
The Minister of Education was introduced by the Shire president, Cr. F. H. Wells, who explained that Frankston was very anxious to know when their High school building would be commenced.
Mr. P. Wheeler, .J.P. (chairman of the Advisory Council) advised the Minister that all was in readiness at this end for the new building. The ground was cleared, tennis courts costing £300 had been constructed, basket ball lawn laid down, and £400 expended on the cricket ground.
Would Sir Alex give an idea when the foundation stone of the new building would be laid?
Mr. Bishop advised the Minister that the Government architect had been in Frankston the previous day and advised that the plans of the building were now ready and that tenders could be called as soon as the Government made the money available.
Sir Alex.: What you want is that Peacock, Minister of Education should induce Peacock, the State Treasurer, to make the necessary money available? (Laughter).
He complimented the Frankston people on all they had done for the school; he appreciated their efforts and, the Government would not be found wanting. He promised that the foundation of the Frankston High school would be laid before Parliament re-assembled.
(Loud cheers).
At the instance of the Shire president cheers were given for Sir Alex and Lady Peacock, and the Minister’s party continued its journey to Melbourne.
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Councillors inspect quarry plants
On Monday last the members of the Frankston and Hastings Shire Council, with the Shire secretary and Shire engineer, also the manager of the Moorooduc quarry (Mr. Pullen) set out for a day’s inspection of quarry pits at Ferntree Gully and Brooklyn. The Council, having had under consideration for some months past the proposal of purchasing at new plant for the Shire quarry at Moorooduc.
Four motor cars set out early on Monday morning for Ferntree Gully.
On arrival the party was met by the quarry manager, and though the machinery was not working, on account of the recent heavy rains, all the machinery was inspected by the visitors, who ascertained how the Council there handled the crushing of the metal.
From Ferntree Gully the party proceeded via Burwood to the city, where a brief stop was made for lunch.
The next quarry visited was the one owned by the Williamstown City Council. This is a modern plant erected seven months ago. A large International truck conveys the metal from the bins four and five tons at a time, to the various jobs under construction.
The Highfield quarry at Brooklyn was the next place of call.
The roads were very heavy owing to the recent rains, and the cars had to remain some distance from the quarry. Nearby is the modern quarry and crushing plant of the Melbourne Quarrying Co., where plant capable of turning out 400 cubic yards of stone per day was inspected. This quarry, like most others visited, has electricity installed for the driving of the machinery.
The journey home was made late in the afternoon, and on arrival at Frankston a special a meeting of the Shire Council was held and tentative arrangements were made for the purchasing of a new plant.
The total number of miles travelled by the party was about138.
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Frankston Traders meeting
A meeting of the above association was held in “The Tangerine” last (Thursday) night. The president, Cr. J. Bradbury, presided, and a large number of members were present, including Messrs. T. Marshall, C. J. Pope, McFarlane, Sawyer, Moore, Apthorpe, Royle, Meredith, Lyle, Hiscock, L. Ward, L. Davis (secretary), and J. Nolan: (assist. secretary).
Minutes of previous meeting were read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs. Apthorpe and Meredith.
High School advocates complimented
Messrs. Marshall and Lyle moved that a letter of appreciation be sent to the chairman of the High School Advisory Council, also to the Welfare League, for the splendid efforts being, made for the erection of the permanent High school building.
New member
Mr. J. Nolan proposed Mr. Lloyd, of the “Cranleigh” bacon factory, as a new member.
The president said that the association was pleased to have a member from Langwarrin.
Help for fire brigade
Mr. Marshall enquired whether it would be possible for the Traders’ Association to render some assistance to the local Fire Brigade in the raising of funds for the erection of their new building and installation of up-to-date fire fighting equipment.
Mr. Apthorpe said the East Frankton Progress Association had discussed the matter at its last meeting, when a suggestion had been made as to the advisability of making a house to house canvas.
It was decided to communicate with that association re the action they were taking in an endeavour to raise funds for the local Fire Brigade.
The next meeting will be, held in the “Tangerine” on Monday night next, when nominations for the respective office-bearers will be received and arrangements made for the annual meeting which is being held in the Rechabite Hall on Thursday, 8th April.
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Wedding – McDonald—Gray
The marriage of Miss Florence Gray, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gray, of Lyndhurst South, to Mr. Charles McDonald, son of Mrs. and the late Mr. Vesty McDonald, of Lyndhurst, was celebrated at St. Paul’s Church of England, Frankston, on Thursday. The bride was attired in a cinnimon ensemble suit and blue hat. She was attended by Miss Ada Thompson, her niece, who wore an apricot crepe de chene gown and black hat.
Mr.Theodore Gray, brother of the bride, was best man. Rev. A. P. McFarlane officiated. The happy couple motored to Healesville, where the honeymoon will be spent.
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Personal
Mrs. Bowes, senr., intends leaving for Sydney shortly, where she contemplates making her home.
Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Legge left by motor on Tuesday for a tour of the Peninsula. A few days will be spent at Cape Schanck.
Mrs. Rogerson, of Hastings Road, Frankston, is at present spending a holiday at Macedon. She expects to be away for about a fortnight.
At a meeting of the Frankston High school council held on Wednesday night, Mr. P. Wheeler, J.P., the president, who with Mrs. Wheeler, will sail for Europe in three weeks’ time, was wished bon voyage by his fellow members. Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have taken passages by the s.s. “Borda,” and expect to be absent for about three months.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 26 March 1926
