Compiled by Cameron McCullough
The sensations which suddenly swoop down on the engines who sees that he must hit a automobile trying to “beat the train across” are as terrible as they are indescribable, says a driver on one of our express trains.
For twenty years this engineman has been behind the throttle on locomotives in all parts of the State.
He has had the nasty experience of hitting a motor car and has narrowly missed striking several others.
To see women and children in a motor car which he cannot avoid hitting; sitting there innocently, as death grimly hovers on the track, all through the carelessness of some driver, who has failed to look out for trains, or who perhaps wants the thrill of shooting across the track before the iron giant is, this engine driver declares, a raising experience; and motor drivers seem to be getting more careless every day.
“Oh, if only they would stop to think,” he says. “If they would look and listen with caution how many persons would be saved the horrors of a level crossing accident.
“Put yourself in my place and imagine how you would feel watching motorists gambling with death at the crossings.”
Railway statistics show that last year there were 38 casualties at level crossings in Victoria. Do you know that if you are not careful you are apt to be the next victim? Thus he warns all road users.
“I am not a crank against the motor driver. I am simply keen on ‘Safety First.’ Look and listen, then you would stop some of the shocks which we locomotive engineers are given by ‘reckless motor drivers’.”
Death took toll of 24 people last year in railway level crashing accidents while 15 others were injured.
The Railways Department wants 1926 to be a “No Accident” year. This can be accomplished by everyone taking the utmost possible care. A glance in both directions, and a short wait if a train is approaching, will ensure safety for all concerned.
A motorist thinks nothing of stopping for a few seconds to light his pipe, but when it comes to waiting a moment to look both ways to see if a train is approaching, most motorists feel that it is a waste of time.
It is no waste of time if it means the saving of lives.
The Railways Commissioners are doing their best to eliminate accidents at railway level crossings. They are spending up to £50,000 annually in the provision of warning devices and the removal of trees, houses, and other obstructions of the view of approaching trains. Still accidents occur and will continue to do so until the public realises that any time may be train time at a railway crossing.
The tendency of some automobile drivers to unnecessarily place their lives in danger at level crossings is one rather strikingly suggested by a large sign suspended over the county highway near Olympia, Washington.
This sign, which is in large letters and well illuminated at night, is on two poles near a dangerous crossing and reads “Fools Become Angels at Railroad Crossings.”
While suggestive, the authorities evidently wished to make their announcement sufficiently distinctive to be noted and heeded.
The danger of carelessness in passing over railroad crossings has been intelligently recognised by the Standard Oil of Indiana. Each driver of the company has signed a pledge and sent it direct to his general manager, reading: “I do hereby pledge that I will under all circumstances when approaching a railroad crossing, have my vehicle under complete control and bring same to a full stop before attempting to cross any transportation lines, even though I am advised to do so by the attendant at the crossing, for the reason that I might mistake his signals. This is for the protection of my own life and to avoid any possible damage to the vehicle I am driving.”
***
THE annual meeting of the Mornington Football Club was held on Wednesday evening of last week, where there was a fair attendance.
The balance-sheet showed receipts £117/1/4, and after expenses were paid there was a credit balance of £4/10/10.
Officers for the season were elected, with Mr. McArthur president and Mr. E. G. Bradford secretary, Mr. W. Hutchins to act for a few weeks till Mr. Bradford’s return.
All were glad to hear the popular “Barney” was returning to Mornington.
Motions thanking the lady supporters, past secretary and Mr. F. J. McLean were recorded, and a letter of appreciation is to be sent to Mr. W. Patterson.
It was decided to charge 1/- admission to matches on Mornington ground. It was pointed out that 1/- was the general charge now all over the country.
The suggestion to engage a coach caused discussion, and was finally referred to the committee. The general opinion was that the team could get along very well without a coach, which meant a big expense; and they had a lot of fun last year without one.
The question of improvement to the ground and rooms was brought up. The president assured the meeting that something would be done immediately to improve both rooms and ground.
***
Cricket – Frankston visit Croydon
Members of the Frankston Cricket Club and a few lady supporters had a good day out on Good Friday, the occasion being a cricket match and social outing at Croydon.
The trip was undertaken in Mr. W. Farris’ motor van and several private cars, and was made via Dandenong.
The outing proved most enjoyable, and apart from the rough spin along the Dandenong road, which is in a disgraceful condition, the party reached Croydon at 11.15 without mishap.
The match was commenced at 11.30 and at 1.30 adjourned for lunch when the visitors were entertained to a most sumptuous repast in the Croydon hall.
The captain of the local team welcomed the visitors in a neat speech, and Mr. C. Ramsdale briefly responded on behalf of the visitors, and thanked the Croydon club and lady supporters for the manner in which they had been catered for.
After lunch an adjournment was made to the cricket field and the game continued, some sparkling cricket being witnessed.
Croydon, who batted first made 214, and Frankston passed their score with 10 wickets down and a few runs to spare.
Ray Baxter was in excellent form with the bat and was top scorer with 86; included in his score being 8 6’s.
Cecil Ramsdale 36, also batted well and hit two 6’s.
B. Bedggood made a useful 28, and Ben Baxter, although not feeling too well, made 27 in seven strokes.
***
Mornington Rail Motor – Daily Winter Service Desired
During the summer months a rail motor will run from Mornington to Frankston at 7am daily, returning from Frankston at 7.56am.
In the winter, however, the motor runs on Monday only. A deputation from Frankston and Mornington waited on Mr. T. B. Molomby, Railway Commissioner in charge of transportation last week to request that the motor should run daily during the winter.
It was pointed out that the population of Mornington was growing rapidly, and that the district was becoming a popular winter resort.
Many people went to the city to business daily, and the mails and newspapers were delivered two hours earlier when the motor was running.
Mr. Molomby promised to investigate traffic conditions after Easter, and to consider the request if the patronage were satisfactory.
***
From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 9 April 1926
