Compiled by Cameron McCullough
AT a recent meeting of Mornington Racing Club plans for substantial improvements to the course were decided on.
Those present were: Messrs. T. Ritchie (chairman), P. McArthur, J. E. Somers, R. G. Edwards; T. McMurtrie, E. Swift, P. Olsen, R. K. Ritchie, G. Bidgood, J. Kelleher, A. D. Kerr, C. D. Robertson and H. Downward, secretary.
Mr. Geo. Free, who is in charge of the re-grading of the track in the straight and planting it with couche grass, was also present, to make a report on the work.
After discussing the matter it was decided to plant all the straight with couche and get the remainder of the plants required from Mornington and Green Island districts, instead of from Seaford, as at present.
This work is estimated to cost £130, and will make the straight perfect.
Messrs. Kelleher and Bidgood moved that the reply to a request from Somerville Park Committee for a benefit meeting be that the club is unable to grant it this season.
Messrs. Kerr and McMurtric moved that the V.R.C. be asked to allot Thursday, November 11 (the permit granted by the Chief Secretary for the building of a grandstand); December 9 and January 6, 1927, for season 1926-27.
Messrs. Kelleher and Olsen moved that a letter of sympathy be forwarded to one of their committeemen, Mr. J. Houfe, and wish him a speedy recovery from his illness.
The committee decided to visit the racecourse and inspect the track on May 2.
Mr. W. Newton, of Sorrento, was elected a reserve member of the club.
Messrs. Kelleher and Robertson moved that the Shire Council be written to, asking them to attend to Racecourse road near Mr. Andrew Male’s, it being in a very bad state after the downpours.
As there will be three race meetings this year an effort is being made to build the first installment of a stand by November. Accommodation for the increasing number of patrons is urgently required at the Mornington course, and to keep the club in the front rank of country courses.
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Frankston Half-Holiday
Cr. J. Bradbury (president) presided over a large meeting of members of the Frankston Traders Association, held in the “Tangerine” last night (Thursday).
Messrs. J. Lyle and C. Pope moved that the necessary action be taken to secure Thursday as a half-holiday instead of Wednesday.
Discussion ensued in which it appeared that all present were in favour of the alteration. The motion was put and carried unanimously.
Messrs. J. Lyle and Moore moved that a petition be framed and traders’ signatures obtained as early as possible. Carried.
The meeting which was very largely attended, was unanimously in favour of the alteration being made.
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Langwarrin
Owing to such favourable weather conditions mushrooms have made their appearance in large numbers. Other districts also report a large crop of this edible growth, and as many as three thousand boxes have arrived in Melbourne in one day.
Coming so prolific after the dry spell, with the scarcity of vegetables, these mushrooms are most welcome gifts from nature.
Owing to the generous rainfall experienced during the last month the district shows a marked improvement from the former drab aspect of the dry period, and the green pastures, the healthy condition of fruit trees, the fine condition of the soil, and the general appearance of all living things, tend to show that the dry spell had no ill effects on vegetation.
The soil has also benefitted, and is now in a mellow condition and easily cultivated to a fine tilth.
Picking in the fruit crop has not yet finished. The Rome Beauty variety of apples are still to be gathered. The crop of these is on the heavy side, being of good size and colour and free from all blemishes.
So far this season fruit prices have been good, and indications go to show that good prices will remain throughout the year.
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Personal
Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Quartermain returned from a tour of Queensland on Monday last. The trip was made per the s.s. “Wyreema,” calling at Sydney and ports of Queensland. They were impressed with the magnificent scenery along the coast and both feel much benefitted by the trip.
Mrs. W. S. McCarthy and Mrs. G. Yuill returned this week from a holiday spent in Tasmania. Both were delighted with the beauty spots of the apple isle.
Mr. Cecil Ramsdale, who has not been enjoying good health of late, enters the Caulfield Military Hospital next week to undergo, an operation.
Mr. Ramsdale who served in the Great War, was severely wounded, the effects of which are still apparent.
Residents of Somerville and district learned with very deep regret of the death of Mrs. Thornell, wife of Mr. Percy Thornell, of Somerville. The deceased lady succumbed to an attack of pneumonia at Ballarat while visiting her relatives in that city.
Great sympathy is expressed for the bereaved husband in his sad loss.
We regret to learn of the illness of Mr. Montague, senr., father of Cr. P. Montague, of Mt. Eliza.
The pleasing intelligence has been received that Mrs. Ham, wife of Mr. J. A. P. Ham, Shire secretary, is now making splendid progress, the operation she underwent last week at “Bethesda” private hospital having proved entirely successful.
Rev. A. and Mrs. Langhorne, who are on holidays from Tasmania, paid a flying visit to Frankston last Saturday. Mr. Langhorne is in charge of the Presbyterian church at Burnie.
The death took place on 29th ult. of Mrs. Kelly, wife of Mr. David Kelly, of Frankston. Deceased, who was in her 85th year, had not enjoyed good health for a considerable period, and the end was not altogether unexpected.
She was a very old resident of the district, being a sister of Messrs. Chas. Wells and F. Wells, senr. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon at the Frankston cemetery.
Rev. H. C. Trebilco conducted the service at the graveside, and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. H. Gamble.
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Frankston v Sorrento
The Sorrento Football Club journeyed to Frankston on Saturday last and played a match with the locals.
Play was late in commencing owing to Frankston’s selection committee being desirous of placing their best team in the field, and as so many players were available this was considered no easy contract.
Sorrento placed a good eighteen in the field, and as some of their best were not available, they will eventually be a force to be reckoned with.
The teams were fairly equal till half-time, but Frankston stayed better and ran out winners by 16 points.
Coxall (3), Adderley, Johnson, were Frankston’s goal kickers.
Some good play was shown by players of both sides, but not knowing Sorrento’s players it is impossible to pick out the ones more prominent than their team mates.
Aust, late of Dromana, was a star all day; evidently the coaching received at Richmond has been of good avail.
Johnson, Frankston’s coach, was splendid in the centre. He is very smart, and should, as the season advances, be one of Frankston’s best.
Adderley, one of the “youngsters,” has improved wonderfully. His following on Saturday was good.
Coulson, a tall forward, took some splendid marks and on a fine day something big should be expected of him.
Reg Coxall, having his first run for the season, showed he has lost none of his cunning, as his three goals were the result of brainy play.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 7 May 1926
