Compiled by Cameron McCullough
INTEREST in the likelihood of electrification being extended to Mornington was aroused by a letter which appeared in Wednesday’s “Argus” from a local resident, who put the subject as follows:
“Mr. Clapp says that he is looking to the outer circle for more residents for whom he will cater by fast electric trains. There is a splendid opportunity at Mornington not only for electric trains (which could take 30 minutes off the present journey) but also for the new railway motor buses.
By electrifying the line from Frankston and placing a station at Mornington South, which is directly on the Point Nepean road leading straight on to Dromana, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento, and Portsea, the railway-buses could capture the whole of the motor traffic (and it is fairly extensive) between Sorrento and Melbourne.
Another reason for a station at Mornington South is that there is plenty of moderately priced land available, and settlement should follow. A new township might easily spring up here, also at Baxter, which is a nice locality.
The Peninsula has its summer attractions and is capable of carrying a much larger permanent population, for the land responds well to artificial fertilisers, and the sheep industry could become extensive and might be worked in conjunction with fruit growing.
With electrification settlement would be encouraged between Mornington and Frankston.”
It has been suggested that a monster public meeting be held and steps taken to appoint a most representative deputation, to be headed by the Prime Minister (Hon. S. M. Bruce), and accompanied by the Minister for Lands (Mr. Alfred Downward), Sir George Tallis, shire councillors and other leading citizens who would urge on the Railways Commissioners the necessity of extending the electrification scheme to Mornington.
No doubt many residents of Melbourne and suburbs would be glad to reside at Mornington if the electric trains were available and the time of the journey shortened (as it would be) considerably.
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“Back to Childhood” Party
There was no doubt about the interest and enthusiasm displayed by those who were present at the “Back to Childhood” Party held in the Frankston Palais on Friday night last.
It was a case of “On with the dance; let joy be unconfined.”
The spacious hall was artistically decorated with streamers, etc., the work of members of the Boy Scouts.
The floor had been specially prepared for dancing and was in first-class order. Excellent music was supplied by the “Ballacrane” orchestra, and the programme carried out under the supervision of Mr. C Paxman, who acted as M.C., was enjoyed by all.
A large number of adults entered in the spirit of the movement and donned juvenile attire , while the youngsters of today looked on in wonderment a crowd of adult “boys” played a game of marbles in between dances.
Messrs. Brown, Legge, and Cr. Oates were prominent in the game, and it was not long before some of them had been “skun.”
Adult “schoolgirls” were quite content with games of ball and ring-a-rosy. Much amusement ensued on the arrival of a “nurse girl” with a “baby” in a pram.
Mr. Brown, who was awarded the prize as being the best “boy,’ did not forget to carry his school bag, with a bag of marbles pushed up under his jumper.
Mrs. Parrot received the prize for best “girl,” and with short socks and skirt looked a typical present-day schoolgirl. Mr. Nicholls, as newsboy with latest evening “Herald” was allotted a prize. The nurse, Miss “Billy” Jones with the baby in pram (Miss Ivy Childs) was awarded a prize also.
The “star” of the evening was Mrs. Moore, who in youthful attire and with black curly locks surmounted by a pretty plush hat, acted her part to perfection. She was awarded a special prize, and was accorded a great reception, for she is well known as the Boy Scouts’ friend.
As two little girls in blue, Misses G. Linton and M. Hansford looked very pretty, and were awarded a prize each.
The judges had a difficult task for the grand march, which presented a very comical yet attractive scene, revealed a great number of would be “boys” and “girls” in every variety of juvenile costume.
Cr. W. J. Oates, president of the parents’ committee, presented the prizes and complimented the successful competitors. Opportunity was taken to presenting Scout J. Legge with a gold medal, donated by Mr. C. Woods for the most qualified and advanced scout. Cr. Oates said that all were proud of the fine achievements of Scout Legge, and felt sure that the example set by him would be followed by other boys.
The pumpkin, donated by Mrs. Moore, to be handed to the person who guessed the correct weight, was won by Miss Kemp, the weight of the pumpkin being 56 lbs.
The committee responsible for organising the event should feel delighted at the large attendance and the success achieved.
A word of praise is due to Messrs. Legge, Brown, A. Wells, and Moore for the service which they rendered, and to the ladies for providing a very dainty supper which was partaken of and enjoyed by all present.
The names of the ladies who carried out this important part of the programme being too numerous to mention, are assured that the committee is very grateful to them for their excellent work.
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Extension of electrical light system
Cr. Alden said that at last Council meeting it was decided to refer the matter of electric light which is being installed throughout the Shire to Naval Depot, so that the manager of the electric light department would be present. “We should enquire and ascertain how the power will be broken down.”
Mr. Quartermain informed the Council that the Commission would be pleased to break it down for the Council, but the Council should consider whether they, will take it over, or allow the Electricity Commission to place it through the districts.
Difficulty would be experienced in having a sufficient number of consumers. Mr. Quartermain, continuing, said that this Council had the Order-in-Council for the whole Shire, and the Commission could not do anything without the Council’s permission.
Cr. Alden: Though we hold the order to distribute the power, if we allow anyone to come into a corner of the Shire to help us, what would be the result?
Mr. Quartermain: The light is going through the districts, and when it is completed no doubt, the residents will ask the Commission to supply them, if the Council does not do so.
Cr. Alden: This Council certainly wants to do something, otherwise we will lose.
Cr. H. Unthank: What would be the charge?
Mr. Quartermain: I should say 1/-.
Mr. Ham suggested that the manager confer with the Commission as regards what they intend doing.
Cr. Overton: The general feeling of the ratepayers is that they are assured of obtaining the light. I think we should get busy and ascertain our position. The Progress Association at Somerville intends discussing the matter and are very hopeful regards the result.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 21 May 1926
