Compiled by Cameron McCullough
MRS. Peebles has received word that her eldest daughter, Gladys, who left Australia on May 15, 1915, to “do her bit” in the Great War, is returning home early in July on the “Pakeha” with her husband and children.
Nurse Peebles went on duty on July 1, 1915, and “carried on” all through those strenuous years.
She joined Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Nursing Staff, and at the time of the signing of the Armistice had attained the rank of Sister.
Leave was rare and scanty over there, but there are many of our returned men who met her there, and will be pleased to see her home again.
***
Frankston to Mornington
At the monthly meeting of the Mornington Progress Association communications were read from the Frankston, Baxter and Moorooduc Progress Associations, expressing their willingness to co-operate in working to secure electrification.
Mr. Linley said that Mr. Clapp had informed them he was putting on a deluxe bus from Melbourne to Portsea, but there was little hope of electrification of Mornington line.
Mr. Berry advocated continuing the agitation for electrification. They should not let the matter drop, as electrification was essential to the progress of the Peninsula. The line should be along Pt. Nepean Road.
Mr. Gill considered it would be hopeless to induce the Commissioner to build a new railway along Pt. Nepean road. If the electrification of the present line would not pay what hope was there for the other? If the railway were continued on throughout the Peninsula, Mornington would go down, for it would not then be a terminus.
Mr. Linley: Mr. Clapp was inquiring into the possibilities of the Peninsula, and had asked would the landowners contribute to the line from Frankston along Pt. Nepean road. He did not think so – they were out to sell their land at a higher price.
He also intimated he was going to raise fares and freights. The only thing to do was to support the bus services as the rail fares were iniquitous.
Mr. Berry asked if it would not be better to go to the Railways Standing Committee? It was in their power to authorise new lines.
Mr. Frean considered electrification would have to come, if only to compete against the motors. Until the Commissioners woke up they would continue to lose business.
Mr. Berry said it would be a paying concern to come round the beaches where the country was being opened up. He believed the landowners would give the land.
Mr. Linley said that on the recent deputation he had compared Mornington with Hurst Bridge and Altona – two out of the way places. He had pointed out that the Peninsula was the playground of Melbourne as a seaside resort, but why Mr. Clapp would not electrify the line he did not know. He believed that the motor bus services would be utilised for the Peninsula. They had moved him before by putting on a motor service.
Opposition on the roads was the only thing to move him again.
Mr. Silling said Mr. Clapp ‘was not the “power.” The Railways Standing Committee were the people to approach. In his opinion Mr. Clapp was driving away trade by raising freights and fares. Road opposition was the only thing to move them.
Messrs. Rider and Sexton moved that letters be sent to the Baxter, Moorooduc and Frankston Progress Associations and Traders’ Association stating they would be glad to cooperate towards obtaining electrification and welcoming their assistance.
***
Juvenile Ball – A successful function
The juvenile ball held in the Palais on Friday night last, under the auspices of the Frankston High school Welfare League, was as usual a huge success. “The best for years”, was the verdict of a large number of those present.
It certainly was one of the most brilliant and successful functions ever held in Frankston.
The hall was artistically decorated and the floor for dancing was in excellent condition. The scene presented was decidedly a gay one.
The large and merry throng of children and adults danced to the strains of delightful music supplied by the “Ballacrane” orchestra.
The juniors had the floor for dancing and games up till 10pm and carried out a programme which they thoroughly enjoyed.
Mr. W. J. Bishop, headmaster of the High school, and Cr. J. Bradbury had arranged the programme and acted as M.C.’s.
The fancy dresses of the children lent a touch of carnival to the scene, and many pretty and effective costumes were noticed.
The grand march excited special interest. Cr. J. Bradbury marshalled the children most effectively, the little tots in front being followed by the older children.
A sumptuous supper was provided by the ladies, and the delicacies handed out were heartily appreciated.
The High School Welfare League should feel gratified at the excellent response of members and their friends, and the arrangements generally which was all that could be desired.
Mrs J. Bradbury, the president, and Mr C. Lovitt (hon. sec.) with the enthusiastic endeavours of the committee worked hard to ensure success, and the careful attention to all details helped to make the evening pass pleasantly. The function both financially and socially was a huge success.
***
A Gentle Reminder
Public men nowadays are kept fairly busy obeying the numerous calls made upon their time in attending meetings of various organisations and assisting in movements for the betterment of the town and district; necessarily the pleasures of home life are considerably curtailed.
The man probably only remembers this hardship when he is reminded of it.
The wife and family, however, have to bear the brunt. They patiently keep the home fires burning, against the time when “dad” realises that he is one of the family circle and not a mere boarder.
The other day one of our best known councillors, who is well known in Frankston for his conscientious attention to public affairs, although not resident in the town, noticed a neatly addressed envelope on his breakfast table.
On opening it he found it was an invitation from his wife “to kindly honor her by spending that evening at home with the family.”
Who is going to blame that councillor if he immediately went to the phone and rang up the secretary of a Frankston institution to say that owing to a very severe attack of the flu he would not be present at the meeting that night?
***
PERSONAL
Mr James Peebles, who was knocked down by a motor car laast Thursday evening and left unconscious on the road, is well on the road to recovery.
The accident happened near Fiocchi Avenue, near Dr. Johnson’s, who quickly attended to his injuries.
Mr. W. S. McCarthy, of the Bay View Hotel, Frankston, returns home tomorrow (Saturday) from a month’s holiday spent in Western Australia.
We regret to state that Master Bevan Bradbury, youngest son of Cr. and Mrs. Bradbury, is at present very ill, and is being attended to by Dr. Johnson.
Mrs. L. Street, while riding a horse on Wednesday last, met with a painful accident. The animal stumbled and threw Mrs. Street to the ground.
She sustained a cut on the head and other injuries, which necessitated her receiving medical attention.
***
From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 2 July 1926


