Compiled by Cameron McCullough
NOT many years ago Beach Road was covered with ti-tree, with only a track for vehicles to pass through. In quite a number of places the road was practically impassable and a detour had to be made to Cranbourne road involving a distance of a mile further for residents living at the east end of the road.
Some of the land in the vicinity of Beach Road commands a magnificent outlook over the bay, and for this reason when opened up for subdivisional purposes was eagerly bought by those anxious to secure homes in close proximity to the railway station and beach.
It was not long before most of those people, known as week-enders, became permanent residents, and today there are from sixty to seventy houses which are occupied all the year round.
As the houses went up and the residents became more numerous an effort was made by some of the residents to have the road made, the result being that a progress association was formed, and became widely known as the East Frankston Progress Association.
The first meeting was held at the residence of Mr. F. Daly, who will be remembered as having carried out the secretarial duties of the association for a considerable period. He, with others, were persistent in their endeavours to have the road made.
Requests were made to the shire council; deputations were also arranged to the Minister of Public Works, and the association, in conjunction with the council, was at last successful in securing a loan of £1000 for the making of Beach Road, with the result that a metal road has been formed right through to Cranbourne Road.
To mark the occasion of the opening of the road, the East Frankston Progress Association arranged for an official ceremony.
This was held on Saturday afternoon last when, in the presence of a large number of Beach Road residents and others, the Shire president (Cr. F. H. Wells) declared the road open.
Mrs. Thomas, wife of Mr. Thomas, who is vice-president of the association, cut the ribbon, after which a motor car conveying Cr. F. H. Wells, Mr. E. W. Thomason, Cr. Oates and others, drove over the road.
They expressed pleasure at the manner in which the work had been carried out.
Mr. E. W. Thomason, president of the East Frankston Progress Association, in stating the object of the ceremony, said that the residents felt that in addition to having the road declared open, opportunity , would be taken to convey to those who had worked so hard for the road the appreciation of their efforts.
A year ago it was impossible to drive through this road to the Cranbourne Road. Today, said the speaker, the residents have a metal road right through.
Many deputations had to be arranged before the Government would make a grant available, and it was only by the bull-dog persistency of the riding councillors and a few others that success was achieved.
The road would be a big asset to this part of the district, and result in many new houses being built in the near future. The rates and taxes derived from this part of the shire within the next year or two should enable the council to arrange for footpaths and channels to be made. (Applause).
The speaker, in conclusion, said he hoped all present who were not members of the East Frankston Progress Association would soon join up and assist to effect further improvements for the advancement of Beach Road residents and the town generally. (Applause).
Cr. F. H. Wells (shire president), said that he knew the locality of Beach Road well, as it was adjoining his native home.
He esteemed it an honour and a great pleasure to be present to perform the opening ceremony of the road.
Cr. Wells said that 25 years ago the land in the vicinity was offered to him at a very cheap rate. Only a few years ago it was all in the possession of one owner.
Later it was cut up into allotments, and the first allotment to be sub-divided was that of the late Mr Addicott, who disposed of the blocks very quickly.
Cr. Wells said he thought at the time that Mr. Addicott was a bit premature in subdividing his land, but could see later that the gentleman referred to was long sighted.
It was true, said the speaker, that ti-tree from 20 to 30 feet high was growing in Beach Road only a few years ago. There were at present about 70 houses erected in the vicinity of East Frankston, and in another five years’ time there would be a considerable number of additional residents, who would be encouraged to make their homes in the district with a decent road. As a council, continued the shire president, we are doing our best to have both roads and private streets made. We are also extending the electric light as far as possible, and I hope to see all the houses on the estates near this road connected up before the summer. (Applause).
Cr. Oates said it gave him great pleasure to be present to take part in the opening ceremony. There was no doubt about hard work having been done before the road could be made.
It was made possible only by the council borrowing money which included £1000 for Beach Road.
The loan was made available to the council by paying £ for £. We as a council are pleased to see the work being appreciated. The valuation of properties in this district now will pay for the interest and sinking fund on the £1000.
The speaker, continuing, said that allotments were being sold every day on the estates adjoining Beach Road. The land was cheap, near the beach and railway station, and it was certain that a big development would take place in the hear future. (Applause).
Cr. Oates, concluding, said he hoped that East Frankston would still continue to progress. (Applause).
***
On Saturday morning last at about 3 o’clock, the premises occupied by Mr. Cummerford, Seaford, on the main road, were totally destroyed by fire.
Mr. Cummerford, who was sleeping at the rear of the house, was awakened by the smoke and noise of the flames. He made his escape with difficulty.
The building, which was formerly known as Howell’s Stores, was utilised by Mr. and Mrs. Cummerford as a guest house, but fortunately Mr. Cummerford was the only occupant at the time of the fire, his wife being in Melbourne with a sick child.
Recently a billiard table costing £200 was installed on the premises. This, together with the whole of the other furniture, was destroyed.
***
PERSONAL
Archdeacon Aicken, of Mornington, was present at the Choral Society’s comic opera, “The Mandarin.” The reverend gentleman is very interested in choral work, and is the accompanist for the Mornington Choral Society.
The many friends of Mr. E. J. L. Swenser will regret to hear of his being in ill-health at present. He is under the care of Dr. Sidney Plowman, jun.
Mr. J. D. Jennings, headmaster of the Frankston State school, is at present an inmate of “Maxwelton” private hospital. He is being attended by Dr. Maxwell.
Cr. F. Wells (Shire president) attended the funeral of the late Mr. Richard Ham, of Williamstown last week, also that of Mr. John Vale, late secretary of the I.O.R.
Mr. R. C. Holman, who has been ill for about two weeks, is now progressing favourably.
***
From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 16 July 1926
