Compiled by Cameron McCullough
THE agricultural and pastoral outlook in the Mornington district is most favourable, and one of the best for a considerable time.
Early in the year it appeared that a serious drought was likely to be experienced, but in the past four months splendid falls have been recorded, and the ground has become splendidly soaked.
Farmers then became jubilant about the outlook. There is now plenty of moisture to carry the crops on for several weeks.
There have been some warm, sunny days and very few frosts.
Crops show a vigorous growth. The area under cultivation is more than last season, and should the spring be at all favorable, heavy yields of oats must be obtained.
At Sir G. Tallis’s farm 500 acres are sown down with oats. This is said to be a record for the Mornington Peninsula.
Pastures are in abundance. Stock of all descriptions are in high condition.
The milch cows are in fine trim, and are milking well for this time of the year.
Lambing is well in progress, and a high percentage is expected. So far foxes have caused very little trouble. This season they appear to be scarce. Lambs are never troubled with crows in this part either.
On a number of farms subterranean clover has been planted, and sheep have thrived on it.
Top-dressing has also been carried out with excellent results.
Maize, barley and rape, as well as all kinds of vegetables, do well. A splendid crop of oats, rape and turnips (2 feet high) is to be seen growing on Mr. A. Downward’s Tuerong property. Sheep off this crop realised 27/7 per head.
The district is also interested in fruit-growing. At present pruning is in hand. Prospects of a good fruit crop look extra good.
The Two Bays Nurseries have dispatched 300,000 trees to Argentina, and all parts of the Commonwealth. Apples are now being sent from the cool stores.
Jonathans are realising 11/- per case in Melbourne, which is more than they brought in London.
Forty acres of new land have been broken up for more trees. Altogether there are 500 acres of orchard, 200 acres being in full bearing.
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Railway Commissioners Annual Visit. Many Requests – Few Concessions
The annual visit of inspection by the Commissioners was carried out on Wednesday morning last on the Frankston and Mornington lines.
They arrived at Frankston at 10.30am and were met on arrival by the Shire president (Cr. F. H. Wells), Cr. W. J. Oates, Mr. J. A. P. Ham (Shire secretary), with a large number of members from the Progress and Traders’ Associations.
In reply to Cr. Wells, who asked that the 5.30pm and 10.28pm trains be extended to Frankston, Mr. Clapp stated that the traffic did not warrant the extension being made.
Another suggestion that the first train on Sunday morning start earlier received the reply that a report would be called for, and probably the request would be granted.
Cr. Wells also asked that the following matters be given consideration:
(1) The drain in station yard opposite High school to be covered in.
(2) A wicket gate to be provided near the goods shed.
(3) The metalling of portion of Dandenong Road, which was acquired by the railways when new station yard was laid out.
Mr. Clap said that the first and second requests would be referred to the officers of the department concerned, and the third request was refused. He would oppose any effort on the part of the council to endeavour to have the department metal the part of road referred to.
Mr Clapp said that instructions had been issued for metal from the shire quarry to be used on works in this district.
Cr. Oates reminded the Commissioners of their promise re the moving of the parcels dock.
This work is to be carried out as soon as possible.
In reply to Cr. Oates that the sanitary conveniences be removed from near the path leading to the station, Mr. Clapp stated that they would not be moved from present position, as he saw no reason for objection.
Cr. Oates referred to the proposed buses between Melbourne and Sorrento, and asked that same be run to Frankston only and connect with the trains for Melbourne.
Cr. Oates suggested that the buses act as feeders to the trains and not run parallel with the trains.
Mr Clapp said, there was no hope of attracting any traffic in this way.
It was not desired to encourage the Frankston residents to patronise these buses. They were for the people beyond Frankston and Mornington.
Mr. Clapp: What patronage are you giving the road service at present?
Cr. Oates: The parcels dock is at present very inconvenient. This dock we expect the people to make full use of it.
Cr: Wells: Frankston wants a crane very urgently, as at present large pieces of timber and other heavy goods are being brought by the road.
Mr. Clapp promised that “sheer legs” would be provided to lift 12 ewt.
Cr. Oates conveyed to Mr. Clapp the residents’ appreciation of the attention and courtesy given by the local SM and staff.
Mr, Clapp replied that it was very gratifying to hear that the staff were giving satisfaction.
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Palais Pictures – To-morrow (Saturday Night’s Feature
“Lovers in Quarantine.” Bebe Daniels and, Harrison Ford – there’s a combination which should tickle the comedy-loving public’s palate.
These two laugh-makers play opposite each other in Bebe’s latest Paramount starring picture, “Lovers in Quarantine,” coming to the Palais Theatre to-morrow (Saturday) night.
The story is one of a ship’s bride-and a strange honeymoon of Bebe, as Diana Gordon, a daring little society miss who elopes with her sister’s fiance.”
It’s fast and furious fun from start to finish. Alfred Lunt, Eden Gray and other big stage screen favourites appear in the cast.
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PERSONAL
At the meeting of country football clubs in Melbourne on Monday last with a view to forming a Country Football Union, Mr. H. J. McCulloch, of Frankston, was elected president.
The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. C. Ramsdale, of Frankston, will regret to hear that their son, Will, has been an inmate of “Thalassa” private hospital, suffering from pneumonia, but is progressing favourably, and should be able to return home shortly.
The many friends of Miss Vivien Peebles, who was married to Mr. Geo. Hawthorn Roadley in 1919, and went to England, will be pleased to hear they are returning to take up their residence in the West, where Mr. Roadley has a good appointment.
They are arriving in the “Balranald” early next week, and are first coming home for a long visit to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Peebles, of “Kananook Pines,” Frankston.
Brigadier-General Grimwade, of “Marathon” Frankston, left by the “Narkunda” on Tuesday last for a tour of the East.
Mr. L. Harrison, of Bay street, Frankston, who has lately been in ill health, has gone to the country for a fortnight’s holiday. He was accompanied by his wife.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 6 August 1926
