Compiled by Cameron McCullough
Last Saturday, Frank Robert Broderick, a well known resident of French Island, was found dead in tragic circumstances by his brother.
Mounted Constable Egan, of Hastings, proceeded to the island to make enquiries ,and on Monday a magisterial enquiry was conducted by Mr. R. T. McGuigan, J.P.
On the evidence submitted it was shown that the deceased headed off in the morning with the professed intention of working on his farm.
Having failed to return at the usual time, a search was made by his brother, who found him dead with his throat cut in an old house on the farm.
A verdict was recorded that death was due to a wound self-inflicted. The deceased man, who appeared to have been in his usual spirits prior to his death, leaves a widow and four children to mourn their loss.
Proving the great importance of wireless, news of the case was broadcasted on Saturday night, with the result that on Sunday morning, all the relatives were at Hastings in time to catch the boat to the island.
The burial of deceased took place on Tuesday at French Island.
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Good Samaritans
Quite a sensation was created one night last week when three young men, on the main road near Hastings, met a man who appealed to them to take him to the Alfred Hospital.
Mr. Charles Jones quickly put his car at the disposal of the injured man, who was driven to the surgery of Doctor Bickart and treated there. Later on the same night, John Campbell, a labourer employed at Flinders Naval Depot, was admitted to the Alfred Hospital suffering from a wound in the throat. His condition is not serious.
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Wild Flower Show
The Frankston Horticultural Society held a Wild Flower and Daffodil Show in the Palais on Friday last.
There was a splendid display of orchids, variety being excellent and equal to anything shown in Melbourne.
The judge, Mr. Paton, of Melbourne, expressed surprise at the wonderful display, and warmly congratulated the society on its efforts.
The exhibits were all excellently staged. The daffodil blooms were good, although it is rather late in the season for the best results. Miss Werner’s exhibit in this class was greatly admired.
In the wild flower section considerable interest was taken, the entries numbering 21, while in orchids there were 38 entries.
The president of the society, Mr. J. G. Mann thanked Mr. Paton who carried out the duties of judge so capably.
Mr H. Bineham, hon. secretary, put in a lot of hard work and it was rather disappointing that the attendance of the public was not larger.
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Larger capacity trucks
Any fear that there is an intention on the part of the Railways Commissioners to penalise primary producers or others due to the elimination of 11-ton trucks should be dispelled by the following definite statement which has been issued by the Commissioners:- ,
“As each 11-ton truck is retired a 16-ton truck will be marked as available for use if required as an 11-ton truck at the rate and under the conditions applicable to an 11-ton truck. Any loading over the minimum prescribed for the 11-ton truck will be charged pro rata.
“The elimination of 11-ton trucks will not mean that consignments will be held at stations when the larger trucks are introduced in order to form full truck loads. The service to be given will, to all intents and purposes, be as good if not better than at present, and the staff will co-operate with railway users in every possible way to ensure that consignments are received and dispatched with promptitude.”
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Frankston Dramatic Society
The meeting convened by Mr. F. Holt for the purpose of forming a dramatic society was well attended on Monday evening last.
It was decided to form a society, Mr. McFarlane being elected president.
Mr. W: Nicholl was elected secretary, and Mr. F. Holt treasurer.
The society intend to stage “The Private Secretary” at an early date, proceeds to assist the juniors’ hall.
A further meeting will be held this (Friday) evening at Mrs. McFarlane’s residence, Bay street.
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Property sale
An attractive Frankston property will be offered at auction on Saturday, 9th October, at 2pm, on account of Mr. L. V. Davies.
It is an attractive 5-roomed W.B. villa, with all modern conveniences.
The furniture will also be sold including piano, billiard table, etc.
S. Clement Smith & Co. are the auctioneers.
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Personal
Mr. James Grice, of “Moondah” Frankston, has been re-elected to the V.A.T.C. committee.
That talented young musician, Eunice Barclay, daughter of Mr and Mrs H. C. Barclay, of Frankston, was successful in receiving hon mention at the Ballarat South Street competitions this week. Eunice who competed in the under 7 class, is a pupil of Miss Ruby Kerr, of Mornington.
Tomorrow afternoon the marriage of Mr. John Cameron, eldest son of Mrs. Cameron, of Kars Street, Frankston, to Miss Ivy Cunningham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Cunningham, of Frankston, will be celebrated at the Presbyterian church, Frankston, by the Moderator, assisted by Rev. W. J. Coulson.
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Obituary
The death took place on Tuesday last at “Maxwelton” private hospital, Frankston, of Mrs. Clara Patey, wife of Mr. John P. Patey, “Fernlea,” Seaford.
She had been ill for about three weeks and appeared to be progressing nicely when complications set in and the end came suddenly.
Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved husband, both Mr. and the late Mrs. Patey, being very popular in the district.
Their only son, Leonard, was killed at the Great War.
The remains were privately interred, the Rev. A. P. McFarlane officiating at the graveside. Mr. Gamble carried out the funeral arrangements.
The late Mrs. Patey possessed considerable literary ability and she published a book of poems of which over 1000 copies were sold for the Bendigo soldiers’ memorial home.
During her residence at Seaford she frequently contributed items of verse to the columns of “The Standard”.
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Fruit Packing Class
Quite recently a fruit packing class for school children was started at Red Hill, and exhibits were sent to the Royal Agricultural Show for competition. There were about 100 entries and Miss Evelyn Holmes’ exhibit was highly commended by the judges.
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Electricity By Air
Another mysterious ray has been uncovered. No sooner did Millikan come out with his announcement of the “lutra-x-rays” that will penetrate 6ft. of lead, than a young Welsh research worker made public his discovery of a new kind of ray that is claimed to transform air so that it can conduct electricity.
It seems to lie in the mysterious region between the X-ray and the Millikan ray and, if so, may prove a great help in investigating the structure of levels in certain atoms of which very little is known at present.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 1 October 1926
