Compiled by Cameron McCullough
AT a general meeting of members of the Mornington Cricket Club on Tuesday last, it was decided to disband the club; also to write to the secretary of the N.P.C.A., expressing their regret at having to cancel all matches in which the club is engaged for the season.
The material, including the lawn mower, hose, etc., are to be offered to the Mornington Imperial Club, providing they agree to a reasonable figure.
Mr. W. S. Cook, president of the club for over 20 years, expressed his regret at the disbandment, but hoped it would not hinder cricket at Mornington, but would make it advance.
A hearty vote of thanks was proposed to Mr. Cook for his valuable services to the club, by Mr. W. Cavell, who, with Cr. J. G. Barrett, has been associated with the club for over 40 years.
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Our Foreshore – Visit Of Town Planning Association
The Frankston Traders’ Association is to be congratulated on having arranged with members of the Town Planning Association to visit Frankston on Saturday last.
The object was to meet and discuss a scheme of foreshore management and beautification. Those who visited Frankston were: Sir James Barrett (president of the Town Planning Association) and Lady Barrett; Mr. W. F. Gates (Secretary), Mr. A. D. Hardy, of the State Forestry Department, Messrs. W. Thorn, S. C. Brittingham (who was formerly chief architect of the Public Works Department), W. J. Woolley (engineer), Dr. Edwards, Dr. Gault (members of the Association), and Mr. R. Vanderkelen (Belgian Consul).
On arrival at Frankston the party were met by Cr F. Wells (Shire president), Cr. Bradbury (president of the Frankston Traders’ Association), Crs. J. L. Pratt and W. J. Oates; Mr. J. A. P. Ham (Shire secretary), Mr. W. Muntz (Shire engineer), Messrs. E. W. Thomason (president of the East Frankston Progress Association), G. Apthorpe, A. Johnston (secretary reception committee) and other members of the Traders’ Association and Mr. J. D. Jennings.
A visit of inspection was made to the Kananook creek, and the foreshore was inspected at several places.
The visitors were undoubtedly impressed with the magnificent view which they obtained from the top of Oliver’s Hill.
A member of the Town Planning Association described it as most beautiful, and added that it would be hard to beat anywhere.
A visit was then made to a point on the foreshore near the pier. Here Sir James Barrett told those present that the association was very emphatic on one controlling body for a modern scheme to be carried out as money became available.
Sir James said that from Port Melbourne down to Frankston, and even beyond, was a waterfront with wonderful possibilities, but it was necessary that immediate steps should be taken for the improvement of foreshore buildings.
“I am not in favor,” said the speaker, “of all these small bathing boxes as at present, but rather favor concentration in one handsome structure.
“The thousands of people who visit your foreshore should also be supplied with up-to-date conveniences, not only with hot water, etc., but cater for them and give them all the foreshore facilities you can.”
Mr. Muntz asked Sir James Barrett did he not think that a person was entitled to a little space on the foreshore to erect a bathing box, especially if they were property owners.
Sir James: I am absolutely against private bathing boxes. Make one building and encourage the people to bathe in the one spot.
Mr. Apthorpe enquired from the Town Planning Association whether they would recommend lawns between the ti-tree and foreshore?
Sr. James Bareet replied that lawns were out of place on the foreshore and not necessary.
The next visit was made to the Frankston park, where the pine trees that give shade to the thousands that visit there in the summer, and the oval, which is now looking at its best, seemed to impress the visitors, who agreed that Frankston was a place where a very enjoyable holiday could be spent.
Cr. F. Wells (Shire president) informed the visitors that it was the Council’s intention to have the bathing boxes erected to a uniform size and at the same time to try and beautify the foreshore.
The boxes when erected would help to protect the ti-tree.
Sir James Barrett asked Cr. Wells did he not think that Nature provided the beauty? “We are at a stage now,” said Sir James, “when the foreshore requires attention. Why, at some parts along the foreshore where we visited today it would make you weep to see the shameful neglect. We must awaken the interest of the Government and municipal councils and others generally to a comprehensive scheme and see that it is carried out.”
The party was then entertained at dinner at McCarthy’s hotel by the Frankston Traders’ Association. Cr. J. Bradbury presided, and in welcoming them, said he could assure the visitors that the Shire Council and residents were doing all they could and making the best of their wonderful asset.
“We realise,” continued Cr. Bradbury, “that Frankston is the ‘Queen watering place of the bayside,’ and that our beaches are the safest in the world. We, of course, are very much handicapped, and the suggestion of one trust to control the foreshore on the bayside is a splendid thing. We know,” he continued, “of the Town Planning Association’s aims and objects, and they no doubt are doing a great national work. We are pleased to have them with us today, and feel sure that they will give us all the assistance and help that they can. (Hear, hear).
Sir James Barrett, on behalf of the visitors, thanked Cr. Bradbury, and the residents for their warm welcome to Frankston, and congratulated them on “the very keen interest that was being displayed by the Traders’ Association in an endeavour to support the Shire Council to preserve and beautify the foreshore.
“My thoughts today,” went on Sir James, “go back to Atlantic City where, with no natural beauty to help them, they have a population of forty thousand and over one hundred thousand tourists visit this most popular seaside resort. The reason was that it has been made so attractive, and the tourists specially catered for. There is no ti-tree there, only white sand. The time has come, when you people in Frankston must cater for the masses. You must get ready for them. Look after your foreshore, beautify it, and with what I have seen here today Frankston should be a very popular place for the tourist.
(Cheers).
Cr. Wells in moving a vote of thanks to Sir James Barrett and members of the Town Planning Commission for having visited Frankston, said that the result should be very beneficial in helping to carry out the scheme which the people of Frankston had in view.
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Personal
Mr. and Mrs. Kennett, of Playne street, Frankston, are leaving shortly, for an extended holiday in the Western district.
We regret to learn that Dr. C. Maxwell, of Frankston, is confined to his bed with an attack of influenza.
Miss Faulkiner, who is connected with Marshall’s well known drapery emporium, Bay street, Frankston, has just returned from a holiday, which was spent at Daylesford.
Mr. D. J. Quartermain, who was rather seriously ill last week, has made a good recovery, and is now able to be about again.
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From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 11 December 1925
