Compiled by Cameron McCullough
To the Editor
Sir,
Not so many months ago the finances of the Shire were in such a pitiable condition that the Council had to seek “special bank accommodation” to enable them to pay their sanitary contractor in Frankston and Hastings.
Has that statement any “foundation in fact,” Mr Editor? If so, will you be good enough to inform me who the financial wizard is in Frankston who not only apparently squares the ledger, but has been able to rake up a surplus of £250 (and cries because he has £500 to spend and cannot spend it) that he can spend on Beach Street?
There are one or two other financial questions I would like a little light on, but as they are merely side issues in the matter they can wait.
Now, can you tell me this: “Who do the Council really represent?” Is it the Shire as a whole, or only Frankston?
If the Shire as a whole, then why don’t they work for the Shire as a whole? If Frankston only, then why incorporate the name of Hastings?
It is absolute fallacy to say they represent the whole of the Shire. Their performance shows that there is no representation as far as Hastings is concerned.
Would you Mr. Editor, be good enough to shed a little light on the subject?
Another question: Where facilities are available on anything like an equal basis, what work is of the greater importance, street making or water supply?
In your report on the Government grant of £250, you say inter alia: “That the grant was the result of hard deputation work.” Quite so, any amount of deputation work, however hard, is recognised to be just the thing – when it is in Frankston’s interests – but when there is any suggestion of anything for anywhere else well – ‘nuf sed.
That an efficient water supply and drainage system are recognised everywhere as being the very life’s blood of any community, the studied indifference and neglect on the part of the Council in the matter shows more markedly than ever the bias of the Council towards the community concerned.
In this respect the Council’s action and your comment on my letter are at a direct variance.
You say in effect: “That the community getting the improvements has to pay for them.” Very well, if that is the case, why have we been kept so long without a water supply, as we would have to pay for it, and in doing so would relieve the Council of any financial obligation incurred on our behalf ?
This fact, in itself, shows up the Council as being bitterly biased, and wholly and solely opposed to doing a hands-turn for anywhere except Frankston.
You mention in your comment the fact that Frankston is working toward elevation to a Borough. That is not news, as anyone with half an eye could follow that movement for some considerable time back.
However, in that respect, I think myself that we would be infinitely better off.
There is one thing certain, and that is we could not be any worse off.
However, that is not the question, Mr. Editor. What I would like to know, is: “What is the Council going to do in the matter of reticulation,” and “where is the Council going, to do as I am doing: Speak up for themselves ?”
Yours, etc.,
FRANK WAVISH.
Hastings, 18/1/26.
Mr. Wavish is so well posted in matters of local concern that he must be aware that the grant of £250 for Beach Street was obtained principally through the efforts of the East Frankston Progress Association.
This fact should encourage him to organise the people of Hastings by public meeting, as we originally advised. — Editor, “Standard”.
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Bush fire at Frankston
When the Frankston Fire Brigade was summoned to the intersection of Hastings Road and Heather Hill Road early on Tuesday afternoon, it was found that a fire in the gums and ti-tree scrub had assumed serious proportions.
Fanned by a brisk south wind, the flames threatened to cross Heather Hill Road and spread towards the Frankston railway line.
This was prevented by the strenuous activities of members of the fire brigade a number of summer visitors and passing motorists who readily assisted.
The efforts of the fire fighters were hampered by the lack of a water supply. Beyond the destruction of a considerable amount of fencing and a large area of scrub, no damage was done.
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Accident at Baxter
On Sunday afternoon last Mr. Geo. Male, a resident of Baxter, met with a rather serious accident. While Mr. S. Lord and he were driving a bull to Baxter from Somerville, the bull turned and rushed him inflicting injury to his leg.
Mr. Male was attended to by Dr. Bickart, of Somerville, who inserted five stitches and was then allowed to go home.
He is progressing favourably.
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Found dead
Mr. Albert George Edwards, who had resided in Langwarrin for the last twenty years, was found dead in his home on Monday last.
Deceased was a bachelor and practically lived a lonely life. He was seventy-three years of age.
Mr. H. Gamble carried out the funeral arrangements, the corpse being interred in the local cemetery. Rev. A. P. McFarlane officiated at the graveside.
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Frankston Cycle Club – Ten Mile Road Race
The newly-formed Frankston Cycle Club held its first road race on Saturday last over a course of ten miles on the Hastings Road, Frankston, to Somerville crossing and back.
Ten of the twelve entrants completed, among these being N. Atkins holder of fastest time in a Colac-Melbourne amateur race.
Some good riding was witnessed, especially among the younger members of the club, namely, P. Thompson, S. Gardner, and W. Petrie, who finished in that order, Thompson defeating Gardiner by a wheel, with Petrie a few yards further back, third.
Atkins (scratch) covered the distance in 28 minutes, thus gaining fastest time; W. Davies, the other scratch man, being close up. About ten seconds separated the rest of the field, and the handicappers are to be congratulated on their good judgment.
The first prize was a gold medal, donated by Mr. Livick; second, bike lamp, donated by Mr. Gardner, and Atkins, for fastest time, received a trophy, the gift of Mr. Davies.
Mr. Gardner acted as starter and Mr. E. Swenser timekeeper. These gentlemen also acted as judges.
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Personal
Mr. and Mrs. Duell, of Frankston, are spending a holiday in Ballarat.
Mr. A. G. Tasker, the well-known A.S.M. at the Frankston railway station, is at present on sick leave.
Mr. Will McCarthy, of the Bay View Hotel, returned to Frankston this week, after an enjoyable holiday spent in Tasmania.
Mrs. Duffy, wife of Mr. Fred Duffy, Seaford, is at present an inmate of St. Pancras private hospital, suffering from a nervous breakdown. She is under the care of Dr. Maxwell.
Before leaving Natimuk for Frankston, the Rev. Mr. Coulson, of the Presbyterian Church, was presented with a wallet of notes, set of military brushes and a book by adherents, choir, and Sunday school scholars.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 29 January 1926
