Compiled by Cameron McCullough
A CASE of interest to peninsula fruitgrowers was heard before Messrs Watt (chairman), Clarke and Knox, J.’sP., at the Hastings Court on the 9th inst, when George Gibbs was charged under Section 21 of the Vegetation and Vine Diseases Act with failing between 5th and 28th January last to eradicate Codlin Moth and Pear Slug from fruit trees growing in his orchard at Tyabb.
The evidence showed that a notice had been issued on the 6th January, 1926, directing the defendant to collect and destroy all fruit affected with Codlin Moth, and to give the remainder thorough sprayings.
There was no trace of any of the instructions having been carried out, except on two trees, where apparently some of the diseased fruit had been picked off and burnt.
The remainder were badly infested, some of the trees having from 200 to 400 fruits affected with the Codlin Moth.
Mr. R. T. Wadeson, District Orchard Supervisior, who conducted the prosecution, estimated that 50 per cent of the fruit was affected.
A previous conviction for a similar offence last year having been proved, Mr. Wadeson pressed for the maximum penalty. He pointed out that the defendant having allowed the orchard to get into such a bad state it would be cheaper for him to pay small fines than to take effective action to eradicate the diseases.
The Bench took a serious view of the case, the chairman remarking that such offences were not fair to neighbouring orchardists, and fined defendant £20 in default distress.
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Where Two Shires Meet
Although individual losses from bush fires must be deeply deplored, and it is impossible to estimate or replace many of the treasurers consumed in the old homes so destroyed, still much good has resulted from the fires in the bush country.
It becomes an absolute necessity to clean up vacant country to free it of fluke, and cause a fresh growth of grass to prevent impaction; to destroy foxes and other pests, to say nothing of snakes.
The dry weather, too, has its advantages in checking the Woolly Aphis, Pear Slug and Codlin Moth.
The dry February has checked the late brood of Codlin Moths in many orchards, and Black Spot is less prevalent than in the previous seasons so moist.
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WE are pleased to hear that Mrs. Walter Patten has now sufficiently recovered to return to her home in Langwarrin. Her husband, Mr. Walter Patten, was selected as a member of the 100 Australian soldiers appointed to visit America to advance the science of Australia, and for that purpose it became necessary for him to enter into residence at Davis College, one of the great seats of learning in America.
He was in charge of a machine-gun section in the Great War.
His elder brother, Mr. Alex. Patten, was on active service for several years with the Army Medical Corps. His experience proved of much value to local residents who needed first aid.
With his keen intellect, warm sympathy, and delicate touch, Nature destined Mr. Alex Patten for a physician, but he loved the quiet country life better than the bustle of a great city; and when he settled in Langwarrin, after the Armistice, it was a great gain to the district.
He freely gave to local residents the benefit of his experience, and when it is stated he could set a fractured thigh or extract a splinter with greatest ease and care, what an advantage it was to both patient and physician, and when the worker was too poor he placed his car at their disposal to reach the town.
We regret to state that a legacy of the Great War compels Mr. Alex Patten to seek a change for a few months, and the society of which he is hon. secretary is tendering him a social on Thursday evening.
Mr. Patten, senr., was formerly a well-known commercial traveller in the western district, and was a frequent contributor to the Australian press.
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Cricket – Northern Peninsula Association Semi-Final
French Island v Tyabb
With 8 wickets down for 289 Tyabb continued their innings against French Island at Bittern on Saturday last, the not out men being Storey 10, and Hodgins 0.
The latter was out after scoring four but Storey still held the upper hand with 23 not out when the innings closed for 305 — a good score, and which eventually proved to be beyond the reach of French Island, whose innings totalled 160.
North was top scorer for the island with 39, Ratford being close up with a well made 32.
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Warship in the Bay
H.M.A.S. “Brisbane” is at present carrying out a training cruise in the bay, and has been anchored off the Frankston pier during the past week, where supplies have been taken aboard.
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Wireless at Somerville
Not only did 3LO broadcast the attractions of the Somerville Show on the evening prior to the exhibition, but on show day the speeches at the opening and official luncheon were broadcasted throughout Australia.
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Accident at Somerville Show
Seaman Walker, whilst riding Mr. Clough’s horse, “Sultanee,” over the hurdles at the Somerville Show on Wednesday last, sustained internal injuries, and the horse was piloted by Mr. J. White in the remaining events.
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Interesting Exhibit
At the Somerville Show on Wednesday last Mr. Fred Murray had on view for exhibition only, a collection of Jonathans unusual in size.
One apple measured 183 inches in circumference, while four of them together supplied a girth of 4ft.
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School Social Club
The Women’s Social Club connected with the Frankston State school, is holding a gift afternoon at the school on Wednesday next, March 24.
Each person attending is requested to bring a gift. Afternoon tea will also be provided at a nominal charge. A sale of gifts will be held the following Wednesday, March 31. The proceeds are in aid of a piano for the school. It is hoped that good support will be given this worthy object.
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Bus Service to Melbourne and Back
A bus service to Melbourne commenced between Mornington and Melbourne.
The first bus leaves Mornington at 7.25, Frankston 7.45 and Seaford 7.53am arriving in Melbourne at 9am.
Pick up places will be the Mornington Post Office and Frankston House.
There is ample room for luggage. The bus will also pick up along the route as required. The service commenced on Thursday and promises to be a success.
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Peninsula Motor Ambulance Service
On February 27 the committee decided to reduce the charges for the ambulance, from 1/3 a mile to 9d. for the first 12 miles, and 6d. a mile for the rest of the journey, in addition 5/- an hour for the driver. Minimum charge 10/-.
The ambulance wagon has done good work, 14 cases were for Melbourne and 5 cases locally. The driver is authorised to collect the fares and give a receipt for it.
Further information can be obtained from the hon. secretary. The committee has no desire to make a profit through the ambulance, but must see that expenses are met.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 19 March 1926
