Compiled by Cameron McCullough
MR. J. A. P. Ham, Shire secretary, at last Friday’s Council meeting submitted his report and financial statement for half-year and month.
Cr. Pratt said the Council could not allow the reports to be received in the usual manner without congratulating the secretary on the very excellent manner in which he had conducted the Council’s business, which was of a very satisfactory nature.
Cr. Bradbury: There is no doubt that the position in all ridings is very satisfactory indeed.
Cr Miles: The report should be pleasing to all councillors, especially so for Seaford, seeing that it is the first time since my entering the Council, at any rate, that a credit balance is shown for that riding.
Cr. Armstrong: It is pleasing to the Council to see its business being managed in the manner in which it is, and the very satisfactory position that the Council is in generally.
Cr. Brown said he had much pleasure in complimenting the secretary on his work. His advice in regard to the rates was accepted and acted upon by the Council, and, his advice in the future should see us in a still better position.
Cr. Hoban: It is pleasing to peruse the secretary’s report, and he should indeed know that this Council is aware and appreciative of the excellent work he has performed.
Cr. May said that the ratepayers held a very apprehensive view as regards the Council’s position some time ago, and should be pleased to know that their business is being conducted by Mr. Ham in the most excellent manner.
Cr. Overton: It is quite an easy matter and also a pleasure to speak on a subject such as this. I think there will be quite a number of men seeking municipal honours when it is known that things are in such a satisfactory condition.
There is no doubt that the Council should congratulate all officers, and Mr. Ham, for the magnificent work performed.
Other councillors present also spoke in glowing terms of the very excellent report submitted by Mr. Ham. The Shire president (Cr. Wells) in conveying to Mr. Ham the Council’s appreciation of the work he had performed, said that the business from one meeting to another had been placed before the Council in a very businesslike way, and had kept the councillors posted up with all matters concerning the Shire. (Applause).
Mr. Ham, in reply, said he desired to thank the Council sincerely for the kind remarks made in reference to himself and brother officers. “We are working wholeheartedly in the interests of the Council and endeavouring to place this Shire on the best footing possible.” (Applause).
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New suburban radius includes Frankston
Frankston residents were delighted this week to learn that the railway suburban area would be extended.
The increase in the suburban radius which has been decided on will have the effect of nearly doubling the area of land within the suburban area, and a great many stations at which the country fares were formerly in operation will now benefit from the substantially lower suburban rate.
It is likely that the benefit will be felt more on the Frankston line, where residents have been trying for years to obtain the operation of suburban rates as far as Frankston.
There has been a marked tendency for the settlement of the areas along this line by business men from the city, and it is expected that the operation of the lower suburban fares as far as Frankston will considerably stimulate development down the Bay.
The stations on the Frankston line which will be affected are Carrum, Seaford, and Frankston. Chelsea is now the last station on this line within the radius.
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Peninsula Motor Ambulance
A special meeting of representatives of the Shires of the Peninsula was held at the Shire Hall, Mornington, on Saturday afternoon last, May 8.
Exception had been taken to a recent discussion of the Frankston and Hastings Council, which resulted in a request being made by that Council to the Ambulance Committee for a reduction in the charge in a case for the motor ambulance.
The Council considered that the charge made to a patient at Tyabb was excessive. As a result, it was apparent that the committee had acted in a proper businesslike manner in all matters that had been criticised.
It appeared that many people had a misconception of the correct charges and even of the driver’s fee. Several Frankston councillors were under the impression that the charge was 1/3 per mile and 5/- an hour for the driver. This was wrong, as the charge of 1/3 included all expenses. Since then the charge has been reduced considerably.
The appointment of Mr. Gray as a representative of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings proved to be legitimate.
Mr. Gray has had previous experience with ambulance work. A large percentage of the public consider that the ambulance should be free. If so, the suggestion of Cr. Jack, that every district finance the ambulance in proportion to its population by means of benefit entertainments — should be adopted.
Flinders Shire had done the most in raising funds, and no call has yet been dealt with from that district.
“It was also explained that a fair amount in fees was abandoned on account of patients being unable to pay the full fees. Many reductions had been made, and for this to continue funds must be available.
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Mornington v Hastings
The Mornington Peninsula Football Association’s competition opened on Saturday. The weather was not the best for good football, as the very heavy rains which had fallen had made the playing grounds fairly heavy.
Although it was the opening matches of the season at Hastings there was a fair attendance of barrackers.
The Mornington team, captained by Don Hutchins, comprised a good number of seconds players, and all showed good promise. Hastings had a fairly strong team in the field, but “’Nipper” Floyd and Jack brothers were absentees.
The game commenced punctually at three o’clock, and Mornington commenced to secure. At times good football was witnessed, but generally it was of a scramble.
The final bell rang with Mornington easy winners:—
Mornington, 7 goals 11 behinds.
Hastings, 2 goals, 10 behinds.
The umpiring was fairly good, Jepson being in charge.
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Professional at Peninsula Golf Club Ltd.
Donald Thomson, formerly plus-player in the artisans’ club at Machrihanish, Scotland, and now professional to the Peninsula golf and country club at Frankston, registered his fourth successive win in this year’s professional golf events, by winning “The Age” and “Leader” purse from Reg Jupp in the deciding 36 holes match at Commonwealth golf links on Saturday last.
Thomson has been in Australia four years. When he arrived, he took part in the play for the national open championship and just failed to qualify in the select band for the match play section.
Then he went off, and, forgetting the royal old game for the time, devoted his energies to wandering about the rural parts, mining, and later was assistant greenkeeper and workman on the Commonwealth links.
Then, a couple of months ago, he was accepted for the position of club professional at Frankston.
So far this year he has won every professional event played.
Thomson is a decided acquisition to the first-class golf of Australia, and it is doubtful if there is another player In the land who could show such consistent and convincing golf as this man has shown ever the last two or three weeks.
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From the Pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 14 May 1926
