Author: Cameron McCullough

THE Bittern to Red Hill railway is now well in hand. The earthwork has been practically completed to as far as Merricks, and many of the workmen and drays have moved on to the Red Hill end to complete the earthworks there. This will, without doubt, be the prettiest section of rail way line on the Peninsula, as the country through which it passes is very rich and a large portion of it is under orchard, especially at the Red Hill end. Besides the picturesque farms and orchards, the railway follows some of the best scenery on this side. First,…

THERE was an extraordinary conflict of evidence in the Frankston Police Court on Monday last, when John Bell was charged with negligently driving a motor cycle. Additional interest was given the case from the fact that the chief witness for the prosecution was a well known resident of the Peninsula named William Cooper Meldrum, who was knocked down by the motor cycle in question, and sustained injuries resulting in the loss of a leg. The Bench was occupied by Mr. Knight, P.M., and Messrs C. G. V. Williams, C. W. Grant, and Cr W. Armstrong, J’s.P. When Mr Meldrum’s name…

MR Mark Williams, who for many years acted as handicapper to the Frankston Athletic Sports Club, was the victim of a stupid joke at the A.N.A. sports on Monday last. In a spirit of jocularity, a man pointed a starter’s revolver at Mr Williams and pulled the trigger. Luckily, it contained only blank cartridges. However, the cartridge exploded and the wad hit Mr. Williams in the right eye. It is feared that he will lose the sight of the eye. As “The Age” says, the same thing has been done so often with such lamentable results that it is hard…

MR W. Klauer, secretary of the Seaford Progress Association, has received the following communication from the State Electricity Commission of Victoria, under date of 17th January 1921: “I have to acknowledge receipt of your letter of the 21st ult., asking that the commission will take the necessary steps to have the Seaford district deleted from the Order granted the Frankston and District Gas and Electric Light Co, in order that supply can be obtained from the Melbourne Electric Supply Co. The question of revoking the whole Order as proposed by the Frankston and Hastings Shire has now been considered by…

THE opening of the stone quarries at Moorooduc on Friday, January 7 proved a notable event, destined to prove memorable in the history of the district’s development. Men competent to express an opinion on the subject give the unqualified verdict that the Council of the Shire of Frankston and Hastings has done the right thing in establishing an industry so vital to the needs of the municipality. The great need of the day is for roads and yet more roads. The council, assisted by the Country Roads Board, has not been unwilling to supply all reasonable demands for improved thoroughfares,…

AT the Frankston Police Court on Monday last—before Messrs C. G. V. Williams (chairman), C. Grant, and W. P. Mason, J’s.P—a local resident named Edward Barber, dairyman, was charged by Frank Pickup, an employee of W. J. Oates, dairyman, with assault. He also made a claim for damages in connection with the assault. It was decided to hear both cases together. Mr L. R. N. Utber (Hunt & Utber) appeared for complainant, and defendant was represented by Pavey, Wilson & Cohen’s representative. Dr Charles Maxwell said he examined Pickup on December 26th and found him suffering from abrasions on the…

A woman has died and five other people had to be rescued at Bushrangers Bay this afternoon. It is believed four people were swept off rocks about 3.30pm. Two members of the public entered the water to assist. Police Air Wing, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and Air Ambulance attended along with the Water Police and local members. All were recovered from the water including the deceased. Five people were taken to hospital for treatment and police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

A CURIOUS case is reported from up the line at Cheltenham. Mrs Henry Bungey, aged 33 years, was bitten on the lip by a mosquito, from which septic poisoning set in. Seven days of severe suffering followed; specialists were consulted, but they afforded no relief, the patient eventually dying in an unconscious state. *** IT is rumoured that among the visitors to Frankston on Xmas Day was the international cricketer, Mr Warren Bardsley, who recently made the huge score of 265 for New South Wales against South Australia. He also played finely in the Test just concluded at Melbourne. ***…

EDWARD Dess, Draper, of Frankston, proceeded against W. Connal on a charge of using insulting words near a public place on the 3d December. Mr. Smart appeared, for the complainant, and, Mr. L. L. Rostron for defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Complainant said that on the day in question he was behind his counter transacting business when defendant rushed into the shop, and shaking his fists in complainant’s face said, “Dess, you German; you are nothing but a – German. You have no right to be in Frankston among patriotic people.” Complainant said that defendant repeated the words and similar…

THE public meeting held at Frankston last Tuesday night for the purpose of considering the matter of forming a bowling club, established the fact that a good deal of enthusiasm underlies the movement. The shire president (Cr W. P. Mason) explained that he had convened the meeting by request, and it gave him considerable pleasure in so doing. A bowling green would, he was sure, prove a great asset to the town, and attract visitors from all parts of the State. It was unanimously resolved on the motion of Mr Milner Macmaster, seconded by Mr E. J. Parker, that a…

THE 150-year-old tradition of reciting a prayer before local government meetings on the Mornington Peninsula has been scrapped after a motion by rookie councillor Anthony Marsh. His notice of motion, tabled at Mornington Peninsula Shire’s 8 December meeting and passed with a 6-5 majority, replaces the “prayer” with a “pledge” by councillors to act in the best interests of the community. Council officers advised that the existing prayer was in the governance rules of the council and that, under the Local Government Act, could not be dropped without community consultation. It could, however, be altered, and Cr Marsh’s notice of…

DURING last week, a huge whale was washed ashore at Stony Point. Weighing several tons, it measured 29 feet 8 inches in length. It had “a hole” in its side, as though it had been harpooned or shelled. We believe some, sailors are converting it into marketable properties. The value of the whale would be something like £200 or £250. *** “THE Age”, in a recent issue, reported that Kwong Sue Duk, the Chinese herbalist, who “hangs out” in Russell Street, was robbed of £1,200 in notes. Sue is what might be termed “a family man”. In China marriages are…

MORNINGTON Peninsula wine producers are facing potentially serious consequences as a result of China’s effective ban on the importing of Australian wines. The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced on 27 November that new tariffs would be placed on all Australian wine imports while it carried out an “anti-dumping investigation”. Treasury Wine Estates, the owner of peninsula winery T’Gallant and the premium wine brand Penfolds, has been slugged with a 169.3 per cent tariff on all its wine exports to China, effectively killing off their trade with that country. The Chinese market accounted for 36.7 per cent of Australia’s wine export…

ON Boxing Day the Australian Aerial Derby will be decided. The fastest machines in Australia will compete, and they will start from the Epsom Racecourse, Epsom, and race to Frankston and back three times, a distance of 60 miles. The program of the machines will be reported by wireless telephony from Frankston to Epsom, so the spectators will be able to follow the race throughout. The British and Imperial Oil Co. Pty Ltd and The Herald and Weekly Times are presenting valuable trophies, and these will be presented by either the Prime Minister or Senator Pearce, the Minister of Defence.…

THE Vacuum Oil Co. Pty Ltd held their first annual picnic at Mornington on Saturday last. The weather was somewhat tropical, but the thousand employees who attended enjoyed themselves thoroughly. In the Ladies’ Nomination Race, 120 yards, Mr J. B. Jolly, of Frankston, and his nephew, Mr Frank Heagney, were starters, and the uncle threatened to “eat his hat”, if he didn’t beat the nephew. J.B. – once a fast sprinter – collapsed and Mr Heagney won. “Jim was too sick to eat his dinner, let alone his hat,” said one, when questioned as to whether Mr Jolly kept his…

THE Country Roads Board’s 13 ton steam roller crashed through Quinn’s Bridge (over the Balcombe Creek) last week, but the driver, Mr J. Burton, miraculously escaped injury, beyond scratches and a mud-bath. He was on his way, along the Tyabb Road, from Moorooduc to Mornington, and had got right on to the centre of the bridge – a wooden structure – when it collapsed. Driver Barton’s presence of mind in promptly shutting off the steam probably saved his life. Mr A. E. Callaway, of the Roads Board, inspected the bridge, and says that the mechanical parts of the engine will…

MR Frank Stonite, The Heights, writes: “There is said to be considerable rivalry existing between Mornington and Frankston as to which should be regarded as the Peninsula’s capital. An article – Facts and Figures – in your last issue, gives Frankston the right to the title. Whereas Mornington had only 26,288 passenger bookings last year, Frankston had 114,420 – a difference of more than 88,000 and £3,000 revenue. “In every way, those railway statistics specially proved the importance of Frankston as the vital centre.” *** ON Saturday evening, at the Anglican Bazaar, in aid of St. Paul’s Church, Frankston, Dr.…

THE objectionable conduct of those idiotic galoots who visit Frankston in the summer time, is to be stamped out, according to Mr Clapp, the new Chief Railways Commissioner. He has made a special note of the rowdy elements, and proposes to leave nothing undone to put a stop to it. If Mr Clapp’s prohibitive measure actually prohibits, he will have gained the gratitude of the local and visiting people. Frankston, as a holiday and seaside resort, stands second to none, but once you give the rowdies a bit of rope and permit these unthinking ones to make it “free and…

LAST week, Cr. W. J. Oates, J.P purchased the vacant corner allotment and the property with brick house adjoining in Bay and Wells Streets, Frankston. The price paid ran into four figures. It is gratifying to find our own people thus showing their confidence in the future of the town. The disposal of the land in question leaves but one other vacant allotment in Bay Street, suitable as a business site, for sale. *** ON Sunday last, upwards of 150 invalid soldiers from the Caulfield Military Hospital visited Frankston, and were entertained at afternoon tea in the Mechanics’ Hall. The…

THE councillors of the shire of Frankston and Hastings have received a communication from the Minister of Public Works requesting them to attend before him, at his office in Melbourne, on Tuesday next, 19th inst., for the purpose of discussing the present position, and arriving at an amicable settlement of the dispute which has caused a deadlock for nearly three months. *** AN open air meeting, under the auspices of the Frankston branch of the anti-liquor league, will be held in Bay Street, under the electric light, on Wednesday evening next, at 8 o’clock. Ex-Senator Watson will deliver the address,…

LAST Saturday afternoon, the land situate between the Prince of Wales Hotel and Mr Sage’s shop, Frankston, was offered for sale, on the site. The owner, Mr. Short, considers the situation admirably adapted for shop sites, and he subdivided the block into four allotments. The whole block has a frontage of 100 feet to Mornington Road, with a depth of 200 feet to Kananook Creek, where there is a three feet right-of-way along the bank of the stream. Mr Short has cut his block in two, reserving the rear portion – 100 x 100 ft – as a residential area…

ABOUT seven years ago a number of Melbourne’s leading citizens selected a spot 2½ miles from Frankston as a site for golf links. As was predicted in these columns at the time, the prominence thus given to the town has resulted in many notable visitors being drawn to the district. For what was proposed at the outset – the formation of links second to none in Victoria – has, to a great extent, been accomplished. Thousands of pounds have already been expended on the work, but the landscape architect has to wait on Nature to see his plans brought to…

AT the Frankston Police Court, on Monday last, before Mr Knight, P. M and local justices, Messrs Williams, Grant, and McLean, John Daley, age 35 years, and Harriet Bailey were charged with having been drunk and disorderly in a public place, and with having been guilty of indecent conduct on the foreshore. The female was additionally charged with having used insulting language. Senior-Constable Bray gave evidence to the effect that on Saturday last, he, with Constable Delaney, arrested Daley and Bailey at Frankston. Both were intoxicated, and were behaving most indecently on the foreshore at Frankston. When arrested, the female…

THE case of the Nobles, dealt with in the Frankston Police Court on Monday last, will probably excite a good deal of interest throughout the State, leaving an impression on the public mind that the accused were, perhaps, “more sinned against than sinning.” The attitude of the police in conducting the prosecution was wholly sympathetic. The Melbourne daily papers followed the lead thus given, and pictured to the astounded public the spectacle of a stricken family driven to crime to avert starvation. The story, as related in the Police Court, and reproduced in the Press, was sufficiently startling to give…

ON Wednesday last the Railways Commissioners arrived at Frankston by special train on their annual tour of inspection. They were met at the station by Cr F. H. Wells, and Mr H. Vicars, President of the Frankston Progress Association, and the secretary, Mr W. C, Young. Cr Wells reminded the Commissioners of the necessity for a sub-way or some other method to connect Wells Street with Cranbourne Road, and specially referred to the notice recently posted in the vicinity warning the public that trespassers at that point would be prosecuted. This, he contended, was contrary to a previous promise given…

Active cases of coronavirus on the Mornington Peninsula have dropped to just 10 cases. The dramatic slide has active cases on the peninsula at their lowest levels since 21 July. Just one week ago, there were 37 active cases on the Mornington Peninsula, and two weeks ago there were 52 active cases on the Mornington Peninsula. The low numbers will add weight to calls for the Mornington Peninsula to be excluded from the current metropolitan Stage Four lockdown. Local lobby group, Committee for the Mornington Peninsula, expressed “dismay” at Sunday’s announcement by the Premier that the peninsula would continue to…

AT the special meeting of the shire of Frankston and Hastings last Wednesday week, Cr. Hoban, president, presided for the last time. Cr. Oates spoke in high praise of the capable manner in which Cr. Hoban had carried out his duties as President of the Shire. He had been thoroughly impartial in carrying out the responsible duties of his office, and the council felt proud of the capable and dignified manner in which he had represented the shire on all occasions. Crs Mason, Armstrong and others spoke in appreciation of Cr Hoban and while regretting his departure, hoped that on…

STAGE four restrictions to stop the spread of COVID-19 have been hard for everyone. Disruption to regular routines and weeks on end without face-to-face contact with friends and family. But spare a thought for the members of one segment of the community who faced an agonising decision because of the coronavirus pandemic – overseas students. Those boarding at Peninsula Grammar, Mount Eliza had to decide whether to return home or remain in Australia for an unknown length of time. “As the coronavirus pandemic gathered steam earlier in the year, it became apparent that students would have to make a difficult…

After Somerville so narrowly missed victory on Saturday last, there were some of Somerville’s enthusiasts who thought that Somerville ought to lodge a protest against Frankston playing its one-time skipper, Bill Cain. Somerville alleged that it was an injustice to include one who had not played three qualifying games, as they allege that Cain played only two games – one against Dromana on May 21st and one against Somerville on August 14th. Despite the majority desiring to protest, the Somerville skipper, Hutchison, was strongly against it. “No. I’ll not sign any protests.” he remarked, when questioned by the writer. To…

A man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder over an incident in Rosebud on Saturday 29 August. Police allege a man was armed with a tomahawk outside a shopping centre on Boneo Road just after 10am and attacked two males. A 47-year-old man and a 63-year-old man, both from Rosebud, remain in hospital in a stable condition. A 48-year-old man of no fixed address will appear before the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday 31 August. Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential…