LETTERS
No environmental benefit Vegetation too high in brown coal to hydrogen It is pleasing to see that the state government may be finally coming to its sense with regard to the shipping hydrogen to Japan (“MPs under pressure over hydrogen” The News 14/11/23). While shipping the clean fuel hydrogen to Japan seemed like a sensible idea, it was always flawed because of the way the hydrogen was to be made. Had the hydrogen been produce through the electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy then the idea had merit. However, the method chosen, converting brown coal to hydrogen was always flawed for the reasons outlined in the article by Keith Platt. Converting coal to hydrogen still produces carbon dioxide, so there is no benefit to the environment and the proposal optimistically relies on carbon capture and storage (CCS), a technology that has not worked commercially anywhere in the world. This is a project driven by a government subservient to the fossil fuel industry and by Japanese businesses that could see a government blinded by the fact that Japan got all the benefit of a clean burning fuel and leaving all the waste in Victoria. Dr Ross Hudson, Mount Martha
Abandon hydrogen The brown coal to hydrogen project is a bit of a fiasco (“MPs under pressure over hydrogen” The News 14/11/23). The entire project hinged on its ability to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions underground (CCS), a feat not able to be achieved commercially anywhere else in the world. We have had assurances that if this condition cannot be met, the project will not proceed. They’ve had a lot of time to find out, and multiple millions of dollars, so how about a report to the public, now? The trouble is you can’t believe politicians.
Listen to them, but don’t trust them. If the project should continue with even limited CCS it would make a complete joke of the Victorian government’s initiative to refuse to allow gas appliances in future new houses, which is silly enough already. Ultimately, hydrogen as an automotive fuel is an impractical joke. The distribution, retailing and dispensing of the stuff is difficult, dangerous, and not commercially feasible. Countries like Norway, with an over abundance of free hydro-electric power and a small population, already produce it cleanly by electrically splitting the water molecule. Finally, think of the other ramifications if CCS became feasible. Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington
Councillors lost Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors have lost their way in managing the objectives and strategies. The reason local councils were created and introduced, in simplistic terms, is the 3Rs, roads, rubbish, rates. The rubbish left on our beach front areas from Safety Beach to Portsea is a disgrace. Whether left by locals or visitors the lack of bins and the collection leaves a lot to be desired. My wife and I are, like many residents, becoming tired of picking up paper, broken bottles and cans and then trying to find a bin to dispose of the rubbish. The condition of many roads in the shire still require maintenance, coupled with potholes on heavy traffic roads needing complete repair. Indeed, residents continue to write to The News asking for action. Bruce White, Safety Beach
VicRoads should plant low growing grasses and bushes near roundabouts. I have sent messages to VicRoads about the shrubbery that’s there now blocking the view of drivers. Some examples are the Boneo Road and Peninsula Link extension at Rosebud and the Moorooduc Road/Peninsula Link underpass. Warwick Spinaze, Tootgarook
Spaced out The idea of subdividing suburban blocks to accommodate more housing was fine in theory. But the current generation of home owners comes with bloated 4WDs, utilities, boats, caravans and working from home machinery too big even for double garages. In kerb-less Old Tyabb streets, families with boats and caravans have always contained such large items within their properties. Subdivide those blocks and where does all that lifestyle and work gear go? On nature strips, roadsides, reserves or, should there be regulated motivation for them to be held in commercial storage yards? When designing the future, planners should recognise space is diminishing for today’s upsized vehicles, not only in shopping centre car parks and school pick up zones but also at home. Councils are approving building footprints without maintenance, recreational or work space. Back to the drawing board - if there’s room for one in the home office. Frances Henke, Hastings
Echoes of the Voice Cr David Gill said work done by Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO John Baker showed “that there is some, not an understanding I suppose, but some leaning towards what we are suggesting or what I am putting up for us to consider” (“Indigenous names sought for the shire’s 11 new wards” The News 7/11/23). Is this an underhand slap in the face? Of course, Cr Susan Bissinger thought council was going “totally down the wrong track” and would not support approaching the Bunurong Land Council “without having the full support of the community behind me”. Are they hoping that the issue will go the way of the Voice to Parliament referendum? Are these not the same people who would not take a stand on the Voice? And then there are those who are living on the planet Ork, who think: “As far as I am concerned, we are one, and not black and white.” Joe Lenzo, Safety Beach
Correction flagged A LETTER from Monica Martini, of Mornington (“Homeless, not flags” The News 14/11/21) incorrectly stated that a flag being flown at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council offices included coloured stripes which “represent MAPS, which is minor-attracted people, which I believe means pedophiles”. Martini has since told The Times that she had “made a mistake there”. Her request for the incorrect statement to be not published was made after printing.
Heartbreak tag Heartbreaking to see the beautiful mural on the IGA building in Salmon Street, Hastings has been vandalised by some idiot hero graffiti artist It’s as if Hastings doesn’t deserve to have something nice for everyone to enjoy Ted Keam, Balnarring
Letters - 300 words maximum and including full name, address and contact number - can be sent to The News, PO Box 588, Hastings 3915 or emailed to: team@mpnews.com.au
100 YEARS AGO THIS WEEK...
Shooting Affray – Two police wounded Compiled by Cameron McCullough EARLY on Sunday morning last while putting a prisoner into the cell at the watch-house, on a charge of drunkenness, Senior–Constable Culhane and Constable Graham were wounded, the result of revolver shots. From details to hand, it appears that the two officers mentioned had arrested a man named Hannah, a former policeman, lately stationed at Brighton, on a charge of drunkenness, and while locking him up a shot rang out. Constable Graham fell to the ground. Senior-Constable Culhane, who was turning out the light, rushed to the assistance of his fellow officer, when another shot was fired, striking the senior constable in the back of the left shoulder and lodging in the neck. Hannah, in the meantime escaped, but was arrested at about 5am. by Constable Nicholls, of Mordialloc, on Mordialloc bridge, and was taken to the Mordialloc police station, and questioned as to his movements, being finally charged on two counts of shooting with intent to murder. Senior–Constable Culhane, who was the more seriously wounded, was taken to Dr. Maxwell’s private hospital, where an operation was performed yesterday by Drs. Maxwell and Le Soeuf, and the bullet extracted. This morning’s latest report is that he is progressing very favorably. Constable Graham escaped with a grazed collar-bone, and was able to resume duty. He attributes his good fortune to the fact that the overcoat which he was wearing at the time of the incident, was thickly padded on the shoulder,
thereby preventing the bullet from penetrating. Hannah appeared before the City court on Monday last, and was remanded until the 25th, bail being refused. *** A BRIGHT little lad Porter, employed at the Chelsea station, considers himself quite the hero of the moment. Last Saturday Neil Nicholson, the porter referred to, rose at 4.30am in order to go on duty at 6am, starting early in order that he might get off at 1pm, and travel to Northcote to see his mother. He did so, and, returning at night, tired out with his long day, he unfortunately fell asleep and was carried on to Frankston. He there found three fellow passengers who had slept too soundly. They phoned for a car, and motored back to Carrum. They reached “Chelsea.House”, where Neil boards. Neil skipped in for the cash to pay his fare. Meantime events had happened. Two policemen had been shot at Frankston. The Chelsea police had been telephoned, and were on the look out. No sooner did Neil come out than a local sleuth, who had meantime arrested the car and occupants on suspicion, told him “to step in”. This he did, and without a word was whirled off to Frankston. Not a word was said. Neil was conjuring up visions of being tried for murder, sedition and a hundred dreadful things. They journeyed around Frankston and district until the small hours of the morning when they were told they
could go home. On the way back they were again held up by search parties of police. Lights were flashed in their faces, and our hero cracked hardy, but felt a little shaky. After a close scrutiny one of the police recognised the lad Porter from Chelsea, and as their innocence absolutely established they proceeded on their way. Since then Neil has been the hero of the hour at Chelsea. All the girls look in him as a kind of modern Sir Galahad. Lucky Neil! “Quite an exciting time”, he told our representative when interviewed. “I rose in the morning at 4.30am little dreaming of the exciting day before me. I arrived back at ‘Chelsea House’ tired, but thrilled, at 4.30am, exactly 24 hours later. I am too tired for words”. *** OWING to Senior–Constable Culhane’s illness, the result of a gunshot wound, Senior-Constable Wilson, of Woomelang, will take temporary charge of Frankston police station. *** RUMOUR has it that Frankston cricket will receive a great impetus by the inclusion of Mr. Ormsby, a prominent player in the junior cricket, that is, of course, provided Mr. Ormsby can find time to play, which is sincerely hoped for. *** CONGRATULATIONS to Miss Dulcie Logan, daughter; of Mr. and Mrs. Logan, Melbourne Road, Frankston, on her having secured a first diploma at the recent examinations held under the auspices of the Musical Society Victoria.
*** Balnarring Beach Letter Last weekend a good number of holiday makers frequented the beach owing to the fairly good weather. Mr. D. and S. Robertson, of “Coolart”, landed nine nice large schnapper on Saturday last. The seals are doing much damage to the fishing along the shore down these parts. It is a great pity that something could not be done so as to get rid of this pest. The Hospital Sunday at the beach has been postponed until a later date owing to not being able to get the Naval Base Band. Mr. Hager has been spending a good deal of time making tables and seats for the park at his own expense. It’s a great pity we had not a few more like him who are interested in the place. It would help to make things convenient for the public generally. Mrs. Strain, of “Cheer-O” Refreshment Booth, has obtained a two years lease from the foreshore committee. Good luck to her! We all appreciate her strawberries and cream. A good few enquiries have been made re the beach blocks. Things are quietly on the move. *** Frankston Police Court On Tuesday last, before Messrs. C. W. Grant (chairman), and J. Brown, J’s.P., Augustivus Livingstone was charged with being drunk and disorderly. Augustivus, in consequence, will have to pay 20/-, or retire into forced seclusion for 48 hours. Fred. Gilbert was charged, that he did, on 17th inst., steal a dress of the value of £1, property of Ida Gallas.
Ida Gallas, the complainant, draper, of Playne Street, deposed that on Saturday, 17th inst.; about 6 p.m., that she was standing in the doorway of her shop, when defendant spoke to her. She then went inside, and coming out again after defendant had left, found that a dress was missing. She saw defendant again in a tearoom, and asked him to give up what he had taken out of her shop. She valued the dress at £1. Constable Graham said that on Saturday, 17th inst., at 6.30 p.m., he saw defendant, and told that he answered the description of a man who was seen in a draper’s shop in Playne street, Frankston, and he would take him back for identification. On the way back Constable Graham was informed that a dress was lying on a vacant piece of ground, and asked accused whether he had seen the dress before. Accused said he had not, and when questioned at the police station, denied having been in the shop or seeing the dress. Accused had been drinking and was very excited. Accused pleaded “not guilty”, and said that he had been wounded in the head, and when he took a few drinks, did not know what occurred. After deliberation, the chairman, admonished the defendant, and adjourned the case for 13 weeks. A claim by complainant for damage to dress, was disallowed. *** From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 21 & 23 Nov 1923
Frankston Times
21 November 2023
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