FRENCH ISLAND PROGRESS ASSOCIATION MINUTE BOOK - TRANSCRIPT

FRENCH ISLAND PROGRESS ASSOCIATION MINUTE BOOK - TRANSCRIPT

12 December 1916 – 21 February 1924 (Association was in existence before this date and continued after this date subsequent to amalgamation with the Fairhaven Association)

Motto: For the Good of All

Committee Meeting Dec 12^th 1916(?) held at residence of Mr. Bennetts. President, Mr. Harrop, in the chair. Messrs Bennetts, Davon and Secretary (Mr. Christian). Minutes of meeting held Nov. 8^th read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Bennetts and...Correspondence inward: Invoices re shed material. Outward: ditto. Received on motion of Messrs. Harrop and Davon. Business: shed extension, it was decided to meet same and erect sea-wall at earliest opportunity. Decided to paint the two cyclone gates, Mr Bennetts kindly offering to supply the paint, Mr. Harrop the labor. ...seconded by... Mr. Christian resigned on account of leaving district. Resignation received with much regret on the motion of Messrs. Bennetts and Davon. Mr. Davon elected secretary till end of term. Next meeting to be annual to be held at Mr. Bennetts on Wed Jan 20^th. Meeting adjourned.

Annual meeting held at Tankerton Jan 20^th 1917.President (Mr. Harrop) in the chair. Minutes of last annual meeting read and confirmed on notice of Messrs Bennetts and Harrop. Financial statement having a credit balance of 17/2 received on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Russell. Brief statement of work performed by the Association during the past year read by the Secretary. The statement enumerated the following works which either had been completed or were in the course of completion: The erection of the much needed gate on the Tankerton Road. The repairing of bridge over Tankerton Creek (This bridge is again in a dangerous state).Secured the repairing of Tankerton jetty (new trolley rails to be laid, new life buoy box under construction, and new section of hand railing). This contract has been long let but the work has not been commenced owing to the non-arrival of the necessary material. Secured the material for a large extension to the south side of goods shed and the erection of a protecting sea wall near road to same. After several attempts, this extension was granted on the Assoc. offering to supply the needed labor. Application was also made for additional jetty extension. Mr. Ratford expressed satisfaction at the work accomplished under the circumstances existing at present owing to the war economy and moved the acceptance. Mr. Fred Broderick seconded (motion carried).Election of office bearers for 1917:President: Mr. Harrop proposed by Messrs Bennetts and Russell1^st Vice-President: Mr Bennetts proposed by J. Ratford and Harrop2^nd Vice-President: Mr Wood proposed by W. Ratford and Russell. Secretary: Mr. Davon proposed by G. Harrop and Wood. Treasurer: Mr. W. Ratford proposed by Davon and Fred Broderick. Auditors: Messrs. J. Ratford, Fred Broderick, proposed by Messrs Bennetts and Harrop (All duly elected).Suggestions: Mr. J. Ratford that subscribers be called together to elect trustees for Recreation Reserve. Mr. Bennetts suggested that jetty repairs be hurried on and the contractor written to. Mr. Davon suggested the immediate repair of bridge over Tankerton Creek. Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting February 1^st 1917 (Special). Business: To discuss the urgent need for a crane on Tankerton jetty..President Mr. Harrop in the chair, and Messrs Bennetts, Wood, Ratford and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs. Harrop and Wood. Mr. Bennetts moved and Mr. Ratford seconded that report on completion of ref. Jetty work to be embodied in the minutes (carried).Report that the work of the shed extension and sea wall erection with road forming and shifting the manure shed, commenced and was completed through the efforts of last year’s committee and a successful working bee, also that the repairs to jetty (Mr. Aperaft) has been completed, and that a large hand truck has been placed in the goods shed. Mr. Bennetts reported that the Public Works Department were forwarding timber to line one wall of manure shed, and to complete the floor of the goods shed. Secretary instructed to call a working bee to complete the above works, and to repair bridge, on the Saturday following arrival of timber. Mr. Harrop offered to arrange about the supply of paints for hand rail round sea wall. Moved by Mr. Bennetts seconded by Mr. Ratford that an application for a crane for Tankerton jetty to be sent to Mr. Kermode, pointing out urgent necessity for same and mentioning that we had heard that there was an idle crane in the creek near Foster and that the residents would erect same on jetty, if it were granted to them (carried). Moved that committee meetings be held as formerly Wednesday before the full moon, and they be held at Mr. Bennetts. Meeting then adjourned.

(Signed): P. Davon Hon. Sec. (Signed): G. H. Harrop Pres. 8/3/17

Committee Meeting held March 8^th 1917.Present, Mr. Harrop in the chair and Messrs Bennetts, Wood, Ratford and Davon. Minutes from previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs. Bennetts and (?).Correspondence: Outward to Mr. Kermode re crane for jetty, forward invoice of goods for shed....of Messrs Wood and Harrop...shed and bridge at Tankerton...moved by Mr. Davon that as materials...of work at the jetty have...a working bee be called for Saturday...inst. Mr. Harrop seconded. (carried).Moved by Mr. Davon that the remains of any material be purchased from Mr. Bennetts. Tankerton bridge that...Mr. Wood seconded. Moved by Mr. Harrop that...has...Mr. Bennetts...(carried) Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting April 4^th 1917Present Mr. Harrop in the chair, and Messrs. Bennetts, Wood and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs. Wood and Bennetts. Correspondence: Outward...Inward Invoice and account...And from GPO re Mon....the unofficial reply to application for crane received on the motion of Messrs North and Wood. Moved by Messrs. Bennetts and Wood [that] washout on main road be attended to as soon as possible (carried). Moved by Messrs Harrop and Wood, that application be made to Commissioner of Police per Mr. Downard [M.P.] for the appointment of Mr. R. H. Bennetts as Justice of Peace (carried). Moved by Messrs Harrop and Wood, that minute re meetings on Wednesday nights be rescinded and that meetings be held on Thursday nearest full moon (carried).Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting 29^th May 1917Present Mr. Bennetts in the chair and Messrs Wood, Ratford and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on motion of Messrs Bennetts and Wood. Correspondence (Outward) re Justice of Peace. Inward: Mrs. Small re donation...motion of Messrs Wood and Ratford. Mr. Wood moved, Mr. W. Ratford seconded that balance (11/-) from collection for Geo. Iliff’s presentation, be set aside to form the nucleus of a fund for the purpose of purchasing present materials for future returned Island men. Moved by Messrs Wood and Bennetts that Secretary write to Constable Wilkinson (?) re lifebuoy on jetty (carried).Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting held May 31^st 1917Present Messrs Harrop in the chair, and Messrs Bennetts, Wood and Secretary. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on motion of Messrs Bennetts and Wood. Correspondence: Inward...of J. P. from Mr D...Outward: Acknowledge... and letter to Constable Wilkins re life buoy. Received on motion of Messrs Bennetts and Wood. Moved by Mr. Harrop that as reports have come to our ears that the prisoners have been seen at liberty wither proper supervision, on at least two occasions within a mile of a residence...that this matter be reported to the officer-in-charge. Secretary instructed to supply Mr. Quirk [the O-I-C] with names of...complaint to give him an opportunity of making enquiries. (Names) Messrs J. Palmer, M. Whyatt, Thomas Whyatt, Mrs. Whyatt, a complaint also to be lodged re prisoners carrying firearms; Mr. Wood seconded; motion carried. Reported by Mr. Bennetts that the crane for Tankerton jetty was at Stony Point awaiting transport, that the boatman would require some assistance handling same, members re date to be left. Meeting then adjourned.

Committee meeting held 28/6/17Mr. Harrop in the chair, present Messrs Bennetts, Ratford, Wood and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Bennetts and Harrop. Correspondence outward: Prisoners...Inward: Mr Quirk... communication from Mr. McAuley...of Peninsula Company...motion of Messrs Wood and Bennetts... moved by Mr. Harrop that secretary to write to Mr. Kermode re repairs needed for life buoy. Seconded by Mr. Wood, carried and moved by Messrs Wood and Harrop that secretary write to Mr. Peck for donation in lieu of personal attendance at working bee on goods shed (carried).Moved by Mr. W. Ratford that Mr. McAuley be written to stating that Association cannot take any public action in the matter, but would suggest a private canvas among residents. Mr. Wood seconded (carried).Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting held August 2^nd 1917Present: the President (in the chair) and Messrs Bennetts and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Bennetts. Correspondence: Outward: Mr. Peck re...McAuley re Peninsula Co. ...on motion of Messrs Harrop and Bennetts. Mr. Harrop moved that secretary be instructed to write to Commissioner of Railways re charges imposed for the handling of goods at Stony Point. Mr. Bennetts seconded. (carried). Meeting then adjourned.

Meeting (Committee) held Sept. 1917 Present Messrs Harrop, Bennetts, and Secretary. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Bennetts and Harrop. Moved by Mr. Harrop, seconded by Mr. Bennetts that correspondence as read be received (carried).Business: Mr. Harrop paid in 5/- being 2 years subscription from Major Christopherson, and £1 donation from...towards cost of piles for bridge. Mr. Harrop moved, Mr. Davon seconded that £2 be paid to Mr. Bennetts as part payment of money due on piles. Carried. Meeting then adjourned.

Minutes of Committee Meeting held October 25/?/17Present: Messrs Harrop, Bennetts, Davon.Mr. Harrop in chair. Moved by Mr. Bennetts, seconded by Mr. Harrop that minutes as read be confirmed (carried) Correspondence inward from Victorian Railways. J. Iliff received on the...Messrs Harrop and Bennetts...Messrs Bennetts and Harrop...Secretary be instructed to reply...Iliff (carried).Motion by Messrs Harrop and Bennetts that the boatman be asked to leave the goods at Mrs McLachlan’s. Carried. Meeting then adjourned.

Minutes of Committee Meeting held Nov 29^th Present: Messrs Harrop, Bennetts, Wood, Ratford and Davon. Mr. Harrop in chair. Moved by Messrs Bennetts and Harrop that minutes as read be confirmed. (Carried). Correspondence was received on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Bennetts (Carried).Secretary to be instructed to write to Railway Department asking that time be allowed for the transport of Island goods from Stony Point Railway Station (Carried). Mr. Bennetts moved and Mr. Harrop seconded that the Secretary make application for the extension of manure shed at Tankerton and residents to do the work if material be supplied. Mr. Bennetts moved and...(carried). ...Mr. W. Ratford seconded that meeting be called for Saturday 8^th December to decide about commencing on the erection of the crane (Carried).On the motion of Messrs Ratford and Woods, Secretary was instructed to write to Miss Small [Zilpha] soliciting a sub towards cost of bridge. (Carried).Meeting adjourned.

Meeting held Jan 24^th 1918. Present Messrs Harrop, Bennetts and Ratford. Secretary absent. Mr. W. W. Duscher acted on his behalf. Minutes received and confirmed on notice of Messrs Bennetts and Ratford. No correspondence. Mr. Bennetts moved and Mr. Harrop seconded that a petition be drawn up and taken around for signatures re Post Office and Secretary instructed to write protesting against loss of P.O. Mr. Bennetts reported that the work on jetty, crane and steps was now completed. Report received on motion of Messrs Harrop and Ratford. Mr. Harrop moved, Mr. Ratford seconded that the Secretary be instructed to write to local paper [Peninsula Post] reporting recent improvements to Tankerton jetty (Carried).Mr. Harrop and Mr. Bennetts ...that secretary draw up petition to be signed by residents (Carried).Meeting then adjourned.

Minutes of Committee Meeting Feb 14^th 1918. Present: Mr. Harrop in the chair, and Messrs Bennetts, Wood, Ratford and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Bennetts.Correspondence: outward to Hon. A. Downward and Commissioner of Railways and Miss Small received on motion of Messrs Wood and Bennetts. Mr. Harrop moved that action re minute re P.O. be held over. Mr. Davon seconded (Carried).Mr. Bennetts moved, Mr. Harrop seconded, that Mr. Kermode be written to re the dangerous state of decking on jetty, and his immediate attention to same be requested. (Carried).Secretary instructed to write to Mr. Peck and Mr. McGuigan, soliciting sub in lieu of work at working bees. Stationery account of 2/- and Mr. Bennetts’ account of £3 for bridge runners passed for payment. Annual meeting fixed for Tuesday Feb. 26^th.Meeting adjourned.

(Signed) P. Davon, Sec.. (Signed) G. T. Harrop 28/3/18

Minutes of Annual Meeting Feb 26^th 1918, at Mechanics Institute. President in the chair. Minutes of last annual meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Fred Broderick and G. T. Harrop.Mr. J. Ratford moved and Mr. Broderick seconded that secretary’s report of last year’s...and that the committee be congratulated on the amount of work confirmed (carried).Mr. Ratford suggested that a minute be made for the new committee’s consideration, re the inconvenience caused by the crayfish coffs moored on the north side of Stony Point jetty, and that an effort made to obtain the erection of a light pulley on the Stony Point platform to lift goods from Rail to jetty trucks and that...a loop line be provided at end of platform. Treasurer’s statement and Balance Sheet showing a credit balance of 18/8 and a separate fund of 11/- for the welcoming of returned men was received on the motion of Messrs Woods and Bennetts. Election of Officers: President: Mr. Harrop proposed by Messrs F. Broderick and Bennetts. Secretary: P. Davon proposed by Messrs Bennetts and Harrop. V. Pres. Mr. Bennetts proposed by Harrop and Wood. Treasurer: Mr. W. Ratford proposed by Bennetts and Wood. Committeeman: Mr. Wood proposed by Harrop and Fred Broderick. Auditors: Mr. J. Ratford and Fred Broderick were all duly elected. .Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting March 28^th 1918. Present: Messrs Harrop, Bennetts, Ratford and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Bennetts and Ratford Jnr. Correspondence received on the motion of...Harrop and Bennetts. .Moved by Mr. Bennetts, seconded by Mr. Harrop that Kermode be written to re wharfage charged not being on goods carried by private boats. Carried. Secretary was instructed to buy a new accounts book for Treasurer. Secretary was instructed to write to Mr. Downward presenting our appeal for manure shed extension. Secretary be instructed to write to Mr. Kermode protesting against present practice of mooring crayfish coffs on north side of jetty and lumbering end of jetty with same. Secretary instructed to consult with Station Master re proposed alterations at Stony and to take what steps be deemed necessary. Meeting then adjourned.

Minutes of Committee Meeting held June 20^th 1918Present: Mr. Harrop in the chair, and Messrs R. Bennetts, W. Ratford and P. Davon. Minutes of previous be read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs R. Bennetts and W. Ratford Jnr. Correspondence: Re state of...Stony Point jetty and Stony Point...Inward: replies thereto, ...Joe Iliff received on motion of G. Harrop and W. Ratford. Secretary instructed to supply Mr. Kermode with the names of the following...re boat holders. Messrs J. Cheeseman, R. De Cattey (?) C. De La Haye, J. Lovie, W. Lovie, R. H. Bennetts, E. Bennetts, B. Kiernan...Secretary instructed to reply to J. Iliff .Moved by W. Ratford seconded by G. Harrop that tenders be called for the construction of the manure shed at Tankerton, notice to be posted upon 29^th on receipt of specific from Mr. Bartels and tenders called in on July 12^th. Meeting the following Monday (carried).Meeting adjourned.

Committee Meeting held July 22^nd 1918. Present: Messrs Harrop, Bennetts, Ratford and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Bennetts and Ratford. Correspondence read and received on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Bennetts. Mr. Harrop reported receiving per Major Christopherson a donation of two pounds from Mr. A. Shaw. Mr. Harrop moved that Mr. Lewis’donation be acknowledged with thanks and a brief resumé of the Association’s work on the Island be sent to him, Mr. Ratford seconded, motion carried. Moved by Mr. Ratford, seconded by Mr. Bennetts, that secretary be instructed to make arrangements with Mr. Collinson about carting timber to shed, carried. Meeting adjourned after next meeting being fixed by the Monday following the calling of tenders.

Committee Meeting Aug. 8^th 1918. Present: Messrs Harrop, Wood, Ratford and Davon. Mr. Harrop presiding. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Wood and Ratford. Correspondence received on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Wood.Mr. Harrop moved...that Mr. J. Ratford’s....labor in creating manure shed (six pounds) be accepted. Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting October 5^th 1918. Present: Messrs Harrop, Wood, Ratford, Bennetts, and Davon. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed. On the motion of Messrs Wood and W. Ratford. Correspondence: Received on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Wood.Mr.... notified that Mr. Bartells be informed that the Assoc. Would attend to the required alterations to the new manure shed as soon as possible, Mr. Wood seconded, carried.Mr. Bennetts moved, Mr. Harrop seconded that Mr. Harrop be informed re the removal of rope from life buoy at jetty. Mr. Bennetts moved Mr. Harrop seconded, that Mr. Lothian be requested to remove dinghy from goods shed, and that £1 per annum be offered to Mrs. Lothian to keep the shed clean. Carried. Moved by Messrs Harrop and Davon that Mr. J. Ratford be invited to meet the Assoc. at Tankerton at 3 o’clock on Saturday re contract, carried. Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting Nov. 21^st 1918. Present: Messrs Harrop, Wood and Davon, Mr. Harrop presiding. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Wood. Correspondence: received on the motion of Messrs Wood and Harrop.Mr. Wood moved that the invoice for timber received in February be signed and returned to Lands Department with a note explaining the cause of delay. Mr. Harrop seconded, carried.Mr. Harrop moved and Mr. Wood seconded that Mr. J. Ratford’s account for £6 be passed for payment, carried. Mr. Harrop moved that Lands Department be written to, enquiring whether a grazing lease had been granted to anyone for this summer for the unoccupied land on the Island, carried. On the motion of Messrs Wood and Harrop, it was decided that the annual picnic be reverted to, and that Fairhaven’s co-operation be solicited, carried.

Committee Meeting held Dec. 9^th 1918Present: Messrs Harrop, Wood and Davon, Mr. Harrop presiding. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Wood and Harrop. Correspondence received on the motion of Messrs Wood and Harrop....that in conjunction with...appeal be made to Railways...re Stony Point shed. Mr. Wood seconded. It was resolved that Messrs Harrop, Wood and Davon meet the Fairhaven representatives on Wednesday the 11^th inst to arrange for annual picnic. Meeting then adjourned.

Minutes of Annual meeting held Feb. 25^th 1919 at Mr. Wood’s home. Mr. Harrop in chair. Treasurer’s balance sheet showing cr. balance £6-0-2. Received on the motion of Harrop and Wood. Moved by Mr. J. Ratford that secretary’s resumé of the past year’s work be received. Mr. Wood seconded (carried).The following office bearers were nominated and elected for the year 1919.President: Mr. G. Harrop, nominated by Messrs Wood and Davon, Vice President: Mr. E. Wood nominated by Messrs Harrop and Davon, Secretary: Mr. P. Davon, nominated by Harrop and Wood, Treasurer: Mr. Fred Broderick, nominated by Davon and Harrop, Committeeman: R. Bennetts, nominated by Harrop and Broderick Auditors: Mr. J. Ratford and Mr. F. Broderick, nominated by Harrop and Wood. Mr. Davon was requested to meet Railway Commissioners to push for improvements at Stony Point. Meeting adjourned.

Committee Meeting held May 15^th 1919. Present: Messrs Wood, Broderick and Davon, Mr. Wood presiding. Minutes read and confirmed on motion of Messrs Wood and Broderick. Correspondence received on motion of Messrs Wood and Broderick. Mr. Wood moved that a recommendation be given to E. Sissons and I. Griffiths for presentation to the Repatriation Committee. Mr. F. Broderick seconded (carried).Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting held Nov. 7^th 1919 at the residence of Mr. Bennetts. Present: Messrs Harrop, Broderick, Bennetts, and Davon, Mr. Harrop presiding. Minutes of previous meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Broderick and Harrop. Correspondence: received on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Bennetts. Mr. Harrop moved and Mr. Bennetts,seconded that Captain Bruce [the Federal Member for Flinders, subsequently Prime Minister and after that, Lord Bruce] be asked to support our affiliation for telephone connection (carried).Mr. Bennetts and Mr. Harrop moved and seconded that the Shire Secretary be written to for information re the proposal to annex French Island (carried).Moved by Mr. Bennetts that Captain Bruce be asked to place before the P.M.G. our application for the extension of time for delivery of mail from Melbourne to 2.45 p.m. and for the reversal to the old system of the mail bag going to and returning from Melbourne direct. Mr. Harrop seconded. (Motion carried).Mr. Davon moved, Mr. Harrop seconded, that Fairhaven Progress Association be asked to appoint 3 representatives to manage the annual picnic (carried). Moved by Mr. Bennetts, seconded by Mr. Harrop, that Ports and Harbours be written to re crayfish coffs being moored to Stony Point jetty and stacked on the jetty, carried. [Stony Point was the centre of the Western Port crayfish industry 1889-1935, see Ruth Gooch, Seal Rocks and Victoria’s Primitive Beginnings, Hastings, Warrangine Word, 2008].Mr. Harrop and Mr. Bennetts moved and seconded that Teasurer’s account for 3/8 be passed for payment (carried).Meeting then adjourned.

Minutes for Annual Meeting held Feb. 20^th 1920, at Mr. Wood’s home. Minutes of last annual meeting read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Wood and Broderick. Balance sheet for year 1919, showing a credit balance of seven pounds thirteen shillings (£7-13-0) read by Treasurer and received on the motion of Messrs R. Bennetts and Harrop. The following office bearers were nominated and elected for the year 1920:President: Mr. G. Harrop nominated by Messrs Davon and Bennetts, Vice President: Mr. E. Wood nominated by Messrs Bennetts and Broderick, Secretary: Mr. E. Sissons nominated by Messrs Davon and Wood, Treasurer: Mr. Fred Broderick nominated by Messrs Bennetts and Harrop, Committeeman: Mr. J. Ratford Jnr nominated by Messrs Davon and Bennetts, Auditors: Messrs J. Ratford Snr and Frank Broderick nominated by Messrs Harrop and Davon. Meeting then adjourned.

Committee Meeting held at the Woods’15.4.1920, all members being present. Mr. Harrop presiding. Minutes of last Committee Meeting (Nov. 7^th 1919) read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Broderick and Harrop. Correspondence: Memo from Ports and Harbours, P.M.G., Mr. Bruce re mail service, Fairhaven P. Assn. advertising the Island [all] read, and received on the motion of Mr. Wood and Mr. Ratford. Works: Moved by Mr. Harrop, seconded by Mr. Wood, that a corduroy crossing be placed in the hollow in the Punt Road, that the necessary permission be sought to plow drain to carry water from road, also to cut sufficient logs for crossing from the proprietor of Brown’s property – On Section “A” that table drain be deepened on South side from washout to 10 chain road – washout to be filled in. 50/- to be put aside for this section. On Section”F” table drains to be deepened, ruts to be filled in, and water diverted to south side. 40/- set aside for this section. Work left in the hands of the secretary. Motion carried. Meeting closed in due form.

Committee Meeting held at Mr. Harrop’s residence 1^st July 1920. Present were Messrs Harrop, Broderick, Ratford and Sisson. Minutes of previous meeting (15/4/1920) read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Broderick and Harrop. Correspondence from P.M.G. with reference to telephone was received on the motion of Messrs Ratford and Broderick. Mr. Harrop moved, Mr. Ratford seconded, that the correspondence from P.M.G. be left at the Post Office for publicity. Roads: Moved by Mr. Harrop, seconded by Mr. Ratford, that Mr. E. Thompson be asked to undertake the ploughing of drain in Brown’s paddock, to carry the water off Punt Road near State School. The contractors furnished progress report of works done to the Main Road.

Committee Meeting held at the residence of Mr. Wood 2^nd October 1920.Minutes of previous meeting 1^st July 1920 read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Ratford and Woods. Correspondence read and received on the motion of Wood and Ratford, relating to Shire control; from the Fairhaven Progress Association in reply to Mr. Davon’s letter of inquiry; from Public Works Dept. granting permission to dismantle old shed and school building and use of material for building shed...from Mr. Davon being a report of the...with the Welcome Home to Returned Soldiers and presentation of lockets, together with Presentation Lockets not yet presented, balance sheet showing deficit to be made good by subscription from residents of south end of Island. Also from Mrs. Wood, postmistress at Tankerton; from the Inspector Branch P.M.G. Dept. relating to proposed alteration in mail contractor time table and asking that the residents be referred to in this matter. The secretary was requested to deliver the inscribed lockets and to collect the balance due to Mr. Davon for same. In connection with the proposed alteration of mail time table, Mr. Harrop moved, seconded by Mr. Wood, that a canvas of residents be made to ascertain their wishes in regard to mail service and that the Fairhaven Association be informed of our decision, requesting that they should canvas their locality. Also included in this motion that 10/- be offered to canvasser to obtain the south end votes, carried. Mr. J. Ratford expressed his willingness to canvas the south end without remuneration. That secretary be instructed to write to P.M.G. Dept. stating that we were dealing with the matter.(?)Moved by Mr. Harrop, 2^nd by Mr. Ratford, that Mr. Kermode P.W. Dept., and the Hon. A. Downward M.L.A. be written to about the Tankerton jetty extension. Contract for repairs to road: Mr. Harrop, 2^nd by Mr. Wood that payment be passed as soon as the work was completed.

Committee Meeting held at the Residence of Mr Harrop, Tuesday 25^th Jan 1921All members of Committee present. Minutes of previous meeting 2^nd Oct. Confirmed, Mr Wood moving, 2^nd by Mr Ratford. Correspondence read and received on motion of Mr Harrop 2^nd by Mr Wood. Correspondence being letter from Star of Hope School committee asking that half share of expenses of Delegate to Minister for Education be paid by the Progress Association. Correspondence from Engineer-in-Charge Ports and Harbours, Dept. of Public Works, the Hon. A. Downard with reference to Tankerton jetty (also letter from Fairhaven Progress Association). Mr Harrop moved, 2^nd by Mr Wood that Secretary of Schools Committee request be granted and paid. The sum of 12/- passed for payment. It was decided to hold the Annual Meeting at the residence of Mr Wood on Tuesday 22^nd Feb.

Ministers of Annual Meeting held at the Residence of Mr Wood, February 20^th 1921.Minutes of Annual Meeting Feb 20^th 1920 read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Ratford and Broderick. Balance sheet for year 1920 showing as credit balance of £4.6.0. Read by the Treasurer and received on the motion of Messrs Wood and Harrop. Correspondence received-Messrs Harrop and Wood. Mr Davon and Mr W. Lovie list of names for Honor Board submitted for additions, certain names added, total 30.Mr Downard re Tankerton jetty, 2.2.1921.Secretary instructed to write Fairhaven Association explaining Mr Kermode’s plan for extension of Tankerton jetty and asking for endorsement of same, also write Mr Kermode stating that his plans would suit our needs. Motion by Messrs Wood and Harrop that there be recorded in the minutes a vote of thanks to Mr Sisson for his services of the past year. Election of Committee: the retiring office bearers were re-elected.

Minutes of Committee Meeting held at the residence of Mr Wood April 30^th 1921.Minutes of previous meeting 20^th Jan read and confirmed, moved by Mr Wood, 2^nd by Mr Broderick. Correspondence received from Mr A. K. T. Sambell re jetty, urging deputation to Ministry of Public Works. Moved by Mr Harrop, 2^nd by Mr Wood that Hon. A. Downard be asked to arrange with the Hon. the Minister for Public Works to receive a deputation re Tankerton jetty. That Hon A. E. Chandler M.L.A. be asked to support deputation. Invitations to represent French Island at the deputation be sent to Messrs Sambell, Lovie, Davon, Ratford Senr and Bayford. That delegates travelling expenses be paid by the Association was agreed to on the motion of Messrs Wood and Harrop.

Minutes of Meeting of Representatives of the Progress Association at the hall, June 18^th 1921.Present were Chas. De Arth, A. E. Dungey, W. Lovie Snr, W. Lovie Jnr., Mr J. Cheeseman, J. Ratford Snr, J. Ratford Jnr, C. Kiernan and E. Sisson. Mr J. Ratford Snr. Duly elected chairman, Sec. Mr E. Sissons. Business: To receive Mr A. E. Dungey’s report of visit to Frankston and Hastings Shire Council meeting and correspondence dealing with the proposal of bringing French Island under Local Govt. Act. Correspondence read: Mr Dungey to Secretary F. And H. Shire [Frankston and Hastings], April 23^rd 1921. Shire Secretary to Mr Dungey April 26^th enclosing copy. Balance sheet for year ending Sept. 30^th 1920: same June 6 1921 further reply and copy of letters sent to Mr McGuigan Feb 16^th 1919. Letter to Mr Dungey from Mr Sambell June 10^th 1921.Correspondence received: W. Lovie Snr, C. Kiernan. Carried. After lengthy discussion it was resolved, moved by Mr Dungey, 2^nd by Mr Lovie that this meeting approve of F. And H. Shire annexing F.I. as part of Eastern Riding vide resolution referred to in letter of Feb 1919. Carried unanimously. Mr Dungey proposed and Mr Kiernan seconded that this meeting resolve into an Executive Committee with power to add to its number. Carried.W. Lovie Senr, 2^nd A. E. Dungey moved that the Secretary write to Shire Secretary informing him that this meeting approve of their conditions re annexation to F. And H. Shire. Carried. Mr Dungey, 2^nd by Mr Cheeseman, that Country Roads Board Minister for Public Works be written to. Vote of thanks to Mr Dungey, moved hy Mr Lovie, seconded by Mr Cheeseman, carried with acclamation. Mr Dungey expressed his pleasure in being able to do something which would help in the progress of French Island.

Minutes of Committee Meeting on 18^th October 1921 at the residence of Mr Harrop. All members of the Committee were present. Minutes of previous meeting 30^th April 1921 read, confirmed. Messrs Wood and Ratford. Correspondence: Letter from Mr Downard, M.L.A. May 20^th.Report from Mr J. Ratford a delegate to the deputation to Ministry of Public Works re jetty 14^th May 1921, received by Messrs Harrop and Wood. Moved by Mr Harrop, 2^nd by Mr Wood, that the secretary be instructed to write to the Minister for Public Works to ask Mr Sambell and Mr Downard to arrange for a meeting with the Islanders in accordance with the decision made at the deputation on 13^th May 1921, regarding the request for the islanders to dismantle Long Point jetty and to convey material to Tankerton jetty.

Minutes of Annual Meeting held at Residence of Mr Wood, February 10^th 1922.Present Messrs Harrop, Wood, F. W. Broderick, E. Renwick, and Sisson. Minutes of Previous annual meeting confirmed. Wood, Renwick. Balance sheet showing credit of £5.8.6, audited by E. Renwick received, Wood and Harrop. Election of Office Bearers: Mr Wood moved, seconded by Mr Harrop that retiring office bearers be re-elected..............Mr E. Renwick. Also that a note of thanks be afforded the Secretary for his past services (carried).Moved by Mr Harrop, 2^nd by Mr Wood, that Sec be instructed to write to Hon. A. Downward seeking a deputation to Ministry for Public Works would be timely, asking that jetty extension be proceeded with. Write also to Hon. A. E. Chandler M.L.C. seeking his ideas in the matter. Also to write to Hon Sec. Of Fairhaven Association asking their co-operation in this and also protest of deprivation of telephone and telegraph junction at Stony Point. Minutes of Committee Meeting held at the residence of Mr Wood, April 13^th 1922.Present Messrs Harrop, Wood, Broderick, Renwick and Sisson. Minutes of previous meeting received and confirmed, Messrs Wood, 2nd Mr. Harrop. Correspondence: Dept. Public Works (Local Govt Branch)6^th March 1922......P.M.G. Dept. 27 Feb read and received..........Messrs Wood and Harrop.......Mr Wood the Secretary write to......again re jetty.Mr (?)...also to Mr Chandler re jetty....to...Mr Bruce M.H.R. re telephone and telegraph to Stony Point.

Minutes of Committee Meeting June 5 1922Minutes of meeting 13/4/22 read and confirmed. Moved by Mr Renwick, 2^nd by Mr Broderick. Correspondence received: Moved by Mr Wood, 2^nd by Mr Renwick: P.M.G.? 3^rd/15 May – D.P.W. 23^rd May. Hon. A. E. Chandler – 2^nd, 11^th, 23^rd May – Hon A. Downard 5^th, 22^nd May – Fairhaven P.A. 5^th June. Moved by Mr Wood, 2^nd by Mr Harrop that a public meeting be held at the hall 12^th June 1922 to discuss matters re mails and boat services and jetty extension. Moved by Mr Ratford that a canvas be made to South End residents to obtain funds to improve roads.

Minutes of Meeting held 6^th September 1922. Mr Ratford not present. Minutes of meeting 5^th June 1922 confirmed, Messrs Broderick and Wood. Correspondence from Mr Downward 22^nd Aug forwarding memo from Dept. Public Works and Hon. Minister for P.W. 16 June. Received and moved by Mr Wood, 2^nd by Mr Renwick. Petition. Moved by Mr Harrop, 2^nd by Mr Wood that......Tankerton jetty be prepared for signatures. Resignation of Secretary: [Moved] by Mr Harrop, 2^nd by Mr Wood that the resignation of the Hon. Sec. be accepted. There being only one nomination, that of the resigned secretary, he was duly elected, he having agreed to carry on until end of year. Meeting closed in due order.

Committee Meeting held at the Residence of Mr Wood 6^th December 1922.There were present Mr Harrop (presiding), Messrs Wood, Broderick and Sisson. Minutes of Meeting 6^th September read and confirmed on the motion of Messrs Wood and Broderick. Correspondence from Messrs Downward and Chandler, W. H. Renwick, Country Roads Board and Westernport Progress Association read and received on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Wood. Appreciation: Moved by Mr Harrop, 2^nd by Mr Wood that there be recorded on the minutes our appreciation of Mr W. H. Renwick’s efforts on behalf of the residents, in the recent deputation to the Minister for Public Works re Tankerton jetty. Carried. Secretary advised to write to Chief Engineer for Ports and Harbours re dangerous state of Long Point jetty by leaving the dog spikes protecting decking on remaining planks. Also write in reply to ‘Westernport’, I have suggestion of advertising Westernport, asking their proposed schedule and how costs to be divided. Annual meeting, decided to be held on Jan 4^th 1923 at Mr Wood’s.

Annual Meeting held at the residence of Mr Wood, 5^th February 1923.Present: Mr Harrop Pres., Mr Wood, vice president, Mr. F. W. Broderick, treasurer, E. W. Sissons, secretary. Messrs Wood and Harrop moved that office bearers be re-elected for the ensuing year. Carried. Balance sheet showing credit of £6-6-0 adopted on the motion of Messrs Harrop and Broderick.

Committee meeting held 5.2.1923 at Mr Wood’s residence. That minutes of meeting 6.12.22 be confirmed, moved by Messrs Wood and Broderick. Correspondence from Secretary W’port P.A. Jan 15^th 1923, and Ports and Harbours 12.12.22.Messrs Harrop and Broderick moved that secretary for the P.A. be informed that we are glad to note the progress move and the effort to advertise Westernport. We are fully in sympathy and willing to fall in with plan determined so far as able. Carried. In appreciation: It was resolved on the motion by Messrs Harrop and Wood to place on the minutes the fact that Mr Thomas’s petition to urge the extension of Tankerton jetty had been presented, and we record our appreciation thereof. That Mr J. W. Thomas be written to informing him of our efforts in the past for Roads, Sheds, and extension to jetty. That we appreciated the recent petition, the result of which we awaited anxiously, in view of a resolution to approach Country Members of House to support a petition to go forward at an early date – also to draw Mr Thomas’s attention to our Progress Association and our desire for his membership. Meeting adjourned.

(Signed) G. T. Harrop 25/5/23

Minutes of meeting at hall 21 Feb 1924.Object of meeting – to form a Progress Assoc. To represent whole of French Island. Minutes of meeting 21^st Jan ’24 read and confirmed – R. H. Bennetts, E. Wood. Correspondence: Secretary F. And H. Shire, Mr Downward, read and discussed. Business: That a progress Assoc. be formed to represent the whole of French island, moved by Messrs R. McGuigan and R. H. Bennetts. Carried. The association to be called the French Island Progress Association. Messrs R. H. Bennetts, and seconded by E. Wood. Carried. Number: That 7 members comprise Committee – 5 to form quorum. Committee: F. W. Broderick seconded by E. Wood, carried by 11 votes to 9, that committee be elected, and they to choose the office bearers, moved by Messrs Davon and McGuigan. Carried. Messrs Renwick and McGuigan appointed scrutineers. Committee to be elected: Messrs R. McGuigan, R. H. Bennetts, E. Wood, P. Davon, E. Sisson, A. E. Bennetts and Mr Harrop. Subscriptions: That annual subscription be 2/6, moved by Messrs Wood and de Arth, carried 10 votes to 8.Present at meeting: Messrs Harrop, McGuigan, R. H. Bennetts, A. E. Bennetts, E. Bennetts, Wood (2), de Arth, Renwick, L. McGuigan, J. E. Thompson, E. Sisson, R. Wilkinson, Tom Whyatt, R. Ross, J. King, J. Ratford, F. W. Broderick, W. North, P. Davon, W. Duscher.

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