Articles

Three boys from Cheltenham School were waiting at the railway crossing for a train to pass on the up line. They then proceeded to cross initially unaware that a special race train was approaching on the down line. Two boys reached the other side safely, but nine year old Harrie Long Mewett was struck by the steam engine. With horrific head injuries he died instantly. His body was buried in the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery. As a result of the tragedy, the Moorabbin Council petitioned the Railway Commissioner for a subway to allow individuals to move safely under the railway line. Because of disagreements regarding cost and its allocation between the two parties the request was dropped.