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Newspaper
Ashburton Guardian
Location
Ashburton, Canterbury, New Zealand
Date
Dec 12, 1916
Page
5
A Dunedin meeting of master bakers planned a bread price rise to 4d a 4lb loaf by Wednesday and urged government action to fix wheat flour and bread prices. Baker firms also announced bread will cost 4d per 4b loaf from today and no Christmas presents will be given this winter.
Peter Virtue of Northern Milling in Auckland sends a telegram to Premier MacDonald on the flour and liquor duties. He argues against immediate removal of flour duty, noting protection for wheat and flour, while criticizing the Board of Trade for lacking inquiry and urging domestic production to support the war effort. He contrasts with Lloyd George's push to boost home grown food.
The Hon. W. D. MacDonald replies to Peter on remission of flour duty. He notes cabinet responsibility and a three month wheat supply, with a Christchurch conference to encourage wheat growing. Virtue argues market prices and milling capacity shape trade, urging fixed wartime prices and cautious competition.
In Wellington the body of an elderly man identified as Thomas Kerr, a former patient of Porirua Mental Hospital, was found in Oriental Bay. An inquest returned death by self harm for Kerr pending stomach contents analysis. the coroner postponed a verdict on another death. In Christchurch Mr Ales Southcombe, bottling foreman at Manning’s Brewery, lost his right foot in a belt accident and underwent knee amputation. his condition was described as satisfactory.
London reports an Army order aims to prohibit speculation by wrapping wool purchases and sales in contracts. Bradford is steadier but quiet as buyers await London sales. The first government condition prevents wool direct from growers from being offered before Christmas, affecting about half the quantity. Post Christmas plans remain uncertain and a second-half scramble could follow.
A modest Ashburton yards sale saw about 300 fewer sheep than prior week as 1118 head were listed. Shorn and woolly ewes and wethers reached top prices with Greenstreet’s W. Gilmour, Winchmore’s T Stevens, and G Miller of Dromore among bidders. Store sheep and cattle entries varied, with several fat cows and steers selling at strong, full market rates.
The Wellington Military Service Board sat in Masterton and heard six appeals. Father Guinane was granted exemption for religious reasons and occupation. Walter Smith a painter was called up on February 27. Frederick Dorset and John William Colquhoun cases were adjourned or deferred. George Tinley’s appeal was adjourned to tomorrow. William Allen’s appeal for undue hardship was dismissed amid testimony of shared wartime duties and financial concerns.
A report notes the Second Division of the Yioserve was unlikely to be called up for another ten months. The statement references Jaye Alten and discusses the timing of a military draft or mobilization in vague terms.
William D L Hooper was fined £50 at the Police Court for affixing a used postage stamp to a postal packet. In cross-examination he admitted a prior 1914 charge of dealing in official stamps, for which he was acquitted.
Robert Semple appeared at the Magistrate's Court on four counts of making seditious utterances. The Crown sought remand to Friday, the defense asked for bail, but the magistrate refused bail citing risk of further mischief and granted an adjournment to Friday.
Chief Justice upholds regulation as valid and dismisses Henry Bodly appeal of W G Riddell decision convicting sale of milk not meeting required quality standards. Bodly loses challenge to the regulation and the ruling.
Wellington December 12 Hospital Progress Report lists numerous soldiers with status notes. The list includes Sergt G E Groome and Gunner A B Grondin among others reported seriously or severely ill, with many others progressing satisfactorily. Also named are Sapper W J Killen Private T Reynolds and Trooper J Allcock among many listed personnel.
The article reports dull night weather with later misty rain and cooler calm day conditions. It cites a government forecast predicting variable to moderate wind, humid air, overcast skies, and misty intervals with uncertain temperature trends.
A French communique reports intense cannonade south of the Somme. Two German aeroplanes were downed at Verdun and two in Champagne. French air forces bombed cantonments and a munition dump north of Verdun, with fires and powerful explosions observed.
Paris reports that after the Chamber approves the new cabinet the High Command will be reorganised. The cabinet will include ministers of Foreign Affairs, Interior, Sunctions, and Food with Briand dissolving old administrative bodies and granting full powers to cabinet members.
London dispatch reports Prime Minister ill with a severe chill and confined indoors. Bonar Law to move the House of Commons adjournment to December 14, as the government commits to a vigorous war effort and seeks continued support for that aim.
Nine English Liberal Federations met in London and passed resolutions of confidence in Mr Asquith as Leader and pledged government support for the war. The Eastern Counties Federation voiced disgust at malign campaign rhetoric. Resolutions stress that Liberal Party funds remain under Asquithite control.
A London dispatch reports Russian and German communiques on the Roumanian front. The Russians say Roumanians repelled a push along the Hiss Road from Ploesti to Dizon and countered to restore positions. Enemies resist in Valeut and Trotua Valley amid deep snow and frost as German lines attack in Carpathians near Trotus Pass. heavy rain and damaged bridges cited.
A Central News Agency dispatch states that early steps in food control will seize full control of the liquor trade, including prohibition of spirits and restrictions on beer, with limits on quality and quantity.
The Glasgow committee of engineering and shipbuilding employers proposes forming a National Advisory Council of Industry under a Minister. It calls for measures to improve employer worker relations, promote payment by results, and boost productivity.
In New York on December 11 an extensive movement forms against Belgian deportations. Several resolutions condemn Germany's "crowning atrocity" and urge President Wilson to act, noting the Kaiser would grasp the message.
An Ovogaro telegram says General Wahle attacked Nyomings and Maulingals with full forces. British forces repelled them and pursued Wahle, killing 61 and taking 83 prisoners. Wahle surrendered with seven officers and 210 Agharis among others. Captain Marriott received the Military Cross.
The government in Melbourne has offered Britain half of Australia’s steel and iron output for munitions. The date is December 12 and the message was received at 8 45 am. It reflects wartime industrial support and collaboration with Britain.
The Telestaaf dispatch notes British aeroplanes penetrating Belgium and bombing Brussels military works. Railway traffic was impeded. Airships were not observed over Zeebrugge where they faced heavy fire.
Official note from London indicates the War Cabinet has met and will continue to meet weekly, resuming discussions on strategic wartime measures. Desember ll date reflected in the dispatch.
A Bulgarian communique says they captured the town of Kalarach and the left bank bridgehead opposite Cernavoda. They repelled attacks north-west of Monastir and the Cerna bend, and repulsed British attacks south of Seres.
President Wilson will not join any peace initiative designed to thwart his aims or compromise the United States by partisan interference, an authoritative statement declares.
Berlin interview with Marshal von Hindenburg reports Germany in a strong position yet not ready to seek peace. He hints at a large spring offensive on the Western front and notes German artillery lag on the Somme but argues Entente superiority is not decisive. He declines peace terms, urging the Entente to yield.
Telegram from Petrograd dated December notes German reinforcements. To pursue the Roumanian campaign the Germans pulled 15 divisions from the Western front and one from Macedonia. Mackensen and von Posenhayn commanded about 21 to 30 army corps.
Wireless message intercepted from Athens reports French destroyers in the Gulf of Carinth, mass meetings demand the dethronement of King Constantine and a likely Allied demand for demobilisation control of post and telegraph services and Venizelist releases. The exodus from Athens continues as the situation unfolds.
A Belgian conference of provincial councils refused General von Bissing's demand to raise the monthly levy from 10,000,000 francs to 50,000,000 francs. The note was received from Havre on December 11 and dated December 22, 1.40 p.m.
The Greek Consul has resigned amid recent events in Athens. A separate dispatch from Melbourne reports a revised oil consumption estimate ranging from 410 000 to 50 000 tons, noting a broad range around expected usage.
A Serb communiqué dated December reports violent local infantry actions and states a fairly large number of prisoners were taken.
Report notes Reichstag members summoned on December 12 amid German moves believed to declare wartime aims. Observers suspect Dr Hollwex plans to frame the Allies as responsible for the conflict and to pressure neutrals. A secret conference of federal states is mentioned as occurring Wednesday.
Sydney reports Guerze Wilson a Tamworth uscipecs member is remanded on a murder charge. The case concerns Georgi Pappigeorgi's death on April 5 while Wilson served a six year sentence for prior offenses.
Melbourne reports the Union of Factory engine drivers warns that if wage increases and shorter hours are not conceded by Monday, a nationwide strike will be ordered.
Our Douglas Watg reports that in retaliation for enemy activity behind the front north of the Ancre, heavy bombardment targeted points behind the lines. There has been substantial reciprocal trench mortar and artillery fire in the salient and in the Loos and Hui luch sectors.
Paris reports that south east of the Butte de Mesnil the enemy exploded mines and vainly attempted to take possession at the orators.
Wellington dispatch notes winter conditions with little fighting, occasional trench raids, and patrols neutralizing sentries. Rainwaterlogged enemy trenches were found, and troops received morale boosts from concerts, lectures, hand performances, and football contests as training continues.
In London on December 11 Military Crosses were awarded to New Zealanders Captain William Johnson and Captain Norman Prior. Captain Prior led a dash over the parapet to organize wounded under heavy fire. The Rev Richards and Lieutenants Avery Bongard Galloway Hargest and Wawson also received the Military Cross. Distinguished Conduct Medals were given to Sergeant-Major Riddell Corporal Scarfe Private Bar A Smith and Gunner Syme who was pinned by debris in a burning gun pit.
A Daily Telegraph report from Milan details the Roumanian Craova division's gallant last stand. Hemmed in for four weeks after Craiova fell, the unit fought south to the Danube then eastward breaking through enemy lines, crossing the Wiul river to reach the Ak mouth 100 miles from its start. Outnumbered and without supplies, they finally surrendered.
The Times correspondent reports that all wells refineries oil tanks and installations in the Prahova Valley were destroyed so completely that oil production will be impossible. Large benzine depots were burned and many residents in Bucharest expect the German occupation to be short.
Daily Chronicle correspondent Martin Donohoe reports Roumanian pro German politicians behind the enemy seek Ferdinand's deposition and the restoration of his elder brother Wilhelm, who renounced succession in 1885.
Athens announces improved conditions with diplomats reserved and a cordial audience between the King and Sir BP. Elliott and Dowidos deny hostile aims and propose withdrawing military advisers from Thessaly while preserving the Isthmus and focusing on repairing the Cioth canal and Thalesis bridge.
Alarming reports from Piraeus claim a major Greek military concentration in Athens and Lavrion with suspected talks between Allied Ministers and King Constantine. It is understood the Allies are prepared to present an ultimatum and that allied subjects may evacuate from Firdeus.
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