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Newspaper
Cairns Post
Location
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Date
Dec 30, 1943
Page
4
Brisbane braces for holiday crowds with few meals available as dining rooms close or limit service. Reports warn travelers may face rationing and delays while shortages and rising fear grip the city, with prices and supplies tightening before a drought.
Poultrymen shut off supplies to protest the Bris bane market price and win a partial victory. Prices of hens were fixed at 1d a bird, provoking a united vow not to sell at that level. After meetings they pledged to withhold one day's worth of trade, claiming the move would help farmers. The public markets faced criticism as bird supply dropped. The Price Commissioner announced an external audit to restore normalcy. Farmers vow to pursue further action as they remain vexed by the pricing outcome.
The profiteering section hauls offenders into action with stiff fines as price regulation violations trigger renewed enforcement. Readers note levelling prices, shortages, and sour milk while a call for a central city swimming pool grows after a deadly river disaster.
London December 27 reports indicate a lull in air activity over Bentate and Germany through the Christmas period. The Ministry of Home Security notes enemy activity over Britain last night.
Brisbane December 2 market notes show lucerne chaff sold at Roma street at 11/3 to 8/3 with one line of eaten chaff passing in at 8/-. A single line of lucerne hay forward at 7/ refused. Four lots of pumpkin sold at 4/6 to 4/3, others passed in at 4/9 to 3/-.
A joint Admiralty and Air Ministry communique reports Royal Navy ships in cooperation with Coastal Command aircraft sinking three German destroyers and damaging another in the Bay of Biscay. Coastal Command planes damaged and set ablaze a German coastal vessel off Norway, with other vessels hit. A Canadian aircraft shot down a German flying boat and likely struck a merchant vessel. RAF Mosquitoes conducted raids over northern Germany with no loss reported.
In loving memory of our dear wife and mother Margaret May who died December 30, 1941. A line from her photo recalls her silver hair as a darling mother. Inserted by her husband Frank, daughter Peg and sons Frank and Joe, formerly of Quingil, now of Brisbane.
The Calres Post states it will not be published on New Year's Day. The newspaper relies on the Australian Associated Press for overseas news in this issue.
German radio claims British Commandos landed on Sark in the Channel Islands with a previous raid three days earlier. there is no British confirmation and many small operations of this kind are not officially notified.
The Federal Chamber of Auto motive Industries leads a coordinated postwar reconstruction plan for Australia’s motor trade. Industry leaders call for lifting restrictive legislation, free enterprise policies, and renewed manufacturing capacity. Emphasis is on absorbing wartime workers, transferring services vehicles to civilians, and coordinating with Britain and North America on disposal of surplus vehicles.
A Yugoslav Army of Liberation communique from London on December 28 reports German forces retreating from the Croatian province of Banate while heavy fighting persists in Bosnia. The statement notes strong enemy reinforcements and ongoing operations against garrisons in all sectors.
The Australian reports from London that Major-General Syd ney Fairbairn Rowell, currently in the Middle East, has been sent to the British War Office to take up the post of Director of Technical Investigation and will oversee important work in that role.
Cairns Post Office and Telegraph Office alter New Year arrangements. Saturday January 1 open 9 to 10 am for post and telegraph business excluding money orders. mails close at 10 am. postmen deliver. Monday January 3 observed as New Year’s Day. office opens 9 to 10 am. no postman deliveries. telegraph service after closing requires one hour detention filing before close.
A London journal excerpt reflects on social and economic change in England from 1837 to 1937. It notes rising farm wages from 7 to 35 shillings weekly, better bread and clothing, warmer homes, improved furniture, and greater mobility and education. The piece links these gains to wider democratic reforms and expanded opportunities for movement and travel.
Herbert Williams, formerly Windsor Labour member in the State Parliament, died at his residence Albion today. He entered Parliament in 1835 and was defeated in 184[?]. Williams headed the poll in a recent Labour Party by election for Windsor five years ahead of the new year.
Canadian officer lauds Australian signalmen for maintaining continuous contact along ranges. Janes Cumming notes the trials faced by signal lines, praising their ingenuity and endurance as men left civilization to keep signals passing.
Sydney report notes the Commonwealth Food Executive believes federal action, in collaboration with government, could relieve states' food problems. The executive rejected further actions, hearing Mr Murphy's Townsville inquiry. Senator Keane and Mr Tonkin attended as meat rationing plans were finalized.
Brisbane reports the Deputy Director of Rationing announces that identity cards need not be produced for a special issue of extra coupons to workers during heavy clothing shortages. Applications will be filed via onion secretaries or employers using form 1039, with checks against duplication still maintained.
The Commonwealth Potato Controller Mr A Foster notes prolonged rain in key potato growing areas has delayed digging. With large quantities needed by fighting services and civilians, he appeals to growers to forward as much as possible this week and next to meet demand.
Labour Agent Cairns reports official notice that Monday January 3 will be New Year’s Day, making Saturday January 1 an ordinary working day. Innisfail trustee changes announced replacing Eric Melville Trower with John William Horsford for racecourse, gaol ground and recreation duties.
Five per cent discount on half year rates ending December 31 1943 is available if paid by Tuesday January 4 1944. All amounts required by the ratepayer must be paid. Cairns bakers observe Monday as a holiday with no baking today or on Monday. bread will be baked on Saturday.
The Innisfail ferry now operates on the Johnstone River providing access to Innisfail Estate and Flying Fish Point. Overseer G. Scott of the Johnstone Shire Council says the service is working satisfactorily.
The mayor announced the city’s water system returned to normal after heavy rains filled both reservoirs. Flow at the intake is normal, reservoir levels are full, and delivery service is resumed with an overflow noted.
Innisfail Court of Petty Sessions heard that aboriginal defendants were charged with drunkenness on several occasions. The names smeared on the charge sheets were not disclosed. Police investigations continue to identify the source of supply and those responsible.
A note on calendars in formal times when businesses issued calendars for advertising. Paper restrictions reduced supply, making calendars scarce. The Cairns Post publishes a calendar on page six, suggested as a practical alternative when cut and mounted on stiff paper.
Eric John Stein, a soldier, pleaded guilty before Mr. E. L. Moore to stealing a bicycle. The court noted the defendant admitted taking the bike. He was convicted and fined 25 shillings or imprisonment for one month with hard labor as penalty.
Testimony details locking up escapees at Warwick Camp. Officers Cardigan Cowell and Barry clash over revolvers and alleged mistreatment. Sentries Strohfeldt Jackson Fury describe cell punishments and thumping noises as recapture follows adjournment to tomorrow.
Sydney report says seven ships are held at Australian ports and overall shipping position is unchanged and satisfactory at this Christmas of the war. Beasley notes four ships manned by naval ratings due to seamen sent home or sick. denies plans to withdraw 50 percent war risk bonus and aims to improve crews quarters and amenities on coastal trading ships.
A violent NSW tornado tore through timber with a 300 yard wide path, destroying two houses and injuring ten people. Survivors faced a hailstorm as debris covered the area. Five miles of main telephone lines between Du and Gloucester were destroyed, and dispatches to Sydney and other towns were cut off while repair crews worked to restore service.
Officers and men of the 18th Australian Infantry Brigade will march through Sydney streets in jungle green uniforms. The 6th Brigade, largely first enlistment veterans, is famed for Libyan, Greek, Crete, Syria campaigns and earned new battle honours in New Guinea during the war.
Lieutenant James George McLennan faced a second trial before General Court-martial on seven charges of making false statements about his unit’s strength in ordering supplies from the Canteen Services. The previous finding was not upheld, and McLennan admitted including civilian Ip staff in his returns while claiming canteens knew the numbers.
Brisbane reports a record 398 divorces in southern Queensland for the year, up 100 from last year, with war stress seen as a factor. The Central Criminal Court also sentenced bigamists this year, surpassing last year’s total of one, amid possible increases from compulsory registration and inquiries before allotment payments. One case showed bigamy dating back 15 years.
Kenneth Slessor reports from Boxing Day aboard an Australian destroyer as Allied and American ships shell the Cape Gloucester coast with 130 tons of explosive. The first assault craft reach the beach ashore without opposition after six o'clock, while wreckage of a Japanese destroyer marks the approach. The fleet then withdraws in anti aircraft formation with cruisers screened by destroyers.
The Times Washington correspondent reports Russia received more Lend-Lease aid than any other nation. Through Oct 31 America sent 2,000 planes 2,500 tanks 130,000 sub machine guns 150,000 trucks 25,000 jeeps along with metals and petroleum products. Total value 2.55 billion dollars about 27 percent of all UN lend-lease.
President Roosevelt announced at a press briefing that Lieutenant General Jacob Devers will command American forces in the Mediterranean theater and serve as Supreme Commander in that area. Major General James Doolittle leads the Eighth Air Force based in Britain.
Admirer Nimitz announces Liberators dropped 3 tons of bombs on Wotje on December 30. Zeros intercepted, two Liberators shot down. December 14 Ventura attack on ship near Jaluit shows enemy air reinforcements in anticipation of an American invasion from the Gilberts.
December 29 report from Beia Bana notes Brisbane Gaol received cabbages bought by the Federal Department of Commerce and Agriculture. Prison officials claimed the crops were for feed or accommodation after being queried about charitable status. The gaol reportedly kept its share of the cabbages.
The court heard that civilian and unit personnel were counted as purchasers by an Army canteen officer. He claimed a larger strength at Cairns, saying he anticipated supernumeraries and had arranged for their arrival. The court then retired to consider its verdict.
Brisbane report states a new Army order grants certain World War I ALF veterans permission to wear the brass letter A on regimental colour patches. The symbol marks service at Gallipoli and on Lemnos Imbros and Tenedos or in ALF lines of communication in Egypt.
General Nathaniel Baker will command the Fifteenth Air Force in the Mediterranean theater. He urged focus on winning the war and warned that economic isolationism offers no advantage over military isolationism as victory approaches.
New York Times correspondent says technical advisers estimate 85 000 to 100 000 tons of foodstuffs must be shipped to Italy within eight months to feed 9 to 13 million people with a minimal diet. Rome's fall could add 1 590 000 to those in Allied rations, potentially up to 27 million for a full liberation.
Sydney reports a new order to overcome crew shortages for cargo ships. It bars anyone not serving on the articles between December 22 and December 30 1943 from employment unless they have 125 days of service since June 30 1943. The rule exempts seamen ashore for accident sickness leave or other just cause. The Commission notes remaining seafarers ashore when needed at sea.
At the December meeting the Works Committee reported a letter from the Innisfail District Land Office noting a road between Japoon parcels and other parcels used for cane growing. Two listed owners planned temporary closure and the council advised awaiting applications. The committee recommended a halt reply to protect access, and the recommendation was adopted.
The rise in overall air activity came as Bomber Command nearly doubled its sorties while German night fighter strength on the western front also increased, signaling intensified Allied bombing and Axis defense.
Admiral Halsey’s HQ says Dauntless and Avengers attacked Kieta in 45 minute intervals Sunday dropping five bombs over the day. Fourty small stores and sheds were destroyed with no enemy anti airfire. Kieta serves as a barge staging depot as Japanese retreat northward from Bougainville.
Private address Ballybeggan Tralee Ireland is named for Stephen Kelliher who, under heavy fire at a forward post 50 yards away, charged the position and silenced it with grenades. He rescued a wounded section leader and enabled the advance, saving lives and contributing to the capture of a strong enemy position. Curtis praised his heroism as emblematic of Allied fighting forces.
December 29 dispatch reports Allied forces, including Eighth Army units, pushing inland along the Adriatic coast after clearing German defenders at Ortona. Indian troops score gains, French Moroccan units seize advances with the Fifth Army, while Allied air power targets Rome area airfields amid heavy weather and ongoing bombardments.
London reports from December 18 that there were no large moves on the Eighth or Fifth Army fronts in Italy. Canadian troops, with Indian forces, advanced in Ortona and took more prisoners while French and Moroccan troops pressed an important high point. Americans captured two more features on Monte San Marco, and medium bombers hit rail targets near Genoa and Zocelli with better weather aiding air activity. The Berlin radio claims the Germans evacuated Ortona last night.
Reports from the Eighth Army describe the fall of Ortona as imminent and suggest a substantial German withdrawal on the coastal sector. Fires burn at Tollo as German strong points form in basements. rain drenches the front while Cassino prepares for a new attack and floods along the Gariglione ease.
Times Algiers reports German Sixth Army division identified near Eighth Army line as Tunisia losses loom. Algiers radio says Marshal Kesselring orders coastal central and northern Italy residents to move inland within 24 hours, allowing minimal belongings.
New York December 21 Tokio radio reports Imperial Headquarters announced the successful termination of the Changteh campaign, indicating a decisive military action concluded.
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