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Newspaper
Cairns Post
Location
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Date
Feb 25, 1944
Page
4
In Canberra on February 24 Sir Earle Page urged immediate reform of the Commonwealth food control system to end transport and regulation bottlenecks hampering dairy, meat and vegetables. He criticized Ministry duplication and urged a unified approach to boost wartime food production for Britain and Australia.
The Tokico Metal radio reports the Filipino National Assembly granted President Joe Laurel sweeping powers to maintain authority and take measures deemed necessary for the safety and protection of the population.
Svenska Dagbladet reports Helsinki correspondent on February 23 the Finnish Peace Affair Committee heard a Foreign Minister Ramsay report. Return of Pasikivi heightens prospects for peace and creates expectancy in the capital.
A February report from Somor states South Asia forces have wrested initiative from Japanese troops in Arakan and push the enemy from their strong points. In Hukawne Valley Chinese units reportedly moved to the area, while NCOs and other troops continue operations against Japanese forces.
In Chungking on February 25, Hiraite approved the establishment of special headquarters for Formosan troops. The Formosan Governor Admiral Kiyoshi Ravegaway is named Commander-In-Chief to oversee operations in the Basin of Formosa as a precaution against Allied action.
A special train will depart Brisbane at 4 8 pm tomorrow for Townsville, with mail train services cancelled tonight and Tuesday night. The Weather Bureau reports the Burdekin River at Home Bridge still rising slowly, causing travel disruption.
February 4 Canberra report says manpower could boost production immediately by V per cent, as Minister of Customs Senator Keane told the senate that it was not a question of shortage of nat pe added, outlining potential gains and current constraints.
A large crowd attended the Trocadero last night for a "Musical Cocktail" cabaret fundraiser organized by Mes WA Gibbs and the Australian Comforts Fund Cairns branch. The show featured Joan Teo doi, Jack Kildus, Mabel Bellingham, Mary Mills, Gwen Passmore, Sonny Eames, and more, with George Stone’s orchestra providing music and Ray Ducley backing Mrs Gibbs. Alan Bernard praised ACE and thanked WRANS and AWAS for buffet support. A booth license was granted for the Brown Hotel and trading hours were debated in court, with Charles King found to have kept his hotel open past hours.
Australian Associated Press dispatch notes overseas developments with brief summaries of political shifts, economic moves, and regional tensions. Read as a compact update on events abroad influencing markets and policy, including unnamed leaders, dates, and locations from the service.
Australia has advanced in making high precision scientific instruments during the war, reducing dependence on foreign supplies. Britain’s post-war instrument industry is poised to be a major asset, with allied support and escalating employment. Australian workers, many women, contribute to delicate manufacturing, aided by scientists, promising a future of peace-driven industrial and scientific growth.
Brisbane February 24 The Agriculture and Stock Department head Hu Barnes outlined proposals to organize vegetable production in Queensland. They include registration of all vegetable growers, division of the state into districts with a departmental officer in charge, and annual planting information from each grower to prevent oversupply. He noted 6868 of 73400 cases of tomatoes sold locally were condemned due to excess water after a wet season and urged better pre sale inspection.
Canberra reports Kenneth Slessor official war correspondent for the Australian Army tendered his resignation to the War Cabinet amid complaints over loss of accreditation and danger to continuing duty. Spender urged delaying civilian tribunal action. Curtin pledged to check any change in Slessor status without promising an inquiry.
Discussion on Allied air power and naval bombardment affecting Japanese defenses in the Pacific. Attacks on Marshalls, Carolines, and Mariannes, plus convoy losses near the Bismarck Archipelago, challenged Japanese resistance and risked embassments to forces in New Ireland, New Britain, and New Guinea.
In Cairns and Townsville court activity, Frederick Godfrey Benson faced a robbery charge tied to a January 21 incident, with Benson committed for sentence in April. The report also details Allied air and naval actions around Rabaul and New Guinea, noting Japanese fuel shortages, intensified bombing, and convoy attacks near Kavieng, plus a Pacific decoration consideration for Mitchells.
War updates from the South West Pacific report air strikes around Cape Gloucester Arawe and Selaru with Allied forces claiming advances and air superiority. Brisbane covers an Anzac Day observance schedule, local election candidacy Developments and weather related notices amid wartime disruptions. Prolonged outages and telegram delivery concerns in Cairns are noted with calls for applicants to join telegraph work as uniforms and logistics strain continue.
Canberra February 24 Labour liaison officer Mr R James warns grave consequences if the Federal Government fails to amend its cost control legislation as urged by the Miners Federation. He urges the Government to heed miners hints for alterations before the bill becomes law and notes upcoming meetings with miners’ leaders.
A Canberra note dated February 26 indicates a potential move to lift the ban on veal exports to avoid destroying young calves for food. The letter to the Meat Controller via Mr Tonkin and Earle Page mentions considering raising veal coupon rates to match beet.
Royal Commission of inquiry into production sale and distribution of trun and vegetables will leave for Sydney on Friday. Members will inspect consignments handling by the Committee of Direction of Prams and Vegetables in Sydney and observe marketing practices. The commission aims to return in four weeks to Serang harbour. Enemy barge traffic disrupted. over 1000 barges destroyed, 242 sunk in three weeks. A 1000 ton freighter was sunk northwest of Nubia. Allied air units bombed installations and ships, while ground forces mop up remnants. In Bougainville, barges damaged, jetty and pier destroyed at Pau plantation, Nibo River targets bombed and buildings strafed. Heavy and light units bombed Kars airfield.
Canberra reports the production executive of the Federal Cabinet accepted an inter departmental committee's findings on Queensland sugar industry's labour needs for the coming cutting season. The plan calls for 750 new workers soon to meet manpower requirements, many sourced from the army through permanent or temporary releases. Fertiliser supplies should be accelerated and shipped to Queensland as available.
Three negro privates Melvin J. Gibson Alvin Stewart and Jesse Dorsey faced a court martial in Brisbane February 23 charged with assault with intent to do bodily harm with a dangerous weapon after allegedly slashing a military policeman in a forbidden area. The officer required 200 stitches on his back and 43 on his face. All three were found guilty and dishonourably discharged.
Liquor worth £500 forfeited to the Crown after court action, including wine brandy and liqueurs. Sale planned to recover full wholesale value around £2,500 for Consolidated Revenue. Normally forfeited liquor goes to the Railway Department or its retreatment room.
The Brisbane Wholesale Potato Distributors Committee will seek legal guidance before presenting further evidence to the Royal Commission on fruit and vegetables. Mr V Macrossan of Macnish Macrossan and Dowling said some facts were undisclosed or misrepresented, while Mr Justice Philp, chairman, supported the committee and welcomed any resistance.
Mt Isa copper mine operations face an extension into March as Mt Ion Mines Ltd awaits a decision from the Federal Government on copper supply policy. The government has long debated copper imports, with considerations since last April amid a temporary African copper surplus affecting the market.
A bush fire near Pine Forest Adelaide and Strathalbyn area escalated into a major emergency incident. Fire crews battled flames that spread through scrub, driven by strong winds, threatening homes in Strathalbyn, Ashbourne, and Macclesfield. Two children ages eight and five were hospitalized after attempting to boil eggs with a tin in a dry creek. Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze, with thousands of hectares reported burned and containment ongoing.
Wellington reports the Governor-General Cyril Newall opening Parliament hints at a pay as you go taxation plan. Ministers study practical steps to spread tax payments over the year in which income is earned.
February 2 in Canberra the Minister for the Army Mr FB Forde told the House of Representatives that Army Authorities removed the letters ATF from crosses on soldiers graves in New Guinea and replaced them with AMF to avoid giving information to the enemy. The grave markers would later be restored to the original inscription.
Srinbane notes the board refused changes to cane price despite lower crushing rates. The chair with board support rejects automatic reductions, citing changed circumstances and insufficient evidence for variations. Both millers and growers bear losses. 1944 judgment to review outcomes.
February 2 report on Parliament approving a pay as you go tax plan. It would raise the top income tax to about 185 per pound plus eight and one third percent for three years to cover an alleged lag. Mr Fadden warned that the scheme may tax capital and exceed the Income Tax Act. Mr Chifley acknowledged a debate but offered no legal ruling on a year’s tax lag.
February 23 in Canberra the Senate will adjourn as Senator Brand discusses the Governments handling of the Repatriation Act last year. He criticizes delays affecting service members abroad and in Australian operational areas and urges a parliamentary committee to review pensioner anomalies under the act.
Aid. Russell R. Roberts, a busy Queensland public figure, visits Cairns and nearby districts. He holds roles in Brisbane Tramways, Electricity and Power House Committees, the Local Authorities' Association of Queensland, the Royal Queensland Aero Club, and chairs the Municipal Musical Advisory. He assists the Flying Doctor Service and the Smokes for Sick Soldiers Fund. He will address meetings at Babinda on February 25, Herberton on February 36, and Atherton on February 36, ahead of the April 18 state election.
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