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Newspaper
Cairns Post
Location
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Date
Jan 02, 1941
Page
5
Brisbane reports 496 prisoners from seven sunken raider ships landed at an Australian port. The group includes 70 women and seven children, rescued by Royal Australian Navy ships and a Flying Boat after being marooned on Emirau Island north of Cairns.
Minister for the Navy Mr Hughes announced in Australia that survivors from the Turakina were landed after being imprisoned on a raider for months. He confirmed Dec 21 as their landing date and said crews faced heavy engagements, with 23 prisoners still aboard the raider and several ships sunk or captured during raids near Nauru.
The Domei agency notes Germany reports Mr Hughes denied claims the raider that shelled Nauru hoisted the German flag before bombardment. Germany asserts Hughes should refute reports attributed to Allied propaganda that the raider flew a friendly nation's flag.
A ministry survey notes Britain’s military machine prepared for any purpose. It states the service has withstood greatest strains and is now equipped and tuned for immediate use.
Amonsted Press observes wartime calls to continue the war and defend Jewish capital with resolve. Marshal Goring commends air force defences in home and occupied territories and notes enemy incursions have failed to achieve military gains.
The text reflects a rallying wartime message stressing massive support for Allied forces, promising strong resistance against England and highlighting the exhaustible armaments industry behind the effort. It frames naval power and industrial workers as key to sustaining the fight.
The Australian Ambassador in Tokio received an official statement on the raider that shelled Nauru last week. The vessel named Mango Maru showed Japanese flags and Nazi symbols, with gun ports covered during action and no name signaled by Morse lamp. Frederick Stewart, minister for external affairs, notes the ship carried Nazi flags and defaced Japanese ensigns.
Sydney January 1. A. N. Lonsick reports Emirau is about five square miles with one plantation run by Carpenter and Co. The former Wilde property has a private homestead with electric power. No inland water other than tanks. a native village lies five miles away near the landing point. Access is by gap in a coral reef. only small boats can enter lagoons. No station on island. best link is native canoes to Lavonesi then boat to Kavieng for radio.
Berlin reports a New Year address by Hitler to the Nazi Party vowing to press the war until the criminals responsible are removed with promises of ten bombs for each, and Goering proclaims the army armed with the world's best arms and a drive toward final victory.
Judge Drake-Brockman refused to sign an order for a 10 percent wage rise for coal miners amid threats of a production halt in an essential industry. He condemned stop-work actions as folly and urged workers and officials to seek a settlement. The Victorian Railways Commissioners likewise declined to sign the proposed contract-rate increase, with a date for the court’s decision to be fixed.
Survivors of a German raider attack recount their ordeal near Nauru aboard the Komata. A second ship disguised as a Japanese tramp approached in mist, prompting warnings and a wireless message to stop. A wounded survivor recalls being aboard a hospital cot as the ship sank.
The report states no early shortage of superphosphate in Australia or New Zealand despite the expected aging of Nauru or threats from the German raider. It notes ample stockpiles and alternative sources, with a potential use of lighters at Nauru if loading gear damage proves irreparable.
Fragmentary report suggests Seamen's Union officials given instructions amid controversy over ship crews and possible theft accusations. Details are unreadable, with numerous garbled terms and missing context.
Washington reacts to Roosevelt speech as supporters praise a broader lend lease program including raw materials and munitions. Officials in London and Ottawa view it as a turning point while Axis outlets interpret the move as escalating intervention. Some critics question legality and enterprise of such transfers pending congressional action.
Western desert activity intensifies as British naval guns bombard Bardia. Italian defenses struggle to reply as Allied tanks and air support push beyond outer town defenses. British armoured patrols penetrate inside the Libyan frontier with increasing operations.
New York dispatch notes Berlin papers have not mentioned President Roosevelt's planned address. D.N.B. coverage highlights heavy criticism and claims the speech will be branded aggressive and an appeal to base instincts.
Fragmented text describes onlookers and a crew stepping from a scene. The garbled lines lack clear names places or dates to confirm a full event. The readable parts indicate a public gathering or incident with witnesses.
British patrols moved within a few miles of Tobruk, forcing Italian columns to retreat in surprise. An army spokesman said Marahal Graxiani's Libyan army group was now captured, killed, or immobilized.
Budapest reports Hungary has begun calling up thousands of troops with total mobilisation planned by January 15. German troop flow along the Hungo Romanian railways reaches full capacity. Romanian decree sets daily air raid rehearsals at 9 am and 10 pm. Russian activity resumes along highways from Lwow to the Slovak frontier.
Belgrade reports that on December 31 the Ministry of the Interior issued a decree dissolving trade unions and prohibiting any further activities. The move caps organizational activity and signals a government crackdown.
Reports reaching Belgrade from travelers on the Romanian frontier indicate German forces are digging trenches and building fortifications about 15 miles from the frontier. Unconfirmed accounts place German artillery opposite Prahove and claim 100,000 to 370,000 troops have arrived since December with about seventy trains daily moving men and supplies across Hungary to Romania.
A man’s body was found today among mangrove roots at Bribie Island by sshermen. He had been summoned for jury service at Re Sapae Court on September 30 and was last seen leaving the Koopa steamer at Bribie Island the next day. The search focused on combing the series to Brawls work. Government Printing Office workers gave up leave to assist.
In London shelters thousands marked New Year with improvised dances and Auld Lang Syne as Big Ben boomed midnight. Amid limited enemy activity, bombs damaged houses and an arms factory was reportedly struck. several injuries noted.
Britain's response to the Nazi raid on London dominates reports as Winston Churchill and Mrs. Churchill tour the devastated city. He declares peace will come after victory, while the attack sparks anger worldwide. Incendiaries hit East Anglia and central London, damaging churches, the Guildhall, and historic sites, with heroic fire crews battling the blazes.
Report notes women did not play heroic part in extinguishing Sunday night flames in London. Women ambulance drivers aided in taking the injured to fire stations and later to hospitals. London reef watchers proved valuable as patrols and responders aided the emergency efforts.
London message cites Air Ministry figures that 2080 German war planes were shot down by fighters and anti aircraft defenses during 1940. RAF losses totaled 1090 planes in 1947 with 400 pilots saved.
A high Air Force official in London says British air strength is considerably stronger than when German invasion plans were broken up last September. All losses have been recovered and reserve aircraft increased. No German air activity reported over the provinces by late evening, the lull attributed to bad weather.
In a broadcast from London December 31 Minister Herbert Morrison urged households and small shopkeepers to join neighbours and form civil defence groups. He announced plans to create a civil home guard to deter Nazi incendiaries, guard their areas, and support fire brigades. No enemy action has been reported since dusk.
December 3 report states the Strait Settlements and Voederstad States will raise contributions to the Imperial Exchequer for ten of the war period as draft Bills tie into the Legislative and other measures. The wording is fragmentary but indicates broader funding moves within the colonial governance framework.
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