This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 43 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Cairns Post
Location
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Date
Jun 28, 1940
Page
7
Melbourne June 27 The Minister for Munitions announced a highly successful drive to raise 303 rifle ammunition production. In 18 months output increased tenfold with two new factories in Victoria and South Australia. Existing production is expected to double, reaching 20 times the level of 18 months ago.
Melbourne notes urge total mobilisation of manpower and resources to turn Australia into a productive wartime machine within months. Criticism is levelled at party politics blocking a united national front, while the prime minister’s plan to mobilise is viewed as correct though conscription is debated. Also covered are producer gas plans and a temporary suspension of Australia England air mail service to be replaced by a U.S. service, with higher rates noted but essential for empire communications.
Fragmented war era notice describes Lower Town Hall organizing volunteers for ALP and medical examinations, with focus on rapid mobilization and draft details amid broader World War I context and Australian defense production trends.
Brisbane on June 3 reports erratic potato deliveries at Roma Street with fair to good quality. Pumpkins sold best at 2/2 to 2/8, pumpkins samples mentioned. Lucerne hay sold at 5/8 to 5/3 with no eaten chaff noted. Maize deliveries were fairly heavy and three lines sold at 3/8.
Sydney market directions show a lower general trend with subdued turnover. Listed quotes include Anthony Hodern at 10/7, Australasian Paper at 33/, Colonial Sugar near £10/-, British Australasian Tobacco 40/, Broken Hill Pty 39/6, and Woolworths 13/5, among others.
Brisbane fat stock sales report shows a lively but mixed market. Cattle numbers around 2000 with prime bullocks and heifers selling firm at 30s to 32s, heavy cows around 30s, and light to medium ranges from 24s to 31s. Sheep totals about 12,000 with prime sheep in demand but prices easing. plain and medium ewes and lambs sold at lower bids.
Brisbane June 27 Mr T Dickson clerk of Parliament will resume duty on Monday with loss of pay for the two months he was absent. The inquiry into the Hamilton 1935 ballot papers was sent to the Premier who said Cabinet discussed part of it and other parts will be before Ministers next week. No action will be taken beyond Dickson returning to duty.
Melbourne June 27 Mrs Gladys Elizabeth Sanderson assistant to the Postmaster at Noojee has been awarded the medal of the Order of the British Empire by the King. He made a similar award to Mrs Hilda Sarah Constable postmistress at Meadows South Australia for outstanding devotion to duty in maintaining telephonic communication under difficulty and in the face of danger during bush fires early last year.
The Mourilyan mill of The Australian Sugar Company began crushing with the start of the season in the Innisfail district. Manager GR Blair reported a good start and adequate cane supply, but field conditions were harsh after 48 hours of fine weather. Heavy ground and soft trenches hindered cane trucks and capites, making work difficult for the cutters.
A cane cutter from Stephens Island suffered a stab wound to the right shin after an accidental cane knife cut at New Harbour. He received first aid from the ambulance crew and was taken to hospital, our informant reports.
Our Melbourne correspondent reports that Honorary Brigadier-General J. Cannan, formerly of Brisbane, has been appointed to command the Second Theisen of the Australian Military Forces, replacing Major General JG. Mackey who becomes officer commanding the Sixth Division of the AJP. Cannan was born in Townsville in 1982.
Twenty RAAF applicants on the ground staff reserve were enlisted for service at the Esplanade depot yesterday. They will depart for the south by mail tram this morning. The group represents the city Tableland and coastal towns. Corporal Drury, brought from a southern training school, will command the detachment.
A flying craft arrived from the south between 6:30 and 7:00 last night, circling the town several times to indicate a car was needed at the aerodrome. Fire brigade with searchlights aided operations as Superintendent A F L and Captain J Townaike proceeded. plane did not land and turned south toward Townsville, arriving there about 6 o'clock.
A short courtesy note from P Fe and AES P Fe bORARDON tod WR and MES G expresses heartfelt thanks to all friends for support after a recent bereavement. Special gratitude goes to Mossman Sergeant and Police, Bill Hope, Mr Hag Tibaldi, and to everyone sending telegrams and tributes.
In loving memory of a family member who departed this life with a cheerful smile and a kind heart. Inserted by his loving sons Al Harry Cecil Fred and Les, and only daughter Birdie and grandchildren.
A note states that all copyright and rights in Australia and New Zealand are reserved and that cable news in this issue carries the Times masthead only when permitted. It clarifies that any opinions expressed are not those of The Times unless expressly stated.
The article argues that urban population growth accelerates as rural areas shed labor and industry concentrates less in crowded cities. It stresses decentralised factories near regional markets, flexible machines, and economic regionalism as safeguards for a healthier social and economic order, noting sociologists favor dispersive urban-building trends.
The article argues decentralisation as a path to a happier society, urging political leaders to pursue long term, costly urban dispersal. It warns against old world industrial evils, notes risks from concentrated populations, and suggests that Australia and its states must prevent entrenched urban growth to sustain true democracy.
Alexander Buccleugh a 54 year old cook appeared before Mr R C Gremer P M in Cairns Police Court yesterday morning charged with being found drunk in a public place. He was fined ten pounds in default 48 hours. Ambulance centre at Cairns reported a quiet day with ten patient attendances from 7 30 am to 5 20 pm well below the usual 20 to 30 cases.
Persistent rain dampened Wednesday with steady downpours and inclement conditions. Registration data shows 24 hour totals reaching 325 points, while Mt Mulligan recorded 19 points after the previous dry spell. Cairns region stations logged 17 at Cairns, 15 at Redlynch, 16 at Yungaburra, 14 at Herberton, 32 at Ravenshoe, 22 at Gordonvale, and 179 at Babinda.
A meeting of citizens convened by Mayor Ald. W A Collins at the request of Deputy-Director of Recruiting ALF Lieutenant-Colonel David Denworth will be held in the Cairns Council Chambers at 8 p m on Friday July 5 to form a local ALF recruiting committee. Representatives of local bodies societies and other organisations and the general public are invited to attend.
Richard Blackburn, 56, labourer, was convicted at Cairns Police Court before Mr. R C Grenier P M for being found drunk in a public place and for wilfully destroying a waterproof cloak valued at 2 pounds 18 shillings 6 pence, owned by the Commissioner of Police. He was fined 3 pounds 18 shillings 6 pence, including 2 pounds 18 shillings 6 pence restitution, or 14 days in jail.
Forecast issued at 5 p.m. yesterday for the next 24 hours: clearing cloud and showers on the Downs and south coast, otherwise fine with scattered showers on the tropical coast mainly north of Townsville. Light frosts on the south east highlands and early morning mist or fog on the plains and south coast. Winds southeast to east, chiefly fresh along the tropical coast and Coral Sea. Brisbane correspondent.
The Third Starr Bowkett Society issued two £300 appropriations on a Wednesday with Mr G Owens presiding. A ballot marble numbered M8 was drawn for Mrs M J Bean of Edge Hill Cairns. A second £300 appropriation was auctioned, bought by a Gordonvale member for $5. Friday night will see two more £300 appropriations by ballot and Group 4 to ballot for £600 free of interest.
At a Cairns office meeting last week W Dupain announced Burns Philp staff were invited to participate in a directors initiated group scheme for buying War Certificates. The plan aims to bolster national financial support as the Empire seeks urgent aid from available sources.
A serious railway crash near Newton killed electric train driver William Stephen Joseph Hatch and left 18 passengers severely injured. Survivors include Mrs. Muriel Davies and her son John Davies, plus Ray Bennetts. Stationmaster Archibald Leonard O'Brien signalled a goods train to cross when a steel truck and wheat cargo derailed, causing two electric trains to collide. The line was blocked for hours while routes and buses were arranged, and a departmental inquiry will determine the cause.
Chief Justice of Queensland to be succeeded by Mr Justice Moarnet in Brisbane. Mr Neal William Macrossan is named a judge to fill the vacancy on the Supreme Court Bench, with a Senior Puisne Judge to be appointed later. Macrossan, born 27 April 1889 in Brisbane, is brother of the late Chief Justice and is a noted Brisbane barrister. He studied at Nudgee College, won Queensland exhibitions, Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, called to the Queensland bar in 1912, began practice in 1921, and married Elfleen Beirne.
In Sydney Divorce Court an unexplained Italian-born resident petitioned for an order summoning his Australian-born wife who left him in January 1938. Judge Halse reserved decision to review the husband’s status and whether the man could legally proceed given wartime national protections. The judge noted doubts about the man’s right to pursue the case.
Australian Associated Press reports in New York that the liner Washington sails on June 2 for Galway to pick up American refugees, followed later by the liner Man for Lisbon to evacuate others.
After 21 years as a council member Mr J P resigns the chairmanship of the Royal National Association council. Fen Demesecinion is appointed to act at the November annual meeting. Mr Bottomley cites private reasons and discord with the council, calls resignation a wrench, but praises his links and legacy. Mr Shaw pays tribute to Bottomley’s energy and role in the show’s progress.
June 27 report from BYDNEY quotes Minister Bruxner challenging Prime Minister Menzies over internment policies for enemy nationals. Bruxner cites state police as central to internment and asks three points on prior Nazi activity, wartime instructions, and delays in internments, urging safety first.
One man died of influenza at Prince of Wales Hospital as authorities report a mild disease. Military planners added 110 beds to the facility overnight to handle possible surges while about 46 new cases and a similar number recovering were recorded yesterday. No additional draftees will be sent to camp during the epidemic.
June 77 Brisbane toll table for Story Bridge released by Treasurer Mr F A Cooper. Pedestrians free. various vehicle classes priced from 6d to 1/6 or more, with rates for multiple passengers and larger loads. Concession tickets 27 for 10d and return fares 1d for same day travel offered to car drivers.
A garbled brief calls for renewed volunteer and material support to assist the war effort. It urges cooperation with government and allied partners to maximize productivity and resource allocation during the campaign.
The Federated Engine Drivers and Firemen’s Association warned of stop-work meetings in New South Wales and possibly other states if the Commonwealth Arbitration Court does not immediately deliver judgment on new awards. The drivers claim the court concluded the case five months ago with no decision, threatening to halt work that would idle thousands. The organizer, Mr H Sutherland, said drastic action would be avoided only if progress resumes and the group would protest to the Prime Minister over arbitration delays.
June reports from New York and Shanghai describe the Japanese cabinet facing possible early fall as extremists gain influence. Japanese pressure on Britain and France grows, with moves toward Indo China alarming Western Pacific communities. News from Chungking notes warplane strikes, desertions, and diplomatic arrivals as Japan accelerates border advances toward Mingking and Nanming, while Tokyo anticipates an East Asiatic Monroe Doctrine style declaration from the Foreign Office.
Tokyo reports Rear Admiral discussing disclosure of warship strength sent to Indo China to prevent war lies at Chungking. He notes tracks of Terpsaien planes found a large quantity en route from Indo China with supplies via Burma increasing. Britain urged to stop Burma Hong Kong supplies while forces including planes watch developments.
Brisbane reports the new sugar season begins next week with mills starting crushing and full operation by July. Flood damage and rain in some districts may reduce the crop. Estimated production about 530,000 tons.
Officials agreed on a scheme to transfer children aged six to eighteen to Australia, under state welfare supervision. If a child reaches working age before return to Britain, employment must meet minimum ward of state standards. The program aims to return children to British relatives after the war.
The Commonwealth Government proposed legislation to support state laws for guardianship and make the plan workable. A Britain based board will conduct selection and medical exams of children with an Australian House representative on one member. Allocations to states follow population, with departures requiring child welfare approval. Guardians and guardians in Australia may nominate children for placement, and homes must be offered to the state Children’s Welfare Department.
Minister of Health Mr E M Hanlon said Queensland can find care for 500 children if needed and that hundreds of applications restive in his department. He added children could be placed in church homes or institutions, prepared for emergencies and war, with the aim to keep youths young and healthy.
Reports of illness and deaths at the Puckapunyal ALF camp were denied. Lieut General Witham said facilities for treatment were satisfactory and the general staff would investigate and punish any who spread rumors.
Donations to Cairns Patriotic Fund and Gordonsvale District fund total £1017 16s toward the Cairns Gymnasium. List includes many local names with various small sums and dates, noting half proceeds from a patriotic race meeting and fortnightly collections. Donations may be left at the Cairns City Council Chambers.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.