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Newspaper
Cairns Post
Location
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Date
May 18, 1939
Page
11
The morning bulletin notes a New Moon phase and early evening positions for several celestial bodies. Observers report clear and hazy skies with varying visibility. No major events or datasets beyond standard phase markers and yesterday’s sailing note are included.
Fragmented notices recount voyage and train arrivals with numerous typos. Mentions Melborne, Mackay, Cairns, Melbourne via port Wandath, and May dates including May 2 May 22 and May 24. References to sailings, trains, and arrivals at various ports with unclear routes and schedules.
Maritime notes detail Pacific and Australian routes with arrivals at Cairns and Sydney, including line services to Shanghai and Singapore. Mentions ship movements to and from Calcutta, Karachi, and Brisbane ports, and a surge in railway freight tied to cane harvesting, with health and accident updates surrounding offshore crews.
The piece reflects on Royal visits to Canada and loyalty within the British Commonwealth. It extols a modern imperialism built on free institutions, self government, and shared ideals, contrasting it with racial centralism and coercive power. It argues the Empire binds diverse peoples through common aims, not external force.
Australian Associated Press report notes currency and price movements in London with figures for metals and commodities. The dispatch mentions nationalisation discussions and stock transfers affecting ownership and production. It cites a parliamentary committee and government action on property and distribution.
Commercial market report from Briabany cites prices and supplies across commodities. Notable figures include wheat and linen items with various price shifts, stocks in New South Wales and Luverne, and varying demand signals amid uneven representation.
London May 16 market note reports bitter market for New Zealand cheese and fresh produce. References scarce changes in prices with limited activity as traders absorb overseas offerings and Australian connections influence pricing.
Brisbane May seventeenth forecast for the ensuing 84 hours. Alaska? no. The report predicts scattered showers along the tropics and over western divisions. Winds northeast to east, 10 to 20 mph. Cloudy conditions and stronger showers expected in the tropics.
A garbled notice lists Malt orders and times for deliveries and pickups across various places including Port Brisbane and inter-state routes. It references weekdays and weekends with scattered times such as 9am 3pm and 5am, mentioning locations like South to Bowielail and Tableland, and hints at air transport to Fort Marevhy.
A fragmented report notes an imminent electricity disruption affecting Sundey’s power supply. The text references Kar eeda Mareeba and Be as comparers and mentions a 380 pm time, but the meaning is unclear due to damaged OCR.
Masca Palmer Billy and Ruby Freshwater and Mrs T Palmer Cooktown thank the Cairns District Hospital doctors and staff for care of their husband father and son Alan all tribute messages of sympathy received. Also notes a broad Empire perspective on unity and identity as Canada Australia and Africa mix, with references to an aerial tour by J Jobell in a Puss Moth from Cairns to Rockhampton and western towns via a 12 day westward itinerary.
A cryptic OCR fragment references The Times and special permission papers. It notes a distinction between current papers and those at a specific time, suggesting a clarified exemption or categorization. The readable words imply a historical archival context and a restricted access statement.
A mine accident near Portland Roads left Victor Sharpe dead and Densley severely injured after a blast during fuse lighting. Rescue teams toiled from the mine to a remote beach, aided by a plane, as Densley’s wife accompanied the march through swamps and creeks to reach medical help and a funeral for Sharpe was planned.
The May 199 year value of the telephone directory has been distributed. The District Postal Inspector B Z Holland highlights subscriber access to updated information on facilities and warns against dial errors from changed numbers. Airlines of Australia added three special plane services to meet Peninsula war demands including an ambulance flight to Portland Roads using a Stinson aircraft piloted by Captain A Gilbertson with Captain Clive James as second. Water schemes in Cairns Shire report progress with Gordonease system pumping 2119400 gallons to the tower and noting interruptions at Rahinda and Hediyneh with minor breaks and earth slips affecting the network.
Edward Rotchings a laborer from Govionvale and Bulanda Pry faced charges over alleged breach of warranty related to a sale of a wellhesting store. E McRewen of Marannell represented the plaintiff while Vividenes appeared for the defense. Sihel May led the plaintiff’s case.
Authorities warn about chain letters spreading via informal postal systems. Letters lack signatures and urge recipients to forward to many friends risking breach of postal and telegraph acts with penalties up to five pounds. Officials will pursue senders to reveal identities and take legal action.
Public Education notes Prime Minister Menzies plans to discuss Commonwealth constitutional reforms before Parliament rises next month. He argues reforms should limit Commonwealth power over rate and commerce, transport, agriculture, health, and industry, and stresses public understanding and a formal plan at least 12 months before a referendum. He cites past failed attempts due to public confusion and warns against attacks on State authority.
The Cairns shire council discussed stray stock on roads following complaints from Mirriwinni and nearby residents. Impounding was approved to reduce byroad stock, with measures to keep cattle off main roads and avoid overzealous enforcement. Residents urged balancing livestock control with road safety and farmers' needs.
Mr Menzies defends democracy and says no dictatorship. He argues democratic government needs all sections and parties to act for community welfare, not for gain. He lauds cooperation of industrialists and Labour in keeping war out of Australia and notes an invitation to share in defence efforts remains open.
In Brisbane on May 17 Charles Batchelor aged 54 pleaded guilty to selling a non existing one share in two hairdressing businesses in Cairns. He pretended to sell shares, induced Frank Curry and William Woodman into arrangements, and arranged an interview to secure a commission. Batchelor was sentenced to good behaviour for 12 months with a further 48 pound payment. Detective-Sergeant Donavan noted the case and that Batchelor fled before arrest.
In Brisbane on May 17 a large crowd heard Postmaster-General E. J. Harrison accuse Labour leaders of chasing petty political gain and hoodwinking the public on national security. He urged Australians to demand stronger defence and warned against any federal inaction if Queensland faced security threats.
In Mackay on May 17 Spirn Wammitt a labourer charged with wilful murder of Dooley Khan. The defendant did not appear as he was in hospital with delusions. The prosecutor said he required medical care and the Magistrate remanded him for eight days.
Berlin reports newspapers publish photographs of German troops in Spain for the first time, confirming their presence after prior denials. The Australian Associated Press dispatch notes the shift in coverage as photographs appear across papers.
Interior decay prompts call for overhaul at Gordonvale Hospital with painting, X ray plant talks, and a possible new facility at £51k cap, £6,500 grant and donor funds debated. Dr Boland pushes hospital board reps to act while local supporters recall past X ray equipment procurement and raise money for enhancements.
Darwin May 7 A deadlock between the North Australian Workers Union and contractors over wage increases for excavations on the dam supplying the city’s water. Workers claim 25/5 day margins for skill and allowances. contractors say men have drawn 20/ a day with allowances. Both sides seek government intervention as union leader J A Donald says over £400 strike pay will be distributed from levies and wages since April to affected members.
The Department of Health and Quarantine notes that hospital boards and local authorities held meetings on the same day. It reports concerns over overlapping agendas and duplicated travel costs as officials draw mileage for attending both gatherings.
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