24 Dec 1974
Page 1
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 14 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Dec 24, 1974
Page
1
In a remote oil field a report notes unusual activity surrounding cattle and strange phenomena. Locals and workers report eerie quiet, scattered tracks, and rumors of hidden tunnels near the site. Investigators advise caution as crews continue routine drilling and monitoring.
Oleg Kavaryenko of Griffith plans a long protest in a wire enclosure opposite the Soviet Embassy in Canberra Avenue. He will stay for 24 hours on the lawns opposite Parliament House, raising banners about imprisoned Ukrainians and Soviet oppression. He arrived in Australia 26 years ago and leads the Democratic Citizens of Adelaide.
The Council of Commonwealth Public Service Organisations representing 21 unions and staff associations calls for relocating many central office functions away from Canberra to improve efficiency. The CCPSO notes widespread dissatisfaction outside Canberra with centralized control and argues that state offices have better access to experienced staff and field operations.
A submitted critique notes state officers resist relocating to Canberra due to home ties and costs, pushing ambitious junior staff toward rapid internal advancement. The CCPSO endorses decentralisation and cautions against Canberra dominance, urging more regional postings and realigned departmental functions.
Papua New Guinea plans a meat industry advisory committee as part of broader actions to curb a surge of cheap Australian imports. The move aims to protect local producers and consumers from dumped beef and poultry, with officials arguing imports threaten village agriculture and the country’s meat industries.
Australia plans to buy German Leopard tanks after price and offset talks. Defence Minister announced Leopards chosen over competing models to replace 20 year old Centurions, with about 53 units earmarked initially from a 138 unit requirement. Each tank costs around 500000 dollars, and the move aims to maintain armored corps expertise amid ongoing defence reviews.
Miss Julie Morosi returned to the staff of the Government's special adviser on community relations, Mr Grassby, after a two week leave to France. An order by Governor-General Sir John Kerr exempted her from parts of the Public Service Act, affecting pay and terms. The Public Service Board said such exemptions are not unusual for temporary staff, though the announcement was delayed.
Fragmentary report cites heavy fighting in Addis Ababa on Monday with multiple Erleran Liberation commandos mortally wounded and several Binoy forces said to be injured amid ongoing clashes.
The personal staffs of Australia’s 27 ministers cost taxpayers 2,694,000 a year with overtime. As of November 25, the total staff count was 227. Prime Minister Whitlam had the largest staff and salary bill at 238,292, followed by Deputy PM Cairns with 12 staff and a 3,48,377 bill.
Mrs Somost of Weston owns Shoo-Shoo a Tibetan Lion dog among about a few hundred in Australia. Her bitch is pregnant with what may be an Australian record litter, with four to six pups expected. The Sydney-born father is an Australian champion, about 20 to 21 months old.
London reports say the home of Opposition Leader Mr Heath was damaged by a bomb hours before IRA Christmas truce events. No casualties were reported as Heath avoided the blast and pledged to continue his duties.
Disjointed notes describe wildfires near major routes in Western New South Wales. Text mentions Christmas cheer, global reflections, and shopping before closing hours as readers prepare for holidays. Names and places appear in fragmented form from the page.
Dublin reports that a chair of Australian studies will be established at Dublin University. Prime Minister Whitlam stated the Australian Government will assist the move with about 70 000 dollars per year over five years.
Brisbane reports Japanese steel mills completed a 66 million tonne coking coal contract for the Hail Creek Joint Venture near Mackay. The deal, valued at about 2000 million, spans several years and awaits approvals from Australian and Queensland governments and project financing. Partners include Australian Coal Pty Ltd, Western Mining, and Japanese Sumitomo with stakes across the consortium.
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.