16 Jan 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jan 16, 1939
Page
1
Fragmentary note references a person named Goodman and a health context. unclear details indicate a minor, unnamed event or obituary fragment from a historical page. Further readable facts are insufficient to form a clear summary or identify entities.
A minister orders a formal inquiry into fire safety measures and pledges stronger safeguards. Officials will review current protections and implement reforms to ensure full protection in future operations and buildings.
The Minister for the Interior Mr McEwen announced plans to appoint two committees to study weekend fires and to create a more effective method for combating them. The move aims to strengthen fire response along a wide frontline.
Bush fires across the Federal Capital Territory threaten Mount Stromlo and Urlarra with wide damage. Pine plantations worth £300,000 burned, 1,000 acres burned, 40 miles of fencing ruined. 500 volunteers battled 12 fronts as wind spread flames toward Parliament House and Tidbinbilla, with evacuations and strained organization exposed.
A Canberra report recounts scientists and volunteers aiding during the bushfire crisis at the weekend. Firefighters battled flames near Uriarra and Tidbinbilla, saving sheds and haystacks while a forest ranger-led search recovered missing personnel. A heroic effort kept homes safe as winds intensified.
A late Friday blaze along the Murrumbidgee drove flames across 15 miles of ridges from Urimbah to Kurrajong. With nine men, J C Moore attempted to hold west of the river. the fire crossed to the north bank and swept a ten mile swath. The Thatcher home and four children were evacuated to Canberra as firebreaks failed and houses were surrounded. Ambulance crews crossed the river to aid evacuations. volunteers and Miss M Law of the W C A aided evacuees and supplied food and tea to fighters. A theft during the crisis was noted when a Uriarra resident found shaving gear and clothes missing after a bathroom rummage. Firefighters battled near Glenwood Station as the Arc fire advanced, sparing Hall and Kurrajong roads but threatening Holyrood and West Belconnen. Hundreds of wildlife fled the flames. The drought and shifting winds complicated containment, with the Arc breathing toward Canberra and the Murrumbidgee river figures enduring heat and smoke.
A historic Radio Station 3CA log reveals a major bush fire emergency near Canberra with barge, river, and property threats. Volunteers, militia, and drivers mobilize at studios and drill halls as fires breach the Murrumbidgee and threaten Mount Biroral, Glenwood, and nearby holdings.
A Commonwealth government message expresses deep appreciation for the Canberra and regional volunteer fire services. It praises the rapid, coordinated response that saved lives and property, noting strong public support from residents and women who aided with food and medical relief.
Officials of the Forestry Bureau faced sharp critique at the Science Congress as Canberra struggled to handle an emergency. Delegates accused the city of lacking urgent organization and foresight, with leaders planning only a modest response while a major fire worsened as winds shifted.
A wildfire began in June about 40 miles behind Uriarre Stavlon, burning quietly for three days before a Friday wind surge drove it toward clustered stations. By Saturday the blaze leapt ridge to ridge, threatening lines and infrastructure as crews struggled to contain it amid shifting winds and scattered alarms.
A heat wave caused the death of Margaret Manterson on Chapman Street with her funeral held Friday. Attendees included Interior Department officials where her father works. Father Barry conducted the Catholic service at Public Cemetery. The report notes another collapse at Mugga Way of John Roberts, gardener, linked to the same heat.
McEwen visits Acton fire control HQ to study reports and direct actions to stop the fire at pay com. He tours fronts, urges volunteers with Stop Fire at Any Cost slogans, and assigns men from a central police base led by Col. H. E. Jones. The effort saves many properties as the danger area is gradually contained.
Fire outbreaks along the Can cerra side of the river threaten Mt Stromlo area near Huntly station owned by N Milmon and Kunm jong property of G H Brown. A pine plantation in Tharras lontier Valley is gutted while a wind shift shifts flames toward Woodstock and the Canberra region. Volunteers battled flames for hours as families hurried to safety with belongings.
Mrs Blundell endured a terrifying moment when a falling tree struck her as she stepped from a verandah. Fire alarms triggered by the accident led to rapid use of water and levers to lift the tree off her and save the house. Several small worker homes were damaged but none burned.
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