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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jan 16, 1940
Page
2
The Northern Suburbs Club met at the Soldiers' Club with W J Carmody elected president and K G Harrison secretary. Officers, delegates, and retiring players were noted while thanks were given to the Soldiers' Club and new members welcomed.
The New South Wales Government Gazette offers a reward of 250 pounds for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of those responsible for an explosion at an electricity sub-station near Warwick Farm railway gates. A free pardon may be granted to an accomplice, excluding the principal offender, with the reward remaining in effect for three months.
A civic committee approved a farewell supper dance for ex mayor J Esmond and Mrs Esmond. The event will be at St Gregorys Hall Queanbeyan next Wednesday. Admission 2/6. Presentations during the evening and hopes for wide attendance reflected the popular tenure of the Esmonds.
Weather data for Canberra shows 9 am barometer at 29.83 inches and 3 pm at 30 inches. Temperatures range from 71 degrees in the morning to 88 degrees in the afternoon with a 24 hour maximum around 86 degrees. Wind shifts northeast around 3 pm at 8.8 mph.
The Queens Minister for Labour and Industry Mr Foley and the Under Secretary for Labour and Industry Mr Walah, with their wives and families, spent the weekend in Canberra. They were guided around the city by Director of the Tourist Bureau Mr W Dunbar.
The Industrial Board will commence public hearing of industrial claims at Canberra on Monday February 6. It is anticipated a large number of claims will be dealt with by the Board.
British observers warn Germany may attack Holland and Belgium drawing in England. Belgium prepares for resistance while Belgium and Holland risk triggering air and industrial strikes. Balkans and Finland fronts add to expected expansion of hostilities.
The Treasurer Mr Dwyer Gray stated the Commonwealth had full power to borrow for defence without Loan Council approval and called for frank discussion and decisive action on financing Australia during the war, with emphasis on how national savings are used.
A conference of taxation officers from all States began in Sydney to recommend a uniform system of income tax collection. The Commonwealth Government may consider stamp instalment taxation to finance expenditure and could tax lower incomes or raise current levies. The meeting examined state taxation systems to propose reforms.
The Australian Institute of Political Science will hold its eighth Summer School in Canberra over Anniversary Day weekend from January 26 to 28. Five sessions feature papers on defence, economy, and morale with speakers from Sydney and Melbourne universities and the Daily Telegraph. Attendance open to all interested in Australia’s educational, economic, and political problems.
Belgium orders 40 000 more men to colours and recalls all on leave as German air activity and border incursions raise alarm. The army, six infantry divisions and supporting units, could mobilize to 500 000, with Liege Namur and Antwerp forts modernised to guard routes along the Albert Canal and frontiers. Generals Gameiln Darlan and Vuillemin are highlighted in Allied commands, while France's Indo China railway to Kunming faces Japanese attacks disrupting transport.
A severe storm described as one of the worst on record hits Auckland Province. Five people die, four drown and one electrocuted while attempting to rescue a child in Rotorua. A boat at Matukonda Island island is driven ashore. two men aboard survive. A launch near Rangitoko Island endures a tense encounter with defense area searchlights and Morse signaling.
Air Vice-Marshal Williams spoke in London after touring provincial air training bases before heading home to Australia. He praised the Sunderland flying boat and its crew, noting the pilot’s skill in landing. A concert hosted by Sir Seymour Hicks entertained 100 British and Australian airmen and soldiers, featuring Joan Hammond and acts by Vine More and Neward. Lance Fairfax appeared likely to depart for France to join the R A F C and organize troop entertainment programs.
Two air force men died when their training aeroplane crashed about a mile from Laverton aerodrome. Pilot Officer James Norman Alexander, 40, of Strathfield, and Temporary- Sergeant William Dennis Platt, 27, of Newport, were in formation when the plane stalled on a turn from 1,000 feet and burst into flames. Platt was married with one child.
In Brisbane on Monday the Minister for the Army pledged to review individual conscientious objection cases. A Quaker deputation urged an amendment to the Defence Act for unconditional exemption, but Mr Street said Parliament has rejected full exemption and is unlikely to reverse.
A group of youths at the Daceyuile militia enrolment meeting refused the oath over beliefs they would be sent abroad. Officials clarified Defence Act provisions while others took the oath. Sydney mentions next Thursday and Friday as compulsory training reporting days. Canberra and Queanbeyan men must report to the Gauliburn area officer.
Sir Abe Bailey appeals from Cape Town for unity in a long war ahead. He warns that optimistic forecasts overlook a protracted conflict as Germany eyes Belgium and Holland and urges abandoning racialism to stand with Britain, praising Hertzog for neutrality.
The Australian Wheat Board chairman Clyde McPherson said Britain insisted the price for 1.5 million tons of Australian wheat and 150000 tons of flour not be disclosed. He noted prices had fallen in the past week but Britain’s stance was to keep arrangements previously reached.
Postmaster General Mr. Harrison announced free postage for Australian Army and Air Force members serving abroad. The measure follows a stated procedure and will apply during troops’ transport.
London reports an official British spokesman denied Otman claims that a British plane attacked the North Frisian Islands. The denial emphasizes no such attack occurred and reiterates standard patrol routines and security measures.
Australia will reduce import quotas for motor car chassis and engines from the United States and Canada by 30 percent in the new trade year beginning May 1 to conserve dollar exchange. The move follows the wartime Trade Diversion Policy of 1934 and may affect other manufactured imports as authorities review balances. The 1936 39 figures show substantial values imported from both countries, with limited fixtures on complete cars.
Persguna Motor Industries Pty. Ltd. seeks to raise capital from £50 000 to £2 000 000 under national security act provisions. Upon treasury consent the firm will convert to a limited company and offer shares to the public. Early approval is anticipated after a prime ministerial announcement about exclusive rights. The company plans to finish purchasing the Hupmobile plant, begin production within 18 months, and negotiate with an Adelaide body builder for car bodies.
Melbourne University economist Research Fellow Gerald Firth completed a producer gas powered trip of over 400 miles to Canberra in a Ford T mode. He found washed charcoal doubled fuel range, noted the weight of a charcoal bag, and plans to use sugar bags for fuel. He credited Jongatroke engines for best performance.
The Education Department releases Country Intermediate Certificate Examination results in two sessions on Monday January 22 and Tuesday January 23. Towns are listed alphabetically for each session.
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