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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jun 08, 1940
Page
2
Unsettled with rain squalls at times and snow on the highlands. Weather improves later with south west winds. Astronomical data notes sun and moon rise and set times for Saturday and Sunday plus major planets Venus Mars Jupiter and Saturn with their rise and set times.
In Sydney the Labour Non-Communist Party leader J A Beasley blames disorganised process for slow Beaufort bomber construction. He cites Melbourne control and misrouting of Bristol factory orders, urging local railway authority to aid Commonwealth aircraft work. Melbourne minister Sir Frederick Stewart warns defence production secrecy ends, eyes resignation if needed.
Prime Minister Menzies announces drastic reform of information services and a new Department of Munitions with Essington Lewis as Director-General. Sir Keith Murdoch appointed to lead Information, reporting to War Cabinet. Lewis granted wide powers and £250,000 spending authority. Murdoch to resign from journalism. Cabinet reshuffle anticipated.
Australia ready to adopt European war orphans if Britain endorses the Commonwealth plan. Minister for the Interior says push ahead immediately. High Commissioner to present the proposal to the British Government. Offers pour in at 100 to 150 daily.
The list outlines multiple church services for third Sunday after Trinity and Pentecost across Canberra regions including St John s St Paul s Manuka St Patrick s Braddon St Christopher s Worrlm Worren and others with Holy Communion Evensong Morning Prayer and sermons. Preachers include Rev P de M Pickburn Rev T E Whiting Rev T Be Whiting Rev J Allen and Rev D A Trathen among others. A memorial reference and various choir items and broadcasts are noted.
The Archdeacon and several ministers will preach and address congregations at St John and St Paul. Confirmations and Evensong duties are scheduled with 7 15 p m intercessions. A Conversational half hour replaces the sermon at North Ainslie after Evensong. Holy Communion observances occur Wednesdays and Fridays at 6 45 a m in both churches.
A Canberra Times notice highlights a call for action against hardship and injustice. Citizens weigh the need for assistance, resistance to wrongs, and the hope of good deeds shaping the future.
The prime minister announced reorganisations in two key war departments in Sydney, appointing Sir Keith Murdoch as Director of Information to bolster morale and Essington Lewis to ensure weapon supplies meet Commonwealth needs. The article stresses efficiency across government, reducing red tape, and expanding public service recruitment to support wartime aims.
A local notice lists church events with sermons by Dr. F W Clements Rev J H Allen and Rev D A Tra then at Wes ley Reid and Baptist churches. Services focus on empire prayers intercession and religious inquiries with evening broadcasts and a 8 pm Good Companions meeting at Rev Riley's.
Weather report from Canberra notes a 9 am barometer of 20.78 inches and 3 pm value at 20.02 inches. Temperatures recorded 40 degrees at 8 am and 4 degrees at 3 pm with a 24 hour maximum 54.8 degrees and a minimum around 30.1 degrees. Wind shifted from west in the morning to west at 3 pm, with peak 36 mph. rainfall details garbled.
Mrs J C W Beveridge and Miss Elaie Smith left Government Houses Canberra. Mr John E Hill son of Mr and Mrs G Hill Canberra heads to Sydney Monday to join the ALF after three years at the Commercial Bank of Australia. Bonator H G Foll Minister for the Interior left Canberra by plane for Sydney yesterday and will go to Melbourne Monday for War Cabinet meetings before returning to Canberra later in the week.
New South Wales will not cancel the King’s Birthday holiday on June 17 for all state employees. Premier Mr Mair said the state government lacks power to cancel the holiday unless the Act is amended.
London reports Major Cartland a House of Commons member is missing in Flanders. The dispatch also notes a bomber crash into a balloon barrage with five deaths, including three civilians. Pan American Airways plans increased Atlantic service starting June 18 due to war demand.
Australian figures for War Savings certificates today pass the £2,000,000 mark with a total of £2,026,628. The day’s rise is £200,958, led by New South Wales with £115,253, lifting its aggregate to £421,364, nearly a quarter of the state quota.
A dispute between Stewart and General Motors Holdens Ltd over defence vehicle purchases was resolved at a meeting. Sir Frederick noted new information clarified the position, confirming a satisfactory standard buying basis and a substantial concession by the company to support Commonwealth wartime needs.
Deputy Premier Bruxner amplified a Country Party resolution urging conscription of manpower across the Commonwealth. He said the state should direct men to serve where needed, preventing wastage and boosting effort, and he advocated conscription of national resources as well.
Army headquarters released figures through Thursday showing 25 048 of 30 430 required for the Virth Division and Army Corps with New South Wales leading at 11 503 in camp, 284 over quota. Canberra Drill Hall reports steady ALF enlistments and a six man medical exam slate while a large crowd bid farewell at Canberra railway station as recruits head to Sydney for training.
Members of the Day Boys of the A.L.F. set to form in the Metropolitan area next week will receive a sustenance allowance of 2/5 daily for fares in addition to army pay. They will live at home but report daily for training to ease overcrowded camps where over 12,500 AIF members are in New South Wales.
The second Commonwealth War Loan of £20,000,000 is due to close tomorrow. Treasurer Mr Spender announced the loan would be fully subscribed, noting a most gratifying response. Small investors increased their applications, and the number is expected to be twice that of before the appeal on Wednesday.
A detailed program list outlines radio slots across multiple stations with listings for music, news, talks, operas, concerts, religious services and special features. It cites acts like Antal Dorati conducting the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the BBC and 2FC collaborations, and various country and city broadcasts with times spanning day and night.
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