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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Jun 21, 1940
Page
4
Canberra speech declares all resources at government disposal for war effort. It criticizes a small resistant faction and calls for unquestioned loyalty and national unity across life. Parliament approves expanded war powers and munitions controls to mobilize industry and supply lines for victory.
Debates over compulsory service for public servants and a broad conscription policy dominate the session. The government defends its powers while opposition leaders push for union consultation and restraint. The motion passes on party lines. amendments fail as Labour members switch sides.
The amendment adds two sections to Clause 8 granting the Governor General power to regulate requiring people and property for public safety and war effort within Australia. It also expands authority to govern prisoners of war under Geneva conventions and discipline, with arrests possible without warrant during wartime until the emergency ends.
Canberra weather notes a morning reading of 30.00 inches at 9 am and 3 pm pressure of 29.99 inches. Temperatures show 45 degrees at 9 am and 47 degrees by afternoon. maximums and minimums are incomplete but include 50.6 degrees as a peak and 33.6 degrees as a low.
London reports the arrival of Australian and New Zealand forces joining Canadian troops in Britain. Crowds thronged port as ships departed Sydney harbour after May 4–5 embarkation, with Lord Gowrie inspecting a proud guard of honour. Troops sailed fully equipped as independent brigades, planned transits ensuring smooth embarkation.
In Leichhardt a bakehouse of Abbot Bread Company Pty Ltd was fined £1,438 15s for short weight loaves amid a Defence Department contract for 1,200,000 loaves. An appeal was noted as inspector Herbert Allen questioned military testing methods and cited discrepancies at the 6th Light Horse store and Abbey Bakery weighing practices.
The Department of Information bungled press releases on the third AIF contingent in Britain. News was released then cancelled within hours, with Sydney editions containing full items and images. Melbourne copies were recalled and destroyed. The BBC rebroadcast preceded renewed censorship and delayed publication.
The Minister for the Air Mr Fairbairn defended Australia’s role in the Empire Air Scheme at a new Alexandria propeller factory opening. He cited delays in deliveries from abroad and urged decisive action to speed production and secure munitions, planes, and engines amid looming material shortages. Major A Murray Jones criticized government by regulations, urging long term planning to avert material shortfalls by October.
New Delhi reports that a special emissary has been sent to the Americas to arrange orders for arms as a prelude to an immediate overseas arming programme. The Viceroy states India's defences are being expanded to the highest point and urges all communities to set aside political differences.
A loan bill to be introduced in Parliament seeks authority to raise another £20 million in Australia. The date for the loan is not fixed, and terms are expected to be no less favorable than those of the recent issue.
The Munitions Department announced a second explosives and filling plant will be constructed immediately in Melbourne. The project, costing several million pounds, will employ thousands and form part of the 50 million pound ammunition programme led by Director-General Essington Lewin. It will duplicate the Maribyrnong facility.
Sir Keith Murdoch announced a 15 minute national session to aid the civilian war effort, broadcast nightly Monday to Saturday at 7 15 pm with a Sunday half hour slot. He said all nations and commercial stations would cooperate with the Department of Information to coordinate effort.
The United States began releasing to Russia machine tools dies and machinery not deemed essential for national defense. The export ban on machinery and tools to Russia was halted in June of the previous year.
The article notes heavy German aircraft losses in May and early June, estimating thousands of planes and pilots killed or missing. It argues Germany lacks trained pilots while Britain, with larger reserves, reinforces air power as decisive in the Blitzkrieg era. It also discusses Allied unity and General de Gaulle’s role and resolve in France.
His Excellency the Governor General Lord Gowrie presided over a Canberra Executive Council meeting held yesterday, outlining ongoing administrative matters and official steps.
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