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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 04, 1940
Page
1
Fragmented report notes a fire outbreak destroying an ox and surrounding stalls. Witnesses describe water cooling efforts and market chaos as residents rush to safety amid smoke and flames. Authorities urged calm and coordinated action during the incident at the Lambton Fairgrounds.
London reports review of Norway operations shows Allied troops moved from the area south of Trondheim to other fronts. German sources and neutral press cite alarms in Sweden over Narvik concentrations, air raids on Narvik, and claims of bombing hospital ships and Norwegian artifacts as Oslo raids continue.
Berlin commentators challenge Chamberlain for not sharing full truth and warn of Allied abandonment of Norway. The Times correspondent notes friction in Britain and France over naval moves in the Mediterranean and North to reassure allies. Zurich and Stockholm dispatches question British decisiveness, while Swedish and Norwegian observers fear strategic retreat may hurt Allied aims and leave Norway exposed.
The article outlines the wartime profits tax plan setting a prescribed capital base for companies derived from paid up shares reserves and profits. It notes unused capital may be excluded and announces an upcoming bill by Treasurer Mr. Spender with a formula to establish a capital minimum after exemptions.
The Commonwealth Government frames Papua administration reform similar to the Mandated Territory of New Guinea. A new policy may replace the Lieut Governor with an Administrator title. It aims for progressive economic development and stronger defence for both Papua and New Guinea with intensified development efforts.
In Parliament yesterday Mr James Lab moved to amend the Invalid and Old Age Pensions Act. He argued that an invalid son or settler adequately maintained by family cannot obtain a pension and should be denied the provision.
Cairo reports Egypt has cancelled police and army leaves and reinforced guarding of strategic centers. The government imposes the death penalty for espionage and sabotage as Prime Minister declares readiness for emergencies despite ongoing international strain. The situation remains serious but no alarm is seen.
Paris reports a fresh French protest to Japan condemning renewed aerial bombing of the Yunan railway bound for China. The action underscores tensions as Paris voices concern over civilian targets and strategic railway disruption in the Far East.
The Minister for Commerce Mr Cameron told the House of Representatives to curb wheat sowing amid high stock and uncertain exports. He urged diversifying into pastures and cutting some wheat for hay while noting storage and shipping constraints threaten next harvest.
Pan American Airways President Mr Trippe told the Chamber of Commerce that Auckland and Noumea facilities are ready for the Am i 21 and New Zealand airline. New Zealand and New Caledonia issued permits and service awaits US authorization. Initial Australasia service would be monthly, with hopes for weekly within a year and a five day service planned.
Signor Capoferri, a member of the Fascist Grant Council and president of the Italian Industrial Workers Union, spoke near Cologne and pledged to march with the Duce to a triumph of justice and freedom once given the order.
A London society item reports a platypus skin rug made from 64 platypus skins donated by the wife of a Harley Street surgeon to the Red Cross. The donor says her husband’s sister acquired the rug in Australia before the war. An expert values a single skin at £12.
The Minister for Supply Sir Frederick Stewart warned oil combines against undue price charges. In Parliament Mr Harrison (UAP) asked about government petrol contracts in Sydney and the refusal of Commonwealth Oil Refineries to allow storage and pumping at Victoria Barracks. Stewart said contracts were allotted to a new contractor with substantial savings and that steps were taken to overcome contractor difficulties.
Commonwealth Prices Commissioner Professor Copland reported retailers are raising stock prices by the 21 3 percent sales tax imposed yesterday. He said price control rules prohibit such increases except for goods already taxed and allowed averaging for non declared items. Wholesalers may add the tax to invoices. tracers should submit price lists before distribution.
The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill to restore 114 merchant vessels idled by wartime shipping demands. The measure aims to return these ships to operations as part of postwar recovery efforts. The House of Representatives discussion followed in brief remarks.
Australia moves to restart coal mines as regulations empower volunteers and prohibit picketting. Prime Minister Menzies says action follows miner meetings in Sydney and aims for earliest reopening, with authorities prepared if workers return next week.
The regulations define the mine owner as the immediate proprietor or occupier and include contractors but exclude mere royalties or leased interests. Prohibitions cover coercion to seek or stay in coal mining employment and to use intimidation or abusive language toward volunteers. Authorities may compel work, regulate tool removal, and allow ministerial hires with compensation. Shipping delays due to war and coal strikes prompt calls to ease mail transport between the mainland and Tasmania.
In Sydney reports Mr Curtin presses resumption of coal mining work after a strike flare up. He sent a letter and telegram to the Combined Mining Unions outlining his advice, while ministers and miners debate free labour before Parliament. Police guard entrances as 200 plus miners protest a shipment by lorries to Newcastle Harbour.
Rome Thur Signor Venturi announced that Germany exported 988000 tons of coal to Italy in April. He said imports were expected to reach one million tons per month to meet all Italian requirements.
A partial OCR fragment notes a special arrangement connected to Renter's World service alongside four cereals and a term related to tenants. The readable text hints at a broader organizational or scheduling note without clear dates or entities.
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