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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 18, 1940
Page
4
The family of the late Jamen Bouthwell expresses gratitude to relatives and friends for kind expressions of sympathy during their recent bereavement.
In House of Representatives the Minister for the Navy stated no negotiations are underway to remove the floating dock at Newcastle. Also reported Dutch credits frozen again and a government plan to charter the Manundu as a hospital ship with three months needed for conversion. Townsend Report on shipbuilding faces delay. US tennis abroad unlikely during wartime per a letter to Harry Hopman from the U S association president.
President Monk of the ACTU stated the union would renew discussions with the Commonwealth Government on creating a system of wartime advisory panels. Proposals include a major panel for general principles and several subsidiary panels for industry specific issues with representation from Trades Hall councils. The Prime Minister indicated willingness to accept the basis of representation for a Trade Union Advisory body.
The Commonwealth Government examines tying the Dutch guilder to sterling to ease payment for Australia's oil and tea. Treasurer Mr. Spender says he is in contact with London while European emergency conditions give the Dutch East Indies Governor General broad authority. Holland remains on guilder unless the Dutch Government in London acts. About 60 percent of Australia’s petrol and two-thirds of its tea come from the Dutch East Indies.
Canberra weather summary reports a 9 am barometer at 20.61 inches rising to 29.64 inches by 3 pm. Temperatures recorded 9 am 44 degrees and 3 pm 48 degrees with a max of 56.8 by 9 am and 10.6 by 3 pm. Minimums 44.1 on screen and 42.0 on grass with winds W at 9 am and NW by 3 pm. 24 hour wind speed at Canberra aerodrome ended 2:30 pm reached 52 mph.
Cloudy unsettled conditions with showers and possible snow on tablelands. Cool to cold with fresh to squally west to southwest winds. Sun and moon rise and set times provided for May 18 and 19 with major planets visible including Venus Mars Jupiter and Saturn.
The House discussion reveals a shaky war time pledge to govern with Parliament and calls for reform. Critics urge continuous sittings, inclusion of capable advisers, and stronger industrial representation on both sides to back democratic institutions during war.
During a Senate debate on the Immigration Bill Senator Arthur alleged Nazi activity in Australia. He claimed graft in alien admissions, internments, and secret messages, citing Germans owning assets, a Sydney wine bar as a hub, and a storm troop background. named an international crook linked to Nazis and white slave traffic.
Buckingham Palace announced the King asks the nation and empire to observe Sunday May 26 as a day of national prayer. The Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinal Hinsley supported the call. Australia will cooperate per Prime Minister Mengies.
The discussion centers on lax entry checks for immigrants and naturalisation. Senator McLachlan warns of danger from a fifth column and urges tighter inquiry into contacts and conduct before naturalisation. Senator Foll supports a Commonwealth State conference to establish a sound postwar immigration policy.
Singapore reports statements by Kyujiro Hayashi former Ambassador to Brazil and former Minister to Thailand and South Seas Association chair. He says there will be no danger or disturbance in the region and that the status quo is best for all nations. He notes Japan seeks foreign trade but is hindered by anti Japanese forces and plans to visit the Dutch East Indies Borneo and the Philippines after Indo China and Thailand.
Washington reports the United States Britain France and Japan have agreed to zealously guard the status quo of the Dutch East Indies after a conference between Japanese ambassador H Horinowehr and Secretary of State Cordell Hull. Japan seeks continued normal trade from the East Indies.
Sir Thomas Blamey declares the will to win must be developed before Australia can prevail, urging complete subordination of other thoughts. The Lord Mayor notes wartime strain from coal strikes and wheat prices while urging Australia to become a vast workshop producing food and munitions, with concerns over Red Cross day profits.
In the House yesterday the Commonwealth Electoral Bill was debated amid claims of gerrymandering for the next Senate elections. Mr. Gander attacked Labour candidates’ experience, while Prime Minister Menzies argued for giving Labour a chance. Other members weighed motives and ballot order as the chamber discussed equal rights and gambling stance.
The United States Embassy in London urges 4000 to 5000 Americans in Britain to travel to Ireland or the west coast of Britain where ships are arranged to carry them home.
The article argues Spain will likely stay neutral if the war broadens to the Mediterranean though Franco fears British power and Mussolini's stance. It notes Spain's policy of neutrality, improving Anglo Spanish ties, and the influence of Italian pressure should Germany seek Franco's support.
Allied resolve grows to aid the invaders while German fatigue rises among captured troops. Premier Reynaud warns Germany will risk everything on one big blow and a rapid advance to break the Antwerp Namur line. Possible further approaches include Nijon Geneva and Lake Geneva Savoy passes.
The article argues Nazi Germany is risking everything on a decisive offensive in Norway and Western Europe. It outlines how an impenetrable Allied wall could halt progress for two months, else Germany might redirect campaigns toward Switzerland and the Belfort Gap, with Basle as a strategic rail hub.
The Air Board reports a twin engined Air Force plane with crew missing after being over Yea at 12.20 and contacting at 1.15 pm. Area bounded by Yea Cootamundra Canberra and Manfield is being searched with twelve planes. Pilot Officer A A Daniel Wireless Operator Corporal J L Browder and Corporals KF Hyland and FH Stass are named as crew. Search was hindered by cloud and bad conditions and may have ended in a hill in dense cloud. Authorities plan to resume the search today.
The thirteenth annual Convent Ball at Albert Hall last night drew more than 300 dancers despite rain. Organizers led by Mrs J F Murphy and joint secretaries F A Meere and A J Egan reported well run arrangements, with Mrs W Murray decorating the supper room and Mrs McMeel coordinating dancers. Notable attendees included Rev. Monsignor P Hayden, Hon J H Scullin, Dr Calvert, Dr Moya Blackall, Sister Curley, Pilot Officer Turner, and many local residents, clubs, and guests from Newcastle.
Leaders of the Combined Unions report acceptance of a plan for resuming coal production. Meetings in Sydney and Kurri vote to implement terms with production expected to start by week’s end. Railways and government officials prepare relief trains and priority supply regulations to aid reopening.
Reports from London indicate discussions on a potential War Cabinet for the empire are at proposal stage. Dominion officials and the Dominions Secretary are involved as the issue of a broader war governance structure remains unresolved.
In Paris Churchill met with French Prime Minister Reynaud and Daladier and discussed military prospects. The report notes the visit as highly encouraging for Allied strategy and morale.
A reading of the page reveals a roster of residents and couples including Miss H Clowry Mr F Burke Mr C Chdvure O Neill a H McAllan Mr G R Fisher Mr Briss Ton Martin Mr R Mr P A Ralfe Mr T G Scott Mr N J Smith Miss E Jong and others such as Betty Sutton K McMaster Mrs Tower and Edgell households. The fragmentary text catalogues numerous names linked by Mr Mrs and Miss titles, reflecting a social or attendee register from a past event.
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