31 May 1939
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 24 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
May 31, 1939
Page
1
A brief wartime military story from London notes a sharp Japanese setback reported Monday. The telegraph dispatch cites Moscow and Foreign Ministry chatter about allied plans and Soviet skepticism regarding victory statements. The fragment hints at ongoing Allied cooperation and wartime tensions without detailing specific battles or dates.
A report states Chinese forces crushed the enemy in Siangyang and Fanchang, pushing toward Antu to regroup. The loss of 20,000 men suggests a three month horizon before a major attack. Guerillas reconquer large Anhui areas while Japan holds only riverside cities and a narrow railway strip. Japanese officials nominated by Tokyo were ejected and shot in Shuchang Tungcheng and Luan. The invasion has been abandoned in these territories due to heavy losses.
Shanghai dispatch reports a spokesman announcing changes to the Japanese blockade of the China coast. Foreign warships would vouch for convoys and would not be detained if their nationality was clear and they were unlikely to aid Chiang Kai-shek.
New Zealand announces a two year defence programme with £5,200,000 to be spent mainly on naval and air forces. It includes purchase of three modern trawlers from Britain and Vickers Wellesley bombers to bolster coercive capability in the Far East amid Japan Britain accords and ship interception rights.
A fragmentary wartime item notes an American airman named Thomas H. Sraith circling off Saint John Maine and a claimed sighting of a high altitude aircraft heading toward London and Ireland. Authorities doubted the report and pilots considered the event unlikely to be real.
Melbourne reports show the Civil Aviation Department leasing offices in Little Collins Street for up to three years with possible extension. In Parliament, Fairbairn said rapid transfer of administration to Melbourne was imperative, but he refused to reveal specific plans or the central location of Canberra’s agencies.
Tear gas bomb exploded in Liverpool theatre injuring around twenty people. Attendants evacuated an audience of about 200 as gas fumes filled the stalls with several needing hospital care. A similar attack occurred in Birmingham where magnesia bombs rocked a large cinema. Police found an unexploded device in another venue.
The Treasurer Mr. Menzies announced yesterday that subscriptions toward the Commonwealth loan reached 4,780,000 pounds. Contributions included 2260 pounds from the Australian Mutual Provident Society, 100,000 from the Australian Temperance and General Mutual Life Assurance Society, 100,000 from the Mutual Life and Citizens’ Assurance Company Ltd, plus smaller sums of 20,000 pounds from the Public Trustee of South Australia and 900 pounds from the Returned Soldiers' League. Financial circles commented favourably on the loan.
Imperial headquarters report 936,345 Chinese dead on battlefields since hostilities began to April 30 with 9,998 Japanese killed. The total Chinese casualties are estimated at 2,300,000. Japanese have captured 215,000 rifles 930 heavy guns and 11,000 machine guns.
Government plans to postpone the National Insurance act opening and introduce a bill within two weeks to rename Siam as Muang Thai. A motion seeks a Select Parliamentary Committee review to draft a revised scheme acceptable to many interests. Labour may abstain, awaiting promises of unemployment insurance inclusion.
New Zealand Minister for Finance Nash arrived in Southampton to discuss defence in the Pacific, expanding Anglo New Zealand trade, and redeeming a 17 million loan due in December. The Daily Mail leader urged Britain to press New Zealand to ease import restrictions, noting that a preference would still cut British imports less than foreign ones. It cites New Zealand’s extravagant economist plans as shrinking its London sterling balance from 30 million to 47 million pounds annually.
Sydney ministers sparked political uproar as Minister for Spooner voiced dissatisfaction with public works and Statablfmasces. He missed yesterday's Cabinet meeting and appeared in Parliament late, prompting questions about resignation. Spooner denied a Cabinet rift over Monopolie Act actions and warned of potential serials in Cabinet amid talk of his retirement from the Cabinet.
London reports Portugal’s Prime Minister Salazar reaffirmed the Anglo Portuguese alliance and the aim for world peace. He thanked Britain for its reply to a previous message and acknowledged the House of Commons statement on the matter.
At Canberra yesterday J S Crapp J P Jess Crapp, Warrant with two constables arrested Keith meakeetas of Mingutan for alleged motor car theft. A Chevraut sedan valued at £400 was involved and further action on the case was awaited.
A brief note reports Japan lodging protest over the alleged misuse of the French flag in a daytime incident. Names and precise details are unclear due to OCR errors, but the event involves diplomatic communication and flag symbolism.
In Small Debts Court Sydney, Mr Arnold M A M urged scrutiny of hire purchase agreements before signing. He ruled in favour of Angus Cameron against John Kerr for 3 shillings 16 pence arrears on a piano kept since 1984, with Cameron prepared to let Kerr keep the piano after payment.
In London and Scotland the national service campaign reported a magnificent response with volunteers enrolled and large stocks of equipment secured. The Lord of the Privy Bear urged continued effort as the nation prepared for air attack, noting improving readiness across positions and communities.
In Sydney today at Kogarah Court Robert Francia O Connor 58 and aliss Drummond faced edging charges for being in a public bar at a Amecliffe Hotel to place bets. O Connor had placed 18 bets totaling 41 pounds 10 shillings 6 pence. He was previously convicted of a similar offence on February 15 1987 at the same hotel.
Mr Burke of New Town announces he will leave the Lang Party to join the Industrial Party. He plans to speak in Parliament tomorrow to state his reasons for the political allegiance transfer.
The Anglo Turkish agreement is presented as a humanitarian contribution toward Helenia. The Republican Peo Party leader Mr Imunea states Turkish Russian relations are cordial and pledges to contribute to world peace.
The Minister for Ad destion Drummond pledged a deputation from the British American Cooperation Movement would study integrating American history teaching in schools to foster better understanding. Also noted is a report on a Vienna actress Katrine Rose and a German train reserves chief Victor Lutae organizing monthly training for stormtroopers.
Sir Stafford Cripps faced cheers and boos as he challenged Labour’s stance on a Popular Front against the National Government. He argued for the right to publish memoranda and persuade rank and file. Hugh Dalton cited constitutional duty and party integrity, while a club card vote on sending the matter back failed, endorsing expulsion. Cripps denied seeking new party formation, claiming no immediate plans.
A British rule protest in Belfast led to 500 Jehh van Army members assembling within an hour and burning 700 petrol canisters in two districts. Police, supported by armoured cars and motor lorries, halted the drive with house to house searches on Cypress Street. A cyclist policeman exchanged fire before reinforcements scattered the Republicans. Guns and masks were not all recovered.
Sydney report notes minister Joe Justin ordered action amid a Narromine investigation. Funder or backer faces charges as police probe remains ongoing and the body is not yet located. Authorities emphasize secrecy and potential legal actions pending further evidence.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.