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This newspaper page contains 27 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Maitland Mercury
Location
Maitland, New South Wales, Australia
Date
Dec 26, 1939
Page
7
Readable fragments describe a generic local notice or brief item with no clear names, dates, or events. The piece lacks sufficient nouns to identify people, organizations, places, or outcomes for a proper summary.
A crowded midweek Kensington card features multiple handicap races at one mile and longer distances. The program lists jockeys and several contenders across divisions, with weights and odds noted for each entry.
A fragmented racing page lists selections across multiple events including a three year old handicap and a flying welter division. Horses named Glaucus Merry Smile Blue Baron Stonemarten and Edie's Choice appear among handicaps and divisions with entries, odds and placements unclear.
Historic printing house in Britain to close at year end after 240 year operation. The firm printed House of Commons minutes for centuries except during wartime strikes. Founded in 1600s by William Bowyer, it faced wartime constraints and evacuation threats before its demise.
Newcastle Jockey Club amid a third fortnightly race night at Hamilton Speedway without straight betting considers halting future meetings until adequate betting facilities and fair prize money are secured. Trainers and owners condemn dog racing conditions as bookmakers and club clash over fees and payouts.
Muswellbrook handlers with four wits led by Witton All Queen and J Simpson Flying Divot dominate a lively dot meeting. Maitland pair G Thomas Smart Topay and A A Towell Open Court claim wins, Singleton adds wins by L Scivers Carhar and C M Jordan Marwood's Pride. Bookmakers note few favorites prevail as All Queen sets a track record in the Graded Stake over 414 yards. Hellfire Jack shines in the hurdles.
A fragmented list records numerous Summer Cup winners from early entries to mid 20th century, naming horses or entities with race results and scores. Names include K. of the Forest, Oranian, Py, Minimbah, Dainty Davie, Strongbow, Vitality, Donald, Gatston, Nord, Dark Chiet, Vicon Royal, Crusader, Deadbeat, Wildun, Prince Cox, El Dorado, Jeypore, Inducement, Mineo, Brown Force, El Senorita, Journal, and others with varied finishes and point totals.
Mervyn Pleton, 7, of Cheruelestreet Cessnock, injured riding a tricycle near his home when he collided with a motorcycle. He sustained rib injuries on the right side and probable internal injuries.
Nathan Lucas, 60, a Waterfall miner, died in Coldate Hospital from injuries after falling from the Scarborough railway platform into the path of a moving train. He was waiting for a train to Waterfall when the accident occurred.
A dated calendar lists monthly meeting dates for 1940 across towns including Kembla Grange Menangle Gosford Wyong Richmond and Meryangle with Tuesdays and occasional Thursdays. The OCR shows numerous misspellings and inconsistent day formats.
London reports Sir William Garthwaite warns Germany faces severe limits on high grade aviation petrol. He notes wartime block, distillation plant output, fuel quality differences, and transport constraints in Venezuela Romania and Russia. He argues mass bombing would deplete Germany’s scarce first-rate aviation fuel and affect aircraft performance.
London reports reveal a tomograph as a new medical tool to image detailed lung sections for tuberculosis. The device rotates the patient to trap a precise center zone while exposing only the target area to X rays, reducing bone and tissue interference.
The piece notes 22 currant war songs in Ireland and new songs from British songwriters. Gracie Fields selects Wish Me Luck as a national cheer, with titles such as The Daughter of Mademoiselle From Armentieres and There’ll Always Be in England. Other offerings include Don’t Forget to Drop a Line to Mother and The Who Loves a Soldier.
Amid wartime fears, London housewives rush to secure guard dogs as husbands join the conflict. Kennel owners report a dog shortage due to mass slaughter early in the war and breeders halting production. Popular breeds include spaniels, setters, and greyhounds called punlogs, valued for loyalty and calm under storms.
Storms off the Algarve coast sank the Spanish fishing boat Parka Perez. Sixty one crew members were lost and two other sailors drowned. Firemen from Woolarca station helped respond. Mr E Smith, who had resigned, was mentioned in casualty notes.
A special correspondent recalls a Windsor Castle wartime charade staged by members of the Royal Family as described in Lady Portescue’s reminiscences. Queen Mary agreed to act and, joining John and Lacy Fortescue, delivered a lively scene as she volunteered to play the homely flea to an amused crowd.
King William Street tube station, closed for decades, is to be converted into a major London shelter for around 1500 office workers. A new shaft, bulkheads, flood protection, air conditioning, pumping and firefighting systems will be installed as £20,000 is invested to complete access and safety upgrades.
Mrs Lloyd widow of Lieut Commander T C Conway Lloyd travels with her infant daughter Anne Marie Conway Lloyd from London to Paris then USA. The child born two months after her father’s death is escorted by staff and Air Force officials at the terminus as they depart on an Italian steamer to America.
The Observer notes that in 1914 the most appealing voice was William Wilson. He wrote constantly in early months and much of his poetry fits the present time, praising mercy and truth in the face of hardship as the empire endures through difficult days.
Martha Elsabeth Featlie, 47, of Cardiff, died in Wiltzend Hospital after being admitted early last week with injuries from a corrosive substance. The death is being investigated and no further details were released.
A two year sea mystery ending with the poisoning of the entire crew of the Jean L C bins. The outbreak began October 1927 aboard the ship from Durban to Dunkirk. Seventy two men were struck with digestive troubles and later paralysis. Arsenic was suspected but not found. A salad oil used on the homeward voyage contained pherola and phosphoric acid after being traced to a one gallon can from the ship stores.
Workmen at All Hallows Church Lombard Street London continue diggings for an extension trench. They uncovered a six foot by two foot Roman brick walling believed to be from successive earlier churches. An archaeologist from Guildhall Museum watches the site as more remains are expected.
Balm paint claim offers long lasting beauty and protection without fading or cracking. Sold by Pender Bros Pty Ltd, the advertisement promotes Balm as an investment in aesthetics and weather resistance.
A Danish officer in Denmark renews the ancient American chain-letter idea urging recipients to promise two acts of charity. They should donate to the Red Cross if able and wear a small ribbon as a reminder. The letter asks recipients to copy and forward to as many people as possible.
Melbourne reports a fatal blaze during harvest as Mr. H. EB Jackn of Benalla suffered fatal burns while fighting a wheat field fire. He tripped and fell into the flames trying to douse the fire with a water haversack at the Bush Nursing Hospital later.
Recipe notes a dramatic actress Bette Davis linked to Banana Betty. It details a baked banana dessert with Rice Bubbles, fruit juice, brown sugar, and butter, layered with Rice Bubbles crumbs and bananas, baked until browned, served hot or cold with cream.
The Minister for the Army announced vacancies for draughtsmen aged 16 to 46 to join the Australian Army Ordnance Corps. Applicants need engineering diplomas or technical training, practical design and drawing experience, and must pass a medical and drawing test. War-service terms include pay as Warrant Officer and allowances for wife and children.
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