20 Aug 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 18 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Aug 20, 1940
Page
1
Allied air raid on Boulogne involved Fairey Battles dropping high explosive and incendiary bombs. German seaplanes and anti aircraft defenses faced heavy fire as blasts hit the harbor, target ships, and piers amid intense combat over the Saturday night operation.
A chaotic wartime communique reports Allied raids on Italian Zeppelin plants in Germany with targets including Milan Turin and Cynen. Swiss sources say British bombers struck several German sites near Pencuiy alphataic MONA and Corstaner. The fragmentary notice notes damage around Munich and Diessenhofers, with unclear details and garbled phrases.
Canberra reports uncertainty over PM Menzies plans to restructure the federal ministry this week. Parliament and cabinet actions are expected to hinge on a decision due by week’s end, with political colleagues and the public awaiting clarity on ministerial reshuffles and policy direction.
The report says Italian forces renewed attacks in Somaliland with troops, artillery, tanks and aircraft. British units reportedly held the line, contesting every yard as RAF raids targeted Barges and nearby targets. An Italian raid on Alexandria is noted, with a forced bearing on Friday night and a crew saved from a downed plane.
In a heated letter many claims accuse a local crusher of creating a nuisance on Backstrom property. The exchange references labor, health, and government actions while officials note potential investigations. Residents debate the impact and responsibility amid calls for practical remedies.
The Hongkong Telegraph reports 30 to 40 French warships arriving at Tournoe in French Indo China from an undisclosed route. The message is unverified and details are unclear.
A police report from Adelaide on Monday states that an armed maniac has been caught. Details remain scant, with authorities promising a full briefing later today.
A cross border manhunt targets a suspect known as the McDonald Hill Maniac, sought in both South Australia and New South Wales. Police urged public help as a weekend search stretched from Wentworth to adjacent towns, with sightings and patrols reported but no capture.
A chaotic OCR fragment reports a search in Sydney for a fugitive, mentioning police and a suspect named Weapworth or Wentwyuel, with references to a bond, a suspect hiding near a town and a mysterious elderly witness. The text is garbled but suggests a night operation and a potential location in West Garkness.
Histon Park resident Br. id Mrs L G Muay left by car for Adelaide for a few days. MLC TO Bearworth passed through Pirie by train to attend Adelaide sittings. City council notes include Threadyard and others. Canon Rowed collapsed and died at St Silas Church, aged 72. Airline passengers listed for Adelaide Whyalla service via Pirie with several travelers.
Adelaide reports Mr J Keith Angas today was elected chairman succeeding Mr Carr who has chaired for 11 years. Carr announced he would not seek re election, stepping to a committee role. Angas, proprietor of Lindsay Park, has long raced horses and joins SAC committee. The meeting praised Carr for his service as he hands over leadership.
The article discusses Mr. J M Beerworth eyeing extended trade with Japan as Australia considers exchanging diplomatic representatives. It cites Prime Minister Go Mensies support and notes Sir John Latham may serve in a senior diplomatic role in Tokyo to strengthen Wool, White Wiles, and farming byproduct trade relations with Britain and other partners.
Sir John Latham hopes to minimize his duties by fostering direct personal ties between Australia and Japan. He advocates wide cultural exchanges and teaching Japanese language, envisioning professor exchanges between universities. A cable of congratulations from a major Japanese organization signaled early support for this policy.
Essington and visiting American journalists discuss Australia’s petrol rationing plans. Broken Hill Proprietary Co works visited near Newcastle as USA reporters note shipbuilding will continue postwar. Australia’s Prime Minister announces petroleum rationing Pearl and government control details.
Proceeds from a Gloom-Chasers Lub concert in Pirie Town Mall that week totaled 613 19/3 and were donated to the Pirie Med Grant Fund. President acknowledged £1558 for the Gloom Chasers Club per Miss A Short. Total sums recorded £4502 3 4.
Melbourne authorities announce security measures for petrol rationing tickets. The commonwealth Note Printing Office will print a special paper with distinct colors to prevent forgery. Tickets will be issued in denominations of one two five forty and forty four gallons, each with a unique color.
Volunteer Defence Corps unit in Four-Mile Route March at Memorial Oval heard battalion orders from Capt. D Yates MC after receiving first rifle issue of about 60 to 90 men. Company Sgt Major J Galton led rifle drill while Lt W Bockelberg commanded a four mile town march led by pipers and a side drummer. An AMC car drove by N Hunn but no veterans were injured. anonymous donor presented red and white torches for night marches.
A local ad touts a surprise sale with drastic price cuts on floral cambrics, silks, laces, and house linens. It warns no refunds or exchanges on sale items, urges early shopping, and highlights discounted hosiery, bags, and towels while stocks last.
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