09 Dec 1939
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 34 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Dec 09, 1939
Page
1
Reports claim poisonous gas employed by Russian troops in Finland as battalion commanders hesitate for orders, fearing generals' jealousy. A Russian submarine damaged a German ship, while Montevideo sees the steamer Lohn detained under British agents. Volatile war news include German raids repelled on the French front and Australian air force expansion.
A London World War II dispatch reports Finland facing a sea blockade and potential naval danger as Russia intensifies attacks. Finland appeals for rapid arms and aid while Britain, the United States, and Nordic nations discuss peace talks and strategic moves. The report mentions Swedish and Norwegian responses and calls for volunteers to aid Finland amid harsh winter campaigns.
London reports a Finnish exodus from Helsinki as gas fears spread on the front. Finns improvise improvised gas masks amid shortages, while Russian lines falter under fierce Finnish cannon and harsh winter. Russian commanders appear cautious to avoid rebukes from superiors. Anodynes mention foreign businessmen aiding Finland.
The German ship Oliva arrived at Mantquoto with its bows damaged after a Russian submarine fired on it three times near the island of Utoe at midnight December 5. The crew reported the attack occurred as Oliva was underway.
In London and Budapest anxiety and uncertainty rise as Hungary faces Soviet pressure and potential Carpatho Ukrainian tensions. A crowd gathers at the Hungarian Legations while Russia masss troops on the Romanian frontier. The Greek police uncover a wireless station linked to the Russian Communist Party, signaling a tense regional moment.
After months in hiding the German steamer Lahn carrying wool lead zinc concentrates and barley was arrested at Montevideo Uruguay. The 8499 ton vessel left Sydney August 26 without a pilot. Bond of 10000 pounds posted by the Ministry of Supply led to embargo on the cargo. Also vanished earlier were the Stassfurt Cassel and Erlangen as war loomed.
Reports from the Ministry describe ongoing clashes over the North Sea with enemy aircraft engaged in intense combat. A fighter or escort type reportedly collided and both aircraft crashed into the sea as routine air operations continued despite losses. Several enemy planes were claimed to be shot down during the engagement in the Furth area, with official communiques confirming multiple interceptions and confirmed enemy losses.
The Polish submarine Orzel escaped internment near Estonia and ran a perilous channel passage to join the British Navy in October. Captain Sikorski decorated sub-lieutenant for epic deeds. Wilk also escaped and operates with Britain. Reports note losses to German claims and several ships sunk with crew casualties.
The French move positions despite repeated German patrol shocks and heavy fire as they entrench in No Man's Land. Artillery and infantry dislodge them. The Times Paris notes better weather renews German patrol activity and sharper fighting resumes.
King praised Anglo French solidarity during a lunch in a tiny front line town behind the lines. He rode 300 miles through the British sector visiting HQ anti aircraft units armored units trenches and gunners dugouts. Local officials and schoolchildren welcomed him with cheers and cheers of Long live the King.
An overseas service dispute appears to involve Major General Brand Cantierra amid the Geet War era. Reports indicate opposition from political figures as tensions rise over military leadership and policy direction. Further details remain unclear due to fragmented text.
Adelaide Friday hearing into the death of 61 year old Mimnie Netta May Harrop at Stamford Street Parkside. Howard Huntley Shannon testified he drove about 30 mph after a stationary car cleared, but Harrop stepped into the path. Brakes were found nearly twice as effective as required. witnesses noted speed greater than 30 mph and light skid marks. Relative or insurer representation appeared in court.
Port Augusta reports a major bushfire that burned about 1000 square miles of feed across multiple districts for several days. Firefighters secured the blaze with travel at times up to 40 miles per hour and avoided sheep tanks and fences. The outbreak, not linked to known causes, damaged grazing and pasture while minor pastoral holdings suffered only limited losses.
Tom Walsh addressed a distinguished Foreign Trade Association banquet in Japan urging mercy toward Japan in coming days. Mrs Walsh formerly Adela Pankhurst also spoke urging cultural ties and cooperation between Japan and Australia to cultivate Friend Jin through women and children and to link Japan’s people with Australia’s unused wealth.
A garbled report notes tensions over the East-West line with references to Priday and Machimald, discussing delays and government involvement. It mentions Minister of the Interior questioning travel, rail subsidies, and competition from subsidised air services affecting the routes and operations.
In Canberra Friday Mollard pressed in the House of Representatives that the cabinet call for the resignation of two ministers McLeay and Metche. He urged a royal commission or select inquiry to probe a “shocking” question around ministerial failures and the middleman profits harming growers. MeLedy dismissed the charges as a despicable attack and demanded Pollard prove his evidence.
The House of Representatives agreed to an estimated expenditure of 101.4 million pounds for the current financial year after an all night sitting in Canberra. The vote confirms the governmental budget plan and outlines funding level for national programs.
Australia will provide 20000 trained troops under a wartime program disclosed by Minister Palcialet. The force is to be integrated with the Canadian and Allied efforts, with Australians retaining some identity and distinctive badges while in combat units.
Victorian championship notes show Miss Hopman and Miss Steven retaining the women's doubles title after a series of semifinals and finals. Newcombe displayed promise in singles with a strong rally against Bromwich, while mixed doubles featured Hartigan with Mead and Weir with Coate in competitive semi results.
Yesterday recorded a maximum of 75 degrees while the minimum held at 53. The early hours ended at 8 30 am with no precipitation noted and weather remained mild through the day.
Clarence Reeves arrives in Adelaide today known as the Alabama Kid and holder of the world sclored middleweight claim. He will meet Billy in an upcoming bout, drawing attention with his noted fighting record and gleaming smile.
Friday Dr Halliday Sutherland urged a child endowment system for couples with incomes under 1000 a year as a solution to a shrinking tax base. He cited Germany's state loans and child bonuses, France's higher wages for workers with children, and noted potential shifts in employment and marriage patterns. Potential effects include reduced female employment and lower state burden.
A Cornwall family reports their son Mark Williams aged 36, a naval reservist and oil tanker seaman, missing after the sinking of the German pocket battleship Rawalpindi in the North Sea. Williams is one of six siblings, with a wife and two infant daughters.
Local Red Cross fundraising drive reports total contributions exceeding £600 with substantial support from town groups. The listing shows named donors and amounts received to date, highlighting progress toward the appeal goal and ongoing subscription effort.
Bankshaw was examined after a spill near the course with veterinary surgeon R Dowling saying the gelding looked closer to its old self. Swabs were sent to the Government Analyst for testing, with results expected in days. Steward inquiry to continue in Melbourne with witnesses.
Premier Playford argued against child endowment, saying costs must be borne by taxpayers or single men and childless families. McKenzie’s proposal to introduce endowment was defeated 15 to 9, with Playford noting the policy is only in one state and should not be adopted without a clear payment plan.
In Adelaide Priday the Assembly approved a Legislative Council move abolishing the referendum on life terms for the Three Year Parliament. The Council’s Three Year Bill passed unanimously, despite Commissioner Rudall’s opposition and noted personal motive. Nicolas supported the council stance as best for the state.
Adelaide report shows Commissioner McIntosh defending the Tramways Trust as Labour opposition pressed for a Select Committee on tramway grievances. The House rejected the motion by 16-13. McIntosh cited a decade of 100 dismissals amid a 1662 strong payroll and denied mass discharge for union involvement. He said a worker was dismissed for circulating a document titled Moscow Today rather than for union ties. The minister called the trust democratically run and noted appeal boards in other states with a history of 25 percent wrongful charges in some cases.
Two men, Melly and Liles, were shot in St Kilda with one bullet steering toward the lung and back. Police seized three cartridges at a St Kilda home and questioned a man as Vincent Lawlor and Wenn were charged with intent to murder George Anderson Kelly.
Premier and employers union leaders pledge effort to preserve full employment. Me FT Peery, president of the Chamber of Manufacturers, says any employer can keep workers if work exists. Winterbottom notes defence works as a major path, with South Australians eager to maintain jobs while suitable tasks are found.
Police search for a man alleged to have assaulted a young woman on Howard road Neverley around 11:30 pm yesterday. The assailant, described as 20 to 30 years old, about 6 ft tall and powerfully built, rode a bicycle and spoke to the victim before fleeing as bystanders appeared.
Adelaide reports unchanged wheat prices to millers with 3 4 percent charge per bushel and 3 5 percent to retailers, minimums set for truckloads. American wheat futures rise sharply in Chicago and Winnipeg, while London Baltic quotes Manitoba No 1 at £19 1s 1d per quarter for December shipment. Vancouver, SA, and WA wheats steady at £12 3s 4d per quarter for Dec-Jan shipment.
Lead and other metals quotations show little change with London Market levels listed as 16 pounds 12 shillings per 6 pence ton for lead from a ship and 15 pounds per ton for another lead line. Silver quotes around 21 pounds 3 to 8? an ounce with minor declines noted for cash and forward prices. Copper refined and tin also appear largely unchanged, with references to air mail services and standard tariffs.
Bi weekly depot at town hall receives large bundles of Red Cross garments including pyjamas shirts bed covers towels and hot water bottle covers. First distribution will go to Adelide for soldiers in hospital with Mrs S J Warren noting completion of work by sewing circles.
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