11 Dec 1939
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 31 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Dec 11, 1939
Page
1
Germany promises to defend Rumanian frontiers against a Soviet attack in exchange for Rumania supplying all oil and grain Germany needs. Britain mobilizes 250000 more men and ships gas masks to Finland as war spreads. Baltic fighting continues with Russian forces reportedly active and Finns announcing withdrawals. Moscow radio says operations have begun.
Reported Finnish forces claim successes near Petsamo with heavy Soviet losses. The terse dispatch notes alleged village fatalities and civilian disruption as part of ongoing combat in the northern frontier.
London reports quote an agreement in which Germany would guarantee Rumania's frontiers in return for access to oil and grain, potentially denying Hungary hopes to regain Transylvania. Budapest sources note the pact may include Bessarabia and Bukovina and concerns grow that Hungarian aims would be thwarted.
London reports estimate that Russia has at least 500000 troops in Finland with withdrawals at times due to the enemy’s numbers. Finnish lines in Karelia hold, while the far north suffers cold and hunger. Finnish coastal batteries fire, torpedo boats raid a Soviet naval base and claim damage to ships.
Britain dispatches 30 bombing planes and thousands of gas masks while Sweden pledges 350000 pounds. Four hundred volunteers depart from America to assist Finland. The Danish Parliamentary Union ejects six Communist members amid resignations of 13. In Brazil, actions target 500 alleged state plotters.
Representatives of Argentina demand Russia be expelled from the League of Nations and expect backing from other nations. Finland’s appeal on the Soviet invasion is set for Assembly consideration tomorrow, with only Finland support or Russia opposition on the agenda.
Latest French reports show no change in position on the Western Front with another quiet day. Near Luxembourg German patrols were repulsed, continuing a lull in major offensives.
A 3600 ton German steamer captured by Britain near Iceland masqueraded as a Russian merchantman. It is reported as the nineteenth prize Britain has taken since the war began.
Thirty people injured when a tram crashed into the rear of another at Anzac Parade and Cleveland Street Kensington. Four ambulances rushed victims to St Vincent and Sydney Hospitals. many suffered hysteria as crowds helped.
A fragment notes that 200 planes were restricted for import and mentions SEI and Soler. It records K. P. C. Spender arguing the need to preserve the Australian dollar, warning some quarters do not fully appreciate its importance.
Keen interest centers on a Japanese steamer set to leave Rotterdam for a home port today. It is expected to be the first neutral vessel to challenge the Allied blockade of German exports as the Japanese press says Britain and France will test their decision.
Norman Herzich was rushed to hospital after ingesting a liquid believed to be his nerve tonic but which turned out to be liniment. His mother Mrs M A Axon said he called out in distress and rode away on a bicycle to seek help. A stomach pump was used, and he was hospitalized while relatives verified the mix up between two similar bottles.
The Pirie Post Office reported the hottest day of the season with a maximum near 99.5 degrees, just shy of a century. The prior record occurred on Sunday, November 26 when the peak reached 97 degrees. Saturday’s temperature was not recorded in full.
Mexican Navy investigates movements of an unidentified warship seen near a German den in the gulf. A lighthouse keeper reported a warship without lights. Admiral Scheer remains in the South Atlantic as German ships are detained.
Melbourne Sunday report quotes Mr G Street announcing the first contingent of the Australian Expeditionary Forces will depart overseas soon. He states the sailing date and ship movements will not be published for convoy safety, but confirms Royal Navy and Royal Australian Navy protection during passage.
Guinea Airways will run a daily weekday Adelaide to Whyalla service starting tomorrow. The thrice weekly service on Monday Wednesday and Friday becomes five days a week with Parafield departures at 9 45 am arriving at Pirie 11 15 am Whyalla 11 20 am. Returns leave Whyalla at noon and reach Parafield at 1 0 pm. The Iron Knob stop is added on Wednesdays.
Dr Bennetts urged Kalgoorlie Council to ask the town engineer for a report on keeping Hannan street tidy. He proposed using the water cart to spray disinfectant in gutters during summer, noting Sundays show the dirtiest streets outside hotels. The motion预计 cost up to four pounds and two, with the aim to keep the town healthier.
The report notes a 24 hour low of 75 as Pirie residents feel summery urges. Beachgoers crowded the sand yesterday afternoon and evening with hundreds enjoying the open shore and activity on the Federal Dock.
Britain orders another 250000 men aged 19 to 23 into the colors since compulsory service began. The third batch will report for duty early next year. Christmas leave is to be granted British troops in France.
Bert Bateson of Solomontown learned his elder brother Harry served aboard the British steamer Black Hill which hit a mine and sank off England’s east coast last month. Father G Bateson of South Shields sent the warning in a letter confirming the crew member's fate. Only one of the crew survived.
In Tanganyika a theft is described as copper plates and mercury containing gold being dismantled near Heaths Batter Linden. Thieves fled in a car as authorities pursued, with mentions of German colonists and a £3,000 value tied to stone and a voyage to England.
From Stockholm comes word that the Swedish government has named an acting commander in chief of the military forces. The appointment had been under consideration for some time and marks a significant leadership change for Sweden's armed services.
Mahatma Gandhi has urged the Muslim League leadership to call off a planned demonstration by nationalists celebrating the resignation of Congress Party members from state legislatures across India.
Wandearah branch of the Red Cross has been active for nearly two months since inauguration. The first parcel of finished work has been sent to Pirierenine. Funds have been raised through varied methods. A prize for composition was won by Mr. D. J. Heid of AC Shlomontown, with treasurer Mires de Davidson noting the frame has raised about £1.
Transfer of the largest body of troops ever through Pirie will occur at Fire Junction each morning. About 300 Western Australian Second ALF men will arrive on two special trains from Kalgoorlie and depart for Adelaide en route to New South Wales camps for final training. Trains will arrive at 5:45 and 5:45 am, with a heavy Adelaide-bound train at 9:18 am. The move uses most passenger stock, after 40 hours of continuous travel, with two full crews and standard meals for the journey. The welcome is expected to be modest due to the early hour, but a rousing farewell is planned at 9:10 am.
Market report shows firmed wheat at 104d to 32d per quarter from Vancouver for shipment. Australian and Western Australia wheat quoted at 28s per quarter for bagged wheat.
London metal market update lists copper and gold prices with brief changes. Spot and forward prices shown for several metals including silver and copper, with notes on unchanged and down movements.
Personal street references weekend plans with parents. E Jacobsen remains in Pirie Hospital after about six months. H Thomas, ship's carpenter, left bed briefly after appendicitis surgery. A P Blesing visited Wandasrah on writing terms. Edeasom Day and local council figure noted. Fred Brown and J Barry farewells at Pirie staff events near Adelaide.
Rev. D. L. Benton preached From That Christmas to This at Pirie Congregational Church last night. A church Christmas tree lit by electric candles stood as a warm appeal for gifts to be sent to about 100 colored boys at Point McLeay Native Mission, seen during a February visit by Benton and Mrs Renton. Gifts of toys and useful articles are invited to be hung on the tree and sent to the dusky children next Sunday.
The Napperby Congregational Church strawberry fete drew a full house at the local school and raised over £7. Rev. D L Benton attended. T D Barber of Pirie Y M C A led the event with a YALCA party of about 25. The boys choir led by C L Venn impressed, and senior acts included gym demonstrations by Milton Castle and Colin Rogers. Several solo items and community singing followed, with thanks moved by Roberts and Jose.
A brief item notes a youth seeking a family or guardian, inviting potential caretakers to come forward. No names or precise details provided, but it flags an orphaned or temporarily unplaced child in need of placement. Provisions indicate authorities are coordinating placement efforts and screening for suitability.
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