Francis Faces Third Day in Witness Box
Francis continues testimony on his third day in court with an apology letter read aloud and his silence on an objection regarding Bishop’s claim of continual persecution.
14 Dec 1934
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 20 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Dec 14, 1934
Page
1
Francis continues testimony on his third day in court with an apology letter read aloud and his silence on an objection regarding Bishop’s claim of continual persecution.
In a local court hearing, Mr. H G Alderman warned the Bishop of Willochra could be placed in custody if he did not comply with a subpoena. The case involves Ernest James Francis seeking £409 from Archdeacon Dunn for libel and slander, with continued cross examination and vestry meeting minutes discussed.
During cross examination of Ernest Jones Francis Pirie Local Court yesterday the sincerity of Archdeacon Dunn was questioned after a letter of apology dated May 20 was presented. The archdeacon's note acknowledged an apology for hasty removal from the vestry roll and asked for a public clearing of the matter to resume church service. Francis Fronels did not reply, doubting the archdeacon's sincerity.
Fragmentary dialogue reveals a church looming bankruptcy to seize a building valued about 50 with support from the speaker. A dispute over assignments and property ties to a wife’s involvement, suggesting scandal and publicity as leverage against creditors.
An alderman declares intent to bring the bishop of Willochta into custody. The exchange records harsh questions about wardenship under Archdeacon Bunn, consent, and financial dealings, including a bank overdraft and a £70 payment, amid a tense, confidential atmosphere.
Subpoenaed bishop R Thomas of Willochray fails to attend Pirie Local Court session in Port Parle. Letter from clerk details bishop’s numerous engagements and inability to comply, with references to Archdeacon Dunn and Ernest James Francis case. The correspondence hints at witness arrangements and possible court actions.
In Pirie, relief funds for Christmas rise as Broken Hill Associated Smelters donate £100, joining about £210 from the Unemployment Relief Council. Mayor W. H. Threadgold announced the gift to fund toys, clothing, and holiday aid for youths, with plans for further distributions and local employment schemes through the council.
A damaged transcript describes discussions over deeds, funds, and authorizations in court. It notes references to a £200 cost, instalments on land, and banking authorizations by a wife. The court adjourned at 4.40 am after examining authority to endorse a bequest.
The town of Pirie records a 108.3 shade reading between 4 30 and 5 15 pm marking the second century for the season. Adverse heat delays and sparse crowds at beaches contrast with busy weekend forecasts. Local supplier activity and beverage distribution increase as next week’s heat is expected to be even stronger.
Adelaide recorded its first hundred this summer as temperatures surged from the morning to noon and then spiked to over 102 degrees. By late afternoon the heat eased slightly with readings around 91.9 in the morning and 99.9 by four PM, indicating rapid changes in temperature throughout the day.
The previous day recorded a maximum temperature of 106.3 degrees and a 24 hour minimum ending at 8 30 am of 67.2 degrees.
Holiday shopping hours show Pirie store open until 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve and until 9 p.m. on the following Thursday. Other notes include clerical closures, with Snopes and Milena arranging holiday details and public offices closed on Christmas Day. The library remains closed Christmas Day, and The Recorder reports no issue on Christie Day.
Canberra Thursday. In reply to Mr Forde in Parliament Mr White minister of customs said that if Germany could import items not competitive with British goods the government would be prepared to enter into a trade treaty with Germany.
In Canberra on Thursday the House of Representatives completed relief measures for wheat growers. Minister Dr Page used the guillotine to speed the Bounty and Relief Bills. The Bounty Oil offers threepence a bushel for 1934 wheat. the Relief Bill allocates £2,000,000 to aid farmers, bringing total anticipated assistance to about £4,000,000. An amendment by Mr Beasley to restrict aid to taxable farmers with need evidence was rejected.
The High Court dismissed the Crown's appeal in a hotel licensing dispute from Adelaide. Lord Travers represented the licensee in Pirie and argued the hotelkeeper was not liable without proof of knowledge. The decision overturns prior convictions and may reduce fines issued under the Licensing Act.
Local notes list Mr. John Hig and Mrs. Wize strived it Pirie from Broken Wi as guests of Mrs. T. Stanley. Several visitors arrive by train or car from Adelaide, including Mrs. CG. B. James-Mahnke, Mr. H. Campbell-Hirdie, Mr. H. Kerr, and Mr. Edgar Ford. A patient Tadoutidien of Mime Vera Tobin reports satisfactory recovery after Pirie Hospital operation.
In Mylor and surrounding hills residents guard homes as William Arthur Figg the local murderer remains at large. A Milang sighting of a man with a gun prompted police to race by car toward Milang while anxious communities organize precautionary measures. Local fear grows as investigators seek motive amid reports of jealousy in Stirling.
A government bill in Canberra seeks funds to honor the Pacific flight disaster, with 3 million to be allocated for the pensess of victims. The measure excludes wives in its terms, though officials promise careful consideration for them.
Advices to Australian Minor and Metals Association show December 12 quotations. Copper spot falls. three months up. Electrolytic and wire bars steady. Lead spot and forward unchanged. Silver prices mixed with cash and forward shifts. Gold fine London open quotation around £70.
In a tense Victorian Singles Championship semi final Hughes falls to Laila de Stefan after a battled display of tactics and heavy topspin. The doubles pairings for Kooyong tomorrow show Crawford and Hopman advancing as favourites with notable victories and Miss Pearman and Miss Macfarlane contesting the women’s singles.
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.