18 Jan 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Jan 18, 1940
Page
1
German leaders threaten attacks in many directions causing uncertainty. Western Front patrols report suspended operations due to snow. A French warship reportedly sank a German submarine. A German steamer risking capture was scuttled by its crew. Russia continues air raids on Finland destroying a hospital. Attacks on the Karelian Isthmus were repulsed.
London reports on German war aims with spokesmen giving varied and opaque locations from Belgium and Holland to Scandinavia and the Balkans. British, Swedish, and Dutch observers note possible strategic misdirection while Sweden and Norway resist guarantees. Dutch trade shows wartime disruption as imports fall from 60 million to 19.3 million pounds in early war months.
In London on Wednesday heavy snow blankets the British sector of the western front halting surprise strikes. Sentries endure freezing cold with limited shelter as patrols clash, while a German sniper nicknamed George remains active, delivering tea and firing thousands of rounds from no man’s land.
Reports from Helsinki describe intensified Finnish air and ground counteractions against Soviet forces. Finnish raids target SnuGis Teak and Tjorko while destroying enemy headquarters and halting battalions, with evacuations in Paldiski and protests over captured Estonian assets. King George VI and royal family aid Finland as Britain mobilizes support.
A French warship attacked a U-boat yesterday, either destroying or badly shaking it before it dived. Another French ship intercepted a German cargo steamer believed to be the Janus, which was fleeing home with many Germans aboard. The crew scuttled the ship amid the action.
In a House of Commons statement, Mr Hore-Belisha told MPs he could not rely on the prime minister’s backing. The minister defended defense policy amid questions over government support and cabinet unity.
A 19 year old bank clerk Davitt Arthur Stephen of Parade Norwend faced a Criminal Court verdict for forgery. He admitted attempting withdrawals totaling 450 and 103 pounds using altered forms in the names of Wont Bila Ilda Meltheesin and CMe Forrest, after earlier frauds. The court noted restitution and warned against dishonesty by bank staff in trusted positions.
A strong tremor in Sicily damaged Monreale Cathedral and several public buildings and churches. Reported aftershocks described mixed destruction with limited remaining details and unclear casualty figures. Local authorities urge caution as surveys begin.
Immunisation of preschool children against diphtheria begins this afternoon at 3 o'clock in the town hall cloakroom. Dr. B O Johnston and Mr. M M Bishop will attend along with two VA.Dy. Report notes anatoxin arrival and that parental consent forms have been taken or returned. inoculation will wait until schools resume after the vacation.
The bicycle lost by Mr J T Mitchell at Helenslea from the front of Central Billiards Saloon on Florence Street was found in Alexander Street and returned to him at Pirie Police Station yesterday morning. Police said an unauthorized person likely borrowed it and returned it to the street.
Melbourne reports J McLeay the Minister of Commerce announced that the average price for half of the 750 000 tons of wheat sold to the United Kingdom would be about 3 11 16 d per bushel f o b and 3 86 8 d f o b for bulk The price for the remaining portion of the order will be fixed later by agreement
The Federal Government will not implement next season’s wheat production limits after most exportable surplus wheat has been disposed of. This signals a shift away from acreage controls and preserves unconstrained wheat output for the coming cycle.
Proceeds from primary produce sales to the British Government and funds conserved in Australia have driven a sharp rise in bank deposits since the outbreak of war. Central bank credit expansion aided the position. Australian trading banks’ quarterly average shows deposits up by £211,496,000 in Q4 1508, with December deposits at a record £335,200,000 as banks conserve funds for impending war finance. Wheat price in Adelaide today stood at 40 bushes to millers.
Adelaide Wednesday metal market reports show silver inching higher with spot up 7 to 16 and forward quotes improving. Tin prices also fluctuate with spot and forward terms mentioned, while buyer and seller notes reflect uncertain menus around 1/10 to 3-18 per ounce.
In Pirie Police Court yesterday adjourned applications for renewal of second-hand dealer licenses were heard. Several applicants had renewals delayed as principals were unresolved, with some needing to present full personal details and firm affiliations.
New York dispatch notes Japanese citizens pressing for party government over militarist rule as Admiral Yonai faces Diet opposition. U S might mediate if needed. January 26 treaty expiry looms. Cabinet shifts include Ishiwatari as Chief Secretary and Fujihera championing industry. Haia ordered unity in War Office.
Norman Taylor is at the center of a wartime muddle as officials scramble for policy clarity. Critics worry about strategy, logistics, and public morale amid mounting pressure on leadership and scarce resources.
Adelaide Rotary Club speaker Mr Norman Taylor, former Associated Chambers of Commerce president, warns against sensationalism and urges clear air. He emphasizes America's pro Allied stance, the need for a postwar Empire migration, and that Britain must win the war and secure a just postwar order without utopian schemes. The future Europe will need broad global involvement.
A public hearing led by the Australian Workers' Union for reducing work hours of diving and sleeping car staff on Commonwealth Railways will be held this morning at 7.30 at the Commonwealth Railways Depot Pirie before Air Mr Bentwell Commonwealth Public Service Arbistrator. Personal Mr O L Issachsen elected chairman of Associated Banks of SA. Lady Muriel Barclay Harves presided at a South Australian Red Cross Society meeting in Adelaide yesterday. Premier Willcock arrived in Adelaide en route to Melbourne for a Council meeting, accompanied by officials. Mr S W G Freeman to attend Red Cross meeting. Mr T H Moyes has taken up duty at head office after being in Port Augusta. Ambulance roster for trotting meeting at Pine tonight listed. Faculty members resume duties after a vacation in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. Mr F Dutton recovering at Pirie Hospital with left foot exercise. L G Robinson admitted to Pirie Hospital medical ward. Nurse A R Gogler completed training and left Pirie Hospital for the city. Mr E Noores from Aname Station injured when a car overturned during the war.
Mr RG Menzies said the Federal Cabinet decided no steps should be taken to provide broadcasting units for the Second AIF. The decision affects both the Australian Broadcasting Commission and commercial stations.
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