30 Mar 1940
Page 1
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This newspaper page contains 25 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Mar 30, 1940
Page
1
In London no Supreme War Council decisions are reported as German threats loom over ore transport from Norway and Denmark. British diplomats in the Balkans and Danube Basin are summoned for a conference with the government amid continued air combat over the North Sea.
Australian observers report Allied leaders weighing German strategy and potential responses as winter pressure grows. The leaders consider actions to deter aggression and defend Britain while coordinating broader wartime aims across Western Europe.
German newspapers assert that neutrals have no rights as war drags on. They claim London hosts the supreme power, Scandinavia’s neutrality is ignored, and Western Powers concede neutral rights are abolished to protect vital German interests.
British air forces claimed success with an RAF fighter attacking two Dorniers over the North Sea and bullets striking one. A German raider was shot down off the northeast coast of Scotland, bringing the total German planes shot down since the war began to 120. Pilots recounted near misses and escapes, including bending propeller blades and losing a tail wheel during a close dive on Nazi patrol vessels. The Coastal Command reported encounters with two Dornier aircraft during a prolonged engagement over the North Sea.
German planes attacked a steamer as torpedoes fell short or failed. The crew described seeing torpedoes drop, some exploding near shore while others missed, with damage reported but ship remaining afloat and lines of action continuing.
Britain calls all ministers in the Balkans and the Turkish ambassador to London for confidential talks with Lord Halifax as Allies tighten contraband controls and press for a unified strategy. Romania, crucial in Balkan trade, faces German pressure while Britain and France seek a tougher stance against the Soviet and shifts toward potential rapprochement with Italy.
Flying Officer Kain awarded the distinctive Flying Cross in a late war ceremony. Reports indicate the honor was received by 230 this morning and announced in the late war cable.
British vessels escorting a convoy were struck by German forces. Six ships were struck and one was set on fire. A rescuing warship later sank. The incident occurred Friday as German High Command claimed responsibility.
The Southern Fire Association held a meeting at Glidstone to address funds for prevention and indoor safety. Delegates including Moore Nol Symonds Archard Wamestowi and Buudaleer Forest discussed amendments to the Internal Subaction Act, liability immunity for councils, and calls for insurance support and government funding for fire prevention propaganda.
Labor leader Mr Holloway urges action to empower the Arbitration Court to call a compulsory conference and seeks a swift solution. Information suggests possible developments within 48 hours as Mee Hughes may seek court intervention under the Arbitration Act.
A gulf touring party including SRS T Playford H Darling and Easington Lewis of Broken Hill Proprietary Company will arrive Pirie Monday week, proceed to Willalla, then return. Adelaide Steamship Company directors and officials, led by Sir Walter Duncan and Mr J Hi Gosse, join the delegation with staff from Jason My DL Yates and Dr GK Williams assisting.
Newcastle Friday reports 1000 workers dismissed due to reduced production. Arbitration Court may be approached for a compulsory conference, with Mr Holloway optimistic points can be settled within 24 hours. Australian Council of Trades Unions officials urge intensified fundraising for strikers amid promising Commonwealth government response.
A man fell from a train between Ethelton and Commercial Road Port Adelaide on a Friday afternoon. He lost both legs and suffered serious injuries. The injured man is named Colin George Smith aged 82 from Findon. He was in the guard’s van and balance while watching signal when the accident occurred. He was taken to hospital in critical condition.
Prime Minister Menzies said he would not confirm or deny reports of talks on the coal dispute with South Australia. He noted a telegram from Premier Playford but added no further statement. Melbourne reports suggested unofficial overtures between parties toward a possible compulsory conference.
Dairymen face reduced bran supplies causing feed shortages and mounting worry across farms. Officials note delayed shipments and rising prices strain operation viability while farmers seek alternatives to sustain herds and milk output.
Mr M B Middleton, discharged from Sister Bray's hospital, will remain in bed at home for some days. Mrs J Leahey and her husband, the town clerk, hurriedly traveled to Melbourne as Mrs Leahey’s mother lies seriously ill. return expected by weekend. Mr G B Jacobs of Wandearah admitted to Pirie Hospital with a poisoned right hand. Mr T Burd of Fourth Street an inmate in Pirie Hospital medical ward. Presentation of a president's medallion to Mr M Connelly at the Signal Social Office sub-branch of the Federated Engine Drivers and Firemen's Association. Mr H Westfield paid tribute to Connelly's leadership and thanked the management committee and officers. Mr B Dunkley of Whyalla injured in an eye by a cricket hailstorm. in Pirie Hospital with eye likely to recover in days.
Frightful fires race through Kultpa Colony and adjoining districts in South Australia as fires advance toward Nangkita and Too Permnng. Hundreds of firefighters battle stock losses and damaged fences while dairying and sheep farming areas brace for further damage. No homes confirmed lost yet, but outbreaks push operations across Inman Valley and neighboring bays as wind hampers containment.
Premier Playford announced government terms for copper mining aid. Government will not reopen mines but will support development with labor in place of working capital, with cash for plant only if necessary. Aid requires detailed proposals, emphasis on developmental work and self sufficiency.
The Pirie temperature yesterday topped 95.6 degrees for the fifth consecutive day but did not reach a century. A warm night ended with a minimum around 70 degrees and a northerly breeze whipped up at times.
The fragment describes yesterday's high around 95.6 with a low near 70, noting heat effects and long-term recording goals. It mentions centuries of readings and comparisons to past March heat, but many details are garbled and uncertain.
New South Wales Labor members in the Federal Parliament dissociated themselves from the hands-off Russia resolution. They backed the federal Labor executive declaration that the party has no affiliation with the Communist Party and that Communist Party members are ineligible for Labor membership. Corean war coverage noted.
Adelaide reports a high reading of 99 degrees on a Friday, with March making the sixteenth day above 90. The record for March average, set in 1934 at 88.3, appears likely to be broken as the month’s average stays about 10 degrees above normal.
Fragmentary OCR note reports Melbourne event with vague dates and numbers. Readable bits mention succession theme and a timeline starting in March. No clear names or places beyond Melbourne.
A fragmentary report notes an Empire air scheme announcement by Minister J. Paittairii that the first Australian pilots observers and air gunners trained will be on active service before Christmas. The first school opens under the scheme with a second to follow in Canada by spring. Recruits for the RAAF start before April 17.
Two events on Pirie Road will be conducted by Pirie Circle, War nertown rounds and sfiemere. The incidents will involve seniors and some juniors. Manfieaps-areseon Cant Maltoor. Be Whitehead Le Whitehead 13 sees. L. Kalle.
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