04 May 1939
Page 1
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Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
May 04, 1939
Page
1
Britain secures a massive iron and steel contract listing 10 908 tons of galvanised sheets. Two companies are to supply the material with the first shipment of thousands of tons to depart from Newcastle shortly for shelter construction and civilian needs.
Trevor Kelly, 24, a motor mechanic, was found guilty at Armidale Criminal Court of murdering Marjorie Constance Somer at Hillcrest near Tenterfield on February 4. The judge condemned the act as of extraordinary ferocity after Kelly allegedly proposed a tryst before attacking her and then killing her brother with an axe. Kelly claimed insanity and expressed sorrow.
Auckland report states a Auckland Supreme Court grand jury returned a true bill against G. R. McKay and J. A. Talbot. They are accused of interfering with human remains, arson, and conspiring to defraud an insurance company of £25,000. The finding commits them for trial as the preliminary hearing explains the New Zealand grand jury process.
Melbourne reports reveal scattered wreckage from an Avro-Anson bomber that dived into Port Phillip Bay yesterday. Fishermen observed an explosion upon water impact and authorities recovered more debris today.
A mass meeting of Pirie women will discuss the lack of a maternity ward at Pirie Hospital. Mrs. Threadgold urges all Pirie women to back the movement as residents seek immediate action, including petitions and possible Adelaide advocacy. The town council plans to provide signatures and a motion of protest may be presented at a June gathering in the town hall.
Mr. A W Lacey member for Pirie explains that plans for a maternity ward at Pirie have been prepared by the Architect-in-Chief's Department and approved. He notes that the Treasurer indicated the State allocation of loan money will be decided at the Loan Council's next meeting, shaping Pirie's loan projects including hospital buildings.
In Canberra the Menzies Ministry met Parliament with crowded galleries as Labor chose not to move a censure motion. Sir Earle Page sat on the front bench beside Labor’s K James of New South Wales, while most opposition benches remained empty signaling a minority government.
Latest official London metal quotations show copper and tin easing while lead and zinc hold. Copper spot down 2/6 to 241 1/3, three months down 5/74. tin spot down 1/6 to £22 5s. lead spot down 3/3, forward £14 13s 15d. spelter spot down 1/10 to £13 4s 9d. Silver cash up 1/84 with forward bids up 1/16 to £1 19s 8d per troy ounce.
District women rally over promises linked to Sir George Ritchie. April 1946 notes a strow case and maternity ward funding as estimates begin. August 1936 confirms Pirie will have a ward. September 1936 sets 1500 pounds on Estimates. February 1938 foresees ward underway with secured funds and early completion.
Prime Minister Menzies stated no truth to reports the Duke of Kent would be Australia’s Governor General. He cited exchanged cablegrams in which the Duke expressed sincere thanks for messages of goodwill and looked forward to future opportunities.
In Canberra today the unity debate dominated talks as Mr J Curtin urged reconciliation between Heffron led and State Labor factions in New South Wales. He criticised speeches by both sides for inexcusable charges and counter charges lacking decency. The debate continues.
German officials announce talks on bilateral non aggression treaties with Denmark and other northern states. The Times reports Soviet plans for an Anglo Franco Soviet alliance and joint action in eastern Europe, while Britain seeks assurances of aid to eastern European allies. Italy shows signs of perturbation over potential involvement in North European conflict.
Members of Methodist Girls Companionship and Order of Knights traveled from Gladstone Laura and Crystal Brook to Pirie for combined meetings with Pirie and Risdon Park groups at Central Methodist Mission Hall and Risdon Park. About 70 Comrades and 50 Knights attended as Rev AE Vogt and Revs S H Farmer W J Brasher attended district officer installations and degree services.
A double burial occurred at Zinc Corporation mine after a earth fall trapped two men, with the father succumbing to injuries after a three hour rescue. Alfred Staker, 50, of Railway Town, died. son Frederick George Staker, 24, of Sulphide Street, Broken Hill, survived with a fractured leg. The son, a notable local footballer and cyclist, was described as prominent. An inquest was opened by the coroner and adjourned after scene viewing.
Fragmentary report records yesterday's high of 83 and a 24 hour minimum near 90 while noting plans for personal contact as Commonwealth meat event approaches in November. Names, places, and full context are unclear due to damaged text.
This OCR fragment records a message from Mr Mensies to Australian officials in Adelaide about wheat markets. It mentions shippers raising limits, current prices around 22 shillings per bushel for old crop and 12/34 for new, and expectations of strong farmer selling backed by royal support. The text reflects wartime or economic mobilization language and references Australia’s rulers.
In August 1938 the commissioner at Puilie Works said it hoped to be dealt with. by May 1939 the maternity ward remained high on urgent works. At a Rotary Club address Prof. A F Barker of Leeds University spoke on the Australian textile school and noted that men were scarce.
A collection of routine notices reports on workers injuries vacations appointments and travel. Names include Mr W F Tully Mr EJ Bowen Mr H Pennyfield Mr G Lovell Mrs Crotty Bert James A Footner and others with details of hospital treatment leave and returns. Dame Enid Lyons Rev Irving Benson and Miss Chappell are also mentioned with travels and honors.
The Postal Department annual report shows for year ended June 30 198% a net surplus after charging capital interest of £350 476. Earnings were £17 512, expenses including interest £1082264, with telephone revenue up £57562 and total expenditure rising to £26527573 leaving a surplus of £1.75.04. The postal branch surplus was £208 561 and wireless accounts £2E2711. Listeners licenses rose by 117 83 to 157 51.
Dr J H Bolton formerly superintendent of the Royal Melbourne Hospital has passed the examination for member ship of the Royal College of Physicians. He is a son of Mr Stanley Bolton, late manager of the Royal Bank.
Observers in Pirie noted an eclipse of the moon starting before midnight. By 12:10 a.m. the moon was nearly fully shadowed, with penumbral and umbral phases forecast and a partial arc of light remaining. The total eclipse began at 12:10 a.m. with the middle at 12:41 a.m. and the moon exiting penumbra by 2:30 a.m.
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