07 May 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
May 07, 1940
Page
1
German forces reinforce Narvik as defense frays amid heavy snow battles. Allied evacuations leave starving refugees returning to Namsos area while Italian press stays hostile to Britain and predicts a German invasion of the United Kingdom. German submarines and destroyers claim several Allied losses as new operations unfold in Steinkjer and surrounding areas.
Australian Associated Press reports German garrison at Narvik facing a desperate predicament as Allied forces advance, with about 1,000 Germans holding bridges and tunnels on the Narvik to Sweden iron ore railway amid heavy fighting and snow. Communication lines severed, Norwegians and British observers describe intensified combat and strategic pressures in the Narvik area.
London dispatch quotes Prof Koht saying Norway will not bow to Germany as Britain and its allies mobilize to free Norway. He asserts Norwegians will fight to preserve independence, King Haakon will stay, and Sweden's stance on iron ore may affect wartime trade.
Travellers reaching the Swedish frontier from Norway report fare movements by German troops and airplanes advancing. The Swedish paper Tidningen notes German plans near Narvik, where 3 000 to 4 000 soldiers reportedly besieged. Official word says operations continue but are hampered by snow. No quick gains expected.
Eyewitness fragments report Afridi sunk a convoy during bombing while U-boats and aircraft engaged near Narvik. Intense shellfire paused the attack as reinforcements arrived. but overall bombardment continued with heavy damage claimed.
In Adelaide a court blocks mandatory paid annual leave for bakery workers amid wage and price concerns. Justice notes noncompliance with full pay for two weeks could raise costs and affect bread cake pastry and small goods pricing. Public interest arguments warn of broader impact on retail prices and the economy.
North Australian Workers' Union secretary Mr Craig to testify as army command weighs intervention after three union exec members allege soldiers threatened and abused members at a house. Craig plans discussions with Ministers Street Foil on union army relations amid allegations of strikebreaking, waitress strikes, and tensions at a cafe.
Yesterday's high reached 65 degrees with a 24 hour minimum recorded. Data shows a brief period of cooler air, ending around 4:30 am with temperatures near the 452 mark.
Advice has been received at a party of six State officers led by Mrs Playford the Premier. The tour will start from Adelaide to Whyalla and will be in the Woonstone port all day tomorrow returning to Adelaide on Thursday. The group includes officials such as Engineer-in-Chief and the Premier’s personal secretary, and the tour is informal with no official objects announced, though it is believed to follow the Murray River pipeline route.
Mr Richards joined an Adelaide express returning from an organising tour, stressing water supply as crucial. The Labor figure praised rural centers from Tumby Bay to Cowell for warmth toward the party, noting the need for adequate irrigation and government action. He hailed progress and pledged support from permanent residents of Whyalla and Port Augusta.
Sydney reports the Australian Federal Cabinet plans drastic regulations to end the coal strike, with crisis expected tomorrow and Wednesday. Mine union leaders favor continuation, while mass miner meetings decide the course. Overseas coal bunkering by drivers occurred, and ACTU called emergency meeting to review the strike.
The National Cabinet plans to end the coal strike and tighten controls on Communistic activity. If miners reject leaders and stay out, National Security regulations will resume force to compel return to work with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Minister W M Hughes urges miners to resume work to avoid harsher measures.
Premier Playford announced Cabinet approved a tender of about £13,000 for the erection of a maternity ward at Pirie Adelaide. The decision confirms funding arrangements and sets the project in motion. Local officials expect improved facilities for obstetric services and patient care.
The article describes the marginal lands scheme with government involvement led by Canberra officials and the Marginal Lands Committee. It notes land security for settlers, perpetual leases, and careful allotment to avoid grazing-only use, with focus on securing and valuing plots for future settlement.
Paris reports a strong assault in the Saar region with heavy artillery supported by enemy forces. The official war communique says French troops repelled the attack on three outposts.
Local notices report Mr W Uh Taylor visiting Adelaide on state executive business and a weekend return. In Pirie, hospital updates include Mr T Sullivan recovering from appendicitis, J Searle discharged, A Huckwell briefly out of bed, and Flying Officer R Shannon Davey taking over RAAF recruiting duties. Air force officers C Matulich and R Gy Geter to assume depot roles in Adelaide.
Tariff Board members, who arrived in Adelaide, assess key aspects of the Morgan Whyalla water project. Officials expect federal policy to shape river water use and anticipated annual expenditure around £20,000. Mr A McGonaghy provides comment on the matter.
Monday the Miners Federation pressed for eight special tribunals to settle coalfield disputes at Wonthaggi. Minister Hyland said the government would not concede a special tribunal under coercion and warned miners to resume work without such a body.
The Seventh Division plans cavalry recruitment likely around May 18 or 29 with postings for light horse enlistees. A squadron will form in South Australia comprising officers and many ranks. roles include motor transport drivers and wireless telegraphy knowledge.
Opinion on whether coal miners return to work is split with the outcome likely hinging on how leaders frame their case at tomorrow's meetings. The article notes the balance of sentiment remains even and hinges on persuasive presentation.
At Nosewood the vote favored continuing work with one against as Mr Phillips, secretary of the Queensland Colliery Employes Union, addressed Booyal men claiming the Miners Federation is bankrupt with debts around £7,500. He warned the union faces another docket and stated the miners would not win the struggle, reflecting a tense labor dispute.
Moodlay reports from Sydney say miners unions debate actions over transporting black coal. Road Transport Union plans to refuse transport, Australian Railways Union members to ignore guidance to refuse handling coal. Other unions may not fund miners after next week, leaving miners to rely on own resources.
Adelaide Monday report that Ortelle's Star suffered serious lameness after a fall on a bitumen road. Vet could not locate the injury site and trainer C. T. Godby said the mare is unwell and may not race in the Adelaide Cup on Wednesday. The veterinarian offered little hope for a quick recovery.
A Spencer Gulf Aero Club plane suffered propeller damage after a landing mishap at Vitie aerodrome yesterday. Minor repairs are required. the pilot, a young member, was uninjured during the incident.
Herbert Leslie Penfold-Hyland an Adelaide director of Peutoki Winee Limited died today. Born in Vickers he was aged at Bewes. The obituary notes his industry role and local origins.
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