17 Sep 1940
Page 1
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Newspaper
Port Pirie Recorder
Location
Port Pirie, South Australia, Australia
Date
Sep 17, 1940
Page
1
London air defenses report sinking eighteen enemy planes during a period of intensified Italian aggression in Syria. The conflict strains relations between French and Syrian authorities and is seen as advantageous to Britain.
British pilots raid Germans during a blinding thunderstorm as a bomb falls into the Queen's apartment at Buckingham Palace, underscoring a dramatic night in the capital.
British and German air actions dominate the front as London endures raids with heavy losses and blunted morale. A German bomber reportedly struck Buckingham Palace while a Queen's apartments missile target failed. Spitfires claimed the downing. Italian forces push into Egypt facing limited opposition as they advance toward Alexandria, amid weather disruptions and thunderstorm confusion.
Australian Associated Press reports London total up to Sunday night: 175 German aircraft shot down by British fighters and ground defences, with 30 British planes lost though 10 pilots uninjured. Buckingham Palace targeted again but hit bombs failed to explode and royal family were not present. Spitfires pursued raiders, with heavy anti aircraft and fighter actions across Kent, Maidstone, and the south coast as London shelters filled and casualties estimated as potentially under two thousand.
The Recorder agrees to cooperate upon request by Mr Threadgold and promptly acknowledges contributions for the relief fund. Citizens in Pirie and surrounding districts are urged to support the cause as the fund opens with a £25 donation by the council.
Town Council decided to open a relief fund for Great Britain air raid victims and to donate £25 as a starting amount. Mayor Threadgold reported a wire from A. G. Barrett of Adelaide requesting council cooperation to raise funds sent to England. South Australia has already subscribed £16,000 in three days. A public appeal was urged to maximize immediate aid.
Pirie town council meeting discussed the Air Raid Victims Fund with apologies from Dr Dey and Ald Davis noted. J Oxford of Stith Street and Mr Clapp of Victorian Railways were among attendees. readings recorded a 79 degree high and 46.9 degree minimum for the 24 hours.
A man was bayoneted four times in the lower back during a confrontation near a building to the west of the towns. He was pushed with the rifle butt, a scuffle followed, and the injured man was taken to Marricksville Hospital after receiving stitches. Also notes local residents Mr Noel Peake and Mr F P W Numan undergoing operations, with council expressing sympathy over recent deaths.
Jottings from Pirie Hospital list patients and visitors including Mr H M Miles and Mr J O Caldecott in medical wards, Mrs J F Reynolds and Mrs B S Wallace among the inpatients. notable visitors include Commonwealth Railways Commissioner G A Gahan and Australian Broadcasting Commission executive C J A Moses as they transit through Pirie en route to other towns. Local transport and travel notes show arrivals by train and transfers to Woodside and Port Augusta, with several officials inspecting mines and awaiting further movements.
Melbourne reports the Commonwealth Government will spend 20,946,570 pounds on defence works across states next July, plus 1,317,840 pounds for general public works. This total dwarfs last year’s 9,258,707 pounds defence outlay. Expenditure is split among South Australia 272, and New South Wales 5,596,500, with the army absorbing 6,99,263, the air force 1,3, and munitions 5,8.
A Whyalla case reports the Industrial Court dismissing charges against several figures including George Port and William Anvisesy tied to welding and factory labor disputes. Details show weekly wages, legal action halted, and specific sums for workers at Wakefield Street and Parkside locations.
At a town council meeting Mr. Threadgold announced enquiries by a firm likely to tender for pipe supply for the Murray pipeline. A permanent Pirie plant employing up to 60 to 70 workers was discussed, with two acres of land near Wandearah road offered and power priced at a low rate. The council agreed to lease the land for a peppercorn rent and provide favourable power terms, hoping to attract industry and jobs locally.
Ald Coffey supports closing Pirie post office at 1 30 pm Saturdays to give postal workers an afternoon off. Acting postmaster Sharley cites August Saturday afternoon activity justifying keeping it open until 1 30 pm while telegraph and telephone services remain uninterrupted. The council votes to grant the request after mayor Threadgola notes limited Saturday business and the need for recreation.
In the Bankruptcy Court 104, Mr. WR Dovey KC told Justice Lukin that Theodore Charts Trautwein owes the Tax Department more than £320 000, with over £250 000 uncontested. Trautwein, jailed in Goulburn Gaol for 17 months on tax fraud charges, allegedly used family assets as his own and offered to pay £16 000, as evidence of attempted subterfuge and fraud to dodge the Income Tax Commissioner.
The council discussed resuming Maytown resumption and dealing with street questions. Alderman Howley and Dr. Ryan backed informing the Surveyor-General and consulting A. W. Lacey to watch the measures, with action proposed after resumption if the resolution had not carried.
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