AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23896, 25 August 1939, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

VOLUNTARY MIUTIA SHOCK FORCE BEING RECRUITED , CANBERRA, Aug. 24. A shock force of 14,000 is being recruited from the voluntary militia under a plan announced by the Prime Minister. Mr R. G. Menzies, the object being to act as a covering force to protect vulnerable points at the first sign of aggression. Pending general mobilisation of the militia, the plan has been substituted for the standing army proposal recommended by Inspector-General Squires and rejected by the Commonwealth Government last month. The camp period will consist of special intensive training for 32 day* a year. v THE AIR MAIL SERVICES RETENTION OF SURCHARGES CANBERRA, Aug. 23. ■ Mr Menzies announced that the Government had decided to retain the existing surcharge on the Empire and internal air mail services, and had decided that a similar surcharge be imposed on air mail carried on the transtasman service when inaugurated. The air mail rates at present imposed are 3d a half-ounce surchai'ge, plus 2d a half-ounce postage. ' ' MURDERER EXECUTED SYDNEY, Aug. 24. John Trevor Kelly was executed this morning for the murder of Constance Sommerlsd. John Trevor Kelly (24), a motor mechanic, was arrested at Brisbane on February 4.'charged with stealing a motor truck, and was brought to Tenterfield and charged with the murder of Constance Sommerlad and inflicting grievous bodily harm on her brother.