OLD YEAR IN REVIEW

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20693, 31 December 1938, Page 11

OLD YEAR IN REVIEW

EVENTS THAT ARE NOW HISTORY

DOMINION AND OVERSEAS NEWS For the world 1938 wa« a momentous year. Great political and economic changes took place involving even alterations in the boundaries of nations. On many occasions Lhe threat of war was imminent but the year closed on a brighter note. Below is a record of the principal events in New Zealand and abroad during a memorable year.

JANUARY 8. —President Roosevelt appeals for •world peace. 4.—Japanese naval authorities reported to be keenly watching British moves at Singapore and AngloJapanese clash predicted. Japanese r war 'planes bomb Hankow. 6. —Japan decides to extend operations in China. 7. —ltaly increases naval programme. Britishers maltreated in Japanese attack . Crisis between Herr Hitler and army generals. 9. —Crown Prince Paul of Greece and Princess Frederica of Hanover married. 10. —Centaurus leaves Auckland on return flight to England. 11. —Meat works strike In Christchurch. It.—Loss of Samoan Clipper and death of Captain E. C. Musick and crew. 14. —French Government resigns. 16.—Eire delegates arrive in London for conference with British Government. 15. —Earthquake in Manawatu. 19. —Japan ignores Chinese Central Government’s peace terms. King Farouk married in Cairo. 81.—Two New Zealanders killed in English 'plane crash. 83.—Britain proposes to invite Ttalv, Germany. France and Belgium to conference to guarantee 20 years’ peace. BT>.—British ship attacked in Mediterranean. *6.—Pourteen killed m Paris explosion. 88. — President Roosevelt warns Congress of the inadequacy of America’s defence. Greek leaders banished and dictatorial rule adopted.

FEBRUARY I.—The British steamer Endymlon torpedoed and Kink by a submarine near Cartagena (Spain). B.—China appeals to the League of Nations to apply Article i 7 of the Covenant to obtain sanctions against Japan, 4. —Randall Reginald David Smith sentenced to death at Timaru for the murder of William Gaby at Arundel. C.—Flying-Officer A. E. Clouston, accompanied by Mr Victor Ricketts, leaves Gravesend to fly to New Zealand. C. H. Matthews (Canterbury) wins three-mile race at British Empire Games in record time.

7. —V. P. Boot (Canterbury) successful in the 880 yards event at the British Empire Games in record time of lmin 51.4 sec. British Government informs the Spanish Govern- . ment that submerged submarines detected in the zone of the Western Mediterranean in which British ships operated would be attacked. 8. —Flying-Officer A. E. Clouston and Mr Victor Ricketts abandon their flight to New Zealand after a crash at Nicosia (Cyprus). 10.—Death of Sir Trubv King. C. H. Matthews wins six-mile title at the British Empire Games in record time. 13. —Six people drowned when a launch containing over 100 people copsizes In Sydney Harbour. 14. —Formal opening of the Singapore naval oasc. 19.—Twenty men and a woman drowned when a cloudburst, overwhelms a public works camp at Kopuawhara. 80.—Mr Anthony Eden. Foreign Secretary. and Lord Cranhorne. Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Foreign Affiairs, resign from the British Cabinet over a difference with the Prime Minister, Mr Neville Chamberlain. 85. —Viscount Halifax appointed Foreign Secretary in the British Cabinet and Mr R. A. Butler Undersecretary.

MARCH B.—An official White Paper announces that the British Government’s defence expenditure from 1937 to 1941 would exceed £1.300.000,000. 3. —Disastrous floods in California result in the death of 50 people and damage estimated at £20.000.000, 10—M. Chautemps, Prime Minister of France, and his Cabinet resign. If-—Dr. von Schuschnigg, Chancellor of Austria, resigns. 12. —New Zealand Government passes Steelworks Bill. 13. —German occupation of Austria begins. Herr Miklas. the President, resigns and Dr. Inquart assumes office. 15.—New Zealand Government announces legislation to effect sweeping changes in education. 30.—Flying-Officer A. E. Clouston, accompanied by Mr Victor Ricketts, lands at Blenhbelin after flying frouv London to New Zealand in the record time of 4 days 8 hours 10 minutes. 21-—Flying-Officer Clouston leaves on the return journey to England 86 Six killed and 25 persons in- i jured in derailment of a Wellington- I New Plymouth excursion train ,*t j Ratana. Flying-Officer Clouston and I Mr Ricketts reach England after r, | record flight to and from New Zealand of 10 days 20$ hours. 87. —Italy warns France that her intervention in Spain would result in grave repercussions. 30 —a head-on collision between two trains at Avlesburv South Island results in the death of a fireman.

APRIL 2. —United Australia Party returned in New South Wales elections, and rift in Labour ranks. 3. —Labour wins Queensland election*. Rt. Hon. M. J. Ravage introduces New Zealand social security proposals. 4- —British Government censured by Labour Party. Scene in House of Commons. 5- —Uproar in French Chamber of Deputies. Herr Hitler insists that the Sudeten Peutsc-h must be under his banner. Twenty-three killed in South African rail disaster. 6.—New Zealand disagrees with the foreign policy of Mr Neville Chamberlain. 10.—Vote for union of Germany with carried. Cruise liner Empress of Britain arrives at Wellington. 12.—Death of Feodor ChrJiapln. 16. —Agreement between Britain and Italy signed in Rome. 17. —Plot to overthrow King Carol of Rumania discovered. 20.—Hon. W. Nash shows surplus of £BOO.OOO in Budget for year ended March 31. 1938. Over 800 people killed in earthquakes in Anatolia. 22. —H. F. Broadbenf completes flight to England, beating Jean Batten’s record by 12 hours 35 minutes. 23. —Appalling stock losses due to facial eczema reported in Waikato. 25. —Anglo-Eire agreement restoring full Ottawa conditions to Eire finalised. Severe floods in Hawke’s Bay. 26. —Brftain announces big rearmament programme. 27. —King Zog of Albania marries Countess Apponyi of Hungary.

MAY 3. —Empire Exhibition in Glasgow opened by the King. 4. —The United States Senate approves President Roosevelt’s £289,000,000 naval expansion programme, designed to give the United States the largest navy in history. 7.—Mutilated body found in a suitcase under the Picton wharf. 10. —Two pilots, Messrs C. M. Duthie and W. J. Peel, killed when the Union Airways Lockheed passenger ’plane Kotare crashes in flames at Auckland. Douglas Alexander Armstrong arrested at Auckland and charged with the murder of his father, whose body was found in a suitcase at Picton. Seventy-two killed by an explosion at the Markham Colliery, Duckmanton (England). 11. —Fascist revolt in Brazil quelled. 12. —Mr W. Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand, speaking >n the Abyssinian debate at a meeting of the League of Nations Council, vigorously opposes Viscount Halifax, British Foreign- Secretary. 15. —New non-party Cabinet formed in Belgium. 16. —£50,000 damage done in Auckland fire which swept four-storeyed building. Twenty-four people killed in a fire in a hotel at Atlanta (United States). 17. —London’s worst underground train smash results In the death of seven persons. 19. —The general election in South Africa results in return of the United Party. 20. —For the first time in history Chinese warplanes cross the China Sea; defying warship fire, they dropped leaflets appealing for peace on Osaka and the naval bases of Sasebo and Nagasaki. 23.—810 ck of buildings in Christchurch swept by fire, £IOO,OOO damage being done. 26. —Death of Mr J. M. Dunningham, Minister of Labour and Industry in the New South Wales Cabinet.

JUNE / 1-—Waikato Winter Show opened by the Governor-General, Viscount Galway. Bois Roussel wins the English Derby. Chinese Governnienf appeals to world against wholesale bombings in Canton. 3.—Boulder placed on railway line near Kaikohe. B.—Air raid on British part of Gandia. 9-—Seventeen New Zealanders receive birthday honours from King. Plan to kidnap Lord Nuffield revealed in Oxford Police Court. 10.—New tunnel through Rimutaka lUII to cost £1.000.000 approved by New Zealand Cabinet. Eleven killed when United States bomber crashes. 12.—General Franco alleges carrying of contraband by British ships. 14. —Reports of death rays being installed on German warplanes received from Rome. First EnglandAustralia cricket test at Nottingham drawn. 15. —New Zealand pilot, Mr C. A. M. Baird, killed in air crash in England. 16. —Acting-Minister for Commerce, Mr Cameron, in Australian Federal Cabinet, suspended, a unique event in political history. German debts to Austria repudiated. Fall in New Zealand’s London funds causes grave concern. 19. —Attacks on Herr Hitler's life revealed. 20. Britain rejects Italy's request ! for ratification of the Anglo-Italian j pact. ] 22.—Joe Louis, holder of the world I heavyweight boxing championship, 1 knocks out challenger Max Schinel-

ing within two minutes at Yankee Stadium. New York. Death in London of the Countess of Strathmore. mother of Queen Elizabeth. 24. —Japan abolishes extraterritorial rights in occupied areas of China. 26.—New Zealander killed in London air crash. 28.—Final session of New Zealand Parliament opened by GovernorGeneral. Viscount Gal wav. Second England-Australia test, drawn at Lords. JULY I.—.T. D. Budge 'America) won the All-England men’s tennis title. 3. Mr G. W. Sellars, a well-known New Zealand parachutist, killed at the Westport Aero Club's pageant when his equipment failed to open. 4. —Death of Mile. Suzanne Lenglen, former world’s champion woman tennis player. 5. —Floods in .Japan wash away 2000 homes and cause over 130 deaths. 7. —Casualties In Sino-Japanese war estimated at 1.000.000 Chinese and 300.000 Japanese: the cost of the war to Japan to date stated to be £430.000,000. 8. —B. A. Whitcombe wins British open golf championship. 14.—The Japanese Ministry of Public Welfare vetoes fbe Olyrnpl Games, which were to have been held at To kin in 194 0. 18. —Death of Queen Marie of Rumania. 19. —King George and Queen Elizabeth arrive in Pars on a visit to France. 20. —Financial Statement presented in the House of Representatives by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash. 21. —The “pick-a-back” ’plane Mercury enmnletes a record crossing of the Atlantic from east to west. 22. —Dougins Armstrong. ppntrql figure in the Picton suitcase murder charge, found guilty of manslaughter. 23. —All Blacks win first Rugby test In Australia. 25. —Australia wins fourth cricket test against England and so retains the Ashes. Thirty-four persons killed and 150 injured when military aeroplane crashes into a crowd at a military review at Bogota, Colombia (Central America). 26. —Public Works estimates, involving an expenditure of £1 1.675.000, presented in House of Representatives by the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. B. Semple. 28.—Four people drowned when a car plunged into the Auckland Harbour. AUGUST

1. —Sensation at Breslau as Herr Hitler ignores Czechoslovakian flag. All hope for crew of Hawaii Clipper abandoned. 2. —Military clash between Russia and Japan on the Manchukuo frontier. 5. —First air mail from New Zealand to Britain despatched. Japan proposes cessation of hostilities to Soviet. 6. —All Blacks win second Rugby test against Australia, thus retaining Bledisloe Cup. 10.—Heavy gale causes great damage throughout New Zealand. Auckland Harbour Board tug. Te Awhina, sinks after collision with motor ship Essex. 12.—Government’s Social Security Bill presented in full. ?o. —First air mail under the th roughEmpire service from England to New Zealand arrives at Wellington. German military manoeuvres in Czechoslovakia cause great anxiety. Nine killed when German air liner crashes at Guanabara Bay (South America). 16.—German people alarmed by extent of military manoeuvres. Maori woman sentenced to seven years’ hard labour for burning Waipiro Bay Hotel (Hawke’s Bay).

i ! 18.—All Blacks return after success- | fill tour of Australia. Thirteen j people killed when Italian seaplane I crashes near Varese. • 20.- West lb Id Frcezffljf Works strike I ends. Fifth and final cricket test opens at the Oval. Mr Howard Hughes sets new Right record of 10 hours 35 minutes 5u seconds from Los Angeles to New York. 21. —Derailment of train near Trichinopily India kills 25 people. 22. —M. Ramadior and M. Frnssard resign from French Cabinet. Five people killed when 'plane crashes in Berlin street. 24. England wins fifth cricket test by innings and 579 runs. Captain G. E. Eyston sets up unofficial land speed record of over 347 miles ner hour. 26.—Record gross revenue of £B,634.186 shown in New Zealand j Railways Statement for year ended March 31. 1938. Germany stages biggest military display since the war. 29. —Five people killed in Brisbane air crash. 30. —Adverse report received on the possibility of Wellington Harbour as terminal for trans-Tasman air service. Three villages swept away by floods in Tndla. 31. —Fierce typhoon in Eastern Japan. SEPTEMBER 1. —Proposals to «*ppnd £12.757,200 on public works announced by the ITon. B. Semple. Viscount Runciman acts as mediator between Dr. Rones and Herr Hiller in effort to secure settlement of Czechoslovakian crisis. 2. —Hitler demands autonomy for Sudetens as an undivided bloc. 4. —Attempted assassination of King Farouk in Alexandria. Four people killed in English air crash. Huge Nazi rally in Nuremberg. 5. —Davis Cup singles retained by America. 6. —Terrorism in Palestine and murder of Jews. 7. —Sudeten Germans break off negotialions with Czechs. 9.—Social Security Bill passed by Parliament. 12.—ITerr Hitler outlines Germany’s position and expresses a desire for peace with Britain. Two officers killed in English air crash. 15. —Mr Chamberlain and Herr Hitler meet at Berchtesgaden to endeavour to find peaceful solution io Czechoslovakian crisis.. 16. —Guaranteed prices for dairy produce announced by the Hon. W. Nash (increase of lid per lb). Czechoslovakia fears violent air attacks from Germany. 18. —Czechoslovakia declines a plebisi cite over the Sudeten area. Conference between British and French ! Ministers. 19. —Two workmen killed in a slip m the Ngahauranga Gorge. Fatal Are in large Sydney hotel. New Zealand National Party’s policy announced by the Hon. A. Hamilton, 20. —Four people killed in Los Angeles rail crash. Frontier clashes between Germans and Czechs. 21. —Mr Chamberlain and Herr Hitler meet again at Godesberg. Over 75 people killed in American hurricane. 22. —Labour Government’s policy announced by the Rt. Hon M. J. Savage. 24. —German Free Corps moves across frontier into the Asch area. Mobilisation order by Czechoslovakia. 25. —Hitler sets a time limit, for Czechoslovakian acceptance of his terms. Death roll reaches 700 in American typhoon. 26. —Hitler announces that Germany is prepared to resort to force in claim for Sudeten area. Mr Bo’ose- , volt issues world appeal for peace. Czech Government resuses Godesberg proposals. 30.—Agreement signed at Munich among Herr Hitler, Mr Chamberlain, Signor Mussolini and M. Daladier for cession of Sudetenland to Germany.

OCTOBER I.—-Mr A. Duff Cooper resigns as First Lord of the Admiralty. 3.—Hitler makes spectacular entry into Sudetenland. Recognition received by the Waikato Aero Club. s.—Dr. Benes resigns presidency of Czechoslovakia. B.—Disaster narrowly averted when fire broke out in Rotorua forests. Record for world’s longest seaplane flight set by the Mercury 'part of the Mayo composite aircraft). 10.—Two people killed in Brisbane air tragedy. Chief-of-Staff of Bulgarian Army and Aide-de-Camp assassinated. Ultimatum delivered by Arabs to Jews in Palestine. 11-—Fourteen lives lost in Ontario fire. 13. —Czech territorial proposals rejected by Hungary. 14. —Maori elections; gain by Labour Party. 15. —New Zealand general elections; Labour Government returned to power with large majority. 19. —Concern expressed in Britain for Czech refugees. Two British Air Force bombers crash In flames, killing six occupants. Coldstream Guards force Damascus Gate and St. Stephen Gate and enter Jerusalem against rebels. 20. —Five Czechs shot dead by German Customs officials in frontier clash. 21. —Nazi policy towards Catholics* denounced by the Pope. Mutualassistance pact with Soviet renounced by Czechs. Japanese Army enters Canton after fierce fighting. 24. —Germany approaches Britain for an air pact. Success of Right parties in French election. 25. —Duke of Kent appointed Gover-nor-General of Australia. Eighteen people killed when airliner strikes mountain in Victoria (Australia). 27. —New Zealand Royal Show opens at Hamilton. New Ministers appointed in British Cabinet. 28. —Six people killed in huge Marseilles fire. Nuffield wins Victoria Derby. 30. —Widespread panic in America due to realistic radio play dealing with invasion from Mars. 31. —Nurse burned to death when nurses’ home at Nelson Hospital destroyed by fire. Resignation of Viscount Hallsham as Lord President of the Council and reconstruction of Cabinet. NOVEMBER

I. —Policy of Britain in European crisis defended by Mr Chamberlain. Mr C. B. Attlee states tn House of Commons that abandonment of the Imperialistic attitude of holding colonies by mandate is the oniy solution to the colonial problem. .2. —Fifteen hundred men idle owing to dispute at Otahuhu Railway Workshops. Colin Herbert Hercook sentenced to 12 years’ hard labour for murder of Mrs Isobel Annie Aves. Loans totalling £179.500 mooted by Hamilton Borough Council for improvements. Men cease work on Auckland waterfront. 4.—Fourteen people killed when airliner crashes at Jersey. 6.—Hitler accuses Powers of betrayal of Versailles Treaty. I{—Young1 { —Young Jew attempts assassination of Dr. von Rath, secretary to the German Embassy in Paris. Nonstop flight record established by Royal Air Force bombers on journey from Egypt to Australia. Elderly man burned to death in Auckland fire. 8. —King opens Parliament at Westminster. Hitler taunts British statesmen with lack of knowledge about Central European affairs. 9. —Britain decides to continue its responsiblity for the Government of the whole of Palestine. 10. —Anti-Jewish demonstrations in Germany; 10.OQ0 shops wrecked and synagogues ruined. Death of Kamal Ataturk. Shipping at Auckland paralysed by strike.

12. —Auckland waterside workers resume work. A. D. Locke South Africa l wins New Zealand open golf championship. 13. —Further outrages against Jews in Germany; indignation throughout world. 14. —Six people killed when airliner from Berlin crashes in Holland. American Ambassador to Germany called home. 17. —Treaties between Rritain and America and Canada and America signed. Further demands for Czechoslovakian territory made by Germany. 18. —Belgium criticises Hitler foe treatment of Jews; international problem created by Jewish persecutions. Two men killed when Canadian air mail ’plane crashes. 19. —Four New Zealand artillerymen killed when bridge collapses at Taihape. 20. —Death of Queen Maud of Norway. 22. —Purge of District Council of Federation of Labour hinted at in Auckland. 23. Gifts of iron lungs to every hospital In the Empire announced by Viscount Nuffield. Anglo-French discussions begin in Paris. £35.000 I proposal for town hall produced by I Hamilton Borough Council. 24. —Complex situation in Buthenia; possibility of war between Germany and Poland. 25. —Pope’s serious illness. First wool sale of season opens at Auckland with prices slightly higher. 27.—Strike situation in France; Premier asked to resign. 29. —Further p'urge of Jews in Germany. Labour unrest in France due to strikes. 30. —Bomb outrages in Ireland; Customs posts blown up.

DECEMBER 4-—Higher raftway fares and freight charges announced by Hon. D. G. Sullivan. Westfield workers resume. 2. —Astounding scene in British Court of Appeal when judges pelted with tomatoes. 4. —Severe floods in Otago. Huge Nazi majority in connection with the election of members of the Reichstag in SiKletenland. 5. —Jews in Germany deprived of all rights. Luthuanians attack Memel Germans. 6. —Trenchant criticism of Hitler by Mahatma Ghandf. Fifty Italians injured in French demonstrations in Tunisia. Twenty people killed in train smash in Nova Seotia. 7. —Regulations controlling imports announced by the TTnn. W. Nash. Serious crisis in Australian Federal Ministry due to national insurance scheme. S»—Town Hall proposal completed by * Hamilton Borough Council. British House of Commons expresses opinion that no redistribution of colonial or mandated territories should be made. Seven men killed in Quebec mine disaster. 9.—lnternational crisis predicted for February. 13. —Proposals for the establishment of 17 possible new industries announced by Hon. D. G. Sullivan. 14. —Several Cabinet portfolio changes announced by Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage. Hamilton Borough Council f seeks sanction for the borrowing of £154.000. 15. —Sharp earthquake in Hawke’s Bay. 16. —Ex-King Alfonso’s citizenship rights restored by General Franco. 19. —Resignations of Mr L. HoreBelisha, Earl Winterton and Sir Thomas Inskip demanded by junior members of House of Commons. 20. —Sudden collapse of the Pops. Conflict between Nazis predicted. 24. —Severe tropical storm strikes Sydney; 60 persons injured. 27. —About 500 Italian soldiers installed in French territory 60 mile 6 from Djibouti (Africa).