BUSH FIRES IN AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume LX, Issue 11510, 17 February 1903, Page 7

BUSH FIRES IN AUSTRALIA

ALARMING EXPERIENCES. United Press Association—By Eleotrio Telegraph—Copyright. (Received February 16th, 10.2 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 16. As an outcome of the dry weather, and in some cases through the careless use of fiie, serious bush fires are raging in various parts of the State. At Nelson Bay a fire destroyed several farms, and swept through the cemetery. The fire is still burning, and is approaching the telegraph lines. Three farms were* demolished at Rookwell, through a fire being started by boys out rabbiting. ' At Dungog a fire swept close to the town, destroying the grand stand and sheds at the racecourse. The Church of England rectory and buildings were saved after a hard fight, but the flames spread to a residence near the racecourse and destroyed it. The hospital, containing a number of fever patients, was saved with difficulty. Hundreds of horses ond_ cattle stampeded into the town. As the day advanced the wind grew stronger, and drove the fire into the south end of the township. At Hanky's Creek, a lev miles south of Dungog, people were terror-stricken, and abandoned their homes to the flames. In contrast to all this an exceedingly cold snap is being experienced at Kiandra. Heavy snow is falling to-day, and the thermometer stands at 35 degrees.