AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Feilding Star, Volume X, Issue 73, 18 December 1888, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright. I per onited press association Sydney, December 16. In tbe Armidale district splendid rams have fallen but more is required. The country looks well, but the crops of hay, potatoes and corn will only yield about a fourth of the usual average. The wheat harvest has been saved, At Carowa grass and water are scarce. Harvesting is proceeding. The yield vill be much below the average. High pii* us tor produce still prevail. DiscouragiLg reports are received from the Carcoar district and in several instances the yield will not be above one bap* to the acre. Rain has benefitted the crops in the southern districts, and f ayour* able reports are being received. Violent thunderstorms and rain have been experienced during the last 24 hours, principally centred in tbe southern district The rainfall is registered in Sydney at three inches. Several houses in the city and suburbs were struck by lightning. The Parramatta river was m high flood, and a large building on its banks was washed away and much damaged. The i\ew Zealand cable- house at La Perouse was struck by lightning and set on fire. The flames however, were soou extinguished, and little damage was done. Melbourne, December 16, Rain has fallen generally in the country districts, and the drought appears to be broken.