AUSTRALIAN.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1920, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN.

By Electric Telegraph— Co.i.vigii <

A RECORD STORM. SYDNEY, December 10

The storm .hero continues with increased fui-j-. The centre of the cyclonic disturbance is now nearer Sydney. All the ferry traffic crossing the entrance to the Heads was stopped at 2.30 to-day, as tho sea was raging worse than ever. The storm, with highly dangerous seas extended from Newcastle to Moruya. ) The rainfall for Sydney to date is the highest recorded for December for sixty-two years. All the. train traffic is delayed and in many cases the trolly poles of the trams have been blown off the overhead wires. . Heavy damage to crops is reported from the country. The gale, at its height, struck Newcastle this merning, the wind, reaching a velocity of eighty miles an hour. Over sixty families were resowed in lowlying districts by the police in boats. Shipping in Sydney harbour has experienced a perilous time. Almost every vessel has been breaking its moorings and drifting till tugs made them fast. • It is expected the gale all along the coast will subside to-night.

UNION COY’S PURCHASE. Melbourne, Decemi>er in. The Union Steamship Coy., have purchased the German steamer "John Heidman” of 2380 tons, and have renamed her the Kaimnnawa. - 8-HOUR DAY FOR STEWARDS. MELBOURNE, Dec. 11. The Commonwealth Shipowners Association have decided to grant an 8hour day to> their stewards and pantry-

RIFLE TEAM. (Received This Day at 9.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, Dcc. 11. A Commonwealth team of twelve competes at tiie New Zealand Rifle Association meeting in March.

SAVINGS BANK. SYDNEY, Dec. 11. The Assembly read a first time the details for enlarging operations of the Government Savings Bank by the addition of a rule that the Department assist primary products, and associated industries. Loans will range from fifty to two thousand pounds. The total available will not exceed five millions.