AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1928, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association. WOL SALES. SYDNEY, Jan. 4. Tlie seventh series of wool sales lias commenced. There is strong general competition. Values generally are very firm, at closing December rates for all descriptions. There was a particularly strong demand at full late rates for skirtings, lambs wool, come-backs. Crossbreds also met a strong market. Greasy merino sold to 29J pence. AUSTRALIAN BUSH FIRES. . AIELBOURNE, Jan. 2. Extensive bush fires are raging in the Alburv district, on both sides ol the border, and have caused heavy damage. An outbreak in the Hannonsville district (Victoria) is raging on a front of 30 miles, and has caused serious losses of stock.

Melbourne city is swept by a dust storm from Central Australia. The whole of tho metropolitan area is drenched by showers of red rain, caused by raindrops collecting dust. During a terrific sand storm in the Moorook district houses were unroofed and a great many trees wore uprooted. Heavy damage was caused. LIQUOR, STOCKS DESTROYED. AIELBOURNE. Dec. 31. A fire in the cellars of Harhottle and Co., spirit merchants, St. James’ Place, City, caused enormous damage before it was subdued. Thousands of pounds worth of gin and whisky were destroyed. The spirits wore contained in huge va-is, and tho firemen, while fighting the outbreak had to face the risk of explosion at any moment. Tlie cause of tbe fire is unknown.

BUSH FIRES. AIELBOURNE, Jan. 4. Reports from AVangaratta, Beechworth and AA'odonga state the bush fires are practically under control. The total damage is estimated at £150,000. The most extensive fire was in Everton and Hansonville districts, where Tanners and volunteers from town fought the flames for two days. This fire reached

within four miles of Al.vrtleford, which was saved by a change of wind. Another fire at Eldorada extended over an area of about ton by fifteen miles ,ono station losing five stacks of bay and a thousand bags of grain. Hundreds of sheep are missing hut it is hoped many are safe as stock was driven away. In the Beechworth district several houses were burnt. The Murniungco Post Office was saved after strenuous efforts.