AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 February 1928, Page 3

AUSTRALIAN NEWS.

(By Telegraph—l’er Press Association. TOWN WIPED OUT. BRISBANE, Jan. 31. Fire practically wiped out the town of Alpha. The town’s only two hotels were destroyed. There was no water supply to fight the- outbreak which soon was out of control. The damage will run into many thousands sterling. The estimated damage caused by the fire was £20.(190 sterling. (i MEN ENTOMBED. ADELAIDE. Feb. 1. While a number of men were working upon the duplication of the Hills railway. a landslide occurred and a gang were entombed. The men were in a tunnel which was being demolished. One man, Arthur Newcomb, of Balliauiiali, was killed, and six others entombed. It is known that at least tour ot these are still alive. One man was rescued severely injured. The work of clearing away the debris, was begun immediately, gangs working throughout the night by means of flares. Several hours must elapse before the men are freed because fifteen to twenty loot oart’i must be removed to reach them. Slow work is necessary to prevent the possibility ol again burling t hem. ADELAIDE. Feb. 1. Corral-lion.--Tie- deed men is ( . Wilkins, of Unley. Neweombo was rescued but was injured. The landslide is attributed to a soapijoint in the clay. Earth fell upon the unprotected walls of the tunnel, the top of which was taken off for more than half its length. Traffic between Melbourne and Adelaide is interrupted.