Big Fire and Flood

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 554, 5 January 1929, Page 7

Big Fire and Flood

AUSTRALIAN DISTRICTS BESET

TWO KILLED IN STORM

(United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright , Reed. 10.25 a.m. SYDNEY, To-day. Busk fires are now raging over a wide front on tlie Blue Mountains. In the southern mountains and the Wollondilly Valley large areas of bush country have been swept. Several townships are endangered by a great fire which is travelling toward the Jenolan Caves. It has been checked by changing winds. The caves house was saved. Fears are felt for the safety of two men who left the caves house on a walking tour to Picton. Passengers by tourist cars from the Jenolan Caves and the Blue Mountains had a thrilling experience, travelling through bush fires for the greater part of the day. Men, women and children are lighting desperately in the Barallier district to save their homes. Fire at Penrith destroyed the Church of England rectory.

TWO KILLED IN SYDNEY Sydney yesterday experienced the most trying day for years. Almost every suburb experienced fires. At night there was a howling gale reaching a velocity of 63 miles an hour. A man and a boy were killed. During the storm, ships were blown adrift on the harbour. The electric light failed and tram services were disorganised. RIVERS RISING A Brisbane message says incessant rain has fallen on the far northern coast. The Tully and. Herbert Rivers are rising rapidly. The northern mail train was unable to proceed beyond Ingham. Trains to Cairns and Tablelands are also held up at Ingham. The weather shows no sign of clearing. lunisfail reports that torrential rain is falling, and portions of the Johnstone district are under water.