N.S.W. SUFFERS FROM FIRES AND DROUGHT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 567, 21 January 1929, Page 9

N.S.W. SUFFERS FROM FIRES AND DROUGHT

MANY SHEEP PERISH RAIN IN THE NORTH | (Australian and 2s.Z. Press Association) SYDNEY, To-day. While one half of the State was ! sweltering in the heat, with the j temperature in the nineties duri ing the week-end, the remainder experienced a cold snap or ! torrential rain. On the far north coast heavy rain fell, the highest reading being 6-2. inches at Lismor'e. The rain will be of immense value to the dairy farmers who suffered greatly owing to the drought. The southern portions of the State again suffered from hot sultry conditions. Bush fires in the Goulburn district have destroyed about 3,000 acres of grass. Fifty sheep were found burnt to death in one heap at Charley’s Forest. In the midst of the carcases were two dead kangaroos. The animals were huddled together. An additional 500 sheep were destroyed at Barrallier. The telegraph line to Mittagong has been burned down. A message from Mungindi reports that the drought continues in that district, and that the outlook is serious. Graziers are hand-feeding their sheep. The Barwon River has ceased running and householders are purchasing their water at three shillings for 100 gallons. The danger of an outbreak of fever from polluted water is great as the water holes are begining to give off an offensive odour. A fire at Crookwel, 134 miles southwest of Sydney, destroyed 300 sheep, also 'a woolshed and the homestead of Mr. J. Seery. Many stations have been burned out and thousands of sheep are starving. A huge fire is sweeping toward Goulburn, and heavy damage has been done in the Albury district.