AUSTRALIA UNDER FIRE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7702, 3 January 1905, Page 3

AUSTRALIA UNDER FIRE.

Excessive Heat and Widespread Conflagration. LOSS OF LIFE AND PROPERTY. (Received Jan. 2, 9.16 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 2. Latest reports from the Riverina state that the fires are rapidly spreading, the whole of the country between Gundagai, Adelong, Junee, and Wagga being ablaze. Thirty thousand acres of crops and grass on the Wantabodgery and Oura Stations have been destroyed. Many of the smaller settlers have lost their homes and everything. It is impossible to calculate the losses in crops, stock and fencing. Two men named Snodgrass and Fallon were burned at Wagga. Fallon was attempting- 'to save a team of nine horses, which also perished-. A third man is missing.

Distressing tales of losses come from Goulburn, Maitland, Deiegato, Mossvaie, the south coast, and many other districts. At Bandanoon the Church of England and seven houses were destroyed. In the tourist centres much fine scenery, along with residences, has been swept away. Many narrow escapes arc reported, numbers of persons saving their lives foy taking refuge in watcrholes.

(Received Jan,,;'., 0.13 a.m.) \JVDNEY, Jan. 2. The Government iias instructed the police throughout the State to use every effort to assist to rciKeve sufferers.- ■• V

The weather "for tho holiday was sultry, the sun being hidden by a dense haze "Iq|hi the bush fires im the country and numerous small outbreaks i tt the outer suburbs. Fire completely destroyed the Lismore Convent, containing forty largo Toomsj the pro-cathedral, and swimming baths, and a house adjoining, and damaged the . foundation of.the new cathedral. The thermometer at the time of the outbreak registered 112 degrees in the shade.

• Destructive bush fires arc prevalent in the district.

The thermometer at l'arram.itta on Saturday registered 117 degrees The full extent of the damage in the country >i ß unknown, owing to the interruption of telegraph lines. To-days reports show that fires are still raging in inanv places. The ranges in the vicinity of Maitland are ablaze /or a distance of seven miles making a magnificent spectacle. Thousands of acres of grass and miles of fencing arc much damaged and many arttlers' homes destrovert. The grape frop is mined. Fires'are still spreading. A great part of the district! around Albury is completely swetot, and many farmers in adjoining districts are burned out .The losses will be enormous. Linehnm's farm at J indent was destroyed and Mrs Lineham perished in the flames.

Five deaths from heat apoplexy occurred at Albury, and numbers elsewhere.

MELBOURNE, J an . 2. Bush fires are causing severe losses in the Chiltcrn, Lcason, Avoca, and Inglewood districts. ADELAIDE, Jan. 2. On 'Saturday 114 degrees were registered in the city, that being the hottest day experienced for 21 years. Fires are raging in the Maitland district.