HEAT WAVE IN AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 186, 5 February 1912, Page 5

HEAT WAVE IN AUSTRALIA.

HIGH THERMOMETER HEADINGS. BUSH FIRES PREVALENT. By C*M«—Pres* Associativa—o»pyri§fet. Sydney, February 3. The long spell of exceptionally hot and dry weather is still unbroken, anft »any very high thermometer readies ß & r e recorded from the interior. Adelaide, February 3. The heat wave continues, and 113deg. has been recorded in the city. Confectioners have closed their shops, as it is too hot to work. Bush fires on the hills are the worst for 20 years, and have caused widespread, destruction, a number of residences and many orchards having been destroyed and beauty spots devastated.

Melbourne, February 3. The heat is intense, and tins sea-shore for miles is lined with residents sleeping out. Destructive fires have occurred in the Dandenong Ranges and other districts. Four houseß were destroyed at Sunshine. Launceston. February 3. The thermometer reading reached 101 deg.—the highest since 190 C. The country is enveloped in dense smoke, and there are bush fires in all directions. MANY PEOPLE PROSTRATED: Received 4, "5.5 p.m. Sydney, February 4. The heat wave is unbroken, and the Shade temperature in the city has reached 103deg. There is heavy emoke from bush fires. Eighteen letter carriers were prostrated, and many railway employees have been reported unfit for duty, owing to the heat. Hundreds are idle in various occupations for a similar reason.