HEAT WAVE IN AUSTRALIA.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 187, 6 February 1912, Page 5

HEAT WAVE IN AUSTRALIA.

DAMAGE BY FIRE. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Sydney, February 5. Sultry weather everywhere prevails. It is extremely hot in the western districts, and there have been many tall registers. At Wentworth the temperature was 114 degrees. Adelaide, February 5.

The fires which have been devastating the hill districts are under control. The damage is estimated at £IOO,OOO, including much stock.

Melbourne, February 5. i There are bush fires everywhere, and wide areas of grass, farm buildings, homesteads, and 6tock have been destroyed. One Are in the Victoria Ranges was seven miles .long. One farmer lost 400 sheep. An apiarist named Payne lost his home and 300 hives of bees. Many of the fire fighters have been overcome by heat and some badly burned; others have been injured by falling limbs of trees.

Vessels are delayed owing to the heavy smoke off the coast, and in some cases have been compelled to anchor for safety. .

Hobart, February 5. There are destructive bush fires in the hills around the city.

Three* cottages and a box factory at Gardner's Bay have been destroyed. There are similar reports from many parts of the island. The movements of shipping are dislocated owing to the dense smoke on the coast. The heat is intense.