AFRICAN NEWS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 17, 21 January 1898, Page 3

AFRICAN NEWS.

A TERRIFIC THUNDERSTORM.

BIG GOLD ROBBERY,

The Johannesburg "Star" of December 11th contains the following items :—

A terrific thunderstorm raged over Petersburg for three hours on Monday night. The rain descended in torrents. The Sterkloop River rose rapidly, coveringthe town and bridge, and washing away gardens and one dwelling house, the inmates of whicli had a narrow escape. The large dam of the Harmony Company burst, causing great damage, and much fencing was destroyed. At one time the streets were knee-deep in water. The Pretoria coach was delayed. Lieutenant Sarel Eloil', who was accused not so long ago of calling the Queen names, handed in his resignation as Chief of the, Pretoria Police. This step, it is under-' stood, has been urgently suggested by Commissioner Schutte. The Commissioner's reasons are notyet public property, but it is freely stated that the matter has reference to office finances, and that an > investigation will shortly be held. . A terrific thunderstorm occurred at Klerksdrop on Thursday afternoon at a farm, Goedgewonden, about fifteen miles from here. The lightning struck the store of Andries Steyn, which caught tire and was burnt to the ground. Two kalfirs were struck and are not expected to live. A horse was struck and was killed on the spot. There is no rain here, and the heat is still excessive.

The goldlields coach was held up not far from Lydenburg yesterday (Friday), and relieved of 3,8500z gold for the National Bank. The Landdrost at once sent out the police, and it is expected that the unfortunate insurance Company -will otter a big reward. Jt is regrettable that police are not stationed at different telegraph centres in the district. The robbers have a good start, but the burghers will try and track them down. _On the wet ground the spoors

£11,500.