GALES IN AUSTRALIA.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 9019, 4 February 1895, Page 5

GALES IN AUSTRALIA.

SHIPPING CASUALTIES Press Assodation-By Telegraph-Copyright Sydney, Februarys. A severe gale has been experienced here since Friday night, and the highest sea known for many years was running in the harbour. The Ferry service had to be partially suspended. In shipping affairs delay has been ' general, and all vessels which have I arrived report that they had an exceedingly rough time. Fears are entertained for the safety of a number iof the smaller coastal craft. I The steam collier Mount Kembla, laden with coal, broke loose at Wollongong, and was sunk in the harbour in order to prevent her being thrown upon the shore and wrecked. It is expected that she will «be floated without damage. The weather is now moderating. Brisbane, February 3. The gale still continues, and the sea is something tremendous. All steamers are arriving late, and each reports one of the worst storms ever experienced. The "Wodonga from Cooktown hove-to for twenty-four hours. The steamers South Australian and Arawatta had a similar experience, and arrived in a battered condition. The former, which came from Sydney, lost forty valuable stud rams on the journey through their exposure to the bad weather. The Leura, due on Thursday from northern ports, arrived this morning, after a fearful experience. Her decks were continually swept by heavy seas, and the trysail was carried away. In attempting to re-set the canvas, a mountainous sea swooped on board, and the chief officer and four of the crew, who were engaged in the task, were injured, the first named being rendered incapable for the remainder of the voyage. One of the lifeboats was stove in, and, as the glass of the slcylights was smashed, a large quantity of water found its way into the cabin and stokehole. The . vessel ran short of coal and provisions, i and was hove-to for many hours. She ' reported her condition at Double Island, and the Derwent was sent from here to assist her, and supplied her with coal and provisions. The captain was on the bridge for fifty-three hours. Two valuable horses died from the knocking about they received. She sighted the schooners Liffey and Quandong, which were driven out to 3ea, the former with her bulwarks washed away. The Liffey was short of provisions, and her lockers were replenished by the Leura. The Quanlonff was half full of water.