LATE NEWS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 100, 21 January 1939, Page 13

LATE NEWS

BUSH FIRE TOLL

Official Check Shows 70 Lives Lost

PREMIER TOURS AREA

By Telegraph.— I’ress Assn.—Copyright. (Received January 21, 1.20 a.in.) MELBOURNE, January 20.

An ollicial check of casualties in the bush tires shows that 70 persons lost their lives and that two are still missing, believed dead. So widespread were the fires that death occurred In 19 distinct areas.

The latest relief fund figures show that £105.000 has been raised and much more Is still to come. It was decided today that the fund be used only for relief and not compensation, replacement or rehabilitation. The Premier-, Mr. Dunstan, returning from a two-day inspection of the fire areas, said legislation to compel the constructio nof safety dug-outs at mills in all timber areas and the concentration of mill workers in model townships would be considered shortly. Mr. Dunstan said lie was appalled at the extent of the damage seen on his 500-mile tour.

Every effort will be made to salvage as much of the burnt timber as possible but it is apparent that £1,000,000 will not cover the loss of beautiful forests. “For the third time we will build Nooiee, bigger and better than ever,” said a spokesman in the town when Mr. Dunstan arrived there. “Noojee will rise again from the ashes.”

Many residents of burnt-out towns are already eamped preparing to rebuild. One millowner told the Premier that before the lire there were 800.000,000 superficial feet of timber available in the Tanjil district. Much could be saved if cut immediately’ but the former mill site was useless. Roads and new tramways were needed. The Government’s policy for restoring the mill industry will be considered shortly.