N.S.W. DROUGHT DISASTER

Grey River Argus, 21 November 1944, Page 5

N.S.W. DROUGHT DISASTER

Worse Dust Storms COLOSSAL LOSSES. (Rec. 8.45). SYDNEY, Nov. 20. Searing dust storms are sweeping with a renewed fury over the inland areas of New South Wales. Heat, dust storms, bushfires, and a grave water shortage prevail in many areas, causing colossal losses. Though the air was calm in Sydney to-dav, the city was shrouded in haze, dust,'and bushfire smoke. Shipping has been warned to stand off the heads, and most of the aircraft, are grounded because of poor visibility. The temperatures at some inland points are as high as 118 degrees-.

“This new heat wave is unique m New South Wales meteorological history,” said the Divisional Meteorologist, Mr Mares, To-day. “It is an example of what the heated particles- in dust storms can do to render the dry inland areas intolerable for the settlers. There is no doubt that, but for the drought conditions the heat, wave would not have reached such a fierce culmination.” 1 Mr Mares added that the heat wave was likely to be dispersed within the next 24 hours. Some rains were also possible. Meanwhile, in south-western New S'outh Wales, the remaining live stock are perishing, and the farmers- are abandoning their homes. Bushfires are raging in some areas, though they have not reached alarming proportions. WARNING AGAINST EROSION. (Rec. 9.10). SYDNEY, November 20. The N.S.W. State Premier, Mi’ McKell, says that more than 200,000 square miles of the land in this State has been affected by erosion. He gave a warning of the dangers of overstocking and of timber destruction. “No man, because he owns land, is entitled to waste it,” said Mr McKell. “H e should be regarded a's a trustee.”