BUSH FIRES IN AUSTRALIA.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 5806, 25 January 1906, Page 5

BUSH FIRES IN AUSTRALIA.

INTENSE HEAT AT MELBOTHNE. GREAT LOSSES IN GRASS AND CROPS. ONE LIFE LOST. MMLBOniNK. January LI This X the hottest day in the fitv since 18(12. the thermometer registeiing 110; degrees in the shade. The lietii leave over the State is accomi>auu d hy -ii-;-.■ tr-atc hush tile’s in every direction. The town of Daylesford natron ly escaped being swept away. Files are now racing along a fronta,jo of ten m;ies, and it is feared that the whole country between Daylcsford and Ca-thmaine ia cloctncd unless the wind abates. Many liionsand acio, oi grass, and, in some cases, crops, have been dost reyed. Shops and houses in tho outskirts of Daylesford were burnt. Duo man lost his life in trying to save his effects. SIX CHILDREN IiCRX'ED TO DEATH. OTHERS MISSING. (Received January 20, 1.10 a.m.) MELBOI KNE, January 21. Six childroti perished in a bush lire at Mount Fatigue, Cippshuid. Others are missing. Further particulars are not available at present. CONFLAGRATION IN NEW SOUTH WALES. BIG AREA SWEPT. AN EXCITING ESCAPE. SEVEN-MILK RIDE FOR LIFE. TWO GIRLS AND THEIR PARENTS ARRESTED. (Received January 25, 1.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, January 21. The heat in the country is terrific. Bush fires in the Condohiin district caused great damage. The Tnllinga station lost twenty thousand acres of Crass. A father and two sons, who were going to tho assistance,, of neighbours, rode for their lives ahead of a wall of firo for seven miles. They then found a water-storage tank, and took refuge in tho water for five hours. Two girls, tho eldest only thirteen years of age, have been arrested on a charge of starting. Their parents wore also arrested, charged with aiding and abetting.