AUSTRALIAN NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22710, 24 October 1935, Page 12

AUSTRALIAN NEWS

THE WOOL STORE FIRE

(United Press Association)

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, October 23. (Received Oct. 23, at 11.30 p.m.) The City Coroner, Mr E. T. Oram, held an inquiry into the huge fire in Goldsbrough Mort's wool store on September 25. Evidence was tendered by a wool expert that tlie fire had not originated from spontaneous combustion, in which case it would have been detected on the previous day. The most likely cause was a cigarette butt or similar ignited object coming into contact with a jute bale, which was highly inflammable. It was stated that the insurance on the building and contents totalled £574,820. The insurance companies have already paid £200,000. The coroner, in returning an open verdict, commended the fire brigades and added that there did not appear to be any suspicious circumstances. ,

DEATH OF AUSTRALIA FAIR

MELBOURNE, October 23 (Received Oct. 24, at 0.30 a.m.)

Australia Fair was stricken with a mysterious internal trouble last week and died to-night. He was a stable mate of Peter Pan.

VICTORIAN WHEAT HARVEST

MELBOURNE, October 23. (Received Oct. 24, at I a.m.)

Owing to satisfactory rain throughout Victoria, the wheat harvest is expected to be the best for many years. Reliable estimates place the yield at 40.000,000 bushels. In one large area 10 bags to the acre is expected in the north-west. In the best wheat lands the yield may reach 40 bushels to the acre.