THE HEAT WAVE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2288, 6 January 1898, Page 17

THE HEAT WAVE.

MORTALITY IN ADELAIDE. . Melbourne, December 31. Numerous cases or sunstroke and deaths from heat apoplexy are reported from the country.

Januarj 1. There was a welcome charge in the weather last night, heralded by a severe dust storm and thunder. A little rain fell, followed by a delightfully cool breeza. January 2. It is stated that 25 of the deaths recently reported as having occurred in this cily were distinctly attributable to the great heat.

December 30. The weather is sgain very hot. The thermometer reached 1095 eg to-day. Several cases of heat apoplexy occnrreol in the streets.

December 31. The weather promises to be as hot as ever for the teat match to-morrow. Four cases of heat apoplexy occurred in the streets to-day. All the sufferers are in a critical condition.

Adelaide, January 1. There was a welcome cool change in the weather last m'ghfc.

January 3, Altogether 20 deaths in the city are attributed to tbe heat wave.

December 30,

The weather continues hot. For five consecutive days the thermometer has baen over lOOdeg. A number of infants, children, and old people have succumbed to the effects of the heat. Animals are suffering severely, and poultry are dying on all hands. The director of the Zoo. states that he never saw animals so affected. Several valuable exhibits died to-day. The majority are only kept alive by hosing them with cold water.

Brisbane, December 31.

The drought which prevailed in the northern and western districts during the last two years has now broken up, and good rains are falling.