HEAT IN N.S. WALES

Otago Witness, Issue 3218, 17 November 1915, Page 22

HEAT IN N.S. WALES

SYDNEY, November 10. A severe heat wave is being experienced over the whole State, and- bush fires are widely prevalent. The drought in the North Coast districts is the worst in history. Many settlers have been burned out and ruined; shipping is hampered; and the whole coast is shrouded in smoke from the bush fires. November 15. The heat and bush fires continue. The smoke and haze along the coast are hampering shipping, and have delayed the Riverina’s movements. Bush fires are raging furiously in the mountains, and miles of country have been swept by the flames, many houses being destroyed'. The fires are equally fierce along the south coast, and great damage has been done. The thermometer touched 97deg in the city, and there were many higher records in the country, but the heat wave is easing. Great damage has been done by bush fires in the outer suburbs. The bush fires in the Blue Mountains have abated. Miles of blazing ridges present a magnificent spectacle. The Jamieson Valley and other beauty spots have been swept, besides scores of week-end houses, a number of larger places, including Mr John L. Hordern’s mansion, have been destroyed. Destructive fires in numerous other districts are interfering with telegraphic communication.