SEVERE DAMAGE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16210, 7 December 1926, Page 5

SEVERE DAMAGE

N.S.W. FIRE AND STORM GRAZIER FATALLY BURNED (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Asm.) SYDNEY, Dec. 6. Bush fires in the north-western districts caused serious damage before heavy rain extinguished them. Norman Beveridge, a well-known grazier of Narromine, was assisting to fight the flames with two other men, when a sudden -change of wind trapped them. All were sent to Hospital, Beveridge later succumbed to his injuries. There were many narrow escapes during a cyclone at Alburv, which caused extensive damage to buildings. Crops in the surrounding districts suffered scverelv.

BRISBANE, Dec. 6. A violent storm at Abereorn caused much damage and .many residents* were injured by falling debris. ANOTHER LIFE LOST FARMERS' HUGE LOSSES (Received December 7, noon). SYDNEY, Dec. 7. In addition to Beveridge, bush fires in the western portion of the State accounted for the death of C. Allen, a young Englishman who was suffo-

cated while fighting the fire. One of Beveridge's companions was sent, to hospital in a serious condition. Thousands of acres of valuable grass and crops were burnt, and several homesteads destroyed. Thousands of head of sheep and cattle were burnt alive. Many centres report that the fires were- the worst in history, and the loss will run intohundreds of thousands of pounds. , In. one instance in tho Parkes district, 2000 sheep were burned. Standing wheat crops and bagged wheat, and also haystacks and .fencing were destroyed The damage in the Trundle district alone is estimated at £IOO,OOO. One farmer's less was £20,000. Many people are in hospital, as a result of burns.