RAINFALL IN AUSTRALIA. CROPS PARTLY SAVED.

Te Aroha News, Volume VI, Issue 326, 19 December 1888, Page 5

RAINFALL IN AUSTRALIA. CROPS PARTLY SAVED.

Sydney, December 15. In the Armidale district splendid rains have fallen, but more is required. The country looks well, but the crops of hay and potatoes and corn will only yield about a fourth of the usual average. The wheat harvest has been saved. At Carowa grass and water are scaice. Harvesting is proceeding, and the yield will be much below the average. High prices for produce still prevail. Discouraging reports are received from the Carcoar district, and in several instances the yield will not be above one bag to the acre. Rain has benefited the crops in the Southern districts, and favourable reports are being received. A violent thunderstorm visited Sydney this evening, and heay rain fell.

Mklboukne, December 15. Rain has fallen generally in the country districts, and the drought appears to be broken up.

Sydney, December 16. Violent thunderstorms and rain have been experienced during the last twenty-four hours, principally centred in the southern districts The rainfall is registered in Sydney at three inches. Several houses in the city and suburbs have been struck by lightning. The ' Parramatta Rivei was in high flood) and a large building on us banks was washed away and much damaged. The New Zealand cable house at La Perout.e was struck by lightning and set on faie. The flames, however, were soon extinguished, and little damage was done The barque Thurso which arrived from Lyttelton yesterday, had a tempestuous passage. A headlight in the forecastle was stove in, and the fore eomputment filled with water. It is believed that the cargo is considerably damaged.