SERIOUS DROUGHT IN ENGLAND

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19829, 19 June 1934, Page 9

SERIOUS DROUGHT IN ENGLAND

COUNTRY SWEPT BY HEAT WAVE APPEAL FOR PRAYERS FOR RAIN United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyrigh t (Received June 13, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, June 18. A heat wave is being experienced in the south with a temperature of 87deg. in the shade, without a sign of the long drought breaking. There are numerous heath fires, including one on the King’s estate at Sandringham, although Sandringham House is not in danger. The King often shot in the wood where flames are now sometimes 50ft. high. The newspapers are calling for emergency measures to deal with the water shortage, and the mobilising of an army and medical corps, in order to deal with possible epidemics, and the purification of the ponds and streams contaminated through the drought. INVASION BY RATS. desperate for want of water. United Press Association —Bv Electric Telegraph —Copyright LONDON, June 17. "The Sketch” says that monster rats, thirst maddened because the ponds are dried up, are invading Essex cottages, and attacking children. The latest case reported is from Hartfordend. James Petchey, a farm labourer, awakened by screams, beat off rats. He found his two sons badly bitten on the hands and arms and the bed covered with blood. BISHOP OF LONDON’S APPEAL. PRAYERS FOR RAIN. United Press Association—By Electric Tel egraph —Copyrigh i LONDON, June 17. The Bishop of London announces that he desires prayers for rain to be offered in every London church.