FLOODS AND FIRES

Waikato Times, Volume 113, Issue 18850, 21 January 1933, Page 5

FLOODS AND FIRES

AN UNCANNY JUMBLE. PHENOMENAL HAILSTORM. GREAT DAMAGE REPORTED. FISHING BOATS SWAMPED. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received Jan. 21, 12.50 p.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 21. Described as the worst In 20 years, a storm lashed the Rlverlna and parts of Victoria. The flood waters entered the shops at Rupanyup. Many Ashing boats foundered in a 40-mile per hour gale at Queenscllff. Rain and bush Ares have been experienced in an uncanny jumble. While weary men fought blazing acres around Balranald, Rochester lay under a mantle of an Inch of hailstones. About four thousands aores of grass and crops and miles of fencing were destroyed in the R'heola district. One of the most severe and most devastating hailstorms In recent years swept the Inverill district, in Northwest New South Wales, killing calves, sheep, rabbits and birds, and caused heavy damage to maize and fruit crops. Jagged hail the size of golf balls left cattle bruised and bleeding. A violent thunderstorm at Gymple (Queensland) unroofed houses and sheds and uprooted trees. Flocks of sheep were trapped by the stormwaters, and drowned. Seven head of cattle were killed by lightning. All low lands are under water. The Condamine River Is running a banker. Several bridges are submerged. Torrential rain was also experienced in many other centres. At Gatton the hotels, business premises and residences were hooded.

A washaway occurred on the main line near Toowoomba, and traffic is held up. It Is 40 years since Aood waters reached the level they did at Laidloy. where water s\virled through shops and homes, while cattle and milos of fencing were swept away. The water is Ave feet deep in tin: streets. The town of Roma suffered severely, houses being unroofed. Hundreds of sheep were drowned, and the railway line was submerged in several places.