Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 February 1898 — FIERCE HEAT IN AUSTRALIA. [ARTICLE]

FIERCE HEAT IN AUSTRALIA.

Great Damage Done by Fires Caused by Spontaneous Combustion. The steamer Warimoo, from Australia, brings news of appalling climatic conditions which have been prevailing in many sections of that country. The prostrations from heat wore so numerous that the condition of affairs in large cities was alarming. In a great many instance* work is out of the question and sleep impossible. Telegrams show that the same conditions prevail all over the colonies. The thermometer during the heat of the day averages about 124 in the shade, and In a long list of towns the lowest figure found was 110. In the sun it is 100, so it is impossible to work at midday. The heat has caused numerous fires from spontaneous combustion, and the houses are so baked during the day that in the worst sections the residents sleep in gardens and on roofs. The damage from fire is very great. It would appear from the press reports that the total damage will amount to millions of pounds. In Victoria colony. 100,000 acres have been swept clear and an enormous acreage of crops destroyed. In other colonies houses and barns were burned.