Real Climate Records

Last week the State of Victoria spent a terrifying week as bush fires were prevalent and raging fiercely.

So far the bodies of 64 persons have been recovered from the fire areas, and it Is feared that many others

have perished. Between 750 and 1000 private houses have been destroyed, whole settlements have been wiped out, and what were important towns can now show only a few fire blackened houses. Some places have been particularly unlucky. Noojee, which was totally destroyed In the 1926 fires, was rebuilt only to be destroyed again in the 1932 blaze, is to-day represented by crumpled galvanised iron and a few toppling brick chimneys. The fires wiped out most of the town of Omeo. Yarr Glen lost 3 private houses, and Warrandyte more than 200.

The fire-refugees had terrifying experiences. Some took refuge In dams others in dugouts, and in tunnels used for timber tram tracks and for supplying reticulation services to towns.

A wide area is affected and the police endeavour, where possible, to shoot the stock In danger of being burned alive.

Mr. Lyons has announced that the Federal Government will make a special grant to relieve distress in

fires areas.

In New South Wales, forest fires are also raging, and fears are entertained for huge areas of Common

wealth forest plantations as the bush fires are burning at a distance of several miles from Canberra, The

district around Sydney had many firebreaks, and the city became the centre of a blazing ring. It will take

some time before the total injury effected by the fires can be assessed.