Real Climate Records

The Colonial Secretary has received the following telegram, dated 23rd January from. Mr. C. Francis, P.M., at Cunnamulla, which he has kindly placed at our disposal:—

“The heat of the past month here has been unprecedented in my experience of nearly fifteen years’ residence, both for intensity and continuance. Observations taken at Grosvenor Bank, situated immediately over one of the main holes of the Warrego River, show a shade maximum temperature of over 110deg. daily since the 31st December, except on three days, when 105deg. was touched or exceeded.

Yesterday 120.5deg. was reached, and to-day 123deg., the average daily temperature from the 1st instant exceeding 114deg. The official readings at the Post Office are lower, but the instruments used there are placed in a thickly-planted garden, which was heavily irrigated during last week, and do not record the temperatures prevailing under the normal conditions of

drought existing here.

Much sickness prevails, and heat prostration is common, four fatal cases having occurred

within the week. All fruit crops in the Chinese gardens, and all the grapes, melon, peaches, and figs are destroyed.

Cool water is unobtainable for drinking purposes, the canvas water bag proving ineffectual in the temperature prevailing. In rain water tanks placed under the house with spouting, as commonly seen in Brisbane, the water acquires a temperature of 103deg.

At present time of writing (3.50 p.m.) the thermometer stands at 112.5 in my office. The dis-

comforts of such a season must be experienced to be realised.

I am not given to complaining of the unavoidable, but the circumstances are such that you

should be informed of the conditions prevailing here.”