West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Tuesday 7 January 1913, page 7


RAINS OR THE MUR?UIS?NI THE DROUGHT BROKBN. RAILWAY LINE WASHED AWAY. CARRIAGE Of MAILS DIFFICULT. OCue, Jan. 6 The drought on the Murchison was broken by a thunderstorm. A big fall of rain commenced on Friday afternoon, and coptinued on Saturday and Sunday. It extended all over the Murchison, and will be of,. greit benefit to pastoralists, who were feeling the strain of the prolonged drought. Up to this morning 219 points were recorded at Cue and 190 points at Day Dawn. The stations outback report heavy falls. Murgoo had 2}in. up to Saturday afternoon, Austin Downs between 3in. and 4in., Webb's Patch, 3in.. and Coodardie, 21in. The Meekatharra railway line was flooded, and a washaway occurred four miles north of Naunine, and the Meekatharra train passed through waver 18in. deep. A breakdown train left Cue this morning with Inspector Axford and District Superintendent Sergeant. Up to Saturday, Nannine registered 182 points, Meekatharra 175 points, Abbott's 257 uoints. and Sandstone 147 pointi, while Peak Hill had 234 points up to 8 a.m. yesterday. Lake Nallan contained 6ft. of water yesterday. Water is lying all over the country. The old Cue battery dam, which was'repaired only a few months ago, broke away by the force of the water. This is the first rain of any consequence since October, when 158 points were registered, and is the biggest fall for years past. This was the second big thunderstorm in a week. On the previous Saturday a cyclone visited Cue and did considerable damage. The weather has cleared slightly, but it was still threatening this afternoon, and bitterly cold weather was experienced last night. OFFICIAL REPORTS. The Deputy Postmaster-Gceneral (Mr. Whysall) yesterday received the following telegrams: Inspector Gerard, Geraldton -"Four inches 30 points of rain at Wiluna since Friday night; every appearance of continuance. Creeks running strongly. Mail which left for Nanrine 8 this morning reirned 3 p.m. Driver states road impass. From Mr. Lloyd, Postmaster at Sandstone: --"Heavy rains have fallen all over district since Saturday morning; still unsettled. Mails all lines delayed, but train connections effected. Youanune reverted to vehicular service, leaving car at Youanme." From the Postmaster, Talgo3:--"urgoo reports 246 points. rain. Yalgeeoo-Milcura mailman on inward journey unable cross Sandford River, in flood. Mur?en mail carried over river by swimming, and mailman proceeded to Meka Ssat.ion lower down river. Mails will be delayed, probably arrive Pcrth Thursday .night, 48 points rain Yalgoo."