Singleton Argus (NSW : 1880 - 1954), Saturday 2 January 1909, page 2


A Sweltering Day.

People are not likely to soon forget yesterday--the closing day of 1908 It provided a heat record for the year. The blood-like appearance of the sun as

it appeared in the east at an early hour gave an intimation of what was to fol-low. At 9 o'clock the temperature was well in the nineties, and the mercury con-tinued to mount until a maximum of 110 degrees in the shade was recorded at the post office. Some private registrations were as high as 115. A hot westerly wind prevailed during the day, and pedestrians and others engaged in out-door occupations were blistered and scorched by the sweltering air waves. Cooling beverages were in great demand, and people' affected by the heat sought artiticial means to reduce the bodily temperature. Animal and bird life was greatly distressed and at even an early hour sparrows found their way into houses to escape from the sun's fierce rays. The river has been well patronised night and morning during the present week. A welcome southerly came along shortly arter 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon, which gave much relief.