This Day in History: 1909-08-10

Variable Newcastle hurricane reports.
West Australian: “Newcastle, August 10. Very heavy rains have fallen here since Friday last. On Sunday a gale set in from the north-west, and a good deal of damage appears to have followed in its track. Mr. C.H. Wilkerson had the roof of a large barn completely removed, while Mr. A. Ellery, a neighbour, had the roof of his barn blown off, the walls collapsing. Some damage was also sustained at Deepdale, the property of Messrs. Lukin Bros. The Bolgart railway contractors have also been sufferers, the rails and sleepers being left hanging in places where the embankments have been washed away. The brooks are all running bankers, and damage to crops and fencing is reported. The storm was accompanied by thunder and lightning. Trees in the path of the gale were uprooted, and the telegraph lines have been interrupted. The Avon River is running very high, and is only about three feet from the west end and railway bridge deckings. It is expected to be much higher when the water from the Beverley district arrives. The tennis courts and croquet ground are inundated to a depth of three or four feet, and the damage will probably be irreparable. The croquet ground was recently planted with couch grass, and its construction cost about £40. The Northam-road in places near the river is covered with three feet of water, and a couple of small bridges have been washed away. At the local post office 3 inches 15 points of rain have been registered since Friday last.”

Newcastle Herald: “Judging from reports last Sunday’s rain and storm appear to have been general, the damage being more or less serious throughout the eastern districts. Several cases of loss, through the action of the wind and rain, are reported in this district, but no injury to anyone is announced. The rainfall from Friday of last week to the end of the storm was 3.15 points. The river has now subsided, and normal conditions again obtain.”

Sources:
West Australian, 11 Aug, 1909, p.8.
Newcastle herald, 14 Aug. 1909, p.5.