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Newspaper
Cairns Post
Location
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Date
Feb 05, 1920
Page
5
Fragmentary OCR notes describe effects at Chillegoe with mentions of three hotels wrecked houses damaged and a metess. References to a manager and various locals indicate heavy damage to a township and loss of smelters and other facilities.
Report from Cairns Hospital describes a tense period when a power or water disruption caused flooding after a roof collapse. Inmates and staff evacuated to safer areas as wards were damaged and access to facilities was affected during the incident.
Mareeba reports detail a severe cyclone impacting Mount Molloy Riboohra and nearby towns. Widespread damage includes destroyed stores homes and supplies, with evacuations and urgent repairs by local workers and Field Instructor Wieter. Flooding from the storm caused further damage to creeks and low-lying areas.
A damaged report recounts a fatal fishing trip near Seat Reelin Island after a wreck. It notes Pitt and companions facing a deadly swell and a perilous night, with a late rescue attempt and loss of life among the crew.
An account describes a voyage ending at Yorkie's Knob after abandoning the Island Hotel. The group includes Moses and his amkle, Robert Douglas's brother, his son Robert, and a taming Amber. Their 30 foot vessel Victor with a 12 horsepower engine was wrecked and the crew endured severe experiences before reaching terra firma.
A farmer reports widespread destruction from a cyclone in the locality. Mandarins and oranges lie on the ground, many fruit trees blown over, and roofs stripped from sheds including a dairy. A draught horse survived a fall from a 73 foot precipice unharmed. the cause remains unclear.
The roof of the bar at Double Island Hotel tore away and the bar was smashed with bottles and debris across the paddock. Mr Williams, in Cairns, was at the hotel with guests when the crash happened and cut by glass while reaching Room No 1. The sea rose to the beach fence by morning and half the bath house roof was gone.
A fragmentary appeal from a fisherman expresses gratitude and requests assistance. The writer notes months of hardship, claims to be in poor health, and asks for support for himself and his family. The message conveys dependence on community aid.
A partial OCR fragment notes events in February with mentions of the East region and piled items. Details are incomplete and names or locations cannot be verified. The text shows stray phrases and garbled wording from a historical newspaper page.
An OCR fragment describes widespread destruction from a cyclone or storm impacting Chillagoe including unroofed hospitals hotels and shops. The Imperial and Federal Hotels were damaged, the railway hotel and verandah demolished, many cottages and public buildings ruined, schools and sheds destroyed, and Smelter Junction and musgrana facilities severely damaged with water and debris pervasive.
The cyclone destroyed the main camp and halted activities while immediate rebuilding begins. The gatekeeper’s hut suffered partial roof loss, and windows and doors were damaged. The goods shed was blown in at one end, leaving substantial structural harm.
A Deeral correspondent reports a cyclone event near Russell Heads and Bussell Mouth. A propeller broke on a river trip from Babinda, sending two Lewis brothers and a girl out to sea before they were swept to High Island and ashore unharmed. The boat and engine were lost, and Bainbda residents aided survivors. The Russell Heads point was washed away and gardens damaged.
A Rabinda correspondent reports a drowning on the Reveell River after a horse and rider disappeared while crossing the Russell River at the old Chuchabber crossing during a recent flood. The body has not yet been recovered despite ambulance and police searches along river banks. The deceased, John King, long-time district resident and scrub contractor, was a skilled swimmer and may have fallen prey to a hidden hazard or animal.
Report from Thornboreigh on Wednesday notes the station and police court involved in destruction as telegraph lines fail and tracks submerged by washouts. Mount Samaras bridge at 24 miles 2 chains requires ballast train repairs, with several washouts causing lines to go down.
The Allimga under Capt Tyrie sailed for Sydney with 290000 super feet of timber and mails for Sydney and Brisbane. Muriel arrived from Monrilyan with no southern mail. Junee, carrying 600 tons of food stuffs, expected at Cairns early morning. Cairns District Hospital roof damaged and wards evacuated. several injuries. Eleven cottages owned by Cairns Timber Limited wrecked. logs drifted to Cairns beach. Nelly among vessels seeking stranded logs. cases of hardship include Mr Tom Bourner's home destroyed. engineer's house at Kuranda damaged. Redlynch fence blown down. Mr J A Morris's dwelling hurt.
The Camas Water Supply remains hindered by main damage. Residents should study the Water Authority advertisement and cooperate to use the water judiciously while anticipating a speedy restoration of service.
At a Wednesday meeting of Cairns Aquatic Club members the losses were reported around 600. Commodore Dean chaired and praised attendance as the largest since the general war meeting. The group discussed demolishing the old shed and building a new, larger sailing premises with a social hall, seeking financial support from townspeople.
The water supply to Cairns was interrupted by two pipe bursts caused by cyclone damage in the Fresh water area. Mayor J. G. Hoare traveled to contact the Water Authority inspector Mr. Page, and repairs at two sites were underway with water expected to flow by noon. Conditions worsened by a blocked track hamper repairs.
The Cairns Aquatic Club hosts a welcome home dance for Private J. Emsworth tonight at Oddfellows Hall. After cyclone damage to the club shed the event moves indoors to ensure a large turnout and enjoyable dancing with refreshments planned by the ladies committee. Admission is 2 shillings for gentlemen and 1 shilling for ladies.
A private wire reports events from last Monday noting the Sydney boats new arrival and a substitution of the Queensland charge. Foy's Cup results show Viscom defeating Thelma Langham 3 to 1 with nine competitors referenced.
The passage describes inconsistent rain with frequent rain in the first half of the year and drought in the second half. A visible hole near a gate is noted as an eyesore and a concrete surface described as a pitch for a future plan. The text mentions plans involving handball and related help.
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