Special prayers for rain to end the drought were again offered in many churches throughout the State yesterday.

[SNP, 9/1/39]

A climax to the worst drought in 25 years, and marking the hottest day of the season, bush fires yesterday caysed widespread havoc in many areas of Victoria. More than 70 houses were destroyed, vast areas of timber consumed and grazing lands burnt bare.

...Grave anxiety was felt yesterday for more than 100 workers and their relatives at mills in Erica district. Communications were cut off by fires which ringed Erica and no news could be obtained. During the evening word was got out that 30 were safe, and soon after midnight blasts on whistles indicated that 30 in each of two other mills were still alive. A party of 10 on the top of a ridge and an elderly couple were still unaccounted for.

[SNP, 9/1/39]