PM Transcripts

FOR PRESS P. M. No2. / 19Q
BUSH FIRES
tatement by the Drmter the RtHon. Se rt Menzies
I deeply regret to learn of the disastrous bush
fires which are now sweeping the southern area of Australia
and of the great personal hardship which has fallen on so
many people in consequence of these terrible fires.
I extend my warm sympathy to those who are suffering,
and to those particularly who have suffered the loss of loved
ones, I extend my deepest personal sympathy.
The Commonwealth Government is doing all possible
to assist in the emergency. The Army has 520 troops in the
Bairnsdale area of Victoria and approximately 85 in the
Bundanoon and Camden areas of New South W4ales. These troops
are equipped with vehicles, radio and fire-fighting equipment
and medical orderlies are standing by.
As usual the Commonwealth Government stands ready
to join with the State Governments in financing schemes for
the relief of personal hardship and distress on a pound for
pound basis with the States.
CANBEIA, 7th March, 1965.