DROUGHT IN OTAGO.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 172, 20 July 1907, Page 4

DROUGHT IN OTAGO.

DEPUTATION TO THE PBEMTEE.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Eriday.

The Premier was interviewed to-day Iby an Otago deputation, which asked the Government to give some assistance ito farmers who have sustained heavy losses owing to the continuance of the (drought in North and Central Otago. Mr. J. A. Macpherson, M.H.H., said the drought had lasted now for nearly two years, and had reached a very acute stage indeed; so bad was it that farmers were very much distressed at their inability to supply their stock ! with fodder. Most of them had decreased their flocks, and it was found necessary even to send sheep to Southland, where feed was more plentiful- As a result of representations made by the settlers it was decided to ask the Government to allow the settlers who sent their stock to graze in -Sont.hla.nd to have such stock carried back free on the railways. It had also been decided to ask for a concession on the freight of turnips into the district to meet the case of the small farmholders, who had not enough stock to send away. Turnips had reached an almost prohibitive price. A neighbour of his had recently purchased 200 tons at 32/6 a ton, delivered at a railway siding, and one well known breeder had to dispense with 200 of his stud sheep, the progeny of stock imported within the last year or two.

Sir Joseph Ward said he would give the matter his immediate attention. He would be very glad to give the necessary authority for the carriage of sheep free one way if he found there was a necessity for it. He would also consider the question of reducing the freight on fnixnips. If "there was going to be a serious loss to the eprony some--thing would have to be. done.