SERIOUS EFFECTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 74, 29 March 1943, Page 4

SERIOUS EFFECTS

NORTHERN DROUGHT FARMERS CARTING WATER (0.C.) WHANGAREI, this day. A succession of dry spells since mid-December has culminated in the most serious drought in the north for many years. Although dairy companies are prevented from releasing official figures, it •is known that butter production is down by 10 to 20 per cent, while a still more marked decline in the remaining months of the season seems certain. Until the end of 1942, last season's exceptionally good production figures were being maintained and, ill some cases, improved upon. However, January established a record for dryness, and the total rainfall for the year to date is only a little over three inches. The number of scrub and grass fires which have raged during the past two months is sufficient indication of the tinder state of thousands of acres of rough feed and pasture land. There are instances of farmers having already exhausted stocks of ensilage and hay, the lack of which, unless warm rains fall within the next fortnight, may be felt severely during the winter. Contributing, the decline in dairy production has been the shortage of drinking water for stock. Farmers have had to drive herds considerable distances, or cart water. Iron piping, which a few years ago could be had for fivepence a foot, is now retailing at elevenpence to one shilling per foot when obtainable, and many dairymen are reviling themselves for not having laid in adequate supply systems earlier. Next week some of the larger. Northland dairy companies are instituting collecting of cream on four days a Aveek. Quantities coming in do not even warrant this skeleton service, it is stated, but due regard has to be given to climatic conditions in regard to quality. Men in close touch with both the manufacturing and farming ends of Northland agriculture express the opinion that the effects of the drought have been accentuated by the lack of manpower and the consequent deterioration of properties.