DROUGHT IN AUSTRALIA

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVIII, Issue 12973, 14 November 1902, Page 5

DROUGHT IN AUSTRALIA

SCARCITY OF GRAIN. MADAME MELBA'S APPEAL. Dnited Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyrigh't. SYDNEY, Nov. 13. The quotation for local wheat has advanced to 5s 5d and 5s 6d. There are large sales of Californian at 5s 4d. Some country mills are closing, owing to the scarcity of grain. MELBOURNE, Nov. 13. In the Legislative Assembly, on the motion for adjournment, Mr Maloney eulogised Madame Melba's appeal, and strongly condemned the action of the Chamber of Commerce and a certain paper in throwing cold water on the scheme. Other members held that it was absurd to say that the appeal would ruin the credit of Australia, and declared that the offer had been rejected through a feeling of fake pride. They eulogised Madame Melba's generosity. The Premier declined to express an opinion. He said the Government was taking measures to assist distressed settlers, but he thought private charity should first be exhausted. (Received Nov. 14, 12.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. 13, At the stock sales good quality sheep were decidedly dearer. Store buyers were active and caused a rise in lower qualities. New Zealand shorns sold to 21s, woolled to 235. Cattle brought higher prices. Three bullocks averaged £24 A others £l6 7s, cows £ls 12s 6d.