CROPS SUFFER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 101, 29 March 1939, Page 4

CROPS SUFFER.

NELSON DRY SPELL. NELSON, March 23. The Nelson district is experiencing one of tho worst dry spells in its history; the long period of dry weather having had a very serious effect on all forms of production from the land. This year’s. returns to the general farming and dairying . cammunitv and to those engaged in the industries of hop, tobacco and ftuit-growing will be considerably below those of normal yC ln’the country, the usual supplies from springs, creeks and wells have ceased, and the provision of waler for domestic supplies and for stock has become a very serious problem. . The shortage of pasture for stock is acute, and manv farmers have been compelled to sell sheep at exceptionally low prices. Tf the present conditions continue much longer the wintering of stock will cause a further problem. Dairy farmers arc facing an equally serious position in the drying up of the land, and many, have already been forced to call on their winter supplies of fodder. However, the watering of stock is an even more difficult mat-■fruit-exhorting industry a : s also suffered considerably, and it is estimated that tho drought has cost, growers 250,000 cases of fruit.