LIVESTOCK SHORTAGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 31 January 1939, Page 10

LIVESTOCK SHORTAGE

FIRES AND DROUGHTS IN AUSTRALIA 'United Pres? Association) INVERCARGILL, 30th January. "The loss of livestock in Australia during the drought was tremendous, md with the consequent shortage meat prices will, of course, soar and the export marKet is bound to be adversely affected. ’ said Mr A. H. Angliss, Melbourne. who is making the round trip on the Maunganui. “The ruin of countless crops will also have serious reactipns on the wheat market. In 1937 wheat realised 5s 5d a bushel, but last year it fell to 2s 2d. It is expected to be at the same level this year. The yield this year will be probably about a third of last season’s. That means less for export, and the falling off in exports means reduced income for Australia.” Mr Angliss said that the effect of the drought was being felt in rural districts first, but would soon be felt in j the cities. Timber, valued at about £5.000.000. had been lost in the bush fires in Victoria, and property valued at übout £300,000 had been destroyed. Vhe public response to appeals had been wonderful.

The drought had more than an immediate effect. Stock, being in poor condition, had weak progeny and the effects of the recent setbacks would be felt by Australia for the next twelve months.