DROUGHT CONDITIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22578, 17 November 1936, Page 16

DROUGHT CONDITIONS

AUSTRALIAN SETTLERS MANY NOW FACING RUIN [from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, Nov. 11 (lrchardists and other settlers in the Hills district bevond Parramatta are experiencing' the worst drought for manv years, and are facing ruin because of the lack of rain. The orchardists say that even if rain falls this week thev will not benefit greatly, because the main crop for next year is already ruined, and this season's crop of oranges is falling from tho trees.

The nosition lias boon aggravated by bush iiros On it number of properties there uro wells and natural springs upon which the owners have relied in past dry -spells. Most of these have dried un Water for domestic purposes is being carted in tanks 011 motor-lorries and other vehicles from the stand pipes at Castle Hill and Regan's llill. Supplies are being transported for distances un to 25 miles. Restrictions may be placed 011 these measures. One grower said yesterday that tlu> Water Board will prohibit the transport of water except in eases of absolute necossitv One poultry farmer, who has been carting iOOO gallons of water a day from an underground well in his property, reported that the well will be dry this week. He fears that his flocks of valuable birds will suffer because of the restrictions. "There is a race every morning to the springs in the district to get the first supply of water," said a grower in the Dural district. "We never know when we will find (lie springs dry." There are practically 110 vegetable gardens left in the Dural district, and the other parched areas are in a similar position.