DROUGHT HAVOC

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25052, 16 November 1944, Page 6

DROUGHT HAVOC

AUSTRALIAN PLIGHT DUST BOWL CREATED GRAZING LANDS RUINED (Special Australian Correspondent) (Reed. 8.15 p.m.) SYDNEY, Nov. IB Recurrent heat waves with further dust storms are forecast for south-. eastern Australia. The possibility of rain to settle the dust and bring relief to the drought-stricken areas is remote. The dust storm which developed in south-eastern districts earlier in the week has now blown over the Tasman Sea. The storm ruined millions of apres of what was once fertile grazing lands. The divisional meteorologist, Mr D. J. Mares, said it was the worst in his 50 years' experience. Once once previously, in 1902, had similar conditions prevailed. Then, and again this time, great quantities of surfaco soil were lifted by westerly winds and carried out to sea. Planes over the Tasman Sea earlier this week had to fly at 13,000 ft to get above the dust. Mr Mares said today that he could promise no early breaking of the drought. Discussing the likelihood of further dust storms, he said: "The earth has deteriorated to such an extent that only a slight breeze is needed to cause dust clouds. Strong winds will result in a repetition of what happened earlier in the week." A forestry expert said: "For six years the drought has been destroying huge tracts of fertile grazing pastures in the west of New South Wales. The cutting of timber and overstocking have created a dust bowl which, is being carried to the east by the wind. Areas which were considered safe three years ago are now rapidly becoming absorbed in the dust bowl. Dust storms will occur almost every day until heavy ram falls." Agricultural inspectors say that the dust storm and the continued heat wave further disastrously affected crops, feed and stock.