THE AUSTRALIAN DROUGHT

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4824, 29 November 1902, Page 5

THE AUSTRALIAN DROUGHT

SYDNEY, November 28. During tho drought relief debate some heartrending accounts were given of the distress and suffering, and of tho immense Joss of stock and crops. It was alleged that many people wero compelled to live on bran and treacle intended to sustain sheep. Tho amendment proposed by Mr B. B. O’Connor, in favour of opening negotiations with America and Canada for the importation of breadstuffs, found only throo supporters, and the Premier’s resolutions wero all carried unamended. ‘ RAIN IN NEW SOUTH WALES. (Received November 28, 10.2-1 p.m.) SYDNEY, November 28. Steady rain lias fallen all day, and continues over tho greater part of the State, including tho Darling River country. THE FODDER DUTIES. PROTEST AGAINST ABOLITION. • (Received November 20, 1.0 a.m.) ADELAIDE, November 28. Tho Premier has wired to Sir Edmund Barton as follows:—*‘Tho newspapers report that you stated that d any State refunded tho duty on fodder and breadstuffs, no objection would come from tho Commonwealth Government. I cannot believo you to be correctly reported.- If correct, I respectfully protest against tho connivance of tho federal Executive at such, a gross violation of tho constitution.” “South Australia,” the Premier continues, “sympathises deeply with the suffering people of the sister colonies, but their necessities shepdd bo relieved in other ways than by abrogating the constitution.”

After further strongly protesting, ho concludes: “Such a breach of tho federal contract is fraught with present injustice and future danger.”