SERIOUS DROUGHT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26416, 21 March 1947, Page 6

SERIOUS DROUGHT

CROMWELL DISTRICT NO RAIN F(« TWO MONTHS Severe drought conditions in the Cromwell district are at present threatening fruit crops and causing widespread concern among farmers. No rain has fallen in the district since January 12 and some farmers who depend largely on irrigation are without water. A few, in fact, are even “ borrowing ” supplies from more for-tunately-placed neighbours. In a wide area between Cromwell and Lake Hawea, creeks and races have almost run dry in places and the land is parched and burnt. Some orchardists are without water for irrigation purposes, and in at least one orchard which is completely cut off from its supplies the peaches are going soft and pulpy. The fruit will not be fitrfor marketing, which is considered a serious matter for the public when fruit generally is dear and scarce. While the conditions have been ideal for the harvesting of grain and small seed crops, the prolonged dry spell is burning up feed and stock are going back. Some farmers are even carting water for their own household needs as races are dry and the hill streams are carrying practically no water at all in places. It is felt that the irrigation plans for the district have already been delayed too long and the hope is expressed generally that the_ seriousness of the present position will cause the Public Works Department to expedite its proposals. ~ , Residents of Cromwell itself are more fortunately - placed as@ the Borough Council has an excellent water supply, but even in the town rain is urgently needed.