BREAK-UP OF A DROUGHT

Otago Witness, Issue 2528, 27 August 1902, Page 27

BREAK-UP OF A DROUGHT

USEFUL RAINS FALL

REJOICING IN SYDNEY.

RAIX SHORT OF REQUIREMENTS

A GLOOMY OUTLOOK.

PRIVATIONS AT WHITE CLIFFS

MELBOURNE, August 22.

The suspension of the fodder duties was again discusted in the House. Mr .Deakin said that it rested with the States to take action. The Federal Government could take none. SYDNEY, August 20.

Iv consequence of the continued drought the agitation for the remission of fodder duties has been renewed iv the country districts.

August 21.

Relief has at la^t come to a large portion of the droughtr-stricken areas. Useful rains have fallen in the northwestern districts and along the Queensland border, and lighter over the Riveriua and coastal districts. At Bourke over an inch and a-half was registered. On many stations over the Darling River country equally good records are reported. It is still raining. The good news was received with much rejoicing in the city. In the Assembly, the Premier, referring to the matter, said the House would join him in expressing devout thankfulness to the Almighty for the raiufall, which would Biean the saving of much wealth and the alleviation of much suffering.

August 22.

With the exception of the Eastern Riverina, the rain all over the State is light, and in many places it is feared that it Is clearing off. Further rain, mostly light, is recordeti. In some of tne north-eastern districts over 2in has fallen.

In the Assembly, Mr Ash ton moved the suspension of the Standing Orders

portation of fodder through the agency of the Government. After a long debate the motion was negatived by 51 to 32.

In reply to a communication from the Premier with the object of ascertaining the views of other States. in regard to the suspension of the fodder duties, the Premiers of South Australia and Tasmania expressed the opinion that it would constitute a dangerous precedent. August 23.

Despite the rain, which, excepting iv scattered areas, is far short of requirement, the outlook is exceedingly gloomy, and worse times, with great .shortage of stock, are _predicted on all hands. As a sample of the hardships, the stcckowners on one station alone have spent £50,000 in the last three months to keep the sheep alive. The importation of fodder into New South Wales, not including the vast quantities which come direct over the border from Victoria and South Australia, s>ince the commencement of the year, are valued at over £1,000,000. Lately the rate has been £00,000 a week. The Sydney water supply question is daily growing more acute, and the authorities are adopting a more stringent measure to cut down consumption. The Federal Government having refused to suspend the fodder duties and the other State Premiers not being favourable to their suspension, the Premier (Sir John See) states that he opposed the New South Wales Government accepting the responsibility. He however, offers, as head of the Government, the services of an experienced commercial man to tho pa<-toralis.tp. who will purchase for them in tho best markets, and charter steamers to carry all fodder required without charging any commission. He states that the offer means that the stockow-ner.s will get their fodder practically at cost price. The Premier estimates that at least £100,000- worth of fodder is required weekiv.

The movement in favour of the suspension of the duties, or some concession to assist the import of fodder, is again being vigorously demanded in all parts of the State.

August 25

At a meeting of residents of "White Cliffs, where they are in great straits owing to the dearth of water, it wa-s pointed out that privations existed with regard to food supplies, caused chiefly by the high prices demanded ;\nd the scarcity of provision team". If the Government did not do something towards the relief of the township, ono speaker declared that he would take a lead in seizin"; the stores and communi-in^ tlio provisions in order to prevent the women and children perishing. ADELAIDE, August 21. Good rain has fallen in the northern areas.

PERTH. August 23

The Eastern farming di-tricts r.iv suffering from the severe drought. The late crops are ruined.

"WELLINGTON. August ZO. There U reported to bo a scaicity of butter lieie, mid the price lia= J'o^n mired 2d per lb. in consequence of the groat 'loinand from Sydney.