THE DROUGHT IN AUSTRALIA

Otago Witness, Issue 2545, 24 December 1902, Page 15

THE DROUGHT IN AUSTRALIA

SYDNEY.) December 16. . Sir W. J. Lyne; speaking at Gundagai, said Mr Seddon's action over the offer of fodder and seed was> such as he expected from a large-hearted, capable administrator of his calibre. Mr Seddon, he said, "was a most astute politician, and although the offer to grant free carriage within New Zealand would result in a loss to the railway revenue, whilst being a benefit to us," Sir W. J. Lync thought Mr Seddon could foresee that such a move would beat off foreign competition from our markets' fay placing New Zealand products^ in greater favour. Sir W. J. Lyne concluded these remarks by professing the greatest admiration, for Mr Seddon. December 17. Splendid monsoonal rains have fallen in nearly every part of New South Wales, and they still continue. The rain in the northern districts has been exceptionally heavy. Six and aI half inches have fallen at Tabulan in the past '24 hours, and two inches have fallen in the Broken Hill area. The .Western districts have received a beneficial fall. Riverina stations record from half an inch to three inches. j MELBOURNE, December 17. A violent gale is raging off Portland. Out of a fishing fleet of 30 boats only six remain uninjured. The rest were driven ashore and dashed to pieces. i ADELAIDE, December 17. Heavy rain has fallen in various parts of the north. From Alice Springs down--

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