QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, March 7.

Otago Witness, Issue 2664, 5 April 1905, Page 9

QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, March 7.

The past month has been marked by an absence- of rain except along the coast and at a few stations in the Central District. This, fog-ether with the intense heat experienced, has had the effect of nullifying to a great extent the good which the January rains have done, and in many districts tho country is presenting 3 barren app-ear-amp. Both the pastoral and agricultural districts along the coast are in good heart, the cane farmers being particularly jubilant at the prospects of the season.

Auction of wheat have been again resumed, and prices, which range up to 3s 5d for white wheat and 3s 8d for Manitoba, are considered satisfactory. The storage of the wheat i-J a difficulty, particularly ■with the inill&rs, but this will no doubt be remedied before many seasons- are past. The millers seem to be able to absorb all the grain now coming to the port, and at present there is no talk of any further shpments. The butt-ev industry continues to expand, and it will be interesting to watch the result of the Dairy Act, which comes into force during the present month. Tho war of rates between the Sydney shipping companies will, it is to be feared, operate adversely to Queensland butte-r interest', as, tempted by the low freights ruling from the southern port, several factories are sending their butter as general cargo by coastal boat*. It cannot be doubted that very considerable deterioration takes place through the carrying of butter in unre-frige-rated holds, and the Government have wisely refused to give any certificate of quality for butter so shipped. The Gregory Xorth Rabbit Board, with its vast and lightly-stocked area, has applied to tho Central Rabbit Board for assistance, ■which the latter body has accorded to the extent of £1000, on the conditon that the money is to be expended in poisoning, the Cential Board being; of opinion that trapping is not so effective as poisoning.

The Orepuki correspondent of the Southland Times states that Mr L. Printz had the misfortune to lose a very nice crop, making four good stacks, by fire last week. The outbreak ivas noticed shortly after a goods train had passed, and it is thought the damage was caused by a spai'k from the locomotive. Mr Printz estimates his loss at more than £100. , TITe recent gales proved most destructive to fruit crops in the Milton district, and in the majority of gardens and orchards the trees were practically stripped of their fruit by the wind. The result is that thousands of apples, pears, and late plums are being sold locally, by the sack, for whatever they will fetch. — Bruce Herald.

The competition for the weed eradication bonus still proceeds at Totara. Two fresh candidates appeared last week with new preparations, but we are assured (says the Oamaru Mail) that to all appearances the effect is simply to stimulate the growth. J?h§re would SOt seem to. be much, jyroba-