QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, October 6.

Otago Witness, Issue 2850, 28 October 1908, Page 8

QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, October 6.

The weather keeps phenomenally cold, the nights being particularly sharp, and during- the month further heavy frosts have been recorded throughout the southern portion of the State. The long, cold, dry winter has had a very prejudicial effect on tho stock, and no improvement in condition ca-n be looked for until we get some rain, followed by mild growing weather. Shearing is now in full swing, and tho consignments of wool arriving for sale and shipment are extremely heavy. Notwithstanding that a considerable number of growers are consigning (.0 London in the hope of improved prices, the quantity stored for the local <>ales shows no diminution, the total to be offered' at tho sale of tho 10th inst. being over 20,000 bales. (Jenorally speaking, the new clip, though well growp, is more generous in condition j tha-n that of last year, and in numerous in I stances there is a considerable quantity of seed in the wool. — j In the agricultural districts of the Darling Downs the light rains which have faliea

ir- ttih- !■ ■* M* have ensured a fair wheat crop; indeed 1 , around Warwick it ie expected there will be an excellent harvest, though anticipations in the matter of a wheat crop have been so frequently falsified by events thab only the confirmed optimist now speaks of an assured harvest. In the agricultural districts of the Maranoa "the area planted has enormously decreased, but what wheat there is is now looking well, and a fair croj> should be harvested. N , Th« utter stagnation in the sheep market: continues, and prices are still on the down grade. The long disused term© of payment by three or six months' approval bills are putting in an appearance, and -will probably again become the rule in 6tock transactions, as was the case some years ago. The difficulty ie the want of an outlet for the surplus stock, and until we are relieved of some of our 6heep the prices will weaken and the terms of payment extend.