SOUTHLAND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10923, 12 November 1913, Page 2

SOUTHLAND.

[From Our Coheesfondent.] INVERCARGILL, November 6. Wo had another deluge last week. It commenced raining on Tuesday evening and Issted almost without cessation until Thursday morning. It came from the east, and it is notoriously the experience down here that when rain acts in from that direction it lasts anywhere from twenty-four up to fortyoight hours. This time it camo down steadily, and at times very copiously for fully forty hours. Rain gauges registered considerably over three inches, proving that we had more than half an inch over the March rains, which culminated in the big flood still vivid in the memories of the- populace, especially those living on the river flats. It was extremely fortunate- that there was only a sprinkling of snow on the, mountains' to the north. To this fact we owo a providential escape from a repetition of the historic floods of only seven months ago. Profiting by their experience then, farmers on the low-lying country took the precaution to remove all stock in dangerous positions to high ground, so even had there, been a second inundation the loss by comparison would have been slight. Considerable damage to young crops was, of course, unavoidable, and not a few fanners will be obliged to rejSow their grain, and in some case 3 their turnips also. The young grass in parts, too, received a coating of silt, but a good shower of rain will quickly bring about its removal. The flood waters invaded the low-lying parts of Winton township, but beyond causing much discomfort to residents no serious damage resulted. As was only to be expected,. the inhabitants of Gore and Mataura were in a high state of apprehension, especially on* Wednesday night, when the position was looking its worst. Largo numbers of householders had a busy time removing to places of safety floor coverings and other furnishings, but soon after J they were thankful -to be able to replace their belongings without having to go to the trouble of removing silt and other flood debris as was the case last March. As it happened,, the country was really in need of a good fall of rain, but the flood gates of the heavens were opened unnecessarily wide* It was lucky that lambing was a thing of the past excepting on the back country, otherwise the mortality amongst young lambs would have been much higher. The weather since has really been delightful, indeed, it has been almost ideal growing weather. There ia feed in abundance in all quarters, and the pastures are wearing a beautiful, fresh,

luxuriant appearance. The disastrous strike of waterside workers and others in tho north has not so far made itself so apparent here as elsewhere, hut unless a compromise is effected shortly we cannot escape feeling the pinch. The only serious dislocation caused so far has been the hold up of the regular fortnightly shipment of cheese. Tho Moeraki was to have lifted about 4500 crates of cheese on Monday last, but owing to the impossibility of .getting it transhipped to the Home carrying steamer, the _ arrangements made for loading it into the Moeraki were cancelled. As far as sugar is concerned, we are in the habit of getting supplies at regular three-weekly intervals per medium of the "Wanaka, and it is only a few days ago since she discharged a large quantity at Bluff. It is reported also that the incoming Melbourne boat, due on Monday, has a consignment aboard for this port. Coal is in short supply,, but not seriously so, as the Kaitangata and Nightcaps mines, practically at our doors, are continuing work uninterruptedly, but no doubt the miners, are liable to receive orders to desist' at any moment. The Bluff watersiders appear to be satisfied to continue their occupation, meantime at all events.

The continued -stringency of mondy. coupled with the strike, has more than ordinarily depressed the produce markets. The volume of business is_ as near as possible nil. Oats''continue their downward course, and .there seems little likelihood of any worthy improvement. There' is* absolutely no demand beyond the limits of the dominion,. and it is estimated that the 6tocks in store are more than

sufficient for probable ' requirements. There- may be an opportunity of shipping, to the United Kingdom at a 2os rate of freight, but the Home market is not over bright, so that shippers can , hardly look for satisfactory returns from that quarter. The most recentsales have been at 2s 3d f.o.b.e.i. for A Gartons, 2s'2d for.B's and 2s 2idfor A Sparrowbills, which prices cover a brokerage of 1$ per cent. Buyers are not keen to add to their stocks, and consequently are offering "growers up to Is BJd on trucks for A Gartons, Is 7£d for B's and Is 8d for A Sparrowbills and Is 7d for B grade.' Chaff is quiet at 65s for prime quality on trucks, but the outlet. is wholly local. Hemp is also unsatisfactory, and the majority of millers are consigning in the hope that before the ship carrying their stuff reaches its destination a con-

siderable improvement will have set in. Buyers are loth to buy, prices nominally being £22 5s on trucks for good fair, £2O cs for high fair and £l9 6s for low fair. s