STOCK DYING.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17574, 1 December 1928, Page 4

STOCK DYING.

WATER SCARCE. EVEN RABBITS SUFFER. GRIM SPECTRE OF DROUGHT. A Sydney paper says:— . The grim spectre of drought haunts the Binnaway district, and a desperate position faces the men on the land. Only two light showers have fallen since July. The dry spell has been aocentuated by unusual heat and persistent winds. The countryside wears a parched, barren and desolate appearance. Crops generally are failures, and animals are fast losing condition. Mortality, due to starvation, has started. Heavy losses are inevitable, unless the drought breaks. Rabbits are dying wholesale. Young bunnies are conspicuous by their absenoe, and this is perturbing experienced land holders, who regard the non-breeding as a sign of a long-drawn-out drought. They recall a similar occurrence as a prelude to the devastating 1902 drought. Low Rainfall. Further evidence of the adverse season is found in the official rainfall figures, which are the lowest on record. Three months, two being consecutive, were' unproductive. Following another remarkable bad season the ill-effects are unduly severe. Large consignments x of stock have been trucked to northern and western districts, where the season is favourable for agistment. An acute water shortage is also being experienced. Town supplies have become exhausted, and carting is now almost general. District properties have sufficient water for domestic requirements, but watering places for stock are bone dry. Consequently flocks and herds have to be travelled varying distances to drink. Railway Suffers. A pronounced slackening In trafflo through the important railway junction, which links the north with the west, has resulted from the drought, which has gripped many parts of the State. The wheat season has arrived, but a' comparatively small number of trucks is being requisitioned to carry grain—a contrast with good seasons, when "specials" are commissioned for this purpose. To make matters worse, this season a big percentage of the wool clip was carried by motor transport. Railway men condemn graziers who do not patronise the railways. It is stated that when drought hits the grazi»rs they plead to the Commissioners for special rates for shifting starving stock for agistment, and also for other concessions. >