Results of the Late Snowstorm.

Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 27 August 1903, Page 4

Results of the Late Snowstorm.

VISIT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS. The investigations that have been made since the break in the weather have disclosed the fact that the losses of stock in various, parts of Central Otago have been much heavier than was at first anticipated. On'lfche Earnscleugh Runs, occupied by --Mr JL Spain and Messrs Charles Bros, itV w estimated that the losses in sheep will be very little, if anything, under otyper, icent, the death-rate being particularly heavy on the higher portions of the runs. The severity of the weather may be guaged from the fact that on some portions of the run the rabbits have been practically exterminated* Mr J Butler, of Bald Hill Flat, is also a heavy loser, and his losses will probably not be under 30 per cent. Mr A Jopp, of Moutere Station, likewise has suffered heavy losses, estimated at 25 to 30 per cent of his flock, whilst the losses on Galloway and Matakanui Stations will probably be even greater still. The farmers and small-grazingVnm holders throughout the district have all suffered to a greats*^ less extent, and in the majority bf|sSses it will take several years to recoupr • the losses sustained during the disastrous winter just experienced. The real losses will not be accurately ascertainable until shearing as the effects of the young graes on sheep weakened by their terrible privations will no doubt be disastrous. The Commissioner of Crown , Lends (Mr D Barron), accompanied by Messrs Kirkpatrick and Dallas, members of the Land Board, are atjjreeent travelling through Central investigating the losses in.the various districts, and they passed through Alexandra yesterday, m route for Oailoway and Ida Valley. The Commissioner informed a representor tive of this paper that the paity found the many cases to be very heavy, Tarras and Morven Hills stations;su!> tered severely, and in the BlacksWs Hill and Idaburn districts, also, thousands of sheep have perished. Mr, Barron mentioned the case of a por '.: tion of the BlackstoneHill run "where, prior to the storm, 6000 hoggets' were depastured, and where at the present time 15 men are engaged skinning carcases at the rate of 600 per day. It is feared that the losses in this particular flock will total over 75 per cent. The pastoralists in this district have certainly very strong claims on- the Government for, a rebate in rent, and, if liberal concessions are not made, the Orotyn tenants will in many cases be subjected to very- severe hardships.