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Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2105, 3 February 1908, Page 2

EFFECT OF THE DRY WEATHER. It is pleasant to have the assurance of Mr. J. AY. Bright that pastoral matters in this district ore not quite so unsatisfactory as would appear from tho statements of several gentlemen who were interviewed by our reporter on Friday. There is no question but that the Jong period of dry weather is having a had effect on stock, and in some cases there must he instances of licuvy loss in consequenco, but that is no reason for taking a doleful view of the general position. It is really remarkable how sheep that liavo once got into good condition will thrive on paddocks that are apparently withered up and destitute of a single green blade. So long as the weather is warm and there is an ample supply of drinking water, stock can he maintained on a very small quantity of dry feed; therefore it is not altogether surprising to learn from Air. Bright that, generally spanking, the sheep farmer has not suffered greatly from the dry spell. At the same time there is no disguising the fact that every day without rain from now on will tend to bring about a serious position,

and it is to be hoped that wo may not him: to wait much longer for a good downpour that will give Iho thirsty soil a thorough sou king. On the question of tho wool market, which is obviously of tho greatest concern to our farmers, it is interesting to note, according to the latest Sydney advices, that this year’s Australasian clip is estimated as 'being 40,000 bales less than it was last season, so there is little likelihood of wool prices ruling any lower than they are at present. As a matter ol’ fact, it is now being generally recognised that as soon as the financial troubles in the Old World settle down, tho price of wool will again rise.