DROUGHT IN NATAL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1931, Page 7

DROUGHT IN NATAL

CATTLE DYING IN THOUSANDS. GAME LEAVING THE RESERVES. (United Press Association.—Py Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) CAPETOWN (S.A.), November 10. Nfever in the memory of the oldest inhabitant has there been such a devastating drought in the hinterland of Natal. Cattle are dying in thousands and farmers have now ceased to skin them for their hides, which are rotting in the veldt, In the low veldt and bush country not only cattle and game are seeking water, but natives and settlers. The big Mkuzi River is dry and it is by no means uncommon to see women and children sitting in the riverbed next to a hole they have scraped in the sand, waiting for the seepage. In some cases they have to wait the whole day before sufficient water tor their immediate requirements has percolated through. Most of the springs and water sources near the settlers’ homes have dried up and at one place the water had to lie carted for three miles. ,In many places there is hardly sufficient water to drink.

Large droves of buck have broken out of the Mkuzi Reserve and are wandering over the settlers’ lands in search of food and water. The menace of game at large is the great probability of spreading nagana. Throughout the whole area the only semblance of life is the ghostly fever tree, which stands out in contrast with the dreary brown of the buffalo grass and other vegetation.