The Australian Drought.

Manawatu Herald, 26 August 1902, Page 3

The Australian Drought.

CONCESSIONS TO PASTORALISTS.

The Federal Government having refused to suspend the fodder duties, and the other State Premiers not being favourablc to their suspension, the Premler (Sir John See) statea that he is opposed to the New South Wales Government accepting the responsibility. He, however, offers his services as head of the Government, and an experienced commercial man, to the pastoralists, and will purchase for them in the best markets, and charter steamers for the carriage of all fbdderrcquired, without Charging any commission. The State’e offer means that stockownern will get fodder practically at cost price, . . , It is estimated that at least £IOO,OOO worth of fodder will be required weeklyiha movement in favour of suspension of the duties or a concession to assist the importation of fodder is again being vigorously renewed in all parts of the State. . .. The importation of fodder into New South Wales, not including vast quantitles which coins direct over the bor* der from Victoria and South Australia, since the commencement of the year is valued at over a million, and has lately been at the rate of £50,000 fl WORSE TIMES PREDICTED, Despite the rain—which, excepting in scattered areas, is far short of requirements—the outlook is exceedingly , gloomy, and worse times, with great shortage of stock, are predicted on all b *A?‘a (ample of the hardship# sut*

fered by stockowners, It is stated that one station alone has spent £50,000 daring the last three months to keep sheep alive. The Sydney water supply question is daily becoming more acute, and the authorities are adopting more stringent measures to cut down the consumption