DROUGHT IN AUSTRALIA.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2059, 25 November 1919, Page 2

DROUGHT IN AUSTRALIA.

A serious drought is reported in ■Australia. Apropos of same, Mr Clement L. Wragge, the well-known meteorologist, writes as follows lo the Auckland Herald: —“How much heller wofjJd it he if (he people of Australia, instead of grovelling in the dust before the Infinite from Whom they came, and pulling on ‘sackcloth ami ashes.’ would only he up and do something. It is a very true saying that ‘Cod helps (hose that help themselves.’ All the prayers in the world will not divert the action of Nature’s immutable laws by one jot or tittle. The prayer should take the form of a supplication for wisdom. Knowing as I do Australia so thoroughly every State of the Commonwealth, in fact —1 am amazed at the apathy of the Government and people in certain quarters. Droughts will come periodically as surely as God made apples. Then why will not The powers that be’ lock the rivers, dam the innumerable creeks and watercourses, create reservoirs and huge silos, and make every possible provision against lean years ] Where is statesmanship? and echo answers, ‘Where, indeed ?’ The Commonwealth needs fewer politicians and more statesmen, Governments that shall see that these most essential works attaching lo the conservation of all resources are promptly undertaken and carried out; Governments that shall afford every possible assistance lo fanners, pastoralisis, and everyone on (he land. Sturdy, plucky act'urn is, what is needed, not mere talking, stupid red (ape, legal technicalities, and kneedrill; and I he day shall surely come when the truth of Ibis statement shall be fully recognised.’’