DROUGHT IN THE NORTH.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 9

DROUGHT IN THE NORTH.

AUCKLAND February 29. The rainfall at Auckland for February totalled 54 points, the whole of which, with the exception of six points, has fallen since February 23. The driest February previously recorded was in 1890, when .07 fell. The rainfall in Auckland for the past two months was 99 pointe, the "lowest recorded. MASTERTON, February 29. The weather is abnormally dry. The farmers regard the position as exceedingly grave. NELSON, February 28. No rain, except useless light showers, has fallen, eince Christmas, and the winter outlook for vegetables and feed is gloomy, but the water supply to the city is fair. WESTPORT, February 29. The prolonged drought is affecting the corporation water supply. Tho water has been cut off from the coal-loading hydraulic capstans, and tho City Council asks consumers to economise. Should no rain fall for a further week the supply will about run out. CHRISTCHURCH, February 28. The weather was very hot to-day, and there is still no prospect of rain.

The first consignment of the new season's maize has reached Sydney. It is from a farm on the Macleay River, and is described as being of good quality. The roads in the out-district3 of the King Country have suffered very severely through the fires. Many of them are practically blocked through large burnt trees having fallen aerosa the roadway, whilst bridges and culverts have been burnt in. all directions.

The total quantity of sugar exported from Queensland for the month ended en January 31 was as follows : — 6006 tons from Mackay, 2414 from Bundaberg, 1783 from Brisbane, and 997 from Making. The total exported for the seven months was 151,436 torn