SNOW-CLAD CENTRAL OTAGO.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 212, 28 August 1908, Page 2

SNOW-CLAD CENTRAL OTAGO.

THE LOSSES OF SETTLERS. By Telegraph.—-Press Association. Duneilin, Last Night. A visit to Central Otago by a reporter Shows that snow is still lying deep, the thaw having been very slow. Sheep-owners have had a very trying time, and losses of stock are certam to be' heavy, as large numbers of sheep are still buried. The actual losses will not be known until mustering takes place. Hiiwkduu and Kyebum's stations will probably sillier the greatest losses, the percentage of these stations being ! estimated at 50. Even in cases where sheep have been rescued from snowdrifts many have died from cold and hunger, and the trouble was increased owing to there being so little country free from snow on which to feed them. Further losses will probably occur when the survivors get to young spring grass. Another result will be tihat lambing will he sewously interfere! with, and further the quality of 'the wool will no' doubt sudor, the result being that the clip will not fetch as' good a price as usual. It is understood 'that file losses on Blnckstone Hill are also heavy. This is the first year the settlers there havi farmed their lands, and their losbis must prove a serious handicap to them. It is stated they are circulating a petition asking the Government to grant them a remisison of one year's rent.