HAWKE’S BAY DROUGHT.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 April 1921, Page 5

HAWKE’S BAY DROUGHT.

FARMERS' HARD HIT. STOCK SOLD AT SACRIFICE. Although the greater part of the farming country in Hawke’s Bay i$ suffering severely from want of water, the outlook for the winter is by no means hopeless, according to those who are in a position to express an opinion. Of course, the low-lying country is very dry as a result of the continued drought, and sheepfarmers are hard hit because, in disposing of surplus stock, they have had to sell at a sacrifice owing to conditions brought about by circumstances far beyond their control. The effects of the drought along the coastal region of central Hawke’s Bay are being keenly felt. From Ormondville northwards the country presents a very parched appearance. Further south the country is in fairly good heart, and in most districts the grass is green. Ofte favorable feature of Hawke’s Bay is that, notwithstanding the most trying conditions, grass will always grow again after two or three inches of rain have fallen.

Toward the ranges there is a much better aspect than elsewhere in this district, and cattle in these localities are reported to be in very good condition. This year sheep are not being sent away for fattening. An important reason, apart from the drop in prices, is that Hawke’s Bay is lightly stocked at present. A very good season was ex-* perienced until March, the stock doing well through the summer, so that most of them. should be able to stand hard conditions in the cold weather. However it would be too much to expect them to go right through the winter without an improvement in the climatic conditions. '