THE EFFECT OF THE RUST PLAGUE IN VICTORIA.

Waikato Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 2741, 6 February 1890, Page 3

THE EFFECT OF THE RUST PLAGUE IN VICTORIA.

A correspondent of the Leader writes: Notwithstanding our splendid prospects about Nhill a couple of months ago, the harvest, with a few exceptions, is a total failure, in consequence of the sudden appearance of rust. Farmers who expected 20 to 28 bushels per acre will not get one on the average. One in Tarrauginnie han 108 acres of " Golden Drop " that he will not touch at all: another in Yanac has stripped 10 bags off 70 acre.=, and gave it best, and these are not isolated cases but quite common. Wages for field hands are higher than they have been fur a number of year?, ranging firm 35s to 55s per week and founr*. Some farmers say it would pay them better if they could gi>o thfir crop away and work for hire at 55s per week, but in a great many cases they must strip if it is only to clear some of the drake anil dirt off the land.. -The very rough weather and the hoavy winds experienced lately shook a great deal of wheat out of the beat crops. Wherever " Red straw" hits been grown this year the yield has been big and free from'rust. This will be well worth noticing as what we now want is a combination wheat which can ba sown early and defy the rust. The "Dr fiance" i 3 a good wheat this year ; the " Mexican" is Rood, but it goos down badly with the wind. IliVen the redoutable " Steinwedel" is not proof against it, us patches of it are quite as bad as any ; straw G feet, heads to b inches, but little or no grain.