The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1898-07-03
AUsrRALIA,s GREAT DROUGHT.
A General CroP Failure. AZ tho Result or Dry
Weather and FraSt.
From the TORONTO NAL ard Empire.

From the Toronto Mall ard Empire.
Mr.. Alex w. Murdoch, colonial agent, has re-
ceived adylces which go to show a fearful
condition OF affairs in Australia as tho result
OF drought and frost. Mr.. Murdoch points out
that the resulting failure in crops should add a
stimulus to Canadian trade. The absence of
rain for months in many of the sister colonies,
the consequent scarcity in products and tho
high prices prevailing afford. no says. very
marked opportunities to Canada at present.
The leading Sroduce and stock journal, tho
Australasian. of May IA. deals in a lengthy
and practical manner with present conditions
and prospects. 1t says: For the past four
years Victoria has been fighting against
drought. confidently hoping that each season
would be the last and the fat years would
replace tho lean ones. 1t now seems lnev-
table that a fifth year is to be added to
tho misfortunes of the past. The year 1898
seems bound to prove as disastrous as any
that have preceded it.. The painful fact Is
now before us that n large part of Victoria
and practically the whole of Riverina has
received no autumn rain. and II rain fell now
it would 10 too late to repair the damage thai
has been done"
A well-known stock and station agent says:
81 have been in business since 1868. and | have
never knoTn anything approaching the present
The western district continues Mr.. Muir.
doch, sends the very primest beef to the BallR-
rat and Melbourne markets.. but at present the
graziers are hard pressed 10 keep the stoc alive.
Prime beef Is now selling mt 22s. TO 23s. per 100
pounds. sheep are actually dying Of starva-
Greeks that have never been dry before have run
out now. Speaking generally. the outlook Is
"In Riyerina the condition of things is even
worse. was Informed by a, gentleman from
Tat district that water Is being sent from
districts Of New South Wales they have had
Of New South Wales there. has been no rain
and tho country Is actually bare. The outlook
great portion Of this distrIct comes to Melbourne
and there Will DO a great falling OIL in the clip
AT JerclderIe the continued drought is prov
ing disastrous 10 the district. and pastoralists
are buying fodder TO feed their stock.
Great complaints are being made IN London,
ENGLAND, as to, the exceedingly small apples
received from Tasmania, Victoria, and, south
australia, which Is the fault OF the drought.
This drought and very untavorable, weather
have entirely, ruined their cattle, and frozen
cries in connection with tho butter factories
have had to stop working owing TO the, small
supply OF milK. A bonus in many sections Is
''In addition to the drought he continues,
severe trusts arc being experienced througnont
AustTalasll and ara running tho potato crop.
1t is practically nil in many sections. Almost
every one has 10 cart water for bis STOCK, IN
ngures. A daily supply is being brought by
! train from SheppOrton TO points on the line. II
is impossible TO plough any but stubble lands
uwing to want of rain.
N"Round BaiiarSt. Geclong, Arrarat. and up into
the Malice the condition OF things Is deplOrable.
One sheep owner states that i cost him q 100
last month Tor sheep feed, and water lor house
Ihere is scarcely any natural food for cattle and
shear, and the season Is now too far advanced
Tor rains TO be OF much benefit to tho pastures
before spring. Tho Vegetation Diseases act
has had 10 be rigidly enforced in Tasmania, 50
az TO shut out fruit trees and fruit plants from
Victoria, owing 10 the diseased apples and pears
shipped rom Hobart and other points, mussel
scale and Goblin moth lpTyn having been dis.
covered. Sydney fruit 10 also being condemned
On Lhls account"