The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-07-10
AUSTRALIANS GREAT DROUGHT.
A General Crop Failure. as the Re-
suit of Dry weather and Frost.

suit of Dry weather and Frost.
From the Toronto Mail and Empire
Mr.. Alex w. Murdocd. colonial agent,
has received advices which go to show
fearful condition of affairs in Australia as
the result of drought and frost. Mr.. Muir
dock points out that the resulting failure
in crops should add a stimulus to Cana
dian trade. The absence of rain for
months in many of the sister colonies, the
consequent scarcity in products and the
high prices prevailing afford, he says,
very marked opportunities to Canada at
present.
The leading produce and stock journal,
the Austfalasian, of May "A, deals in
lengthy and practical manner with pres
ent 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 the lean
ones. 1t now seems inevitable that fifth
year is to be added to the misfortunes of
the past. The year 1898 seems bound to
prove as disastrous as any that have pre-
coded it. The painful fact is now before
us that a large part of Victoria and prac-
tically the whole of Riverina has receiv-
ed no autumn rain, and if rain fell now
it would be too late to repair the damage
that has been done"
A well known stock and station agent
says: II have been in business since 1867
and I have never known anything APP
preaching the present condition of
things"
THE western district" continues Mr.
Murdoch, 'sends the very primest beef
to the Ballarat and Melbourne markets,
but at present the graziers are hard press
ed to keep the stock alive. Prime beef
is now selling at 22s to 23s per 100 pounds
Sheep are actually dying of starvation
within twenty-five miles of Melbourne.
Creeks that have never been dry before
have run out now. Speaking generally,
the outlook is a most serious one,
''In RiVerina the condition of things is
even worse. ! was informed by a gentle
man from that district that water is be-
ing sent from Navandera to Jerelderie and
Urana to keep the people alive. In the
northern and western districts of New
South Wales they have had more or less
rain; but in the southern portion of New
South Wales there has been no rain and
the country is actually bare. The OUT
look is extremely discouraging. The wool
from a great portion of this district comes
to Melbourne and there will be a great
falling off in the clip this year.
cat Jerelderie the continued drought is
proving disastrous to the district, and pas
toralists are buying fodder to feed their
stock.
Great complaints are being made in
London, England, as TO the exceedingly
small apples received from Tasmania, Vic
toria and South Australia, which is the
fault of the drought.
This drought and very unfavorable
weather have entirely ruined their cattle
and frozen meat trade in the London MARI
ket. Creameres an connection with the
butter factories have had TO stop working
owing to the small supply of milk. A
bonus in many sections is now offered for
first quality cream.
I'm addition to the drought" he con-
tinues, severe frosts are being expert
enced throughout Australasia and are
running the potato crop. 1t is practically
nil in many sections. Almost every one
has to cart water for his stock, in many
places from eight to ten miles, and even
brackish water is being sold in tanks at
big figures A daily supply is being brought
by train from Shepperton TO points on the
line. 1t is impossible to plough any but
stubble lands owing to want of rain.
Round Ballarat, Geelong Arrarat and
up into the Malice the condition of things
is deplorable. One sheep owner states that
il cost him H,000 last month for sheep
feed, and water for household purposes
has to be carted for miles. There is scarce
" any natural food for cattle and sheep,
and the season is now too far advanced
for rains TO be of much benefit to the
pastures before spring. The vegetation dis
eases act has had to be rigidly enforced
in Tasmania 50 as to shut out fruit trees
and fruit plants from Victoria, owing to
the diseased apples and pears shipped from
Hobart and other points, mussel scale ana
Goblin moth larvae having been discov-
cred. Sydney fruit is also being condemn
ed on this account"