Five Months’

p. 2 · Read in the full issue

Drought

Rabaul Suffers

Need For Permanent

Water Supply

From Our Own Correspondent.

RABAUL, October 30.

RABAUL is suffering from one of the driest spells on record, as the present drought is now well in its fifth month.

The heat has been terrific; whilst conditions, with clouds of thick dust, are most unpleasant. Very few houses have water in the tanks and recourse has had to be made to the few public wells scattered through out the town.

Whilst residents of Rabaul are suffering from this abnormally dry spell, places within a comparatively short distance are enjoying fairly heavy and frequent falls.

Last year we experienced a dry spell, and it was rumoured at the time that the Administration would take steps to ensure a sufficient water supply to provide against similar droughts. Possibly this second and more severe visitation will bring the need for some such arrangement more prominently before the authorities. ... ===