The Austria Big Dry ______. [br] [originaltext] Australia’s Big Dry continu

Australia’s Big Dry continues to tighten its grip. Much of the land is dying of thirst and has been reduced to dust. Many areas haven’t had decent rainfall in months.
     The Prime Minister, John Howard, has traveled to one hot and dry corner of New South Wales where 90% of the state is in drought to see the struggles endured by one fanning community. Mr. Howard’s government has spent more than half-a-billion dollars on drought relief and expects that figure to rise much further.
     The cabinet will meet early next week to discuss possible changes and the Prime Minister appears to be sympathetic. Concerns have also been raised about an increase in depression among farming families, not to mention rising debt.