One Hundred Years ago 30-10-1902 From Merriwa and Cassilis Standard The Divining Rod. Many of our contemporaries have had articles of late dealing at length with this interesting subject. It is an ancient mystery and much scoffed at: but all the same many persons have great faith in it as an indicator of water. Round about Merriwa and Cassilis and also in many parts of the Upper Hunter, there are many, almost professional users of the forked stick in water-finding, and few people sink a well without first obtaining the services of one of these experts. The stick will not work with everybody, so those with whom it will are supposed to be receptive of the subtle influence be it by waves of ether like the wireless telegraph, or some form of magnetism, or whatever it is that connects them with a hidden spring, sometimes 100ft, or more underground, and through solid rock frequently. Wheat It is believed that the shortage in the Australian wheat crops for the coming year will amount to nearly 200,000 tons, which is the amount we will most likely have to import. Even Victoria is expected to reap one of the worst crops on record. Instead of having a large surplus, as she usually does, she will have to import from abroad for her own requirements during the coming twelve months. Says an exchange: " The outlook for the wheat crops generally in Australia, with the exception of South Australia, fore casts a national calamity." Three cargoes of wheat are now afloat from America for Australia By Carole Douch for the Merriwa Historical Society.Inc.