MORE SHOWERS

PARTIAL DROUGHT ENDS

With, a further fall of 15 points of rain at Kelburn during the 24 hours ending at 9 a.m. today, the partial drought which Wellington has experienced for 46 days has been broken. The dry spell began on December 4, I and until yesterday, which was the forty-seventh day, only 33 points of rain had been recorded during the 46 days. The 15 points which fell last night and early this morning make the total rainfall for the 47 days one of 48 points. As this averages out at more than a point a day the partial drought •officially comes to an end. It seemed possible early this morning that the partial drought might become reinstated, but this is not at all likely in view of the further showers today and the fact that the forecast is for fur-; ther drizzle or rain. The 46 days' partial drought is the sixth longest of the 40 partial droughts Wellington has had in the last 82 years. The longest on record started on January 29, 1867, and lasted for 84 days; the second longest was one of 58 days starting towards the end of December, 1927. Last night's rain, as was the case on the previous day, varied in amount in different parts of the Wellington district. Yesterday's heat and wind quickly neutralised the effect of the small amount of rain which fell late on Tuesday afternoon and evening, but today's cooler weather and cloudy skies will check evaporation and give vegetation a chance to enjoy a^ much-needed drink.' Much more rain than that which has.fallen, however, is required for. any. real benefit to pastures, crops, and gardens. The rainfall has had a negligible effect on the city water supply. Falls where the supply might have been affected were Wainui .22in, Orongorongo .17in, Karori dam ,09in.