RAIN MAKING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9052, 24 July 1917, Page 8

RAIN MAKING.

EXPERIMENTS IN -AUSTRALIA.

lucent, experiments in connection with the installation of rain-stimulat-ing devices, which were invented by Mr Balsillie, formerly Commonwealth Wireless expert, are said to have been very satisfactory, and it is believed that early action of a definite character will he taken by the Government. In view of the results obtained at the original experimental station at Bookaloo, 52 miles fi'om Port Augusta, the

Federal Government, which now owns

the station, has been experimenting in % much more arid districts iv South Australia. The effect of the setting-up of

the rain-stimulating devices at some half a dozen points along the transcontinental line has been described as phe- ; nbmenat; and following upoit the tests ; made and; the increase in the rainfall, arrangements are now being made with" ,; the Federal, authorities for the estab-

lishmenfc' of more rain-making plants. It is said^that the number:of stations required, will m ot he very great, as the energy liberated from each station affects an area of several hundreds of square miles. *

The latest experiments made in South' Australia are reported to have been far more successful than the earlier ones. It is not claimed that the process, which has been patented, produces caitt clouds. It has distinct, limitations, and can be worked to advantage only under certain favourable conditions. But- under those conditions, which aro not difficult to find, the result is definite and satisfactory. It is believed .thafc electrical energy is released -.so that it affects < the clouds, causes the tiny particles of moisture to come together into larger drops and so the moisture becomes heavier and falls as ram. [ , . ■ It can be understood that in the wide regions', of Australia, where the people gamble with droughts from year to year, the experiments are being -watched with the liveliest interest. »&■■■ . ■■■..■