WIND AND RAIN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLVII, Issue 10827, 24 January 1927, Page 5

WIND AND RAIN

EFFECT OH THE CROPS.

ONLY NEGLIGIBLE DAMAGE. SHOWERS ACTUALLY WELCOMED ' One of those spells of stormy weather which every now and then come in the midst- of a period' of fine weather occurred in the Ashburton County during the week-end, and was, in fact, felt throughout the greater part of Canterbury. On Saturday a north-westerly wind of moderate severity blew over the plains, and it was reared in some quarters that, with cereal crops fast ripening, and, in many eases, dead ripe and ready for the binder, there would be a good deal of “ shaking.” From reports to hand from districts in almost every corner of the County, it would appear, however, that practically no damage was done, while in general the farmers rather 'welcomed the light rain which fell early yesterday morning. This was especially so in "view of tee fact that the rain fell on a day when, except in rare circumstances, farm work, even at this time of year, is put on one side. As to the effect of the rain, it is stated that if any damage occurred at all it was very slight, though, as it is cumulative, any further wet spells would not be looked upon with favour, _ as fropi now on each drop of moisture would cause considerable havoc, especially in the cases of crops on the heavier types of land. . . „ For instance., in the Methven district a fungoidal growth has made its tmwelcome appearance in the crops growing on heavy land, and any further rain would, of course, be most harmful. On the other hand, crops on light land are flourishing, having come away very , well right from the start of the season. Conditions this year have been against anything of an, "outstanding yield from heavy-land crops. . ; .” In the Westerfield district it is stated that there has been no damage as a result of the wind and rain, though the former was' at times very severe.. Most of the crops in teat locality, how- ; ever, are stiU fairly green. A iike re-.,, port comes from .Flemington', where the rain fell very lightly. In other localities along the coast, farmers report that the conditions were not of a very serious nature, and while the wind did no damage, they had no cause to think that-the rain would do any harm. - Speaking to representative fanners of the Mayfield district, a “Guardian** representative learned that though the wind blew very hard on Saturday night damage to ripening crops was confined to a very small amount: Nevrt*theless, one farmer 6aid' he' 'would not like tb” see “ another one like thhfc iii the next • two-or three weeks.-”' ' 1 ' 4 ' i- ’" It is stated that, in the ’Mount Somers district; the wind increased ' almost to a gale, with the result that a good deal of cron was flattened, but for the most part this was raising itself, again, and showing every indication of getting back to normal.

IN THE METHVEN DISTRICT. After a spell of hot weather and drying north Pwest winds, rain set in -in" the Methven district late on Saturday night, and continued throughout yesterday, 32 points being registered Up to 9 a.m. to-day. The weather has again cleared and hat conditions again prevail. The showers wiU do a.lot of good to rape and turnip crops, which were beginning to need the moisture. Grain crops could have managed without, bnut beyond'the heavier crops being laid down in a few small patches no harm would be done. If the present weather continues, a week or ten days should see much of the crop fit to harvest, as there is a lot now just on the turn. Much labour will be required, and as the crops are particularly heavy) good men will be in demand. At present there are .very few men out of work in. this district, and, taken right through, no more unemployment exists than in other years.