COUNTY CENTRES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 96, 3 February 1930, Page 8

COUNTY CENTRES.

(From Our Own Correspondents). RAKAIA. Aluch more settled weather is being experienced at Rakaia, and farmers aie taking every advantage for harvesting. Crops, on the whole, are turning out much better than was anticipated after the heavy winds and rain. In the Barrhill district the heads aVe filling up well, although there is not so much straw in some parts as in former years. A field of AAestern AAolths harvested recently at Air L. Oakleys farm at Hatfield yielded a return of 60 bushels to the acre. The rainfall at Rakaia for January was 4.88 in., compared with 4.44 in. for January, 1929. Rain fell on 14 days, the heaviest falls bejng on January 14, when 1.14 in. was recorded, and on January 28, when 1.12 in. was recorded.

PENDARVES. The following are tlve meteorological observations for Pendarves for January, recorded bv Air A. P. Bruce, “Kaikoura” Rain fell on 13 days, the maximum fall being 1.40 m. on January 29. The total for Januaij, 1930 was ' 4.66 inches, for January, 1929, was 3.56 inches; for January, 1928, was 1.09 inches-; for Januaiy, 1927, was 1.35 inches; for Januaiy, 1926, 2.51 inches; for January, 1920, 1.98 inches; for January, 1924, ' 2.0 b inches; for January, 1923, 3./I inches. The rainfall for January, 1930, was the heaviest for at least ten years, while old residents consider it is the worst harvest weather known for the last 40 years. The heavy gales of January 19 * and 20 did much damage throughout the sea-board distncts, especially in oat crops that were in the ripening stage. In some cases losses are recorded up to 50 per cent. As tne result of the abnormal rainfall, a second growth is observable in the Garton oats. In the wheat crops it is noticeable that the heads seem, in some cases, to have matured unevenly, the top grains being ripe, while the lower ones are still green. While the wheat is apparently ripe, there still seems to be a considerable amount of moisture in the stems. At the present time a great amount of wheat is waiting to be cut and fine weather is more and more urgently needed. \ Last Wednesday evening a welcome home was given at the school-house to Air and Airs Bush on tlieir return from their wedding trip. There was a good attendance, and Mr Cecil Hampton, on behalf of all, extended a welcome tq the district to Airs Bush. He stated that Air Bush)- since he had held the position of master of the Pendarves School, had taken part in many social affairs, and had been the means ot forming a Bible Class among the young people. His work was appreciated, and in recognition they asked him to accept the gift of an aluminium kettle, and they wished him and Airs Bush every happiness in the future. The rest of the evening was spent in cards and music.

MAYFIELD. The weather last month was most unseasonable, being the wettest January experience for a great many years. The total rainfall for the period was 769 points. All farm work has been greatly delayed owing to the wet weather, and large numbers of sheep have yet to be shorn The sowing of turnips has been a difficult task also, as no sooner was the land dry enough to work than rain would again fall. In many cases turnips which were sown just previous to the heavv rain on January 14 and 15 had to be re-sown owing to the flooding they' received. Some very fine early crops of rape, however, are to be seen in the district. - The early prophecy that large numbers of lambs would go to the works fat off the mothers has not been realised, owing to the cold damp weather experienced. Harvest will not be general in .this district for about two weeks, and it is expected' that the crops will not he as good as last year. School opened to-day after the holidays, with a good attendance.

MOUNT SOMERS. For some years to come January will live- in the memories of many for its abnormal weather conditions and the damage attendant to floods and gales, apart from the general delay, to shearing and all farm work. Rain fell on 22 davs during the month., for a total of 10.91 inches. This was the higher month’s fall since complete records have been kept at Mount Somers, the previous highest being 835 points in May, 1923. The corresponding fall for the same period last year was 270 points. A maximum of 411 points was recorded on January 14, other falls over an inch being 154 points on tlie Bth, 111 on the 15th, and 143 on the 28th. Frosts were registered on three mornings, with a maximum of throe degrees on the 6th. The week-end saw an appreciable change to warm, summerlike conditions.

, Members of the Mount Somers Girl Guides, who have been attending their firsf camp at Temuka, returned oh Saturday.