A DRY MARCH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 149, 5 April 1930, Page 5

A DRY MARCH.

RAINFALL BELOW AVERAGE. GOOD RATHER THAN HARM. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Dr Kidson (Director of the Meteorological Services) reports as follows on the weather during March:—lne month was an exceptionally dry one. A few places received half the average fall and no case has yet been reported where the average was reached In the north of Otago the mean deficiency was between 70 and 80 per cent., and it was onlv ill the southern portions of Otago and: Southland that the departures fall to moderate dimensions. Some places, such as Auckland, Oamarii and Westport. had the lowest rainfall over recorded in March, while at many others lower totals had been recorded on two or three occasions onV". In spite of the fact that there was an unusual amount of sunshine the temperatures were below normal, and frosts were rather numerous. Owino- to the heavy rains experienced in December and January, and the consequent luxuriant growth of herbage, the dry weather did good rather than harm. There is still an ample supply of pasture m most districts, but rain is now badly wanted, otherwise conditions will deteriorate rapidly. Crops of all kinds have ripened well, and harvesting and picking operations have been facilitated.