WELCOME RAIN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 47, 5 December 1945, Page 4

WELCOME RAIN

STEADY FALL LAST NIGHT BENEFIT TO MID-CANTERBURY A steady fall of penetrating rain was welcomed in Mid-Canterbury last night, farmers being almost jubilant over the desperately needed visitation, which will prove a life-saver to many acres of crops. Following a lighter fall during the week-end, the rain will be most beneficial. One farmer said to-day he could not only see, but hear his wheat crop growing since last Saturday. Any set-back in shearing and haymaking will be compensated by the benefit to crops not only of wheat, but barley, rape, peas and turnips. The earth was very warm after weeks of hot nor’-westerly weather, and the moisture provided excellent growing conditions. Vegetable and flower gardeners also welcome the rain. Fall of 2.70 Inches at Anama Between 3 p.m. yesterday and 9 o’clock this morning 2.71 inches of rain fell in the Anama area. Commencing with showers, the rain gradually increased to a downpour which continued all night. Both the north and south branches of the Hinds River have risen considerably. About two inches have fallen at Ashburton Forks from Saturday, 1£ inches falling last night. A good steady rain was also experienced in the Mayfield area. Already 2.55 inches have been re- 1 corded for the month at Methven, bringing the total for the year to 55.77 inches, a record. For the 24 hours preceding 9 a.m. to-day 1.70 inches had fallen. . Some 140 points have fallen in the Pendarves area since Saturday—GO last night and SO during the week-end.

Rivers In Flood The Ashburton River Avas to-day reported by the . County Engineer (Mr R. L. Lindsay) to be in flood, and still rising at mid-day. Water had overflowed the banks of the south branch at Mount Possession bridge, damaging the approach. The north branch had commenced to subside at noon. It was reported to-day that the Orari River had brqken its banks above the upper Orari bridge.. No reports have been received concerning the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers, but very heavy rain has fallen in the back country. Conditions In Ashburton Commencing with showers during the late .afternoon, rain in Ashburton gradually increased to a steady fall which fell throughout the night, 91 points being registered. The sky remained partially clouded' to-day, fitful sunshine tempering the southerly breeze. \ The maximum and minimum temperatures in Ashburton yesterday were 59.8 and 41.5 degrees, compared with 69.2 and 53.3 on Monday. The barometer to-day had fallen to 29.32 inches from 29.58 yesterday. FAIR BUT COOL (P.A.) WELLINGTON,. This Day. The Government Meteorologist, at noon to-day, issued the following statement regarding the weather:— General situation: A depression is developing east of the South Island, and a cold front is crossing the North Island. The forecast for the east coast oi the South Island from Blenheim to Oamaru to 5 p.m. to-morrow is as follows: ~ , , Moderate to fresh south-westerly winds; weather, cloudy and showery at first, but becoming fair from the west to-morrow; temperatures cold. Further outlook: Fair but cool. SUN, MOON AND TIDES

Sun rose to-day, 4.45 a.m.; sets, 8.0 p.m. , Sun rises to-morrow, 4.45 a.m.; sets, 8.1 p.m. New Moon, December 5,5.3 C a.m. First Quarter, December 12, 10.35 p.m. Full Moon, December 19, 1.47 p.m. Last Quarter, December 26, 7.30 p.m. High tide on the County coast tomorrow 4.53 a.pi. and 5.14 p.m.