RAIN NEEDED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 4, 6 January 1944, Page 6

RAIN NEEDED

TOWN AND COUNTRY

FALL IN DAIRY PRODUCTION

So far not a drop of rain has been recorded in Auckland city this year, although there was a sharp shower in some suburbs on Monday night. Following the unusually dry spell in November and December, the continued absence of rain is causing concern among farmers, orchardists, market gardeners and domestic gardeners.

Reports of travellers indicate that the rain is needed over the whole of the North Island. Paddocks in many places are reported to be burnt yellow, and in many districts brown. In Wellington, December was the sunniest month on record. In Taranaki concern is growing because of the decline in dairy production resulting from parched up pastures. Dry conditions prevail right to the farthest north. It is pointed out, however, that some grasses are deceptive. Danthonia, for instance, is always yellow in the summer. A bright feature, however, is the fact that ensilage and hay crops have been heavy this year. Hay-making has been almost uninterrupted throughout the harvesting season. So heavy have crops been on some farms that bigger stacks would have gone up but for the shortage of labour. Territorial assistance has been much appreciated by many farmers. City Water and Milk Holiday-makers, of course, have welcomed the cloudless skies and sunny days, but now eyes are beginning to look askance at them. Late crops of hay are expected to be lighter and much hay now is brittle and yellow, whereas good hay should be slightly green and capable of being twisted in the hand like a rope. In the city and suburbs most lawns and vegetable patches have a wilted appearance. , Crops in the Government gardens at Patumahoe, Pukekohe and Mangere, have been in need of moisture for weeks. Concern has been expressed too, by fruit growers at the dryness of the season. "Rain is badly needed," a dairy factory manager said this morning. There had been a decided fall in the supply of milk to the city. The decline in dairy production was felt to be a most serious aspect of the position. During the past week, there has been a heavy demand on the Auckland metropolitan water supply. This demand will increase as more industries swing back into production. There is a large reserve in storage in the dams in the Waitakere Ranges, and one auxiliary supply has been already brought into use. There is no ban on hoses, but the geratest care is urged. ♦