THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7771, 27 January 1891, Page 6

THE WEATHER AND THE CROPS.

* The weather in Christchurch which, during the last few days, had been more erratic than ever—blowing a hot nor'wester on Saturday and a dry northeaster on Sunday—settled into a steady easterly rain about 10 o'clock yesterday morning. The rain descended with monotonous steadiness throughout the day, and wUI no doubt raise the spirits of the farmers. ► It commenced to rain in Ashburton shortly after six o'clock yesterday morning, and continued to fall pretty steadUy alfday. Harvest operations were in fufl awing, and though the rain wUI cause a temporary check, it wUI be welcome in all parts of the district. The previous rain saved the turnip crop, and what fell yesterday will have a further beneficial effect, and cause the burnt up pastures to spring Into fresh growth. The oat crops generaUy throughout the district are unusually light, out the wheat crops are turning out along way better than was anticipated a few weeks ago. The heavy rain from the south-west, predicted by Captain Edwin a few days ago, reached Geraldine early yesterday morning, and at the time of the mail closing a heavy rain had been faUing without intermission for over twelve hours, ana there was every sign of its continuing during the night. The rain is heavier, and has continued much longer than that which came with the New Year. It has come too late to be of any great benefit to ■the cereals, wUI retard the harvest somewhat, and wUI cause a further second growth in the potatoes, but it wiU be the making of the turnip and similar root crops, whUe it wUI do an Incalculable amount of good to the grass lands. There is little doubt but that the drought is now permanently broken up, Two good falls of rain in less than a month at this time of the year is a fair amount of moisture . to receive.

(PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAMS.) TIMARTJ, January 26. A heavy S.E. rain set in this morning, and promises to continue. DTJNEDLN, January 26. A good deal of rain feU to-day and to-night. The weather has been very cold during the past few days.