ABOVE AVERAGE.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19462, 8 November 1928, Page 8

ABOVE AVERAGE.

RAINFALL IN OCTOBER.

DOMINION SUMMARY

(PRESS A3SOCIATIOS TELEOBAM.) WELLINGTON, November 7. October was characterised by rains in excess of the average in all parts of the Dominion. In most districts tho excess was considerable, -and, from an agriculturist's point of view, the position for the coming season is most promising. Heavy falls, towards the end of the month especially, were of great value to the East Coast provinces, where a dry spell had previously been experienced. In parts of the South Island, the absence of sunshine, following on cold, dry conditions in September, prevented any rapid growth of vegetation, but in most districts feed is abundant and in excellent condition.

Lambing, on the whole, has been very satisfactory. Warm, sunny days in November are now required- in order to ensure the best returns from the soil. Although the rainfall was on tho average above normal in all districts, there were isolated stations on botli the East and West Coasts where slight deficiencies are reported. The greatest excesses occurred in the high country of the South Island and Central Otago, where some stations report more than double the_ average. Hanmer Springs recorded ll.oSin, compared with an average of 3.31 in. Of the North Island provinces, Wellington had the greatest excess, while, among individual stations, Tauranga was outstanding with double its average fall. "Temperatures were, on the whole, mild, and the few cold spells were of too short a duration to have a serious effect on vegetation. - A few inland frosts occurred about the middle of the month, one on October 15th doing some damage to early sown crops. For the greater part of the month, unsettled and frequently stormy weather prevailed. Depressions were numerous, and mainly of tho westerly type. During tho first ten days, westerly weather, particularly strong, developed, and gales from between the north and west were of almost daily occurrence. The most violent were on October sth, 6th, and Bth, and on the first two days much damage was done to buildings, fences, arid trees in South Canterbury. The wind on the evening of October 6th was considered the severest experienced for many years in that district. Heavy rains fell in the ranges of the South Island, and high levels were reached by the southern lakes, especially Lake Wakatipu, while many rivers were in flood.

An unusual number of thunderstorms ware recorded in East Coast districts. Warm, dry conditions predominated during this period. The most interesting phenomenon associated with the strong winds between October 6th and Bth was that they transported enormous quantities of dust from Australia.

Deposits, varying in thickness, were reported from almost all districts south from New Plymouth and Napier. In Otago and Southland, the deposition occurred mainly on October 6th. There was particularly heavy snow oh the mountains, which were tinted to a pal© chocolate colour, at the time of the arrival of the dust clouds. Dust transported from Australia has ;been noted previously in New Zealand, -but on this occasion. the phenomenon was on a far greater scale, and special investigation of it is being undertaken. First" northerly and then southerly gales were associated with an intense depression which crossed the Dominion oh October 13th. Hail fell in places, and the ranges of the South Island re- i ceived falls of snow from October 21st to October 26th.

During' the last three days of tho month, the weather was controlled by intense cyclonic disturbances. Except on October 28th, conditions were extremely unsettled, with general rains and south to south-east gales. Very cold weather occurred at many places on October 30th and 31st. Heavy rains fell in East Coast districts, and there was some flooding in the North Island and in North Canterbury and Marlborough. In the Manawatu and Wairarapa districts, the floods assumed serious proportions, and much of the low-lying country was under water. Cold temperatures were responsible for some losses of shorn sheep.