RAIN NEEDED

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20977, 4 October 1933, Page 8

RAIN NEEDED

COUNTRY AND CITY LACK MOISTURE Although the position is not yet acute, a good rain is now urgently needed if Canterbury is to avoid a most s unfavourable season. There has been enough rain in the' last few weeks to allow spring growth to develop, but old and even wheat crops in some parts, are already showing the need of a rain which will soak the sub-soil.

A good illustration of what a dry season means to Canterbury is afforded in the relative value of the wheat crop produced last season, a very favourable season, and the year before, a dry period. The crop last season averaged 364. bushels an acre, compared with 244 bushels the season before. The difference in the total yield was 4J millions of bushels, which at an average of 3s 6d a bushel meant more than three quarters of a million pounds to the community. While in most districts wheat is looking well, certain crops are showing an unhealthy colour, and rainfall is badly needed if any progress is to be made. Oats are in the same position, but need rain more urgently than the wheat crops. Old pastures are looking backward, because there has not been enough rain to penetrate to any distance. Cultivated crops are faring better, because the cultivation helps the ground to retain moisture. The plains are in very much worse condition than are the hills, which have had an exceptionally good winter. There has been enough rain along the foothills througho- ' the winter to make a good sprir>" assured, and the absence of any prolonged period of severe weather has left stock in unusually good condition.

Green feed on the plains is looking fairly well, but it needs rain to bring it along and give it full value for feeding purposes. In the city gardens are already beginning to suffer, and the home gardener has been called on to use the watering can far more than is usual in the early spring. The warmth has certainly brought on the early plants well, and the absence of heavy winds has allowed most plants to bloom at their best, but rain is needed in the garden as much as it is needed on the farm.