LONG-AWAITED RAIN

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20987, 16 October 1933, Page 8

LONG-AWAITED RAIN

Serious Position Relieved FALL IN ALL PARTS OF PROVINCE

Rain which fell all over Canterbury during the early hours of yesterday morning relieved a serious position that had been giving increasing alarm, particularly to farmers and to market gardeners. A sou'-wester swept into the province about 2 a.m., bringing with it a good fall of rain, and in some parts snow. The weather cleared about midday in most districts, -but in the evening further showers fell, and there were indications that a considerable fall would be experienced during the night. There were 42 points of rain in the city up till 1 o'clock this morning. . At the end of the week farmers and gardeners had been extremely alarmed at the continued dryness and it was feared that losses might be suffered through the effect of the dryness on crops and stock. This danger has been arrested through the rain which fell yesterday morning and evening, but farmers still look for a further and heavy fall, to bring back to normal condition land which because it has not been thoroughly soaked for months, has become exceptionally dry. Snow in Some Districts. The fall extended all over the province, and in several districts the amount was estimated at half an inch. There was snow in the back country, in Melhven, near Ashburton, and to a slightly smaller extent in Oxford, Hororata, Kaikoura, and on Banks Peninsula. Daylight revealed to residents of Lyttelton the sight of Mount Herbert and other heights on the peninsula coated in white, the snow coming down to a low level. A shower of hail fell in the city and suburbs in the afternoon,, but it was by no means serious enough to do any damage to tomato or vegetable crops. Heavy rain continued in the city in the evening. The first fall of snow for some time was experienced in the districts near the foothills of the Ashburton county, the snow extending for a distance of 15 to 20 miles down country, and reaching by 5.30 a.m., when it ceased, to a depth of more than an inch. In Ashburton and in practically all other places where snow fell it was quickly melted by the sun. which shone intermittently between midday and 5 p.m. Serious Shortage. The scarcity of water before the fall, causing .great anxiety everywhere, was particularly serious at Kaikoura. Springs that had not previously been known to run dry were without water and many dairy farmers had been compelled to drive their herds to water. Many of the streams were running exceptionally low, and the dairy company in the town was considering the expenditure of £IBO to secure a supply of water for the factory. Kaikoura, however, had its full share of the welcome rain, probably more than most other districts. It was raining steadily there at 6 o'clock last evening. With ewes lambed in many districts rain was essential for the pastures. The dry period also would have had a serious, effect on the milk yield of cows had it continued any longer. Wheat and oat crops badly wanted, a good soaking to bring them away. Reports from Districts.

Reports received last evening concerning the weather in various districts were as follows: —

Kaikoura. —A southerly came up at 6 a.m., bringing fairly steady rain, which lasted until midday. It set in again at 6 p.m. There was a heavy fall of snow in the ranges early in the morning. The amount of rain was about half an inch. Cheviot. —There was good rain from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., but nothing more until the evening, when a light rain began to fall. There were indications of a further fall. Hororata.—About half an inch of rain fell during the early hours of the morning and into late afternoon. It was raining at 6 p.m. fairly heavily. Oxford.—There was snow right down the hillside in the early morning. Heavy rain fell early in the morning and intermittent showers during the day. Last evening a further fall was indicated.

Rangiora.—Rain fell about 3 a.m., but cleared at 8 o'clock. After sunshine in the late morning showers fell, and the weather showed no signs of clearing.. Darfield.—There was heavy rain from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. It was fine until 2 p.m.. when light hail and sleet fell, followed by heavy rain until 5 o'clock. It was fine but overcast at 6 o'clock. Akaroa.—A good coating of snow fell on the hills overnight, but sunshine during the day melted most of it. Rain fell until 8 a.m. At 6 p.m. the weather was dull. Ashburton.—Heavy rain and an inch of snow fell during the earlv hour? of the morning. A total of 43 points of rain were recorded at the Ashburton Domain. The weather was doubtful at 6 p.m. Methven.—Rain fell heavily until 7 a.m., and there was a sprinkling of snow on the hills. Between 60 and 70 points of rain had fallen by 6 p.m., when the sky was overcast, and more rain was threatened. Prayers for Rain. In accordance with an order made by Bishop Brcdie prayers for rain were said in all the Roman Catholic churches in the Christchurch diocese yesterday. They will be continued every day until the bishop orders that they be discontinued. Special prayers known as Oratio Imperata are read on special occasions in Roman Catholic churches by the order of bishops, and there is one of these set aside for times when rain is needed.