HEAVY RAIN IN PROVINCE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22389, 30 April 1938, Page 15

HEAVY RAIN IN PROVINCE

LITTLE FLOOD DAMAGE

CAUSED

CONCERN FELT BY

FARMERS

PROSPECT OP RECORD

WET YEAR

Little flood damage has so far been caused in Canterbury by the almost incessant rain of the last few weeks. Most cause for concern is felt by farmers along the Selwyn river, which has overflowed its banks in some lowlying areas, but as yet no farm houses are threatened. It was stated last evening that it was considered there would be another fresh in the river. There has also been minor flooding of low-lying areas in the Hangiora district. All the rivers and streams in the province are carrying a good deal of water, and flooding is likely in some places if the rain continues. In Christchurch, which may be taken as an average for this part ot Canterbury, the fall for the first four months of the year has been about 11 inches, as against 7J inches for the corresponding period last year. As there are still another eight months of the year to go, including the winter, it would appear that a record wet year is likely. Close on half the yearly average has fallen in the first four months which includes the summer and autumn. This excessive fall has been accompanied by a corresponding lack of sunshine, giving the land iitue chance to recover between the heavy visitations of rain. This month has been the wettest April for at least 29 years at Methven, where the fall up to yesterday totalled 9.89 inches. Heavy falls have also been recorded in most oi the other districts. In the Waikan district yesterday some farmers took tne precaution of removing their stock to higher ground in case of an over-night rise in the creeks. . The incessant rain is seriously concerning farmers. All classes of feed are at their lowest value. Grass is damp and rank and turnip feed soft and sloppy and stock are making no headway. In additon to the consequent encouragement of parasitic troubles there is the effect the excessive wet will have on the condition of sheep now entering the winter, and also the increase in footrot, which is fairly prevalent. The year so far has been one of the most unfavourable for a long time, though to the casual observer the green of the nins might suggest exactly the opposite. Lt was stated yesterday that the loss nn turnip and potato crops in the TemuKa and Washdyke districts would be considerable.