AMPLE RAIN IN MOST PARTS

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29384, 10 December 1960, Page 8

AMPLE RAIN IN MOST PARTS

Blenheim Still Dry

A week ago last Wednesday a review of the weather and the condition of crops prepared on districts north of the Waitaki river for this page showed neardrought conditions in the Hawarden-Waikari area and a general need of rain elsewhere.

The day after the review was prepared rain fell and in many places has continued since. The position now seems to have been reversed and, with the exception of parts of Marlborough, most districts have received ample rain, according to Agriculture Department officers. In South Canterbury there have been falls of Ilin to 2in in most places, with up to 3in in others. Crops have benefited greatly and in the lightest land where wheat ears had lost the tip because of drying off, the rest of the heads are now filling out well. There are better prospects for ryegrass yields and farmers are looking forward to good white clover crops. No Waterlogging Mid-Canterbury has had ample rain but there have been no reports of waterlogging. Over the county rainfall has varied. Carew received 2in. Ashburton about 3in and Pendarves sJin. The rain soaked in well, even though there were some moderately heavy falls, and crops are showing improved growth. North of the Rakaia river there was an equally good rainfall on the lighter land and, with the exception of some of the heavier land around Halswell and Tai Tapu where the ground is fairly wet. there has been good penetration. Foothills country, particularly around Oxford, which did not need rain last week is very wet. In North Canterbury there has been quite an amount of hay spoilt, but the rain has done more good than harm. Waipara and Hawarden-Waikari districts recevied rain which was desperately needed. The rain on the lighter land will carry pastures on a stage further into the summer, but with drying winds it could have a lasting effect of no more than a fortnight to three weeks.

Further up the coast from Kaikoura to Ward there have been useful rains and Cape Campbell is not so badly off. but around Seddon and on the Blenheim flats good rains are still needed for the crops.

The weather there has been overcast and drizzly, but there has been little heavy rain. In these areas a good inch of rain is needed still to assure good yields. Hill pastures are drying off markedly.