THE WEATHER.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 74, 20 December 1907, Page 8

THE WEATHER.

A REFRESHING DOWNPOUR. Rain, wclcomc rain, began to fall over the parched land yesterday morning in respons.o to the secret prayers of'those in the suburbs who have, through force of circumstances, had to depend on tank supplies. It commenced in a fine, misty prologue, that rapidly increased to a forte movement, developing . by a rapid movement into a veritable hailstorm chorus, without tBTe hail. It burst over city arid suburbs in great sweeping showers that clattered on the iron roofs, filled the gutters, and poured in cataracts down the spouting into the drains, tanks, or anything that .offered as receptacle for . the- downpouriiig. It, is gratifying .to announce that the acoustic properties of suburban tanks have undergone a decided change, and the daily wash is assured for many weeks to come. jThe new clam at Karori . benefited substantially by the splendid rainfall,- and in some homes the Christmas will be all the merrier for yesterday's bountiful gift from above. Tho rainfall for November registered at ( the linrori reservoir was 266 points (just over 2.J inches). The highest rainfall for the Dominion for the same period was 1553 points (15J inches), registered at the Mountain House, Mount Egmont; Otira, one point less, was a good second. REPORTS FROM THE COUNTRY, (froh our special correspondent.) Palmerston North, December 19. Welcome" rain set in this evening, arid should meet- with general appreciation by 'tamers, especially where the crops are late. (by telegraph—press association.) Masterton, Deccriiber 19. Rain commenced to fall late this' afternoon, with heavy showers at intervals. It will be very beneficial- to the crops. (from our special correspondent.) Featherston, December 19. Welcome rain fell here this afternoon. (from OCR SPECIAL correspondent.) • • Shannon, December 19. The dry weather has broken up, but the atmosphere is still close and muggy. (FROM OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT.) '• Woodville, Decomber 19. Welcome rain is falling here to-day. All the hay and other crops in this district are very backward. , STEADY RAIN IN OTAGO. (BY TELEGRAPH —rRESS ASSOCIATION.) Dunedin,: December 19. !•, Steady rain -is general throughout Central Otago. In Dunedin it has been raining since last evening. DROUGHT IN CANTERBURY. Christchurch, December 19. The continued dry weather and excessive heat of the lust lew days have seriously affected the crops, arid feed on light- land. The crop has ripened prematurely, and is light and thin. . Much is already in stook. The heavier lands show better. Copious rain at an early date would do much good, but the prospect is not encouraging. Feed ■is falling away everywhere, and farmers are very anxious. ." ■ i