FRIGID WEATHER.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 907, 29 August 1910, Page 5

FRIGID WEATHER.

. GENERAL OVER DOMINION. SNOW, BAIN, AND HAIL. Tho Government Motcorologist reports as follows-.—The barometei) fell very low in ■Wellington on Saturday night, 28.95 iuches being recorded at 4 a.m. on Sunday. The westerly wind tliat had prevailed veered to southerly about 5 a.m., and was accompanied by: heavy rain. Snow fell on tho hills, and reports show, that thero was heavy snow in the Mackenzie Country and in other parts of the South Island. 'Die southerly gale spread over tho country generally on Sunday, with rising barometer. Indications aro for stormy weather, with rain in all parts of tho country and snow on high levels. Strong southerly winds will probably prevail during the next two days, during which tiino the barometer will ria> very high, v CONDITIONS IN THE SOUTH. "GRAVE PEABS FOE STOCK.". (By TeleEraph.—Press Association.) Ashburton, August 27. After a particularly cold winter, with frosts of exceptional severity, spring-like weather set in at the beginning of this week, and warm winds culminated in a heavy gale yesterday. During the last three days a sudden change in cli/natic conditions set in. During last night, however, rain commenced to fall at Ashburton soon afier midnight, and at about three o'clock this morning there was a light fall of snow, succeeded by heavy rain, but at v six o'clock snow again commenced, -and fell very heavily for two hours, lying to a depth of one inch in the town and suburbs. Then rain, and sleet were' experienced till ten o'clock, when tho snow recommenced to fall, and was still falling slightly . till noon. While tho fall had been lighter towards tho sea it has been much heavier in the upper- parts of the country, ranging from. two inches six miles up to. three inches at Methvoii and Mayfield, and six inches at Mount Soniers. At. 8 a.m. grave fears., wsro expressed for stock; lambing having been earlier in the country surrounding the town. There has been an exceptional amount of sickness in Ashburton during tho last five- weeks, principally influenza, pneumonia, and bronchitis, the former often talcing a scvero form, and such a sharp change in the weather is calculated to increase the trouble. "TWELVE INCHES OP SNOAV.".. Christchiirch, August 27. A sudden change iu the weather was experienced early this morning, tho almost spring-like days experienced recently giving place to a southerly "blow," almost Antarctic in its severity. Snow fell on the higher levels'»of the Port Hills, and falls of snow • wero reported from various country districts. Bain fell in the city during the morning and afternoon, but towards evening, tho weather showed signs of improving, and the rain ceased, • August 28. Tho southerly "blow", continued during Saturday night and to-day, and the higher points of the Port Hills, received an additional coating of snow. '■ In the city there was a slight fall of,snow during the night, and early morning, but all traces soon disappeared after the sun' had been shining for an hour or so. To-day was fino, but. n piercingly cold wind was blowing. Reports from the .Jlethven district record one of the most .severe gales ever experienced in the district. This occurred on Friday, and at ten o'olock on Saturday morning there were three inches of snow on the ground, and snow was* still falling- The change in tho weather has come at a very critical time, as many of tho flocks are lambing, and a heavy mortality is sure' to result. Frost is also sure to follow this snowstorm, and feed for stock (none too plentiful at present) will be further reduced. Snow 'was still falling very heavily at Methven at one o'clock on Saturday. So heavy is the snow lying at Ba"rr Hill and the adjacent district' that the mail from Bakaia to Methven. by the coach was unable to get through. • The weather has no appearance of clearing, and very heavy snow is reported. from, back-country stations. Twelve inches of snow is .lying-at-Springburn and Alford forest; VERT WINTRY AT DUNEDIN. ■ Dunedin, August 28. Till yesterday fairly mild weather was experienced here, but, about 5 o'clock last evening a sudden change took place. Heavy showers fell for about half an hour, and about 8 p.m. steady rain set in with a very low temperature. This' continued for some hours, while.snow fell on the higher levels. The weather to-day was very'wintry. In the morning heavy showers fell accompanied by thunder, and just after' mid-day a violent hail-storm raged for some time. % The weather now appears more settled, bnt the temperature is still very low.