MORE RAIN WANTED

Dominion, Volume 19, Issue 92, 13 January 1926, Page 8

MORE RAIN WANTED

PASTORAL OUTLOOK

EFFECTS OF UNSEASONABLE WEATHER

"TOO MUCH TRUSTING TO PROVIDENCE”

Inquiries made yesterday as to whether the rain which fell in Wellington on Monday night had counteracted thc effects of the drought which has prevailed for some months past, elicited the information that not enough ram had fallen to do much good. “In order to relieve such a drought as had prevailed, especially on the East Coast of the North Island,” a prominent agriculturalist informed a Dominion reporter, “continuous rain over three or four days, would be required. The rain we have had, however, will be most beneficial to turnip and rape crops. This will be a regular godsend to dairymen, as winter feed will be badly needed, owing to the shortness of the pastures. Most of the present trouble was caused by the unseasonable spring which was experienced. We had too much rain, and the cold weather which prevailed prevented the grass from coming away. Mild weather, with plenty of showers, is what is wanted in the spring-time. When the weather did take up this summer, drying winds baked the soft earth too suddenly, and this further retarded the pastures. If dairymen do not get rains to bring away their crops of winter feed, they will be in a serious plight, as pastures are short everywhere.”

Inadequate Provision for Bad Season.

“I am afraid,” he continued, “that the generous climate experienced in the North Island has caused farmers to trust too much to providence. Few of them take the precaution to make provision for a bad season. Many of them farm from hand to mouth. Because tlicv have had a good season, and have a little left over, they do not bother to put by some winter feed as a stand-bv. If they farmed in England, Canada, or even in tlic South Island of New Zealand, they would realise the stern necessity of laying by an adequate supply of Iced to carry their stock through the winter. Thc rain which fell on Monday should do a lot of good to turnip and rape crops which have just been laid down for winter feed.

“I have not heard whether the rain was general throughout thc island. There is not much agricultural work none round about Wellington, but as rar as can be judged the rain which tell was not enough to relieve the drought in the Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay districts.

‘‘lt is pretty clear that the unseasonable weather which has been experienced since last spring will result in a reduced output of dairy produce and a reduction in value of live stock. This, however, may be offset by the increased returns which may be confidently expected from better quality dairy cows. After all, it is the butterfat which tells, and a small herd may give as good results as a large one if the quality is right. Dairy-farmers have been’ improving the standard of their milking herds, and this may go far to offset the shortage which the unfavourable season will undoubtedly cause.” , . . “Pray for ram” was his parting injunction. _________