WELCOME RAIN

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 84, 3 January 1935, Page 8

WELCOME RAIN

Steady Fall Occurs in Wairarapa BENEFICIAL SOAKING X Water Shortage Obviated Dominion Special Service. Masterton, January 2, Most districts in the Wairarapa have received a fairly good soaking ait a result of the welcome rain which began to fall late yesterday afternoon. Much more is needed, however, if any appreciable benefit is to be looked for. What rain has fallen came as a very welcome relief after the driest December for about 30 years, and as one farmer put it to-day, was the best possible New Year gift. Steady rain fell in Masterton and surrounding districts throughout this morning, but there was a cessation shortly after midday. These conditions were fairly general in the Wairarapa. From 11 points to 13 points were recorded in Masterton in a few hours yesterday. Mr. H. M. Boddington, of Solway, reported that fpr the 24 hours up till 0 a.m. to-day 14 points of rain fell, and that from 9 a.m. fill 1 p.m. there were 33 points recorded. Other districts report falls of varying intensity. The fall was insufficient, however, to make any very noticeable difference in the levels of district rivers, which are lower than for some years past. The Wairarapa Lake is lower than it has ever been iin the memory of the oldest settlers. It contains little more than half the volume of water it did at this time last year. The rain will be particularly useful in providing water for drinking purposes. Before the- weather broke ’drought conditions prevailed and an acute water shortage appeared imminent unless rain fell shortly. In parts of the Mauriceville district sutlers were forced to carry water for drinking purposes, while somewhat similar conditions prevailed in several, other districts. This fortunately will not now be necessary in view of the - water now available. Though the grass and other pastures are still very badly burnt, ewes'and wethers will benefit greatly now that there is a certain amount of moisture available. Lambs will also benefit to a lesser extent. The moisture will prove a great boon to root crops of all kinds, while wheat and oat crops, which are badly stunted, should also benefit. IB many cases -where ' the crops are in ear, the rain will assist in filling them out, and thus add considerably to their value from the remunerative viewpoint. The fall of rain has, however, been all too short, as .a full week’s steady rain would not go amiss with conditions as they are just now. MANAWATU BENEFITS Fodder Shortage Cheeked Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, January 2. After several weeks of drought conditions rain commenced to fall in the Manawatu district late yesterday afternoon. Late last night heavy sfiowers commenced to fall and*continued steadily until morning, pastures and lawns throughout the district were sadly in need of a good soaking, and to-day’s Tain will be of inestimable value to the farming community. . The rain continued throughout today, causing the postponement of all forms of outdoor sport and picnics. In many districts farmers were carrying water for household purposes and stock requirements, creeks and small streams were either dry or carrying only a little water, and dairy production was being adversely The present rain will have a beneficial effect on pastures and relieve the present shortage of fodder. During the 24 hours ended at nine o’clock this morning, 96 points of rain were recorded at Terrace End by Mr. T. It. Moore, but since then there has been many heavy showers, the total fall now being probably close to an 'inch and a half. “The rain has been, a wonderful New Year gift to farmers, and should do considerable good,” said a farmer this morning. “It is a i long time since we’ had such a dry spell and so much sunshine. My paddocks were becoming parched and almost devoid of grass.” • A torrential downpour of rain fell in Palmerston North shortly after 5.30 to-night, and continued until after six. In some localities the sumps and drains were unable to cope with the water. Farmers will now have mo need for complaint. The situation has been relieved as far as autumn feed is concerned, the prospects for which Were poor prior to the rain. ANXIETY RELIEVED Rain in Parclied Countryside Dominion Special Service. Paraparaumu, January 2. The long dry spell which has scorched up pastures and gardens in the Manawatu was broken yesterday afternoon, when a fairly steady fall of warm rain set in. During the night there were some heavy showers, and this morning a steady and very wet come rain is falling, which will do an immense amount of good. The rain to-day is accompanied by heavy thunder, which is booming almost continuously. The drought had become a very real thing to farmers generally and to resii dents of many townships along the line, and in numerous cases, where tank supplies had given out, water had to be carted for household purposes. Holiday-makers from town may not appreciate the downpour, but it is undoubtedly the most welcome New Year gift that could have been sent to the parched countryside. FALLS IN OTHER CENTRES By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland. — A tropical deluge of exceptional severity broke over Auckland city and suburbs yesterday afternoon. Over an inch and a half of rain fell during the three-quarters of an hour during which the storm lasted. The streets over a considerable area were awash. Large crowds were caught at popular holiday resorts unprepared.

The deluge was accompanied by heavy lightning and thunder. The storm ended as suddenly as it had commenced.

Invercargill.— After one of tlffi driest Decembers on record splendid rain has fallen over the greater part of Southland. The downpour started Into on Tuesday afternoon, and continued throughout the night, greatly benefitin': the pastures. ; 1 New I” outh.— After two months of almost unbroken drought, torrential rain fell throughout Taranaki on Tuesdya. Rivers are in full flood, carrying abnormal quantities of driftwood. Many New Year sports fixtures were abandoned. The fall in the 24 hours up to yesterday morning totalled 170 points. Greymouth.— A drought lasting two months was broken on New Year’s Eve. Good rains have since been falling along the West Coast. Last night an extensive electrical storm interfered with telephonic communication. Christchurch. — Light rain fell fairly generally throughout Canterbury on Tuesday morning. The x fall recorded at the Christchurch Magnetic Observatory was 17 points: Rain is still urgently needed by farmers in North Canterbury. Wanganui.— Six weeks’ fine weather was broken in 'Wanganui on Tuesday afternoon, heavy rain falling and bringing much-needed relief to farms. Heavy rain, punctuated by thunder and vivid lightning, has continued at intervals since early yesterday morning. All sports have been abandoned and many campers in tents have been flooded out.