UNSETTLED WEATHER

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 165, 10 April 1944, Page 4

UNSETTLED WEATHER

Easter Holiday Outings Marred ONE FINE DAY IN THREE Unsettled weather has marred the Easter holidays for Ihe majority of the Wellington public, both those who travelled away from the city and those who sought relaxation at numerous local sporting attractions. Heavy rain fell through the greater part of Good Friday afternoon. Saturday was line and mild, enabling scheduled sporting programmes to be completed without interruption. Yesterday morning was line, but heavy ram wt in early in' the afternoon and continued into the evening, accompanied by a strong wind. In spile of the travel restrictions, only the normal railway services being run, large numbers patronized the 5.41 p.m. passenger train from Wellington to Palmerston North and the .6.4 p.m. AVairnrapa railcar on Thursday, both being taxed to capacity. Some intending travellers had to be shut out. Suburban trains were also well patronized. The restrictions on rail travel had a beneficial effect, on the ferry services to the Sounds. The two Nelson steamers which left on Thursday were booked out some time beforehand and the Pieton ferry also curried capacity loads. For the majority of these travellers, however the weather was a big disappointment, campers in particular having somewhat unenviable experiences.

The clear weather during Saturday was responsible for the presence of good crowds at sporting attractions. Principal among them was the cricket at the Basin Reserve, where testimonial matches to Air. A. Brewer, the retiring caretaker, were played. Conditions were ideal for the regatta at Paremata on Saturday but boisterous yesterday, several boats capsizing.

The rain which fell on Thursday night totalled S 3 points. Friday's heavy showers added 64 points. There were 67 points of rain during Saturday night and between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. yesterday the rainfall was 35 points, making a total of 2.49 inches for the period.