THE WEATHER.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 25, 30 January 1908, Page 8

THE WEATHER.

JXILUOV2* JJJ.bi.tUUi b&iUUUbLiX LACKING WATER. HOT DAY IN CHRISTCHURCH. [BY TELEGKATIt. — PRESS ASSOCIATION.] NELSO-N, 29th January. The dry weather continues, with no promise of rain. Extensive bush and grass fires are burning m all parts of the district and settlers are still having an anxious time. Much milling timber has been destroyed, besides fencing and stock. The lack of water is becoming serious in many places. No rain has fallen for more than a month, and then there was only a small fall, following on many weeks of dry weather. The hop crop is very light, and raspberry gardens aro suffering. CHRISTCHURCH, 29th January. Intense heat was experienced here today. The thermometer reached 95 3 degrees in the shade. Last night's Christchurch Star says : — "The city is to-day sweltering under tho burden of a typical nor'-wester. The profusion of bloom on the flax and cabbage-trees last spring was looked upon by the Maoris and old settlers as a harbinger of heat, and the prophecy has been fully justified throughout the summer. The intensely hot days, accompanied by smoke from bush fires, have been, markedly disagreeable, and to-day the atmosphere is stifling. The wind seems only to increase the burden, and • throughout the city complaint is universal. Many people incline to f.he belief that Canterbury is experiencing a reflex of the h/at wave that has passed over Victoria, and frequent comparisons between local heat and that recently experienced in Melbourne, are heard." COOLER~TO-DAY. CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. The wind has changed to ths east, and the temperature has 'fallen coimdeiably. The sky gives indication of rain. £o far the present has been the most rainless summer on record. ANOTHER SCORCHER IN MAS/TERTON. [By Telegraph.— Special to The Post.] MASTEKTON, This Day. Yet another scorching day has to be recorded, and the creeks are rapidly drying up. The lime country is faring by far the best under present weather conditions, and in some parts springs are flowing as freely .-is in midwinter. Tho milk supply continues to decrease and is now less than half than usual at this time last year. "WELCOME EAIN. t [BT TELEGRAPH. — PRE 33 ASSOCIATION.] FEILDING, This Day. After a diy spell of nearly two months b°ing felt severely in the Feilding district, a welcome change in the weather occurred at an early hour this morning. Light rain fell for some hours in and about Feilding, and heavy rain in and around the south-western district over Rongotea way. PAHIATUA, This Day. After a long spell of dry weather, rain fell this morning, much to ths joy of farmers. [By Telegraph.— Special to Tee Post.] PALMERSTON N., This Day. Rain commenced to fall about 3 o'clock this morning, and continued till eight, the ground being well soaked. The showers will do an enormous amount of good to the district, though they were by no means sufficient for requirements. Local dairymen have increased the price of milk to 4d per quart. ¦ OTAKI, This Day. Welcome rain fell here last night and to-day. It will prove very beneficial.