DROUGHT BROKEN

Evening Post, Volume XC, Issue 83, 6 October 1915, Page 8

DROUGHT BROKEN

i RAIN IN SOUTH ISLAND As predicted by the Dominion Meteorologist (Mr. D. C. Bates) yesterday, the drought in the South Island was broken last night by a providential downpour. The fall has not been so heavy as might have been desired, but it is sufficient to do a great deal of good to the withered East Coast, and there is yet a chance of more. The official meteorological report states : Useful rains have fallen along the East Coast of the South Island in districts that have been in urgent need. Heavy rain was reported last night at Farlie, and to-day the Bealey is reported to be flooded. Rivers are high also on the West Coast. Though the rainfall is now general along the East Coast, it is .probable that the farmers would have welcomed more than they are at present likely to receive. There is a small chance that they may get another downpour, but it is rather remote, and would depend upon the development of a secondary disturbance in advance of an extensive anti-cyclone. Warnings for south-easterly gales have been exhibited at Nugget Point and Centre Island, but elsewhere indications are for the prevalence of moderate to strong southeasterly winds, squally in parts, with showery and changeable weather. In and southward of Cook Strait conditions will be squally at times. Seas are likely to be heavy on the East Coast and also on the West Coast for a time. A cold night may be anticipated, but fine weather is likely to follow generally. Little indication of the amount of rain that has fallen is obtainable. Unfortunately, telegraphic offices do not in most cases supply this information, and it can be obtained only at the end of the month, when observers report to the Meteorological Office.. Mr. J. Craigie, M.P., this morning received a telegram from Timaru to the \ effect that rain commenced to fall at 6 o'clock last evening, fell through the night, about fourteen hours, and looked as if it would continue. A Press Association message from Oamaru states : After a prolonged period of drought a heavy shower of rain fell at midday yesterday. There were intermittent light showers during the afternoon, and at 7 o'clock a light rain set in, continuing all the evening. At 11 o'clock the rain was falling heavily, with a prospect of continuing for some hours. Twenty-four hours' rain would be of almost incalculable benefit to the wheat crops and adult and young stock. Timaru telegraphed : Steady rain set in at 6 p.m., and still (11.30) continues. It is the test rain that has fallen for many months. The total fall at Timaru during the last three months was under half an inch. There has been no suggestion of drought in the Southland district, and, almost as cheering as the news of rain on the East Coast, are the reports of the appearance of the southernmost province. A budget of country notes in the Southland Times makes pleasant reading. Correspondents unite in saying that the spring has been one of the best experienced for years. Sheep and cattle are doing well, and there is an abundance of grass, cereal crops, planted more extensively than previously, are also prospering. In the North Island, Wanganui and Rangitikei districts advise that there is an abundance of feed just now ; in fact, this season, as compared with last season at this time of the year, is very much in favour of the present season so far as the fesd goes. Dannevirke, according to a Hawkes Bay Herald correspondent, is becoming anxious. Up -to the present there has been a shortage on the average annual rainfall of 21 inches, so that if the usual fall is to be experienced there will be a wet season before Christmas. Unfortunately, things point the other way, and it is beginning to look as if last season's drought will be repeated, though probably in a less severe form. Splendid rain set in last night (states a Press Association message from. Dunedin). It was general throughout the province. From a half to three-quarters of an inch fell. Much relief will be afforded to North Otago and parts of Central, Otago, where the position was very_ grave. - Light rain fell in North Canterbury during the night and this morning, breaking the drought, which has practically, extended over three months. It haa come too late to save heavy loss in ewes and lambs, but means a big improvement in the season's' wool clip. A heavy twenty-four hours' downfall would be welcome. — Press Association.