UNSEASONABLE!

Evening Star, Issue 25618, 19 October 1945, Page 4

UNSEASONABLE!

SNOW THROUGHOUT OTAGO

TWO INCHES RECORDED AT ROXBURGH Prospects for a sunny Labour Day week-end were dampened this morning by an unseasonable series of light show showersA high wind last night 1 preceded the falls, which coated the more exposed areas of the Otago Peninsula, Mount Cargill, and Flagstaff. Central Otago experienced a greater fall, with two inches of snow reported at Roxburgh, but early this afternoon all roads were reported to he clear. The snow did not lie on city streets this morning, but a cold southerly wind made conditions unpleasant. The snowfalls came as a climax to a wintry October. Rainfall so far this month amounts ,to 2.51 in, compared with a September total of 1.90 in, and the August figure of 0.99 in. The number of rain days this month is 11, against ijine for September. Total sunshine so far this month amounts to 99 hours, compared with 125 in September.

Although fire pots were lit in most of the fruitgrowing areas of Central Otago last night, no frost readings were reported. Alexandra experienced a slight coating, while almost 2in of snow were recorded at Roxburgh. So far no damage to the orchards has been reported. i SHEEPFARMERS WORRIED.

If the cold snap continues, further losses will be' experienced in lambing. The ewes wintered well, and there has been good lambing in those areas that have not been affected by the cold changes in the weather. Two wintry week-ends last month caused general losses, however. The feed position is also becoming serious, and sheepfarmers require a spell of dry weather and warm sunshine to promote growth. Kitchen gardeners who took advantage of the unusually fine August to plant early crops have watched a very slow growth, and this latest inclemency will further retard' development. Bowling and cricket clubs have experienced an unfortunate beginning to their season, while secondary school sports, four of which were scheduled for this week, have been postponed.