CANTERBURY HEAT

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 December 1934, Page 14

CANTERBURY HEAT

EFFECT ON CROPS.

[PEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.]

CHRISTCHURCH, December 20.

The hot, dry spell in Canterbury has been intensified during the last week. To-day -was the hottest day of this summer. There was 86.9 degrees recorded in Christchurch, and in some country districts. Thermometer readings even higher are reported. A nor’-west breeze made the heat in the afternoon even more oppressive. This is the fourth day in less than a month on which the temperature has exceeded 80 degrees. During the present week the farmers have become concerned over the long spell of rainless weather. Up till last week-end, the position was not alarming, though the grass pastures were sadly scorched. The last few extremely hot days, however, have made the immediate outlook much worse, and unless the weathei - breaks before the New Year, the effect on the root and cereal crops may be severe. The spring-sown wheat crops are already showing signs of maturing too early, and poorly filled grain and light yields may be expected. The autumnsown wheat, however, is generally looking well, but good rain would benefit all of them.