HOT SPELL ENDS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20186, 2 March 1940, Page 4

HOT SPELL ENDS

LAST NIGHT’S RAIN BENEFIT TO PASTURES HOPES FOR THE AUTUMN DAIRY OUTPUT DECLINE The cool southerly breeze which came up late yesterday to break the long spell of hot weather also brought with it rain that was most welcome to farmers of the Gisborne district, particularly those on the low country. Hopes are renewed that the position of farmers on the flats will be relieved in time for a sufficient recovery of the pastures to provide a good growth before the winter commences. Hopes ran high last Saturday, and despite the dry conditions previously, the 1.03 in. of rain which fell during the morning and that night would have given some benefit to both crops and pastures but for the strong drying winds that commenced almost immediately the rain ceased. Within a few days all benefit from last Saturday’s rain had disappeared on the low country, although in many parts of the higher land substantial falls had been responsible for the start of a good growth. Severe Dairy Decline Dairy production suffered severely last month. It had held up well until the end of January, but from then on the absence of rain had its effect, and the seasonal decline was greatiy accentuated. However, the output was still ahead of that for the corresponding period last season, when the worst drought in living memory was' experienced. Despite the rain last Saturday, the decline continued rapidly. The decline in dairy production during February was so rapid that a 26 per cent increase in the Kia Ora Co-operative Dairy Company’s January production over that of the corresponding month last year was changed into an increase of only 3 per cent in February. The secretary of the company, Mr. J. H. Sunderland, stated to-day that last month’s output was 88,8891 b of butter less than in January, a decline of 22 per cent during the month, whereas last season the February manufacture declined by 'only 23,5361 b, or 8 per cent. At the Okitu Co-operative Dairy Company’s factory much the same conditions ruled, and the secretary, Mr. H. P. Hamilton, said that whereas the company was able to show an increase of 26 per cent in January over January last year, the February output was only slightly better than a year ago. Less Than Half-an-Inch Last night’s rain, therefore, was welcomed with great enthusiasm by the country people. Up to 9 a,m. to-day there had been insufficient to effect any lasting improvement in the conditions, but further showers this morning gave assistance. By 9 a.m. to-day only .48in. had been recorded at the signal station. The Herald's Murlwai correspondent writes that the rain which commenced last night gave much relief to farmers. The heat during the preceding three days was excessive, and the maximum thermometer readings in the shade were 88, 91 and 92 degrees. At Te Karaka .74in. fell up to 9 a.m. to-day. The February total was very light, only 1.46 in., of which 1.25 in. fell last Saturday. Rain fell on five days during the month.