HEAT WAVE

Grey River Argus, 8 January 1941, Page 2

HEAT WAVE

Southland’s Drought INVERCARGILL, January 6. Southland continues to experience a period of unusually hot, dry weather. Sunday was the hottest day but one of summer, with a shade temperature of 86 degrees. On four days of the last nine the temperature nas exceeded ;80 degrees. Inland centres have experienced even higher temperatures. At Gore yesterday the maximum was 88 degrees, and the effects of the continued spell of dry weather aie ap parent in many parts of the piovince, where pastures are becoming parche/i and brown. Rain is urgently required in these areas The stock feed position in autumn and winter will become serious. The effect of the hot weather on pastures has been more noticeable at some distance from the coast. Most coastal areas have had light showers at frequent intervals, out inland there has been very little rain for some months. There the grass is badly burnt and will iccover in time for winter feeding only if rain falls within a few days. In small towns inland from the coast there are signs of water shortage. Householders have been conserving tank supplies, but reserves are becoming depleted. On most farms the position is the same.