WELCOME RAIN

Grey River Argus, 16 January 1941, Page 8

WELCOME RAIN

Canterbury Benefits CHRISTCHURCH, January 15. Steady rain which fell throughout Canterbury yesterday afternoon and evening will be of great benefit to crops. After a dull, overcast fnorning in the city there was a' heavy shower of rain shortly before 3 o'clock, and the fall continued steadily throughout the afternoon. In the evening there was a light drizzle.

At Temuka there was a short shower just after 5 p.m., and another in the evening. Temperatures fell sharply. Rain began to fall in the Ashburton County at 3 p.m., but ceased quickly. In the evening rain fell steadily. The fall appeared to be heavier towards the hills.

In the Methven area 22 points of rain were recorded, and this, together with 36 points on S'unday and nine points on Monday, will be of considerable benefit to rape and turnip crops. The wheat should also fill out satisfactorily.

At Darfield, 34 points had been registered up to 9 p.m.. when it was still raining. The rain befan to fall at 2 p.m., and was heavy but intermittent. Here again, rape and turnip crops will benefit, although more will be neded to produce a good growth on pasture land. After a' sunny morning in Rangiora heavy showers of rain fell in t-he afternoon, and lighter ones in the evening. These, added to the fall on Sunday afternoon, will make a useful total. The rain generally is very welcome but a definite break in the weather might mean a succession of wet days in the niidst of harvesting, which is now fairly general.

At Amberley rain fell heavily for short peroids after 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., and at a late hour last night rain was still falling steadily. It is considered that the rain wil be too late to benefit grain crops, though it will greatly benefit pastures.