WELCOME RAIN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 112, 8 April 1930, Page 7

WELCOME RAIN.

FIRST FALL SINCE MARCH 8. BENEFIT TO FARMING COMMUNITY. * . It was with feelings of relief _that farmers heard the patter of raindrops ibout 11 o’clock this morning. Though ihe fall then was negligible the skies remained overcast and about noon it >egan to rain lightly, the drizzle soon JevCloping into a steady downpour, thus dispelling fea.rs of a very serious ' February was unusually dry this rear but March was even drier, just ,ver half an inch falling, the lowest or at least 18 years. Consequently, lastures and gardens became dry and rent back, while ground became inked hard. The rain which fell this afternoon ras the first of any consequence in this iistrict since March 8, though there ras a light fall on March 24. Conseuently, it was about a month since Bfreshing rain was experienced. Agricultural experts consider that a eavy fall is necessary to be of any due to farmers but when the “Stanird” went to press it appeared that le rain had set in. It may be recollected that last year was forecast that the 1930 summer Duld not begin till February and >uld continue to June. Fortunately r the farming community, though the st part of the prognostication grov- , correct the latter is likely to be rong. FALL AT NEW PLYMOUTH. Per Press Association. NEW PLYMOUTH, April 8. The drought has ended; .21 inches of in fell last night, and, is continuing irly heavily. The ain is very welcome to the rmers. If it continues it should rere the power shortage.