THE WEATHER

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 118, 18 April 1934, Page 2

THE WEATHER

WINDY AND CHANGEABLE. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 18. Yesterday’s depression is now located just east of- the Dominion, and an anti-cyclone of very slight intensity is approaching from the Tasman Sea. A fresh depression has reached Eastern Australia. The forecast is for strong north-west to westerly winds, decreasing gradually. The weather will be changeable and rather cool, hut otherwise fair, with seas rough. RAINFALL BELOW NORMAL. Though Palmerston North had a rainfall considerably above the average for the first three months of this year, that for April, so far, in marked contrast, has been much below normal. During the 24 hours ended at 9' a.m. to-day a fall of .22 inches was recorded by Mr T. R. Moore, of “Waimarama,” Terrace End, bringing the small total for this month to ,39in. During April of last year the rainfall was 4.9 inches. BENEFITS AT AUCKLAND. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 17. A substantial fall of rain has occurred, following upon an unusually long dry spell. The rain came too late, in a number of cases, to completely retrieve the crop position, but its benefits will be widespread. Green crops, particularly, had suffered from lack of moisture. Strawberry growers can now prepare for the next season’s crops. TRAINS DELAYED. Per Press Association. GREYMOUTH, April 17. There was considerable rainfall along the West Coast to-day, extending inland. The only damage reported is a wash-out at the railway bridge near Poerua, on the Midland line, which has interrupted train services until mid-day to-morrow. Even then, however, the express may not get through. ,' „ , The wash-out followed an all-day rainfall along the Midland line, and was caused by timber damming the creek at the bridge. Wash-outs occurred at both ends. Nine trains are affeCte CHRISTCHURCH, April 18. Messages from Otira . report extensive damage to the Midland railway line near Poerua as a result of heavy rain. All trains have been cancelled owing to slips and washouts. No trains left Christchurch or Greymouth to-day. A big gang of men are working 8/t both Gnfls of th© dciiiicigGci railway bridge near. Poerua, but heavy rain is still falling in the locality and communication is unlikely to be restored before to-morrow. Telegraph communication was interrupted overnight but restored at noon. Seven inches of rain fell at Otira during the 24 hours. 1