CONDITIONS IN APRIL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 136, 10 May 1945, Page 2

CONDITIONS IN APRIL

(Press Assn.) WELLINGTON May 101 The Dominion Meteorologist (Dr. M. F. Barnett) in his notes on the weather in April says that a very strong persistence of westerly or south-west-erly conditions, especially alter uie ]3th, determined the characteristics ot the month. The weather generally was very changeable and rather cool. Showery periods occurred with greatest frequency in Westland and Southland, while eastern and northern districts had extended bright intervals and at Tokomaru Bay only two days experienced rain. Winds were very strong. The continued absence of good autumn rains east of the North Island ranges is causing concern regarding winter feed, and the situation in the Gisborne district has become very serious. In other parts of the, ; country the food supply is satisfactory, and stock on £ho whole are in good condition to face the coming winter. As in the preceding month, conditions were adverse for harvesting in Southland. All districts exposed to the west or south-west from Stewart Island north to Manukau Harbour, as well as most of Otago, had surplus rain, the percentage of excess being greatest about New Plymouth, in Southland and Eastern Otago. Other districts had deficiencies. Between Hastings and East Cape most totals were rather less than a quarter of the normal for this month. Near Russell, Whakatane, Masterton, Eastern Marlborough and Timaru the amount of rain was of the order of half the normal or less.