RAINS GENERAL.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXV, Issue 679, 31 March 1909, Page 5

RAINS GENERAL.

FLOODS IN SOME PARTS.

(Press Association), ■ Ashburton, Last Night. Exceptionally heavy rain commenced to fall yesternight and continued without cessation to-day, aooompanied by 'a oold son'-west wind, this subjecting the grain staoES to a severe test. While moisture is needed to soften the ground for ploughing, the fall was too heavy and besides greatly delaying grain threshing and oarting, will induce a very rank growth of grass. Snow to the depth of two inoiies fell on the lower ranges and immediatelysurrounding oonntry. Since Saturday up to 8 o'clock to-day 8.46 inches have fallen, two inches of this being since 6 o'olook last night. Dunedin, Last Night. Bain commenced to fall here early this morning and cotinubd almost without intermission all day and evening, being very heavy in the afternoon. At present there is little sign of the weather clearing.

WASH-OUTS.

TRAIN SERVICES INTER RUPTED.

Timaru, Last Night.

The rain whioh started on Monday uightjstill oontinues thong)) it shows signs of olearing. The fall is fully three inoheß. Various parts of the town and suburbs are flooded, The damage is generally not serious. A fall is reported over the distriot. The railway is damaged south of Otaio, where wash -on ts ocoarred last July. The second express going sonth was stnok up there and had to wait till 9 p.m. for the express from the sonth and exohanged passengers and baoked to Timaru, arriving here at 11. A groat deal of water is lying over the flat country south of Waimate Valley. There was a sea all day, bntjjno damage was done, the eastern mole defending the harbour perfectly. " The rivers are rising and heavy freahes are expected to-night, though the faot that the fall on the ranges took the form of snow will reduce the immediate flow.

Bain is also reported from Blenheim, Carterton and Ohristohurch with snow on the high levels. Floods are reported from Carterton and Ohristohroh.