Waiata

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 54, 6 March 1935, Page 10

Waiata

From Our Owe Correspondent. February’s rainfall of 5.84 ins. was the highest yet recorded, reports Mr. R. \V. Brown, Glengarnock, Waiata. The average for the month since 1913 was 2.G1 ins., the highest apart from last month’s fall, being 4.35 ins. in 1914, and the lowest of .84 ins in 1924. On February 20, 21 and 22 of this year, 4.37 ins of rain fell, .02 ins. more than the previous highest for the whole month. Though unusual, floods in February are not unknown so far as this district is concerned. The last February flood occurred in IS9I. Pastures have benefited immensely from the liberal soaking and now look green and fresh. Another good fall in the near future, however, will be necessary to maintain the growth. The depredations of the white butterfly pest are alarmingly evident in the district. Swede crops in particular have suffered severely. The lupin caterpillar is also In evidence and numbers of fine kowhai trees have been stripped bare. Harvesting is practically over and dipping operations arc now in full swing.