FARMERS SMILE; SPORTSMEN FROWN

Northern Advocate, 31 October 1936, Page 8

FARMERS SMILE; SPORTSMEN FROWN

A heat bubble has hovered oyer Whangarei for some days. In making people feel uncomfortable it gave the impression that/only a good downpour of rain would put things right. Last evening was muggy, but few retired with visions of a wet morrow. However, overnight, black clouds had banked up and a very threatening sky caught the eye this morning. About 8.30, the heat bubble burst. Solid rain came down for about two hours. To everybody, with the exception of sports people, it „ was regarded as almost precious. It was a good penetrating rain and will do a world of good to pastures and gardens. Although still overcast, the sky brightened up about 10.30 and so did the hopes of cricketers and those allied to other phases of sport. However, to many, the situation was impossible. The Whangarei tennis courts were absolutely unfit for play, and the country v. town match could not take place. The Portland and Hikurangi cricket grounds were flooded and there was water across the High School field in places. The association decided to abandon all senior B and junior competition matches, but the senior A games on the concrete wickets at the Reclamation were staged according to the championship schedule. The Albion and Combined Services B teams were allowed to play a match on No. 3 wicket if they I ■wished.