Breaking of the Drought in North and Throughout N.Z.

Northern Advocate, 21 April 1939, Page 8

Breaking of the Drought in North and Throughout N.Z.

WIIANGAREI THE OPENING DAY OF THE RACING CLUB’S AUTUMN MEETING SPELLS THE BREAKING OF THE DROUGHT.

Rain set in with light showers early yesterday evening and intermittent showers fell during the night, to make an aggregate rainfall of .69 inch at the Whangarei meteorological station by 9 o clock this morning.

Except for a short intensified downpour shortly after 3 o’clock this morning the rain was well dispersed, enabling it to penetrate as it fell, thus doing much more good than a heaviei deluge.

Another aspect which gave farmers cause for satisfaction was that temperatures remained warm, in fact there is a mid-summer balminess in the air, so that pastures will be well stimulated for a late autumn growth.

Winter Feed

Agriculturists had been greatly concerned not only by the existing shortage of feed, but by the prospect of having no reserves whatever of grass, roughages or hay as a standby for the colder weather.

It could not have been better, was the opinion of farmers discussing the rain to-day. Even racing enthusiasts were prepared to accept cheerfully minor discomforts in order that the man on the land might benefit.

Taking the long view, the drought will probably be of greater advantage to Northland than to any other part of New Zealand. Continuation of the exceptionally wet seasons which have prevailed during the past three years would have meant soured lands, stock diseases, increase in insect pests and a general deterioration of pastures overtaxed by rank growth.

Long Range Benefits

With the sweetening influence of the sun almost equivalent to a natural top-dressing, the ground, now thoroughly rested, will be ready to give the best possible response at, the beginning of next spring. Meanwhile farmers have been paying heavily in advance for these benefits.

In some districts water has been retailed by the gallon for stock and domestic purposes while with rivers running at lower levels than for many years past, losses of thirsty stock and horses through drowning have been repcrxed. The market for store catle has been absolutely dead, with stock already feeling the pinch of hunger and, with no prospect of being able to hold them through the winter, owners have been prepared to quit at almost any price.

Sheep Sell at 2/6

The same has applied to sheep, and there have been instances where ewes have changed hands at 2/G per head and even less.

One farmer who sold quite a big line at a recent sale, called on the hotel on his way home, and, after shouting for his companions, found himself out of pocket on his day’s transactions.

Farmers have been so anxious for immediate disposal of boner and store stock that there has been an unprecedented rush at the Moerewa freezing works where, a week ago, it was necessary to restrict killings owing to all available cool storage being occupied.

Not until the grass shows through will the present rain have a hardening effect upon the market for store stock.

However, prices will definitely be steadied now there is an assurance of feed.

Quick Response

Paddocks upon which top-dressing has been lying unabsorbed for a month or more have made a noticeable response even within the past 24 hours.

Probably more so than any other part of the Dominion, the North has come through the drought surprisingly green. Paspalum pastures and limestone and alluvial country have withstood the dry weather, while the drying out of areas which have been sodden for the past three years has enabled much new country to be brought under the plough.

DOMINION REPORT. Chriscchurch.—Light rain yesterday brought relief throughout Canterbury from the very dry conditions. Although it has come too late to improve thd winter feed situation, the rain has been generally beneficial, and its continuance for another two or three days would be welcome. Wanganui.—Heavy rain last night interrupted a 40-day spell of fine weather in the Wanganui district. In the 24 hours ended at 6 p.m. yesterday 2.9 inches were recorded, and rain was still falling steadily last night. Te Kuiti.—'The drought was broken in the Northern King Country when light rain commenced to fall yesterday morning. Yesterday .71 inch was recorded, and by last (evening about another half inch had fallen, and the rain was likely to continue.

New Plymouth.—Over seven inches of rain fell in the Central Taranaki between Wednesday night and yesterday morning. Pouring down in a steady torrent for nearly 20 hours, the deluge thoroughly soaked the previously parched countryside, and turned the roads into bogs. More rain fell on Mt. Egmcnt during the 24 hours ended at nine o’clock yesterday than in any 24 hourly period of the past year. The highest total last year was 11 inches, but the gauge at the North Egmont Hostel yesterday morning showed 11.5 inches.