HEAVIEST RAIN THIS YEAR IN NORTHLAND

Northern Advocate, 13 March 1948, Page 8

HEAVIEST RAIN THIS YEAR IN NORTHLAND

THE heaviest fall of rain to be recorded this year, 2.25 in., fell in Whangarei in the 24 hours to 8 a.rn. today. Rain conditions were general throughout the district with 2.21 in. falling at the Wairua sub-station, where the level of the dam rose about a foot, although no water was going over the falls.

The power station recently has been overhauled and the staff states that the plant is in readiness for the rain to bring up the level of the river.

The river is choked up with all sorts of rubbish from duck weed to dead cows, but the flush that is expected when the effect of the heavy rain in the Ruatangata area is felt, will clean out the river, and the plant will be ready to cope with the winter load. PASTURES BENEFIT Rainfall at Ruatangata was slightly heavier than in Whangarei, with 2.61 in falling in 20 hours. The fall was welcome to Northland farmers as pastures on lighter soils were drying out considerably. Although the season has been an excellent one the 1948 rainfall to date has been well under the average. The heaviest fall in March was 16 points which fell on March 1. Today’s figure brings the total to 2.75 in for March, compared with an average of 4.39 for the month. SPORTS CANCELLED Last night overflowing gutters flooded the footpaths in Cameron Street to the inconvenience of late night shoppers in Whangarei. Sports fixtures were cancelled in Whangarei except the opening of the Mt. Denby Golf Club’s winter season The second day’s play in the Dargaville shield was commenced about 3 o’clock this afternoon. Slippery conditions made the performance at the circus in Whangarei more difficult, and water from the torrential rain came through the big top in several places. IN BAY AREA In the Bay of Islands the rainfall varied from lain, to 2in. Steady rain continued throughout the night and morning, easing just before midday. At Kaikohe 1.77 m fell, making the total for the month I.9in, The Bay of Islands-Hokianga tennis match to have been played at Kerikeri did not take place today. Advice as to the advisability of hb?3ing the tournament is being sought from the Minister of Health.

The fall could not have come at a more opportune time, as the plant would not have been ready to cope with the extra load any earlier. The machines have been running well below capacity since Christmas, when water last went over the falls, but now not a pint will be wasted.