LIGHT CROP

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 11 January 1944, Page 4

LIGHT CROP

RASPBERRY GARDENS SUFFER HARM CAUSED BY DRY WINDS The raspberry crop will probably be only half as heavy as was expected. Earlier in the season, after good spring rains, there were prospects of an excellent crop, but with practically no rain since the beginning of December the lruit has not developed as it should. Even up to the last week there was a chance that if rain came the crop would be saved. However, dry, hot southwest winds in the last few days have caused a deterioration in the raspberry gardens. Fruit in the Motueka Valley has suffered more than in the Tapawera district. which has had more rain, and which up till Friday last were standing the dry weather fairly well. Unfortunately the country did not get the benefit of even the light rain which tell in Nelson last night and the outlook is not bright for raspberry growcrs. Picking wil] end earlier and the fruit is smaller than it would have been if rain had come in time. Naturally pickers are getting small tallies. If the district experiences rain immediately. later crops of raspberries will benefit, but even then the harvest will be light. A few gardens have profited by irrigation. It has been a disheartening season for growers. a s one of their representatives remarked to-day. for they have worked hard to get their gardens in good condition and everything favoured them until the' last month.