CONDITIONS IN NORTH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19832, 30 December 1927, Page 8

CONDITIONS IN NORTH.

GOOD FALL AT DARGAVILLE. NEW START FOR HERDS. GRASS AND CROPS BENEFIT. [BY TELEGRAPH. —OWN CORRESPONDENT.] DARGAVILLE. Thursday. Shortly after nine o'clock last evening rain, which had fallen in light showers throughout the day, commenced in earnest and developed into a good downpour. It eased for a few hours this morning, but from eleven o'clock onward some heavy showers have fallen. The rain, which is the first good fall for several weeks, will do an immense amount of good all over the district, as the pastures were very parched, crops of maize and other farm produce were at a standstill, and tanks, on which many people in the district depend for household water supplies, were also empty.

The absence of rain has had a marked effect on the quantity of hay harvested this season, very few good crops being seon in the district. Farmers predict a shortage of this commodity. Present indications for more rain are not promising, but as the weather remains warm pastures should come away quickly and give the cows, which were at a standstill as far as production was concerned. a fresh start. The butter output returns at the Northern Wairoa factory will not be made up until Saturday, but present indications show that in spite of the dry spell there will be an increase for the month.

BAY OF PLENTY AEEAS. BREAK IN DRY SPELL. [by telegraph.—own correspondents.] WHAKATANE., Thursday. Gentle rain commenced this afternoon and ifc is hoped that there will be a continued downpour. There has been practically no rain for about three weeks and the pastures are needing a few refreshing showers. The output at the various factories has so far been well maintained, although there has been a slight falling off, due to the dry spell. This has not been so noticeable on the Eangitaiki area as in other parts. If the present prospects of heavy rain are realised the herds throughout the district will easily surpass the record of production established. last season. OPOTIKI, Thursday. Farmers in the Opotiki district are in urgent need of rain. The paddocks are beginning to look parched and maize crops are practically at a standstill, the" only benefit of the dry spell being that good crops of hay have been saved. A northeasterly wind has been blowing for two days and the sky has been overcast at night, but although heavy rain is reported in the back country very little has fallen on the flats. Light rain commenced at mid-day and at seven o'clock this evening rain was falling heavily.