POSITION IN PROVINCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19882, 28 February 1928, Page 10

POSITION IN PROVINCE.

THE DRY SPELL BROKEN. BENEFIT OVER WIDE AREA. RELIEF FOR DAIRY FARMERS. Steady rain fell in many parts of the Auckland Province and in some districts the fall was particularly heavy. There were indications of a continuation of wet weather. Assurance of the breaking of the dry spell which has affected the dairying industry in the W'aikato tor the past three months came yesterday when a (southwesterly storm swept over the district. The value to the farmer cannot bo overestimated. Rain commenced to fall in Hamilton about eight o'clock and continued throughout the day with increasing intensity. There was a cold snap, which is a most unusual occurrence for this time of the year. Although the fall on Friday was of some benefit it was insufficient for the needs of the district. Following the fine weather during the week-end, it was feared that dry weather would again be experienced for some time and it was with considerable relief that Waikato farmers saw a resumption of rain yesterday. A report from Hamilton states that over an inch fell. The opinion that the milk yield would swing back to normal was expressed by a farmer who is prominently connected with the industry. The pastures would again be green very quickly and there should be abundance of feed. Household Tanks Replenished. The :old weather which is accompanying the rain does not appear to be giving farmers undue concern. They admit that warm rain would have been preferred, but at present any rain is acceptable. Moreover, it is pointed out that the stock is in comparatively good condition.

As far as Hamilton itself is concerned tho full will be of considerable benefit to residents not served by the borough water supply. Household tanks will be amply replenished, while lawns and gardens will show a decided improvement as a result of tho rain. Reports from Heuald correspondents in other centres of tho province last evening were: — I'ukekohe.—llain has been falling practically ail day and should give thfe ground a good soaking. A southerly gale was blowing in the afternoon and the weather was cold for this time of the year. Ngaruawahia. —Heavy rain fell all day. In the afternoon the wind worked to. the south and the weather became cold. Cambridge.—From mid-summer to midwinter describes the change in the weather. Following good rain on Friday tho weather cloared on Saturday and Sunday was fine. Last night a change occurred and rain commenced to fall shortly after nine o'clock with a freshening wind. By 11 o'clock heavy rain was falling, accompanied by cold, driving, south-easterly wind. Ruin continue,! until seven this evening Indications are for squally conditions. The rainfall for 12 hours up to seven o'clock was 1.37 in. Heavy Bain at Taun.uga. Te Awamutu. —Further rain fell this morning. There had been no rain since Friday's soaking downpour, and Saturday afternoon was very hot. This morning ■before nine o'clock a stpady rain set in, and continued all day.

Taupo.—Steady fine rain set in again this morning. The showers on Friday, although very beneficial, registered only half an inch, so to-day's soaking is very welcome. Dull weather continues. Tauranga.—Heavy rain commenced at one o'clock this afternoon. This fall, added to that of Friday and Saturday,- has given the pastures a good soaking. Already a fresh growth of grass is appearing and if warm weather follows there should soon be good feed throughout the district. Opotiki.—The dry spell has ended. Rain fell during the night and heavily all to-day. Unfortunately, it has come too late to check the drop in the production of butter-fat, but it will do an immense amount of good to the crops. Rotorua. —About eight o'clock this morning rain commenced, and has continued all day. It is doing an immense amount of good to the pastures, and will remove anxiety in regard to winter feed. Thames.—Heavy • rain set in shortly after 1 p.m., and continued throughout the afternoon and evening. Otorohanga.—Heavy rain has fallen since eight o'clock this morning. Farmers are putting large quantities of top-dress-ing on the paddocks to bring the growth on for autumn feed. Prospects are good.