WINTER IN OTAGO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21859, 23 July 1934, Page 12

WINTER IN OTAGO

WORST SEASON FOR YEARS , HEAVY SHEEP LOSSES "During the past 36J years, it is estimated, there has not been in any winter so prolonged a period of' severe weather in Otago and Southland as has 'been the case this year," said Mr. R. B. Tennent, Director of tho Fields Division of the Department of Agriculture and formerly field superintendent in that area,, on his return from a visit to the South Island. Mr. Tennent added that occasional snowstorms were still being experienced there, and there was cold southerly weather. However, lambing did not usually begin until next month, though a few would be making their appearance before the end of July. Lambing in the high country did not take place until late in August. Fpr two months, stated Mr. Tennent, there had been a succession of exceptionally heavy snows and frosts, particularly in Central Otago, causing serious losses of sheep. Even now, owing to the exceptional falls of 6now in the high country, it was difficult to estimate the number of sheep lost. On one property in the Lakes district it was computed that over 3000 sheep had perished in the heavy snows. The whole effect of the severe conditions had meant a considerable domand on stored supplementary feed, such as hay and root crops. The latter generally had boon poor, and farmers were seriously alarmed at tho prospect of a shortago of sufficient feed to see them through the winter, However, it was anticipated that after tho heavy snowfalls and frosts the grass would make a good recovery and if the farmers got an early spring the position might not prove to be as acute'as had been feared.