COUNTRY DISTRICTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21962, 20 November 1934, Page 10

COUNTRY DISTRICTS

FALLS IN MANY CENTRES RELIEF TO PASTURES HIGH TEMPERATURES PREVAIL After a dry spell lasting several weeks, rain lias been fairly general throughout the Auckland Province during the last few days. In some centres heavy falls have been experienced and in most sufficient has fallen to refresh adequately pastures and gardens which were beginning to show the effects of the dry weather. A feature has been llie high temperatures prevailing and with the absence of wind a quick response from pastures and crops throughout the province is expected. Reports from Herald correspondents at various centres have been received as follows:—' Opotiki.—The rainfall for 36 hours during the week-end totalled 1.16 in. The rain will be very beneficial to farms and gardens which were very drv. Tauranga.—The dry spell was broken at the week-end. The total rainfall for Saturday and Sunday and up to 9.30 a.m. yesterday, was 0.85 in. Pastures and crops will benefit greatly as the rain was accompanied by high temperatures and very little wind. Prior to the break in the weather November had been very dry, with a . total rainfall of only 0.20 in. Hamilton,—After a wot and sultry week-end, fine and cooler weather prevailed in Hamilton yesterday . until about 4.30 p.m., when sharp showers occurred. Rain fell again in the evening. The rainfall for the 48 hours ended 9 ft.m. yesterday was I,33inbringing the total for November to date up to 3.01 in. Warkwortb.—Further showers fell this afternoon. The rain is opportune for farmers who are cultivating now ground as the surface was becoming verv hard. 3*ukekohe.—Heavy rain fell late on Sunday night and there were some short showers yesterday. The ground is now well moistened and a few days' fine weather will stimulate rapid growth. Households dependent upon tanks for their water supply have been relieved of anxiety. Some hay crops which had ripened were cut before the ram and are on the ground. SUDDEN ROTORUA STORM ARTILLERYMEN ABANDON TENTS [by; telegbaph—own correspondent] ROTORUA. Monday A very heavy storm of short duration broke over Rotorua at 6 o'clock this evening. Torrential rain fell accompanied by loud claps of thunder. At Whakarewarewa the footpaths were flooded to a depth of several inches. The downpour made conditions very unpleasant for the members of the 18th Battery, which is at present encamped on the racecourse. The tents were abandoned and the men will sleep tonight in dry quarters under the grandstand. As the storm was not accompanied by any wind very little damage was don«»- other than minor washouts.