RAIN IN CANTERBURY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22210, 10 September 1935, Page 10

RAIN IN CANTERBURY

RELIEF OF ANXIETY WHOLE PROVINCE SOAKED GENERAL BENEFIT TO CROPS [I(Y TELEGRAPH —OWN COUUESI'ONDENT] CHRISTCUUHCH. Monday The increasing anxiety of fanners at the prolonged absence of rain was completely relieved to-day, when a copious fall occurred practically throughout the provineo. The raiti started between live and six o'clock this morning and continued uninterruptedly throughout tho day and at latest advices in the evening it was still falling, although not so heavily as before. In some districts tho fall ranged from l.'2oin. in Mid-Canter-bury to 3.5 in., tho latter fall having been recorded at Waikari. The rain will bo particularly welcome to farmers on light land areas and in practically all North Canterbury, where it was heaviest and most needed. Crops generally had been looking quite well, but there was no reservo of moisture to carry them along into the early summer. To-day's solid downpour will ensure good growing conditions for some time to como and make a pronounced difference in tho cereal yields. Pasture has been more affected than crops. Unseasonably severe frosts in many districts during" tho last fortnight gavo a serious chock to growth, but normal spring weather should promote a vigorous revival now that the subsoil has been so thoroughly saturated. The only cause for concern is the effect tho downpour will have on lambing. This is now well in progress on the Canterbury Plains and the low temperature may be expected to take some toll of tho lambs. However, in aggrogate, this possible loss will bo far more than compensated by the general benefit to tho country. Markets wcro beginning to reflect a feeling of uncertainty fis to feed, but the rain will remove any cause for apprehension in this respect.

DELUGE IN FAR NORTH ROAD TRAFFIC DELAYED SMALL BRIDGE WASHED AWAY [by tei,kgraph OWN correspondent] KAITAIA, Monday Heavy rain fell in various parts of the Far North on Saturday etening, the records from various places ranging from 2.30 in. at Kaitaia to over 4in. at Lake Ohia. In the Fairburn and Lake Ohia districts tho roads were flooded and motor traffic held up, as a result of which church services could not be hold in these districts. A small bridge was washed away at Lake Ohia, but otherwise no damage was done. Slips have come down on some roads and will have to be cleared, but they are not of sufficient dimensions to block traffic. SEVERE WAIKATO CONDITIONS SHOWERS AND COLD WINDS [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Monday Boisterous wintry weather, with strong winds and frequent cold showers, was experienced in Hamilton vesterdav and to-day. The rainfall for the 24 hours ended 9 a.m. to-day was 0.71 in. There were heavy showers this afternoon and this evening. BAY OF PLENTY IMPROVEMENT A WARM SUNNY DAY [bj TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] TAURANGA, Monday A showery week-end was followed with heavy rain last night and in the early hours of this morning sprinn weather prevailed at Tauranga and Whakatane to-day, and for the greater part of the day there was very warm sunshine. Tho rainfall as registered at Tauranga at nine o'clock this morning was 1.70 in. Ploughing operations are being pushed on all- over tho Tauranga district in preparation for the sowing of maize crops, and a large acreage will be planted. Plum and peach trees arc in full bloom.