DUST STORMS RECUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22345, 17 February 1936, Page 9

DUST STORMS RECUR

STATES OF AMERICA WHEAT CROPS DAMAGED NEW YORK. Feb. 14 The first great dust storm of 1936 has just blown itself out and details of the return of this phenomenon to five States in the south-west seem to indicate that last summer's scourge is returning. Clouds of sifting dust, in places mixed with fine snow, blew last night in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexicd, Colorado and Kansas—the centre of last year's storms which cut across the nation. Temperature dropped and added to the discomfort of the people. Springfield, Colorado, reported that dust-laden clouds reduced visibility to one-twentieth of a mile and disrupted communications. The bare top soil of Texas fields was srtcked up by a 45-miles-an-hour wind and carried toward the low pressure area in the "Panhandle."

Kansas reported its third dust storm in six days, which was aggravated by snow. Visibility extended for only 60 feet. Farmers, moreover, who a fortnight ago were optimistic over the winter wheat prospects, now say that half the crop has been lost.