HEAVY RAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22933, 11 January 1938, Page 10

HEAVY RAIN

OAMARU DISTRICT | RIVERS IN HIGH FLOOD FEARS OF FARMERS ALLAYED [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] , OAMARU. Monday The heaviest rainfall in years was experienced at Oamaru, when 1.41 in. was recorded in a little less than 16 hours. The rain commenced to fall early on Friday night, and continued without a break until well on in the afternoon of the following day. The fall was heavy, resembling a tropical downpour at times, there being almost a complete absence of wind. The total rainfall recorded in Oamaru since December 1 is 7.37 in., or about one-third of Oamaru's average annual rainfall. The total for January so far is 2.66 in. The rain was general through-* out the district, particularly at Kurow and Hakataramea. Fortunately, drying winds followed the rain, and swollen rivers and creeks soon reduced theif' high levels. The Kakanui and Waitaki Rivers are in high flood. At Hakataramea the Waitaki River reached the highest level for many years, flooding land adjacent to the township. The rain has allayed tho fears of farmers, and it is now anticipated that there will be no shortage of winter feed. ' WHEAT AND OATS SUFFER SOUTH CANTERBURY SODDEN [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] CHRISTCHURCH, Monday Extensive damage to crops in the Geraldine area has been caused by the excessive rains of the last two or three days. Both wheat and oat crops have been "laid" on many farms by the heavy rain, and farmers fear that their losses will be considerable. The ground is bo sodden on most farms that it will be quite a time before th<> harvest machines can operate. Grass seed has also been spoiled by the rain, and there is a big danger that potatoes will rot in the ground bocause in many places they are lying in water. Pastures have grown soft and rant, and unless a sufficiently lengthy spell of dry weather is experienced stock will suffer.

A total of ll.Qoin. of rain has been recorded since December 1. The average at Geraldine for five months ia 12in

VARIED WEATHER HIGH GISBORNE TEMPERATURES [BY TELEGRAPH —OWN* CORRESPONDENT] GISBORNE. Monday The change in the weather brought variety, but little real relief, to the Gisborne which has been almost without rain since December 16, and has experienced extreme temperatures since Christmas Day. On Saturday, for the fourth time during thfe week, the temperature exceeded 90 degrees, but yesterday morning dawned with overcast skies, and a sprinkling of rain held promise of relief. The hopes, however, were not realised, for, although occasional light showers fell during the day and. early evening, the total rainfall registered at the aerodrome climatological station was only .02in., while at the Harbour Board's signal station the fall was not sufficient to measure.

The back country generally was more liberally treated, but on the flats the rain was not sufficient to overcome the domestic water shortage, and brought little relief to the parched pastures. In spite of the absence of the sun, the maximum temperature yesterday reached 80 degrees, but there was a sudden change during the night, and the minimum grass temperature was 32 degrees. Bright skies this morning gave way to clouds later in the day, with rising temperatures, but there was little indication of much-needed rain.

ELECTRICAL STORM HAIL DAMAGES GARDENS [by TELEGRAPH —PRESS association] WELLINGTON, Monday Lightning and thunder, with very heavy rain, were experienced at Paraparaumu early this morning, and there was an exceptional fall of hail, which damaged gardens extensively. The full force of the storm was felt at Waikanae Beach. At times lightning was flashing in three directions, and there was a continuous roar of thunder. Then the hailstorm could be heard approaching with a noise like that of waves breaking on a beach. The hailstones were about tho size of bantams' eggs, and campers under canvas had an unenviable experience.