THE GIFT OF RAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23259, 31 January 1939, Page 8

THE GIFT OF RAIN

Much-needed relief to farmers throughout the Auckland Province was brought by the soaking rain which started to fall on Sunday night and which continued steadily and refreshingly throughout yesterday. To the city-dweller, spending the week-end at the beach or eager for a day on racecourse, cricket field or bowling green, the downpour meant a ruined holiday, but if the rain had been delayed much longer the results in the country would have been far more ruinous. The dry and windy weather experienced so far this summer, allied with other factors which are not of nature's making, has had a most harmful effect on production from the rich farmlands of the Waikato and North Auckland. Monthly returns have pointed to an ominous decline, and for weeks farmers have been anxiously scanning the skies for rain clouds which might bring new life to their pastures, fill the air again with the scent of growing things and allow them to make up some of the leeway during the remaining months of the season. Now at last the rain has come and before long its virtue should be reflected from dairy factory and sale yard as the life of the farm moves forward refreshed. A maintenance of primary production at present is more important than ever. It is highly necessary as an immediate prop to the Dominion's internal economy, which shows signs of sagging under the many stresses and strains which it is being called on to bear; it is also necessary in an indirect fashion externally, for, with further threats of restrictions on our primary exports, it is essential that we should be able to quote normal production figures in support of our market claims. So the rain which spoiled Auckland's holiday was in fact a bountiful gift to both city and province, and that thought should help to allay the disappointment of those who are still waiting for "the real Auckland summer."