NEED FOR RAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23860, 10 January 1941, Page 8

NEED FOR RAIN

PARCHED PASTURES DAIRY OUTPUT DECLINES WATER SUPPLY ANXIETIES With pastures and gardens becoming parched and water reserves being heavily drawn upon, the need for rain is being acutely felt in both city and country. Apart from the economic values of a substantial rainfall, the average city resident is beginning to long for a respite from the trying and rather torrid conditions which have prevailed for over a fortnight. With the accumulation of some ominous clouds over the city and suburbs yesterday hopes were entertained that a break was imminent. At Henderson and other parts of the immediate city district some showers fell after mid-day, but they were .so slight as to be negligible in their effects. By the evening the sky had cleared to a brightness that was far from indicating an early rainfall. The temperature in the city yesterday was 77 degrees, with collsiderable hllmidity. Growth at a Standstill Everywhere throughout the province pasture lands are browned and dry, and growth is at a complete standstill excepting in low-lying areas inclined to be wot in normal times. The level of dairy production is declining rapidly, and the high percentage of seasonal increase reported earlier is being whittled down appreciably. Although there is no undue concern among farmers and dairy factory managers the majority would welcome a good soaking rain. It was recalled by farmers yesterday that with the exception of the rainfall on Christmas Kve the existing conditions had prevailed for about six weeks. While rain now would not restore production to former levels it would provide feed sufficient to prolong the season. Otherwise, an early drying-off of herds may be expected. Domestic Supplies The water supply in residential areas is becoming a serious consideration. In most of the larger centres and boroughs there is an ample reserve of water, but so heavy is the draw-off in some districts that at times pressure is rather low, A conservation of supplies is already being urged by some local authorities. Residents in the country and in nonreticulated districts who are dependent upon tanks for their supplies are compelled to exercise a rigid economy in the use ot water. In addition to consumption there has been considerable wastage through evaporation, and many tanks are at a low level. RESTRICTIONS OH WATER PRLCAITION AT KAITALY [nv TEI.KGR WMT —OWN COM KKB PON I) RXXI KAITAIA, Thursday A serious position is likely to arise in regard to Kaitaia's water supply if the dry spell continues many more weeiis. Creeks feeding the town reservoir have fallen considerably, this low-j eiing the intake to less than half the .lorinal, which is not sufficient to supply flic town at its present rate of consumption. The authorities are placing restrictions upon the use of garden hoses and citizens are urged to bo economical with the water. The rainfall last year was below normal for this district, a total of 47.7,'h'n. contrasting with the average of 54.31 in. Ihe rainfall for December was 2.14 in. and no rain has yet fallen this month. Gardens, crops and pastures are showing the effects of heat and dust. RELIEF IN SOUTHLAND RATX ALL OVER PROVINCE [nv TELEGRAPH-PRESS ASSOCIATION"] IN VEROARGILL. Thursday After a fortnight of hot, dry weather, steady rain began to fall all over Southland early this morning and continued throughout the day and evening. "It was raining banknotes," said one fanner. The rain came just at the right moment to save pastures from being burned up, a state of affairs that would h avo created a serious teed problem. All farmers have welcomed the rain, but probably none, more heartily than the dairy farmers of the province. The prospects now are for a really good dairv season.