NEED FOR RAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25053, 17 November 1944, Page 4

NEED FOR RAIN

dry spell in nobth DUST FROM AUSTRALIA (0.C.) WHANGAREI, Thursday Dust from the drought areas of Australia has swept across the Tasman and dust clouds have been seen in some areas in Northland, both at dusk , last night and again today. With an overcast sky, an oppressive atmosphere and a particularly high temperature for this time of the year, the dust clouds in some districts have caused a noticeable to the low rainfall of the past month pasture growth in Northland has been retarded. Heavy rain is needed if dairy production is to be maintained and the normal hay crop harvested. The total rainfall for the past three weeks has been under half an inch. The restriction on the use of fertilisers during the war years has contributed to the rapid deterioration of the pastures in the dry spell. . .. „„„„ Generally dairy companies in the area report that the increases in cream supply that were shown at tho beginning of the season have not been maintained. Normally there is a progressive increase in factory .output until the peak is reached about Christmas.