THE DROUGHT BROKEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22504, 23 February 1935, Page 19

THE DROUGHT BROKEN

HEAVY RAINS GENERAL After the long period of drought experienced in North Otago during tn past few months and the excessively n°® spell of weather recently, the ram' that commenced to fall early yesterday morning was as welcome as it was beneficial to all sections of the community. Pasturee. root crops, gardens, and lawns were badly in need of. rain, and the position in North Otago, while not as serious as in other districts, was causing grave anxiety to farmers and town dwellers alike. In® rain was of the type most desired, as it would soak well into the parched ground. The downfall will be very welcome' to farmers who wish to fatten lambs, and will assist root crops to make a good recovery. Reports from country districts are to the effect that the rain was very general, and in southern areas it commenced to fall much earlier than in Oamaru,'The Waitaki Valley experienced a steady downpour, the rain up os far ag Kurow being very heavy. In Oamaiu rain commenced to fall shortly after 7 a.m. yesterday, and continued in a steady downpour all morning. Low-lying areas were soon covered with water, but a cessation of the rain in the early afternoon removed fears of floods, and the ram was only light during the rest of the ’ afternoon. Mr William Forrester reports that up to 4.30 yesterday afternoon a total of 1.2 inches was recorded in Oamaru. Up to 0 a.m. 21 points had fallen, and up to Ip.m. a further 68 points were recorded, just over 30 points being registered from then until 4.30 panwhen the weather broke somewhat. _Reports from country districts show that in some places the rain was even heavier than that experienced in Oamaru, and altogether farmers are well satisfied with the fall. In fown any fear of a shortage of water was removed temporarily, and local gardeners were much pleased with the change in the weather.