METEOROLOGICAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 22

METEOROLOGICAL.

We are indebted to the Drainage Board for the following information: —

Rainfall for the past week: — Days on which, ram fell, 6; rainfall, 1.450. Rainfall for 1905 to date, 10.228.

Daily record of each day for past week: —

The Rev. D. C. Bates, Government Meteorologist, in his general summary of the weather for March, says: — The past month ends a most exceptional season for the agriculturists of New Zealand. A very wet and prolonged summer brought; Avarm, calm, and somewhat humid weather, during which there were only light rains. These were mostly partial, and some districts suffered from the want of regular rainfall. This was more severely felt in tho west and south west of the North Island, where dairying <"s of first importance. The turnip crops in these parts fared badly through lack of moisture. The dry weatheiexperienced was, however, excellent for harvesting-, and for "cereals the season was much more successful than anticipated. In the returns it is noted that, though n-> fall was unusually small for the month, ye» it came at many of the stations on a considerable number of days. Rain fell at three different times — the beginning, middle, and end of March. On the Ist and 2nd of the month electrical conditions were widely manifested in the North Island, and, though thunderstorms were not noted in the South, the -weather was more broken, especially in Canterbury. The thunderstorm on the 2nd apparently travelled in a south-easterly direction with considerable velocity, and was accompanied by heavy showers and some hail. x

The rain in the middle of the month was mostly light and mild, and fell on the east coasts of botii islands. At the end of the month the rain was rather heavier, more general, and accompanied by high winds, but no thunder was recorded. Though precipitation was slight, the humidity of the atmosphere was evident in marked cloudiness, frequent " niugginess," and a low mean maximum temperature^ while the mean minimum was higher than usual. This steadiness of temperature and humidity undoubtedly accounted for the extensive development of the germ of the fungoid growth of th© potato disease (Phytophthora infestans). Some observers attributed it to the drfness. while others turned back to the wet season, and some regarded the thundery weather noted in former returns as the primary cause- of the outbreak. It may be wel 1 . however, to point to the experience with a. view to timely and preventive measures should a similar season recur in the future. The close connection of the weather with cropping has, by the way, been shown recently in a remarkable manner by the British Meteorological Office. It is there found that, " with certain exception, every inch of autumn rainfall involves a diminution of the yield of wheat for the following year by a bushel and a quarter per acre." In this country April piactically commences the agricultural year ; and atten- '~ tion is directed to this fact in the hopethat, with the next harvest as an end in view, the observers will endeavour more generally and constantly to correlate tho weather with its effects, thus showing its influence upon vegetation, etc. The meteorological returns would then record the farmer's progress at the times of ploughing and sowing, and indicate, changes in thegrowth, ripening, and harvesting of his crops'. All observers should at least add up the monthly rainfalls, and also keeo duplicate copies in their books. Though the record of the weather, winds, etc., may seem of trifling use at the timp, and even commonplace to the observer himself, yet the cumulative value of such records may bo very great indeed, and of much practical use to any station, town, or district when records for a number of years are available. It is, moreover, very desirable for the fuller exposition of the climate of New Zealand.

The Grey River Ars>us says: — Mr H. Bctts, secretary of tho Miners' Union, has received very discouraging,- news from the Midland railway voiles. The wages earned arc very low, in some cases down to 4s 6d per day.

An impudent attempt to break into tho Taihape Post Office was made early cit Wednesday morning, which, luckily, was unsuccessful. About 1.30 o'clock Mr G. Browne, who sleeps on the premises, heard! a key fumbling in tho front door of tho public delivery room. The person, finding the attempt unsuccessful, then went round to the back of the building and tiled a window first, then the back door. Mn Browne at once went to the back dnev md unlocked it, and the would-be Imi-'J

.pril. 16 17 18 19 20 '21 22 Previous Reading. Reading. .. 1.620 .. 1.170 .. 1.630 .. 1.620 .. 1.680 .. 1.630 .. 1.680 . 1.680 .. 2.160 1680 - . .. 2.165 . 2.160 .. 2.550 .„ 2.165 Fall. .450 .010 .050 .000 .48* .005 .485 Total 1.480