THE WEATHER.

Otago Witness, Issue 3005, 18 October 1911, Page 22

THE WEATHER.

GALE IN CANTERBURY. SNOW AND BITTER WINDS. CHRISTCHURCH, October 14. The southerly storm which the Dominion meteorologist yesterday (a hot summerlike day) announced would spread over New Zealand was not long in making its appearance. At an early hour last evening the wind changed from north-west to the south, and the mischief was done. The evening's breeze changed to a gale during the night, but this morning broke fairly fine. Towards noon, however, cold showers of rain fell. From other parts of Canterbury come reports of cold weather, with snow and bitter winds in the high country. Two inches of snow lay on the ground at the Bealey at 9 o'clock to-day. TIMARU, October 15.

Cold, heavy showers fell to-day. Big hail fell a few miles out of the town, and the low ranges are whitened again.

COLD SNAP IN CENTRAL OTAGO (From Oub Own Cohhespondknts. -1 NASEBY, October 14.

A rapidly-falling barometer yesterday indicated some sudden change in the mild spring weather which we have been experiencing lately. Towards nightfall the wind became boisterous, changing to driving sleet, hail, and snow. This morning about bin of snow had fallen in the town, and the mountains are again covered. In a district where agricultural, pastoral, and mining interests predominate it ie impossible for weather conditions to be equally satisfactory for all, and although young lambs will suffer considerably by the cold snap, the crops and water supply will benefit materially. ALEXANDRA, October 14.

Quite a cold snap was experienced here last night, and apparently the same weather affected the whole of Central Otago. This morning the surrounding hills are heavily coated with snow, and should frost follow orchardists will have to look to the remedy of firing in order to save their apricot crop, as with snow on the hills there is every probability of frost eventuating. The weather is still unsettled, and indications point to rain, which is badly needed. GALLOWAY, October 14. A high wind sprang up during the night, accompanied bv rain showers. There is a light coating of snow on the ranges. GORE, October 14. The rainfall registered here for the 24 hours ended 9 a.m. was 22 points. We have just experienced a cold snap, snow showers being frequent. _ Snow is lying on the hills at V\ aikaia, 2in having fallen. The glass is now rising and the weather moderating. WOODLANDS, October 14. The rainfall registered here for the 24 hours ending 7 a.m was 41 points. For the previous 24 hours 2 points fell. ST. BATHANS, October 16. The rainfall registered here for 24 hours ended 9 a.m. on' October 15 was 24 points On the 14th inst. we had four inches of snow. LAUDER, October 14. The rainfall registered here for 24 hours ended 9 a.m. was points. One inch of snow fell on the flats this morning, with a good coating on the ranges. The glass, is very low, but rising. ALEXANDRA. October 16. Contrary to expectations, Saturday's storm was not followed by any severe frosts, and the bulk of the apricot crop has escaped. It seems, therefore, that the fruit crop this season will easily constitute a record in this district. QUEENSTOWN, October 14. The rainfall registered here for 24 hours ended 9 a~m. was 7 points. Theie has been. a light fall of snow on the high country. LAWRENCE, October 16.

Since Friday night the weather in this district has been cold and boisterous, and a good deal of rain has fallen. On Friday night snow fell on the higher levels, and en Saturday afternoon there was a sharp snow shower, lasting for about half an hour.

Tho rain which has fallen will ceirfcainly bo beneficial, but the cold blasts with which it has been accompanied will check tho vegetation to some extent and also be bad for Lambing ewes where there is not much shelter. TAPANUI, October 16. Tho rainfall registered here for the 24hours ended 9 a.m. on Saturday was 28 points, and for the 24- hours ended 9 a.m to-day it was 29 points. GORE, October 16. Tho rainfall registered here for the 24hours ended 9 a.m. or. the 15th was 5 points, and on the 16f,h 15 points. We are still having rough weather with heavy rain and hail showers. Wind S.W. Glass still low, and the temperature is down.