THE DROUGHT PROBLEM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3859, 28 February 1928, Page 72

THE DROUGHT PROBLEM.

HEAVY RAIN IN THE NORTH.

WHANGAREI, February 24. The first really heavy rainfall for at least three montlis was experienced in Whangarei to-day, showers falling at intervals throughout the day and evening. The fall was spread over a wide area, and will prove of incalculable benefit. It has every appearance of continuing. Reports to hand from centres in the far north show that heavy rain has been general, and the main street of Hikurangi was flooded this afternoon to the depth of Ift.

AUCKLAND, February 24. Heavy rain has fallen in the city and ail parts .of the province, and continues to-night. It is hoped that the dry spell has definitely ended.

WELLINGTON, February 24. Heavy rain commenced at about 11 o’clock last night in Wellington, and continued till this morning „At times it was quite a downpour. Th e sky continues heavily overcast, and the atmosphere is somewhat chilly, the rain being from the south. Everything is greatly refreshed, and people appear to hav e more life in their movements.

WAIPUKURAU, February 24 Thanks to a regular downfall in the spring and early summer, Central Hawke’s Bay has suffered less from drought than most districts, but a heavy south-easterly downpour which fell this morning is especially welcome, breaking a spell of two months.

NAPIER, Feb ruary 24. After two full months without rain, a steady fall has set in all over the district. It commenced this morning, and, although the conditions in Hawke’s Bay were not approaching a drought, the rain is welcome.

TAL'M ARUNUI, February 24. Rain commenced to fall heavily about 4 o clock this morning, and continues steadily. All danger from bush fires is now over.

\\ OODVILLE, February 24. The longest dry spell of many years broke this morning, early rain falling for some hours with incalculable benefit.

, MASTERTON, February 24. A welcome downpour was experienced throughout the Wairarapa to-day, after a period of seven weeks of very dry 'Condi tions. lhe fall measured almost threequarters of an inch, and was badly needed for the root crops.