A DRY SPELL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16533, 13 September 1924, Page 7

A DRY SPELL.

CONDITIONS IN CANTERBURY. OUTLOOK CAUSES ANXIETY. (Special to the Herald.) CHRISTCHURCH, this day. r Fhe concern felt by farmers at the prolongation of the present dry spell has been intensified this past day or two by the prevalence of warm; strong nor-wostors, Yesterday though rain did not seem very far away—there were actually a few drops in the morning— a warm, depressing wind blew into the night, and its effects, if it prevails throughout the province, would seriously aggravate the parched condition of the soil. It is the distribution of the rain rather than the annual quantity that influences the question of growth. Last year there was a six inch deluge in May, yet what we term in New Zealand a “drought” practically developed at the end of the year, and reduced the crop yields to almost a record low point. This year the rainfall is ten inches less than for the corresponding period (to the end of August) last year, and the distribution has so far been less favorable. Since June 30 this year to September 12, the- fall recorded jit the Dress office was 3.32 inches, as against 15.14 for the corresponding period in .1923, which moreover followed on the May deluge. The fall this year to date (15.90 in.), is. abnormally low. The break in the weather which set in last week-end unfortunately came to little. It was patchy and in those districts it favored it averaged no more than from 30 to 55 points. From most parts of the province anxiety to a more or less extent is being expressed as to the outlook. Particularly 'is this the case in South Canterbury. The cereal growth in most districts is practically at a standstill, and the general feed position is indicated by the fact that, notwithstanding their backwardness, sheep-breeders have been compelled to turn their ewes on. A. visitor to the country districts of South Canterbury reported to-day that, the season is the worst for years. Cows in many cases were existing on stack , bottoms. The position was grave, whilst any green crop to be seen was carrying sheep. Generally stock are looking well. The mild season has compensated for the jdcarth of feed. However, reserves of feed are about exhausted, and the prospect of heavy early drafts of fat lambs is none too bright. Although the rain keeps off with exasperating elusiveness, there are signs that, it is hanging round and may come to hand when the present gale has blown itself out. A Geraldine correspondent writes: There is still no break in the weather, and the time is a very anxious one to farmers, as well as to townspeople. The seasons have been so erratic for some years past that there is not the same confidence there used to be that the conditions would come all right in due time. The light rain of a few days ago temporarily' freshened the grain crops, but was of little benefit to the pastures.