HOT, DRY SPELL.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18586, 21 December 1934, Page 9

HOT, DRY SPELL.

CANTERBURY SUFFERS

PASTURES SCORCHED

(Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH,'Iast flight. The- hot dry spell in Canterbury has been intensified during the last week. To-day was the hottest day of this summer, 86.9 degrees in Christchurch, and in some country districts thermometer readings even higher are reported. A. nor’-west breeze made the heat in the afternoon even more oppressive* This is the fourth day in less than a month on which the temperature; has exceeded 80 degrees. During the present week farmers have become concerned over the long spell of rainless weather. Up till the week-end the position was not alarming, though grass pastures were sadly scorched. The last few extremely hot days, however, have made the immediate outlook muchworse, and unless the weather breaks before the New Year, the effect on root and cereal crops may be severe. Spring sown wheat crops are already showing signs of maturing too early, and poorly-filled grain and light yields may be expected. The autumn sown wheat, however, is generally looking well, but good rain would benefit all crops. There is more than the usual danger.of grass fires, because rankly grown grass is now dry and inflammable.