WELCOME SHOWERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19885, 11 March 1939, Page 7

WELCOME SHOWERS

MORE RAIN NEEDED

WIDESPREAD FALLS

' Almost throughout the lower half of the North Island light rain has fallen during the past two days. With one voice farming commuities have welcomed the breaking of a drought which has lasted for weeks and in som» districts for months; but equally unanimously is the hope expressed that these few light showers are the forerunners of a downpour which will relieve parched pastures and replenish drained tanks. , Though heavy rain threatened at Palmerston North yesterday, only light, intermittent showers fell, and the situation in the Manawatu, where rain is badly needed, still awaits relief. Just tantalising drops of rain fell.

The first- rain in Wanganui since February 18 was experienced on Wednesday night when .03in. was recorded. It was not enough to allay the fears of farmers, who are apprehensive for their stock, and others who are dependent on tanks for their water supply. No rain fell in Raetihi Or Taihape, but a slight drizzle was experienced in the Waverley, Marton and Bulls districts. It was the first recorded 1 in more than three weeks.

Light drizzling rain has fallen fairly consistently in North Wairarapa since late* on Wednesday night. Farmers welcome the rain, but so far it has done little more than settle the dust. A welcome break in the drought conditions which had prevailed in Hawke's Bay for almost two months has been experienced. Several light showers have fallen. Though not enough to' give pastures a thorough wetting, the rain should assist the feed problem. (Light rain has broken the drought in southern Hawke's Bay.