WELCOME RAINS

Southland Times, Issue 22200, 18 December 1933, Page 7

WELCOME RAINS

CANTERBURY VISTTATION. STEADY FALL DURING WEEK-END. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, December 17. Steady rain set in from the east today with every prospect of a continuance. Rain is very badly needed. Already sufficient has fallen to freshen the pastures and wheat crops, but to do an appreciable amount of good much more rain is needed. However, the prospects of a steady soaking ram continuing for a useful period are better now than they have been for many weeks, and a continuance of this easterly weather with steadily falling rain would assure the season for farmers. Rain is general over the province, and in North Canterbury, where the drought has been most severe, half an inch has fallen. DE OUGHT BROKEN WASHOUTS ON THE COAST. (Per United Press Association.) Greymouth, December 17. After a droughty period of five weeks rain came on Saturday with the nor’westerly wind, gradually increasing over the week-end. The Hokitika river ran bank high at mid-day on Saturday, but then receded. The Grey river rose markedly to-day, indicating steady rain up the valley. Streams near the town rapidly flooded, and since mid-day some of the streets’ surfaces have been under water. The worst damage, however, is in the Brunner vicinity, where it is reported two old Dobson mine shafts allowed the entry of water, so that the mine may be idle for a day or two. On the midland railway line near the Dobson mine, there have been two washouts, each 20 feet deep and 30 feet long; also two slips cast of Stillwater. Gangs have gone to repair them, but it is doubtful if the trains will run to-morrow. ‘

Other slips occurred on the Reefton and Runanga lines, and considerable flooding around Omoto near Greymouth, but no damage there is reported.