WHOLE PROVINCE BENEFITS

Southland Times, Issue 23389, 22 December 1937, Page 4

WHOLE PROVINCE BENEFITS

GOOD FALL OF RAIN PASTURES AND CROPS WELL SOAKED After another week of dry weather during which the beneficial effects of the shower in most districts on Tuesday were completely dispelled by hot conditions, more welcome rain fell throughout Southland last night, most inland districts experiencing, with Invercargill, a prolonged and heavy shower which should be of considerable value in restoring pasture and crop growth which has been seriously affected by the drought. Rain began to fall in Invercargill at about seven o’clock last night and continued for several hours. The sky then began to clear, but at midnight it was not yet certain that further rain would not fall. Clouds gathered throughout yesterday and passed inland before the shower began and reports received last night indicated that the whole province had benefited. At Lumsden and throughout the greater part of the Waimea district, which ’ has suffered most from the drought, about three hours of heavy rain fell, giving the district a good soaking which should have a very beneficial effect on crops and pastures. In the Gore district also heavy rain fell last night and was welcomed by country and urban residents. In the Gore borough an acute shortage of water has resulted in restrictions on the use of the town supply, and in the country districts throughout Southland the water supply during the last two or three months has been totally inadequate. Water has been drawn from wells or rivers, and most watercourses in the province have been at the lowest level for many years. The effects of the prolonged dry spell may be seen in any district in Southland where pasture growth and crops have been retarded by the a'bsence of rain. There has been a fairly general shortage of feed for dairy cattle, and although sheep have not suffered this disadvantage, all pastures will benefit from a good soaking. At the Lorneville sale yesterday there was a very heavy yarding of fat and store cattie, many graziers being unable to maintain their stock on the short feed available and finding it necessary to reduce the numbers. Old residents of the province have difficulty in recalling any former occasion when it has been necessary for farmers to reduce their stock because of a dry ’season. This practice is common in other parts of New Zealan'd, notably in Hawke’s Bay, but is practically unknown here.