SOAKING FALL OF RAIN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2143, 28 December 1920, Page 23 (Supplement)

SOAKING FALL OF RAIN.

BOXING DAY HOLIDAY SPOILT. WIDESPREAD BENEFIT TO CROPS. Although the Boxing Day holiday, as far as outdoor fixtures were concerned, was spoilt by the steady downpour which prevailed throughout the day, the rain has done an immense amount of good over the whole district, the benefit representing thousands of pounds. It came at a period when many of the crops of wheat and oats on the light lands were stunted in growth and ripening too fast, and a considerable improvement is now certain. The cocksfoot and other grass-seed crops had been suffering from Jack of moisture, root crops anil rape were showing the effects of the succession of dry nor'-westers, 1 and, in instances, turnip sowing had been prevented owing to the condition of the ground. The warm, steady rain has penetrated well into the soil. In the city, about .68in. of rain was registered. The fall tailed off in the evening to slight drizzling showers. Rain fell over South Canterbury, and as far north as Kaikoura. The dairying industry on the Peninsula had been suffering from the dryness of the pasture. The rain will not only stimulate the grasses, but will assist the cocksfoot crop against the growth of weeds. In Ashburton the rain will quite change the complexion of things as €ar as the turnip and rape crops are concerned, and, as in other districts, material benefit will result to the cereal crops. In North Canterbury rain fell throughout most of the day and eased off about 5 p.m. Later in the evening it came on again in a heavy downpour. The Government's Dominion weather chart shows that the fall was fairly general from Wanganui down to as far as South Canterbury. The fall on the West Coast was very considerable, causing floods. Greymouth recorded 210 points, Westport 100 points, and Bealey 70 points. BENEFIT IN NORTH OTAGO. Frees Association. OAMARU, December 27. After a period of dry weather, accompanied by hot, parching winds, a welcome change in the weather came on Sunday. In the afternoonllight showers fell, but as night eamo'on a steady downpour set in. The rain continued all night, and ud to 9 o'clock this morning about l|in had fallen, but the fall was very much heavier in the country districts, where rain was very badly needed, and the land was well soaked. The downpour was general throughout the whole of North Otago. Cereal and root crops and pasture land will greatly benefit by the very welcome fall, which ceased soon after 9 o'clock this morning and was followed by a dull day and occasional light showers. The rain! necessitated the postponement of holiday fixtures. HEAVY FALL ON WEST COAST. | Press Association. HOKITLKA, December 27. Heavy rain fell steadily last night, and continued till noon to-day. The downpour caused a flood of almost re- i cord proportions. The Westland Racing Club's' meeting was postponed till tomorrow. The weather cleared during the afternoon, and promises to set in fine. DOWNPOUR AT WELLINGTON. , Press Association. v •WELLINGTON, December 28. . A light drizzle set in last evening, and developed into a steady downpour, j lasting all night. It is still raining lightly, and, apparently, will continue j all day.