CORRESPONDENCE.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13316, 17 January 1912, Page 1 (Supplement)

CORRESPONDENCE.

METEOROLOGICAL INDICATIONS. (To the Editor of "The Colonist.") .-:««-,--1» M>plj- V "W»'i";""-,'-' • ' shall be glad to give mv 68 years' experience in Nelson. First, 1 will commence with the moon. Some scientists say that it has no influence on the weather; others say the contrary, and I agree with them. If the moon'can influence the ocean, causing the tides, why cannot it affect the atmosphere, a 'lighter fluid ? In tinolden days, when steamers were not, vessels trading but of Wellington to Wanganui, New Plymouth and Nelson, used to run out and catch the S.K. winds which prevail at new, ami full moon. There are two kinds of south-casters, one the Tt>nga, as the natives ca'.l it, which is a dry one, the other a roaring one, which generally lasts about two days, making it so disagreeable with its clouds ot dust, and always ending in rain. The normal weather in Nelson from August to May is a land breeze at night, which is south, and the sea breeze at day, which is a north wind, not north-west. A north-west wind is very rare here. Last year it only blew five times. Everyone in Nelson conversant with Blind May must know Astrolabe, which is N.W. from Nelson, and how often do they sco the N.W. blowing. It is the north wind they mistake. Now, a great many people mistake the character of the wind. When it is blowing not more than about two miles an hour it is ca'led a, calm, the other a dead «alm. Now, as regards rain, the rainy quarters are north-east, oast, and southeast. It never rains from the northwest. In tlie spring we have showers lasting about 20 minutes, and then two hours sunshine, again rain, again sunshine, and this may last tw« or three days. Now 1'or" the signs of raiiu When you see Maekay's Bluff charged with clouds then you may expect it. When the sky from deep blue at the zenith changes to green or yellow it is a sign of rain. When you see Separation Point changing into fantastic shapes, heavy rain. It is a kind of mirage, and you will also see the trees and houses at Motuoka thrown up. I am, etc., J. SHARP. 1 . -T-Xr