URGENT NEED FOR RAIN

Taranaki Daily News, 2 April 1934, Page 16

URGENT NEED FOR RAIN

CONDITIONS IN WAIKATO. PASTURE GROWTH RETARDED. Hamilton, March 23. With 23 days of the month of March passed, the rainfall for the period in Hamilton has totalled only' .73in. The average rainfall for the month is 3.40 in. The lack of rain, extending over several weeks, is causing serious concern among dairy farmers. Pastures are drying up rapidly and in many districts are becoming parched. Crops of maize have been destroyed by early. frosts, and hay and ensilage which had been conserved for winter use are being broached to supplement the supply of turnips and the little grass that is still available. The Waikato pastures need rain frequently, especially in the late summer, and drenching warm rain for several days is now wanted to restore growth and extend the supply of milk. During the last three weeks cows have been drying off rapidly, and the season will be considerably shortened. The prolonged dry spell is having an adverse effect on metalled and sanded roads, which are seriously deteriorating in the absence of the binding effect of moisture. Clouds of dust are raised by motor traffic and find their way into neighbouring farms. Another effect of the dry weather has been the prevalence of swamp fires at Ruakura and Rukuhia. These fires, while doing no actual damage to property, have caused dense clouds of smoke, which have hung over Hamilton and the neighbouring districts, affecting visibility, especially in the mornings, when fogs have been prevalent.