CHANGE IN WEATHER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18203, 2 March 1929, Page 8

CHANGE IN WEATHER.

DRY SPELL BROKEN. With overcast conditions prevailing on Thursday evening, not a few residents of South Canterbury were of the opinion that the long spell of fine weather was at last about to be broken, and expectations were realised early yesterday morning, when light rain set in. Conditions brightened up, however, about 10 o’clock yesterday morning, and fine weather prevailed until about 7 o’clock last evening, when rain again set in. On this occasion the downfall was fairly heavy, and there was no easing off until after nine o’clock. So heavy was the fall in some parts of the town that the channels were unable to cope with the rush of water, and numerous blockages occurred. In two or three places the roadway was completely submerged. Farmers throughout the district have been awaiting a good rain for the pastures and turnip, potato and root crops. Practically all the cereal crops are now' stacked or being threshed, and a continuation of the rain will soften the ground for I ploughing operations. Despite the l prevailing conditions, there was quite a large crowd of week-end shoppers in town last evening, but they found the elements very much the reverse of pleasant. Last night’s £ain was general throughout the whole district, and in some of the country areas the fall was heavy and prolonged. At Temuka the rain commenced about 8 o’clock, and at the start was fairly light. It increased in volume after a short period, however, and eventually became so heavy that the channels were unable to deal with the water. On the east side the water backed up over the footpath, and in many places reached the shop fronts. Shortly before 9 o’clock the rain eased off somewhat, but there was no cessation until a late hour. The first intimation of the changed conditions which Geraldine residents had was between 5.30 and 6 o’clock, when a few light showers were experienced. About 8.30, however, rain set in in earnest, and the downpour continued for some considerable time. Pastures throughout this district, particularly on the lighter land, had suffered considerably from the long dry spell, and most residents in this part of the district welcomed last night’s visitation. Waimate also came in for a fair share of rain, reports from that area last night being to the effect that rain had been falling heavily there since early in the evening, and at a late* hour there was no sign of a clearance. The Mackenzie Country had not j been as fortunate as the districts : nearer the coast. A few light showers fell on Thursday evening, but , conditions throughout yesterday were > fine. Light rain again fell last even- ■ ing, but the quantity was not suffi- > cient to do any good.