THE WEATHER.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19628, 24 October 1933, Page 3

THE WEATHER.

To the Editor ol " The maru Herald Sir.—“ The fear of the Lord (Law) is the beginning of wisdom.” Fear is belief—a most powerful agent of destruction while it lasts, especially to those who entertain the thought—and sooner or later develops into knowledge. and knowledge to understanding and the attainment of wisdom. It is gratifying to observe that the people of South Canterbury are gradually overcoming their fear of drought, with the result that the drought cf 1933 has lost its sting. Many of your readers will remember that the average rainfall in Timaru for this and previous years which are ruled by th~ number seven, was shown in these columns to be about 15 inches per year, or onethird below average or normal. The rainfall for the year to date. 11.5 inches. Just about coincides with tlws anticipated low' record, yet. strange to say. there has not been a year within living memory where the shortage has

caused so little fear or distress for a similar dry period. Fear, although not abolished locally, is so reduced that the discordant vibrations of thought, as to the weather, has not sufficed to put the whole orchestra out of tune, and sufficient harmony still exists for South Canterbury to carry on its business as usual, or rather, with increased confidence of ultimate success. Now, when we see difficulties on the horizon, we are npt caught napping, but at once with courage buckle on our armour and prepare to meet them. The little rain we have had has come well rationed, or virtually, to order, and none has been wasted in sudden excess. The farmers’ continued faith and confidence in the present and immediate future weather conditions, heartened with the prospect of good crops and improved prices, is the greatest factor in the reduction and final abolition of fear, and ultimate victory, not only over the weather, but over every climatic condition and discomfort which the country and flesh is heir to. The confidence we now see and feel is contagious, and will undoubtedly spread throughout the Dominion, till, finally, it will control Parliament and terminate for ever the panicky legislation the community has so frequently been called upon to endure. —I am, etc., C. H. MASON. Timaru, October 21.