GERALDINE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20926, 4 January 1938, Page 3

GERALDINE

RECORD RAINFALL WEATHER IN DECEMBER Rain on 18 clays in December ac- , counted for the phenomenal total of 9.42 inches, the heaviest monthly total since Mr B. R. Macdonald commenced keeping records at •‘Waitui.” in 1916. A total of 3.20 inches for the 24 hours occurred cn December 16 and a further 1.20 inches was recorded on December 27. Fifteen clays on which rain fell in December. 1936 accounted for a total of 3.9lins. The rainfall for 1937 totalled 29.51 in.. compared with 37.55 in. in 1936. In only four months of 1937 —January, February, September and December — did the rainfall exceed two inches, and in the midwinter months of July and August the weather was exceptionally dry. under one inch being recorded in each month. October was also an exceptionally dry month, with rain on only four clays, and farmers become concerned at the prolonged dry period. Fortunately the weather broke in mid-November. rain on the 17th. 18th and 19th accounting for a total of 1.40 inches. It was feared that the broken weather in December, with the frequent and heavy rain, would beat clown the crops, which had already suffered a set-back owing to the dry spell soon after sowing, but in practically every case they withstood damage. Late shearing has suffered frequent interruption, however, and the work on back-country runs has been delayed by several weeks. In cases the recent downpour has washed out some turnip crops. In January, 1930. when severe flooding occurred, 9.l7ins. was recorded. Last month’s total exceeded that amount by 25 points, but fortunately there was no flood damage in the

district. July 1929 was also very W( 8.16 in. being recorded. The following table makes an inte esting comparison:—

IDEAL HOLIDAY WEATHER Ideal weather conditions were enjoyed yesterday when brig't sunshine continued’throughout the day. As showery and dull conditions have prevailed since Christmas Eve. the most was made of the perfect weather yesterday, many picnic parties making for Peel Forest and the Waihi and Te Moana Gorges. Except for a steady stream of motorists, many with caravans, returning north and south, the town was quiet throughout the day.

1937 ins. 1936 ins. 1935 ins. 1934 ins. Januarv 4.35 1.92 2.45 5.83 February 2.90 8.32 2. <2 2.66 March .. .. 1.76 6.30 2.08 2.66 April .. .. 1.12 1.59 2.22 1.85 M a v 1.71 .29 1.67 5 '*1 June .. .. 1.62 2.12 4.73 2.07 July .. .. .89 3.65 .83 1.35 August .70 1.57 .31 1.55 September .. 2.33 1.19 94 3.06 October .97 ..29 2.65 3.47 November .. 1.52 6.23 3.95 1.30 December .. 9.42 3.08 1.96 1.34 Total .... 29.51 37 55 27.02 32.33