FAIRLIE LONG DRY SPELL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22785, 8 January 1944, Page 3

FAIRLIE LONG DRY SPELL

Effect On Crops

Rainfall In 1943

The weather continues to be very warm and dry, and pastures and crops are now showing the effect of the continued dry spell. Rain is now badly needed for the root crops, and grass land could do with a good freshening up. Mr C. V. Kirke. of "Pusey,” supplies the following details regarding the rainfall for December and for 1943: The total rainfall for December was ,89in, rain having fallen on 11 days. The average maximum temperature for the month was 71.13 deg. (normal 70.66); the average minimum temperature was 46.84 deg. (normal 45.72). The total rainfall for 1943 was 29.72 ins. (1942, 25.32 in) (and 1941, 30.92 in). The following was the rainfall for each month compared with 1942:—January, 1943, 2.49 in; 1942, 2.241 n; February, 1943, 2.99 in; 1942, 3.31 in; March, 1943, 1.63 in; 1942, l.OOin; April, 1943, 1.43 in; .942, 1.24 in; May, 1943, .23in; 1942, 2.87 in; June. 1943, 4.601 n; 1942, ,36in; July, 1943, ,70in; 1942, 1.39 in; August, 1943, 1.601 n; 1942, .42in; September, 1943, 7.76 in; 1942, 1.08 in; October, 1943, 3.43 in; 1942, 5.99 in; November, 1943, 1.971 n; 1942, 1.98 in; December, 1943, .89in; 1942, 3.64 in. Illegal Use Of Water The demand made on the Fairlis water supply during the past week or so has been unsually heavy and it has been brought to the notice of the Mackenzie County Council that numbers of persons are using the water to irrigate their gardens. There is a severe penalty provided for In the by-laws for the use of water in this manner, and It is the intention of the Council to take proceedings against any person found using water wastefully. It is pointed out that the available supply is more, than sufficient for normal use, but when used for long periods to irrigate gardens, etc., the level in the holding tank becomes dangerously low. Danger Of Fire f The superintendent of the Fire brigade (Mr W. Close) has drawn attention to the increasing danger of fire due to the continued dry weather and the large areas of dry grass. Residents are urged to take more than the usual care. Cave Red Cross / A very successful social and dance arranged by members of the Cave subCentre of the Red Cross committee in aid of funds, was well attended. Community singing, led by Miss Oliver (Timaru), accompanist. Miss Scott, step dancing, cornet solos and piano accordeon numbers were much enjoyed. Mission Funds Benefit The Church of England Guild recently held a social evening in aid of funds for the Solomon Islands mission hospitals. Items by the children and young people received welldeserved applause. Tennis Tourney Members of the Cave Tennis Club held an enjoyable tennis tournament, when Miss Betty Knubley and B. H. Howell were the winners. Burke’s Pass Institute The Burke's Pass Women’s Institute meeting took the form of a Christmas party. A generous gift received from Mr F. Drake provided the children with extras, races, sweets, etc. Mrs McCarthy (president), and Mrs Clarke (secretary) led the children in a community sing. On behalf of the School Committee Mrs Greene presented each of the schoolchildren with a book.