REMARKABLE RISE OF THE BAROMETER AT HOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 4341, 23 March 1882, Page 4

REMARKABLE RISE OF THE BAROMETER AT HOME.

On January 18, 1881, occurred the dreadful snow etorm which seemed to bring back the winters of old time j but, strange to say, the same anniversary this year the weather was, as it has been through the winter, as mild as spring, and tho barometer rose to the unparalleled hefght of 30 95, or within an ace of 31iu. Since 1825 this phenomenon has not occurred, and of course the attention of meteorologists ha 9 been much drawn to the fact. It would be interesting to inquire by the light of medical statistics whether any unusual result has occurred in respect to the public health, as the abnormal range has continued for some days paßt. One unpleasant accompaniment waß a Beries of continued fogs, which enveloped the whole of England, ana made life in London a burden. To live in an atmosphere of pea soup is as depressing an ordeal as can well be imagined. An important question connected with the atmospheric range ia the effect on coal mines. There seems some reason to think that a high barometer precedes explosions, as the pent-up gas, retained and held back for days under pressure, accumulates in volume, and when the depression sets in it rushes out in immense •volumes ready to explode on the least provocation. Hence it should be the duty of the authorities to send warnings to all coalowners to take extra precautious at such times. In tbe present instance a publicspirited individual— Mr Richard Rapier, of Westminster — has at his own expense made up for the shortcomings of the Government by sending warnings to all the principal mining centres. It is to be hoped the recent unfortunate accident to the aeronaut, Mr Powell, will not prevent explorations in the upper regions of the atmotphere, as at times like these tbey would be specially valuable, for, though so calm, undisturbed, and equable [ a 9 the lower Btratum is, it is not improbable that strong currents little suspected would be found flowing in tho upper regions.— Correspondent N.Z. Times.