WEATHER IN MARCH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 732, 8 April 1933, Page 15

WEATHER IN MARCH.

Feed and Water Shortage in South Island. March, in the main, was a very dry, warm and sunny month,” states the report of the Dominion meteorologist for the past month. “ The eastern districts of the South Island suffered severely from the prolonged shortage of rain. The situation was rendered all the more unfavourable owing to the prevalence of hot, dry, north-westerly winds. In the North Island, conditions on the land were, on the whole, very good. Feed was abundant and stock was in good condition. In the South Island there was a serious feed and. water shortage in practically all eastern districts, but especially Canterbury and Marlborough. Fruit and wheat crops appear to be fairly good, but fodder crops, such as turnips and rape, have been badly affected. Turnips have suffered, also, from depredations by the dia-mond-backed moth, while the grass grub has caused considerable loss of feed in some areas. The mean temperature was considerably above normal over the North Island, but in the South Island conditions varied, some places being warmer and some cooler than usual. There were some very warm days, particularly in Canterbury. Christchurch, for example, experienced its warmest weather for this summer, the maximum temperature exceeding 87deg. Fahr. on both March 19 and 21. Some light frosts occurred, more especially in the South Island. The mountains were unusually clear of snow. Almost all districts experienced abundant sunshine, though Napier had rather less than usual. Nelson registered 285 hours, Blenheim 269, and Lake Tekapo 255 hours.