WEATHER IN MARCH.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20274, 7 April 1934, Page 13

WEATHER IN MARCH.

Breaking of Drought in Marlborough.

The most important feature of the weather in March was the breaking of the drought in Nelson and Marlborough on March 27, according to the report of the Dominion meteorologist. In the South Island conditions were varied. Temperatures were considerably below normal, but this was not altogether an unfavourable circumstance, since, in combination with a general absence of strong winds, it tended to mitigate the effects of the lack of rainfall, especially in the middle of the month, says the report. In most districts there is abundant pasture of good quality, but in the Waikato and parts of Taranaki rain is needed to produce a good growth before winter. In Nelson and Marlborough, also, there has not yet been much recovery following the drought. Stock are almost everywhere reported to be in good condition; the milk yield has been well maintained; and crops generally are good. The apple crop in Nelson is, however, rather light owing to the absence of soil moisture.

An area in North Canterbury and South Marlborough had double the usual rainfall for March. Westport, also, had a heavy fall. Elsewhere, conditions varied considerably, but excesses were rather less numerous ' than deficits.