WELCOME CHANGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19462, 23 November 1925, Page 6

WELCOME CHANGE

STEADY RAIN FALLS THOROUGHLY WET NIGHT WHOLE DISTRICT BENEFITED The light drizzle which commenced about four o ’clock yesterday afternoon developed later in the evening into a steady downpour, lasting until after midnight. With every prospect of a continuance of showery weather, it may be expected that conditions will be viewed with satisfaction by farmers in this district, as a combination of circumstances had rendered the outlook rather uncertain. The fairly severe winter, followed by a late spring, had checked the usual growth of feed, and then, before the grass could get away after the set-back, dry weather, and still more parching winds, appeared to harass tho already embarrassed farmer. Sheep were beginning to show signs that pickings were not too plentiful, while cattle were in a still more serious position. During the last fortnight cattle have been entered at the various saleyards on this coast in ever-increasing numbers, with the result that prices have steadily dropped. Hundreds of head from Hawke’s Bay, which district has been particularly hard hit by the shortage of feed, and also from the Wairarapa, have brought prices down to such a level that local beef-growers who have met the market through force of circumstances have lost heavily. However, should steady rain continue to fall, even for another twentyfour hours, the position may be saved, for tho rest of the year at any rate. Indications appear to point that way at present, as the downpour experienced in Wanganui was not merely local, the Wangaehu, Turakina and Rangitikei districts being favoured with at least six hours’ heavy rain during tho early hours of the night. It is the earnest hope of tho farming community that the dry spell has passed.