NEARLY AN INCH OF RAIN IN WANGANUI YESTERDAY AFTERNOON
Nearly an inch of rain fell in Wanganui yesterday, first wet day for nearly a month. The rain followed a period of extremely humid weather with temperatures soaring above the 70-degree mark for more than a week.
Last night was cooler after a steadydownpour throughout the afternoon. The rain had ceased, but th e sky was still overcast at 10 o'clock and the barometer was steady at 29.70in5. There was every indication of more rain during the night. Up to 7.30 p-m. yesterday .96in. of rain was recorded at the New Zealand Friends’ School, St. John's Hill. Yesterday morning was grey and calm with the north-eastern horizon clear till about 9 a.m. Soon after, a steady drizzle set in and lasted till lunchtime. Early in the afternoon however, heavy rain developed and continued till early evening. The rain brought some relief to pastures and gardens which were becoming very dry after a succession of rainless days. Th e city water supply, where the situation was becoming serious, should also benefit.
More rain is required, however, to restore the growth on hillsides baked hard by the summer sun. Because of a wet spring, no serious shortages of water have developed in country districts, but dams were beginning to dry up and tank levels were falling. Rain interrupted work on the Wanganui waterfront yesterday where the Holmdale and Breez e were discharging southern cargo. Both vessels will depart from Castlecliff a day later than originally intended. Progress of play in the Wanganui Croquet Association’s annual tournament, which opened on the Wanganui Croquet Club’s lawns, St. John’s Hill, on Monday, was also retarded. Some games were player in the morning, but afternoon matches were washed out.
Whil e croquet players looked askance at the grey skies and officials of the Wanganui Bowling Centre were taking a dim view of the weather also —the Australian bowling team arrives in Wanganui today—firemen at Central Station were very pleased with the situation generally. The rain saturated dry undergrowth and gave the brigade a spell from fighting grass fires. No calls were received and the firemen had a quiet day at the station.
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Bibliographic details
Wanganui Chronicle, 17 February 1949, Page 4
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365NEARLY AN INCH OF RAIN IN WANGANUI YESTERDAY AFTERNOON Wanganui Chronicle, 17 February 1949, Page 4
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