HEAVY LOSSES OF CROPS THROUGH RAIN IN HAWKE’S BAY

Wanganui Chronicle, 22 November 1950, Page 7

HEAVY LOSSES OF CROPS THROUGH RAIN IN HAWKE’S BAY

HASTINGS, Last Night (PA).— Steady soaking rain has fallen on the Heretaunga Plains and Hawke's Bay coastal areas during the past three days, causing extensive surface flooding and high river levels, which are not expected to reach their peak until late tonight or tomorrow morning. With an easing up in the rain late this afternoon, river flooding has not yet been apparent. Fruit and vegetable growers throughout the district have sustained heavy crop losses. Most, seriously affected by the unseasonal rains have been strawberry and tomato crogs. But for the rain, strawberry picking would have been in full swing. With present prices ranging from 4s to 5s a lb, financial losses among growers will be heavy. A Bayview soldiers’ settlement grower reported the loss of some 3001 b of ripe berries split and mushed by rain. The majority of his tomato crop. is lying in six inches of water. Beans, peas and potatoes are also affected.

Vegetable growers fear rotting ot the crops, due to excess moisture in the ground. Much will depend on the weather in the next few weeks.