DRY SPELL BROKEN

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19762, 18 December 1935, Page 6

DRY SPELL BROKEN

WIDESPREAD SHOWERS. FIRST RAIN OF DECEMBER. HAY-MAKING INTERRUPTED. After a spell of fine warm weather extending over nearly three weeks, sunshine gave place yesterday to heavy rain clouds, and showers which commenced to fall early in the afternoon continued throughout the night. Although not heavy, the rain was general throughout the district and was sufficient to check all hay-making operations, which were in full swing. For the 24 hours ended at 9 o’clock this morning the rainfall in Hamilton totalled .35in. and was the first fall recorded locally this month. Further rain is predicted. FALL AT CAMBRIDGE. At Cambridge, following a fortnight’s dry spell, light rain commenced to fall on Monday night, and continued intermittently throughout yesterday. The expectatioris of a heavy fall did not materialise, however, and the rain experienced has not been sufficient to penetrate the soil to any extent, and only a few points were registered. Although gardens will be refreshed the rain has not been sufficient for farmers’ requirements. Hay-making operations, which are in full swing in the district, have been interfered with. BENEFIT AT TE AROHA. EFFECT ON CREAM SUPPLY. (By Telegraph.—special to Times.) TE AROHA, Wednesday. After an exceptionally dry spell of over three weeks’ duration, which had the effect of hardening the ground surface materially, rain set in yesterday afternoon and continued this morning, accompanied by a strong easterly wind. The rainfall will greatly benefit pastures and the flush of milk and cream to factories will be longer maintained than under dry weather conditions.