COUNTRY DISTRICTS WELCOME RAIN

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 143, 13 March 1939, Page 10

COUNTRY DISTRICTS WELCOME RAIN

Water Problem Relieved In Manawatu HOPES OF OVERTAKING DROP IN PRODUCTION Dominion Special Service. PALMERSTON N„ March 11. More rain had fallen in Palmerston North and the Manawatu district in the 24 hours ended at 9 o'clock this morning than for the whole of last month, and it has brought widespread relief to many farmers to whom the drought had begun to assume serious proportions, as well as to townspeople. During the 24-hour period a fall of .195 of an inch had been recorded, which was augmented considerably later in the day. The rain lias been a rich gift to farmers and will mean the saving of thousands of pounds to Manawatu producers. , In several instances production lias fallen by as much as 20 per cent, because of the drought. There is now a good chance of the butterfat supply picking up some of the leeway before winter. Water Problem Solved. Last night’s and today's rain has refreshed and given a good start to autumn pastures, and has replenished tanks in country areas, to which water has had to be carted daily for the past mouth. Most streams and creeks are now running at much higher levels. The Palmerston North City Council’s reservoir at Tiritea has shown a steady rise. A fairly serious position iu the city’s water supply has been relieved greatly. A. and I’. Association Collects. Because of the wet conditions and the fact that rain had made the ground unsafe for several of its principal features, the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association decided to postpone till next Saturday its gala day which had been arranged, for today to aid its grandstand fund.

The association had taken out an insurance policy covering the risk of rain falling between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. As more than 10 points of rain fell during that period the association will now collect £l5O. Another cover was held for the 4 p.m.-S p.m. period, but it is doubtful if the association will realize on that. So far the association has incurred about £450 expenses for the gala day.

CROPS BENEFIT IN HAWKE’S BAY

Fall Inadequate For Needs Of Dairy-farmers Dominion Special Service. ■ HASTINGS, March 12. Welcome rains fell during the weekend and already pastures' throughout Hawke's Bay are beginning to show the effects of the fall, inadequate though it was to fulfil the needs of dairy-far-mers. Hill pastures already are brightening up perceptibly, while crops have benefited considerably. In the Middle Road area, 74 points have fallen since the rain began on Thursday night, while’ inland the fall has been slightly greater. In Wbana Whana nearly an inch has fallen up to tonight and pastures in that area have benefited considerably. Farmers who have sowed within the past week or so will be congratulating themselves on their luck, as the warm conditions accompanying the rain make for rapid germination. / In Sherenden the rain ceased this morning, none having fallen since. Conditions were very parched in this area, and what rain did fall was welcomed by farmers. Almost every farmer, however, agrees that a little more dry weather would have done no harm, provided the rains came when usually expected, some time toward or after the end of March. This, in the opinion of many, would prove ideal for autumn growth and would ensure ample winter supplies for the dairy-farmer. However, any further continuation of the dry spell would make things very difficult and cause the already serious drop in production to be further accentuated.

MUSIC TO EARS OF

FARMERS

Pastures Refreshed In Wanganui District Dominion Special Service. WANGANUI, March 11. The insistent patter of steady rains in the Wanganui district on Friday night and for the main part of today sounded sweet in the ears of farmers in the district after a dry spell of more than three weeks. A light drizzle on Thursday did not do more than lay dust, but for nearly 24 hours showers followed to benefit pastures, stock, gardens and crops. Already grasslands seem to be greener, an appearance caused probably by the washing away of dust, but even so, the parched countryside has been greatly refreshed.