NEED FOR RAIN

Evening Post, Volume CXVII, Issue 72, 26 March 1934, Page 8

NEED FOR RAIN

CONDITIONS IN WAIKATO

With 23 days of the month' of March passed, the rainfall for the period in Hamilton, has totalled only .73in. ' The average rainfall for the month is 3.40 in states a Hamilton correspondent.The lack of rain, extending over several; weeks, is causing serious concern among dairy farmers. Pastures are drying up.rapidly and in many districts are becoming parched. Crops.of maize have been destroyed by .«<*riy■: frosts and hay.; and ensilage which had been conserved for winter use:are being <br6aehed to supplement the supply of turnips and the little grass that is still available. ' ' '•' - The Waikato .pastures need rain frequently, especially in the late-summer ana drenching warm rain for several days is now wanted to restore »rowth and extend the supply of'milk. - During the last three weeks cows have been drying off rapidly, and the present prospects are that the dairying season will be considerably shortened". The prolonged dry spell is having an adverse effect on, metalled and samW loads, which arc seriously deteriorating m the absence of the binding effect of moisture. Clouds of dust are raised by motor traffic.and find their way into neighbouring farms. ■ ' Another effect of-the dry weather nas_been the. prevalence of swamp fires at- Buakura and Kukuhia. These fires while doing no actual damage -to properiy, have caused dense clouds *of smoke, which have hung over. Hamilton antUhe neighbouring districts, affecting visibility, especially in the mornings when fogs have, been prevalent.