A Dry Summer Predicted.

Feilding Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 143, 16 December 1896, Page 2

A Dry Summer Predicted.

Reports from different parts of the colony state there are indications of a phenomenally dry summer and autumn. A correspondent to the Auckland Herald believes that having passed , through a web cycle, we are now on the eve of a dry cycle, and.thatthe summer's prospect of the farmer is a dismal one— [ a shortage of grain crops and of grass, and a starving season for stock. The North Otago Times reoorts : The : continued dry weather is seriously affect* ; ing the root crops in the district. In ' many places the turnips have not come away well, and will have to be resown. The innumerable flocks of small birds ' are also playing havoc with the seed. In some places the cereal crops are also ( suffering, but generally the wheat is , looking remarkably well. , The Timaru Herald reports:— The continued dry and very warm weather , is forcing on the crops at a very treat ' rate, and harvest among winter grown wheat and oats will be early. Early , sown crops are now " shot," and it is remarkable how short in the straw is '. the greater part of the grain. In some places, and that not a few, the straw is not a foot in length, yet the ears are well developed and full. Here and there , the crops run very light, but on the majority of farms that we have seen fairly good yields may be anticipated. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, Dec. 15. Welcome rain is falling this afternoon and continues this evening. It is much required in the country districts.