WEEK-END DOWNPOUR ON WEST COAST

Grey River Argus, 31 May 1948, Page 4

WEEK-END DOWNPOUR ON WEST COAST

The West Coast equivalent of a monsoon has been prevalent for ten. days past, marking a contrast with the comparatively lengthy spells of fine weather which earlier had made the autumn here a season more than. usually mild, Over the weekend, following a change from southerly to northerly conditions the rainbearing clouds have borne down upon the West Coast continually, and heavy showers have been frequent along the greater part of its length. Last evening the downpour was if anything heavier than before, but with comparatively thinner snow coating of the ranges, and intermissions of the rain, flooding has not been extensive. The seas along the coast have been turbulent for several days and yesterday at high tide they were well up on the beaches. In country districts where rain has fallen intermittently for about ten days, the ground is very sodden, but it was stated last night that no danger of flooding existed oh account of the steady nature of the fainfall. The change in the wind direction from southerly to northerly occurred on Friday, morning and marked the commencement of the heavier rain. For about fourteen days there has been rain every day and housewives are finding much difficulty in drying washing, having to snatch any brief dry spell each day. The total rainfall last week was 4.05 inches, of which 1.66 inches fell during the week-end. The heaviest daily fall occurred on Friday when 1.59 inches were recorded. However, yesterday evening’s rainfall mav have brought the day’s total near that figure, as it prompted conjectures as to whether there might not be flooding. The drains were unable to cope at times with the volume of water which backed up over some streets. The heavy seas created an angry spectacle at the Grey River entrance last evening, while streams in other localities were very swollen. Seagulls at the week-end had the free run of all sporting grounds, on which there were patches of water. The latest weather forecastpointed to the likelihood of a continuance of showery conditions. SPORTS PREVENTED Practically the only sporting event of importance at the week-end was the meeting of the Greymouth Jockey Club at Omoto. Except for a single Rugby football game, all other sports were either cancelled or postponed, the state of grounds no less than that of the atmosphere obliging controlling bodies to call off the fixtures. The committee of the Greymouth Jockey Club decided at a meeting on Saturday morning to hold the meeting. Most of the races were characterised by slow times on account of the particularly heavy going which tired ihe horses to the utmost. Probably the weather turned many people against attending. A large percentage preferred to listen to the events over the radio rather than brave the elements. The lessened tote turnover indicated this. Rugby League, soccer, hockey-, basketball and golf fixtures were all cancelled at varying times. The golf course was completely saturated.