Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, JANUARY 13th., 1921. CAUSE OF HEAT WAVES.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 January 1921, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star THURSDAY, JANUARY 13th., 1921. CAUSE OF HEAT WAVES.

In the course of an article on the cause of heat waves an exchange says according to popular opinion a heat wave is a longer or shorter spell of hue hot weather occurring during the summer months, and having a temperature higher than the normal for the season. However, the term ‘'heat wave” is only comparative, and in its application to a special weather condition due allowance must be made for the climate of a country or locality. For instance in tropical regions where a high temperature is invariably a feature ol the climate, except at high altitudes, the term ‘‘heat wave” would be scarcely applicable. It is in the colder regions of the globe and especially does this apply to the temperate zones with their oftimes marked variations in temperature that the truest manifestation of a heat wave is shown. .Even in these regions, however, heat waves are only peculiar to certain localities. For instance, an oceanic climate, in other words the climate of a small island surrounded by oceans, unless sit be in the vicinity of a large land mass is not subject to any marked accession of heat above the normal for the season. This more equitable climate is due to the fact that the temperature of the ocean is much slower in its variation, heating and cooling far less readily than a land mass. It is on the larger land masses therefore that hot and cold waves to a marked extent are sometimes experienced in the temperate zones. The pliysiograpbieal features of a country or locality in relation to the prevailing winds have also modifying influence on the intensity of a hot or cold wave. Tt so' happens that in certain years the summers may be cool, and the winters mild, or, vice versa, the summers are unusually warm and the winters cold. New Zealand, with a more or less mountainous backbone extending through some thirteen degrees (900 miles) of latitude, is so situated as to conic under tropical as well as Antarctic influences. As a consequence the seasons are apt to var v considerably at times as either influence predominates. The summers of 1918-1919 and 19191920 were cool; the present season is unusually warm. ’ The two preceding summers were under the influence of Antarctic disturbances. This year these disturbances are virtually absent. So ibis summer there is no frei umit 'chillin': of !'••• land, and especially of the surrounding oceans which are an important, factor in the determination of New Zealand’s climate. Hence there has been a gradual increase in the average temperature of the atmosphere above the normal i'o rtlie season. As a consequence the winds from the warm quarters are warmer, while those from the cooler quarters are ;iot so cool as in other seasons. This phenomenon of raised temperature is due to compression of the air strata in the north-west wind when surmounting the ranges, previous to its descent to the plains. This additional temperature superimposed upon the extra warm nature of the nortli-west wind (minus the com pres-

sion) tin's season accounts for the excessive heat that has been experienced recently. Summed up briefly, heat waves in Canterbury in the summer months are principally due to the absence of marked storm areas of Antarctic origin and the absence of sub-tropical storms which bring warm, sultry conditions and sometimes rain but no great heat, having no gradient for north-west winds. A shallow ,low-pressure area, so situated as to induce north-west winds of moderate strength to blow across the plains is, however, necessary for an an explanation of why in some summers unusually high temperature. To offer an explanation of why in some summers there are cold storms to cool the season, and why at other times these storms are absent would take too much space.

The County Council at Tuesday’s meeting seemed to indicate that members were almost persuaded to take the final plunge and order a motor lorry. Much was said pro and con, the former predominating. Indeed it seemed clear from the general discussion on allied matters that if the Council desired 1 , get work done on the roads, it nnwt needs procure a tipping loprrv. Drays were noted not only too slow and costly but also difficult to get, with the result that urgent works were held up, and complaints were received about the condition of roads in consequence. It seemed the practical view therefore 'o obtain some other means of placing ihetal on the roads—and the lorry is the modern method for accelerated work. There is nothing novel nor original in the idea. Many local bodies and numerous business people have found it profitable to adopt motor transport for the quicker discharge of work. The time saved alone is something, but ’t would appear there are economics in other directions to be made by using modern machinery. The majority of the Council is committed to the purchase of a machine. It is now a question of type, rather than price. The best machine is generally worth having, and the Council lias done well in seeking advice on the point. Most motor vendors have a knack of extolling their machines, and too much ciredence must not be given to tlie salesmen’s statements. But. it should be possible to get information as to the practical work certain approved machines are doing, and by this, apparently, the Council will be guided. That, is a forward step, and the time is not far distant, evidently when a motor lorry will be ordered for Westland County roads.

Before the holidays pass from immediate memory, it would be as well to voice one local shortcoming which was remarked upon bv many people perambulating the streets on New Year’s Eve. That something was the absence or rather the need for the revival of the old custom of seeing the old year out, and the new year in with a procession and pyrotechnic display. This in prewar days was the star attraction for old and young about Hokitika and our country cousins invaded the town for the ocoasion in scores. Now that the war period has been' left well behind, it would not be inappropriate if the ■old custom were revived again. At all events many folk missed the celebration a fortnight ago, and it would be glad to see it revived again, not only for old times’ sake, but also for the sake of the rising generation, who in these faster-living days are missing many of the time honored celebrations which once marked the passing of important periods in our .lives. We realise of course, that the fireworks display entails a good deal for the firemen who do so much honorary work throughout the year so willingly. At the same time the display is such a source of pleasure to hundreds of people that we are sure if its value in that direction is considered the firemen will be prepared to make some additional sacrifice of their time for the public! advantage. If the matter is mentioned now. no doubt some of nur enterprising citizens will take up the question in good time in the year, and see that the requisite ways and means are provided for carrying out a first class display. The public as in the past would be agreeable to subscribe towards the object in view, if it were known what amount would be required. The town can afford to keep lip its past prestige in this respect, and we hope will take active steps to do so as well as in the days of yore when 'the display was generally conceded 1 to be one of the best in the Dominion.