OCTOBER WEATHER

Hokitika Guardian, 7 November 1928, Page 5

OCTOBER WEATHER

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 7

October was characterised by rains in excess of the average, in all parts of the Dominion. In most districts the excess was considerable, and from agriculturalists’ point of view the position for the coming season was most promising. Heavy falls towards the end of the month especially, were of great value to the East Coast provinces, whereby a dry spell had previously been experienced. In parts of the South Island the absence of sunshine following on cold and dry conditions in September, prevented any rapid growth of vegetation, hut in most districts feed is'"abundant- and in excellent condition. Lambing has, on the whole, been very satisfactory.

Warm sunny days in November are now required to ensure the best returns from the soil. Although the rainfall was on the average above normal in all districts, there were isolated pains in both East and West Coasts, where slight deficiencies were reported The greatest excess occurred in the high country of the South Island, in Central Otago, where some stations had more than double the average. Fla inner Springs recorded 11.58 in. compared with an average of 3.31 in. of the North Island provinces Wellington had the greatest excess, while among the individual stations Taurnnga was outstanding with double its average fall. Temperatures were on the whole mild, and a few cold spells of too short duration to have serious effect on vegetation. A few inland frosts occurred about the middle of the month, one on loth., doing some damage to early

sown crops. For the greater part of the month, unsettled and frequently stormy weather. prevailed.