JANUARY WEATHER

Hokitika Guardian, 7 February 1930, Page 7

JANUARY WEATHER

PH KIUSON’S RESUME.

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, Fell 6

Tn the course of notes on the weather lor January, Dr Kitlson, Director of Meteorological Services, states it was a most unseasonable month. Unsettled weather prevailed with only a few breaks. Cloudiness and the number of wet days were much above the average while sunshine was considerably below it. 'Pile temperature,s fell below the usual for January, and an unusually large amount of rainfall was almost everywhere in largo excess. The only exceptions to this rule, were in parts of North Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Southland.

The month was in fact, the wettest January since 1923, which 'was the wettest so far recorded. At Auckland. Tiniaru, Geraldine, and a few other places record falls for January were experienced.

An abundant rainfall has ensured prolific growth of grass and vegetation. Generally Ithc* crops are in good state, the damage done by the rain being less severe than might have been expected.

There has been some tendency in Canterbury for wheat stalks to break off near the roots, the effect chiefly of the earlier dry spell. Some crops, too, will be difficult to harvest through having been beaten down. The grass though plentiful, is rather soft. Dairy cattle are doing well but lambs are not fattening properly. Haymaking has 'been everywhere retarded or prevented. Farmers converting fodder into ensilage have been more fortunate.

Fruit crops are good for the most part hut with store fruit, this is not the case. A dry spell in February will he of much benefit.