MARCH WEATHER

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1930, Page 5

MARCH WEATHER

COOL AND VERY DRY.

WELLINGTON, April 5

Dr Kidson, Director of Aieteorological Services, reports as follows on the weather during Alarch:— The month has been an exceptionally dry one. Few places received half the average fall, and no case lias yet been reported where the average was reached. North of Otago the mean deficiency was between 70 and SO per cent, and it is only in the southern portions of Ota,go and Southland that the departures fall to moderate dimensions. Some places, such as Auckland, Oamaru and Westport had the lowest rainfall ever recorded in Alarch, while at many others lower totals have been recorded on two or three occasions only.

In spite of the fact that there was an unusual amount of symshine temperatures were below normal and frosts were rather numerous.

Owing to the heavy rains experienced in December and January, and the consequent luxuriant growth of herbage, the dry weather did good rather than harm. There is still an ample supply of pasture in most districts, hut rain is now badly wanted, otherwise conditions will deteriorate rapidly. Crops of all kinds have ripened well and harvesting and picking operations have been facilitated.