FAITH FIASCO

Hokitika Guardian, 24 May 1933, Page 8

FAITH FIASCO

FIRES LIT TO INDUCE RAIN

TIMARU FARMERS’ ACTION,

' TIMiARU, May 22. Illuminated with fires which 1 had been .lighted in the hope of bringing rhin, [ the whole of the western sky over Highfiold, and KingsdoWn showed a ruddy glare on Saturday evening from shortly after seven o’clock until nine. Many residents of Tiinaru commented oh this and wondered where the fire ■was. > ■ 1 ' ! During-the week a local resident advised farmers thh light fires throughout the district on Saturday night at seven o’clock sharp. It was essential that the fires should not he lighted one minutb'beforp or’after that time', and he gave afv assonance that rain would follow' within either a few hours or a' few days. ;

The oMpliecy met with a good deal of derision, but apparently there were Pome who took the advice, and had thht faith, which, they were assured, was essential to success.

Most perversely Sunday dawned with the promise of a beautiful day, a promise which was amply fulfilled. The long-desired rain is as far iaway as ever, so it seems. But there may have been a flaw somewhere. Perhaps one of the' “faithful”' lighted his fire a second of so ten early or too late, ?his wntclf being either fast or slow.

V Judging bv the glare in the skies there was,po lack of faith.