SEVERE FROSTS

Hokitika Guardian, 25 October 1933, Page 8

SEVERE FROSTS

GREAT DAMAGE IN DUNEDIN DUNEDIN, October 23. A disastrous frost, which Resulted in the complete destruction of fruit in Earnscleugh and Alexandra orchards and spread havoc in. other parts of Central Otago district, occurred, this morning. During the last three weeks eeieral frosts have been combated by orchard] sts, who had managed to save much of their crop, hut the final devastating blow fell early this morning. when the thermometer showed 10 degrees of frest m Earnscleugh and Alexandra districts, and 13£ degrees at Clyde. All efforts to save the fruit l>v means of fire pots were futile. Even orchards which, by reason of their .sheltered positions, have previously escaped the full severity of frosts were • not so fortunate on this occasion, so that- there WII be practically no fruit crop from Central Otago this year. Stone fruit, apples, and pears suffered alike, and instead of a promise of ail abundant yield, owners are now left to contemplate the sorry spectacle of blackened trees, and to realise that their year's work has gone for no+hiug in a single night. Orchards at Roxburgh were more fortunate, as a frost of only three degrees was recorded there, bnt h is yet too early to discover whither any damage has been done to the trees. Potato gardens and straw berry beds suffered severely from the frost, and orchards -on the higher levels wen'?, /extensively) (damaged bv snow which fell over the week-end A severe frost, which was experienced at Ranfurly, where household gardens were ruined. i:rdionted that the visitation was fairly general. •