WELCOME RAIN.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVII, Issue 4925, 13 January 1926, Page 2

WELCOME RAIN.

HEAVY STORM ON MOiNDAY.

PASTURES GREATLY BENEFITED.

After a protracted spell of very hot and dry weather a welcome change took place locally on Sunday evening, when, after several light showers, heavy rain set in and continued throughout the night. The weather cleared about 9 o’clock on Monday morning, but the clouds were threatening. Following a heavy thunderstorm torrential rain fell early in the afternioon. So heavy was the downpour that the ground, even in its parched state, could not absorb the deluge. As a. consequence the lower levels became inundated, but when the rain ceased shortly after 3 o’clock the storm-water disappeared almost as quickly as. it had accumulated. No damage a,s a result of the storm has been reported. Yesterday sultry conditions prevailed, and the enervating atmosphere was not imprvoed by the. heavy claps of thunder that were heard at intervals.

The downpour has, been particularly welcome, and it came at a most opportune time. The shortage of feed for stock in the district was becoming apparent, and the protracted spell of dry weather was causing farmers and others grave concern. A good growth, even yet, fe confidently looked forward to.

For the first twelve days of this, year a total of 1.85 inches of rain lias been reeoided by the rain gauge 'at the focal office of the Public Works Department Rain has fallen on three days on'ly in tliat time, the heaviest fall being recorded oa Sunday and Monday, when 1.35 inches were registered. For the first twelve days in 1925 the amount recorded was .21in.