THE WEATHER.

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 37, 13 February 1937, Page 6

THE WEATHER.

(To the Editor.) Sir,—Your correspondent, Mr C. H. Mason, is out to educate the people on how to control the weather. Goodl Most things are controlled these dayi (except perhaps dogs) so why not the weather! The whole idea of controlling the weather can become a very ‘‘dry” or “wet’’ subject, it all depends on the weather, of course. Once upon a timt there lived a King. 1 think they called him “Cutie” which, of course, was very disrespectful, but was short for Canute. King Canute, you will remember, commanded the sea to come no further but you all know what happened. Mr Mason says it must bo a community effort if the plan is to succeed but this is just where he bumps up against his first obstacle. For example. A man who has just transplanted some lettuces wants it to rain, but liis neighbour who has just painted the roof of his house, doesn’t. Their prayers will be different. Then again how far is this community effort to extend! Our gardens can wither up and die so long as a farmer gets his hay in. Perhaps Mr Mason has some idea of “zoning” the weather in say five square mile areas. It would be tragic if the people in Hawke’s Bay prayed for rain and plenty of it, and the Manawatu river came down in flood and swamped the poor “cockies” at Rangiotu, just after they had had their share of “sky juice.” Now take the question of wind. This is to be controlled too! When “kites” are in” the small boys want it to blow, but a parachutist wants it to be calm. The boys being in the majority, win. Mr Mason is just one jump ahead ‘of Sir Hubert Wilkins. Sir Hubert is going to the polar regions to fossick out the secrets of the weather, but he says that it will possibly take from 10 to 15 years t, do it. In the meantime we have Mr Mason as a guide, philosopher and friend.—l am, etc., “X X X X.”