DROUGHT BROKEN

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10284, 20 May 1919, Page 4

DROUGHT BROKEN

VALUABLE RAIN -STEADY FALLS THROUGHOUT NORTH ISLAND. Tho drought broke in most parts o! the North Island during the week-end. The downpours were welcome to farmers and of groat value to the country. Hav.ke's Bay, one of the districts most troubled by the drought, reports a good rainfall, with prospects of more to follow. In the city there was further steady rain yesterday, but it is stated oihcially that citizens will still have to draw very carefully on the water eup!piy. The forecast issued by the Government Meteorologist last night predicts further cold and boisterous weather with rain generally. Indications that the farmers in the north may have to cope with the other extreme to drought conditions are contained in the forecast of "further heavy rain and rivsra iking in many parts of the North Island." '' The barometer is falling, but is expected to rise everywhere soon. REPORTS FROM OTHER PARTS. Preis ASfloc^ntion. '»WHANG AREI, May 19. •■ During the 48 hours from 8 a.m. o:<f Saturday the rainfall registered' at* Whangarei totalled 3.28 inches. # Outside reports indicate that the rainfall! is general throughout the northern peninsula. NAPIER, May 19. Two point four inches of rain fell t« 9 a.m. to-day. The weather is now clearing up. MASTERTON, May 19. Heavy rain has fallen in the Wail*" rapa throughout the day, and the drought is entirely broken. A Press Association message from Gisborne states that heavy warm rain fell on Sunday night, bringing great relief to pastoralists. A telegram from Dnnnevirke states that rain has been falling "there steadily since Saturday night. A message from Waipawa states:— The drought has broken. A good soaking rain started yesterday morning, and continues steadily. The weather is warm, and hopes are entertained that the frost will keep off louts enough to allow a little new growth; to- tide , r,, the stock over the winter. •■-•