THE RAINFALL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2815, 26 February 1908, Page 24

THE R A I NFALL.

RECORD FOR JANUARY. WELLINGTON. February 20. tiffurcs published in tho Gazette toJ.iirht show lhat the d\eiage rainfall during January 111 the North Wand, returns being taken at 13 obserung stations, was 40 points (100 points to the inch). The average fall 111 the South Island (recorded at nine staticn o ) was 147 points. In nearly every part of tho North Island the rainfall has been so low that it constitutes a record for any, month since returns have been generally made. ! In the northern parts of the South lelancS the dryne«s has also been most, remarkable, but in the southern parts the rainfall) though below the average everywhere, has not been so deficient. On the -whole there can be do doubt that the past month has generally been the driesr since the country was settled, anl as this month is also a very dry month in the eastern parts of the North Island and Marlborough and Cantcrburv, tho exnerienee is all the more ( unusual in New Zealand. The temperature, though subject to considerable ranjre, had a lighter mean than usual in all parts, and the barometer was also hijrher, with only \orv moderate fluctuations from westerly dcoressiora which passed quickly on the 10th. 20th. 22nd, an-J 30th, with but little influence on the weather.