EXTENSIVE RAINS IN THE NORTH,

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 4 March 1908, Page 41

EXTENSIVE RAINS IN THE NORTH,

A BENEFICIAL. EFFECT. PALMERSTON N., March 2. A brisk westerly breeze, an unclouded blue sky, and dense volumes of smoke on the hills from, the revived fires gave little hope yesterday that a collapse of the drought was at hand ; but to-day the first useful rain since October is falling, and it appears likely to last for some time. It will be of inestimable value to the whole district* not only in arresting th*e bush fires, but with regard to the feed, which the farmers now estimate will be seen growing. FEILDING. March 2. Intermittent showers commenced here and in the Kimbolton district at 9 o'clock, this morning. The prospect is " more to follow." / NAPIER, March 2. Although rain fell on seven days of February, the total for the month is only .42in. Yesterday wae one of the hottest and most trying days experienced this summer. WELLINGTON, March 2. - Drilling rain set in at ■10 o'clock last night, terminating in a heavy downpour approaching daylight. This will relieve those living- on the high levels and lessen the anxiety about the depth of water in the Wainuiomata. To-day the weather is very dull and threatening, and there is every appearance of more rain. During February rain fell in Wellington on only one day, when the fall was .03in. Only 2.06 in rain had fallen since November H until yeeterdav. i Last night's rain raised the level of the water in tie Wainuiomata reservoir by sin, but the surface is still 34ft below the overflow point. There has been a slight, sprinkling once or twice this morning, but the clouds are clearing again, and the atmosphere is very oppressive. NELSON, March 2. Light but steady rain set in this morning, after a shower last night. If it continues, the drought may be regarded as broken up. With the exception of light rain at Christmas tend two small showers, there has been no rain since a week before the New Year till now. The country is very parched, l>ut if they rain continues winter feed will be assured, though late. The sown root crops are hopeless. BLENHEIM, March 2. February rainfall at Blenheim was 1£ j points^ or 15-loooths of an inch. For the | corresponding month 'ci last year it was I 2Jin. Tfc February average for the last >12 years is 2 l-20in. Encouraging showers fell this morning. WESTPORT, March 2. Heavy rain fell. all day yesterday, and effeotuallv disposed of the drought in this part of the Dominion. A wash-out occurred on the railway line, but it was repaired by this morning. ASHBURTON, March 2. Rain began to fall- at 9 o'clock this rooming; and is' e&l falling steadily, with every proapect of, contirsoing-. It was badly needed, as the past season has been the driest this century, and another few days of drought would have made the position of the farmera very serious-,- as they county -water-race system was quickly failing. ' TIMARU, March 2. The long-continued drought broke up here this morning, when heavy rain set* in, and there is every prospect of it continuing for some time. The rain is too late to do much good to- the" pastures, but will do great good to the turnip cropsi and en- j able the farmers to get on with ploughing j operations.