THE WEATHER.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 9085, 2 March 1908, Page 8

THE WEATHER.

Per .Press Association. Carterton, March 2. Fierce gales caused recrudescence of fires on the hills and driving flames on the flat. The fire brigade was called out and saved several homesteads, though one house was destroyed. Mr Charles Arcus’ dwelling was burnt and others suffered by destruction of farm buildings, haystacks, etc. It is estimated that the damage is £2OOO. Fears were entertained for the safety of Dalefield, but the heavy rain stayed the flames. Masterton, March 2. A heavy smoke cloud overhung Masterton all yesterday afternoon. The gale had freshened up and fires broke out in the Fernridge, Mount Bruce and Kaituna districts. Thompson’s house on the road to Mount Holdsworth was destroyed. Three visitors to Mount Holdsworth from Masterton had a narrow escape of being caught in the fires. Settlers in Mount Bruce district had to watch their properties till heavy rain set in at 1.30 a.m. No rain has yet fallen in Masterton and the heat is still oppressive. News has just been received that the, rivers Waiugawa and Ruamahunga are in high flood indicating heavy rain in the ranges. Palmerston North, March 2. A brisk westerly breeze unclouded blue sky and dense volumes of smoke on the hills from revived fires gave little hope yesterday that the collapse of the drought was at hand, but today the first useful rain since October is falling and appears likely to last for some time. It will be of inestimable value to the whole district not only in arresting bush fires but with regard to feed which farmers uow estimate will be seen growing.

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 and two small showers there has been no rain from a week before New Year till now. The country is very parched but if the rain continues winter feed will be assured though late sown root crops are hopeless. Woodville, March 2. The wind on Saturday and yesterday livened up bush fires in this district. Some settlers on fhe Gorge and Ballauce roads were badly affected. Since nine this morning heavy rain had been falling and there is every indication of the drought being over. Westport, March 2. Heavy rain fell all day yesterday at Westland effectually disposed of the drought. A wash-out occurred ou the railway line but was repaired by this morning. Timaru, March 2. The long continued drought at Timaru broke 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 pastures but will do great good to turnip crops and enable farmers to get on with ploughing operations.