WELCOME RAIN.

Shannon News, 18 December 1923, Page 3

WELCOME RAIN.

HEAV,Y FALL IN LEVIN,

POSITION IN OTHER DISTRICTS

Several districts in different parts ol New Zealand report having oenefitted by rain which has broken the prolonged drought Which in some places threatened..' i<he farmer with severe loss.es. Others have been less lonunate, notably Hawkes Bay. Locally, last night's rain was. recorded a!t the. Central Development Farm last night as. 58 points, a little over half an inch. Tt was exceedingly welcome and provided, an opportune reiresher for iqpal gardens and pastures. .

In Wellington, which is suffering severely from shortage, of water, the position has been partly relieved by several heavy showers. The condition of things in some of the suburbs which do not possess a high-pressure water supply had become very serious. Particularly was this the case at Karori and Seatoun Heights, Where folk have been carrying water for their household needs. Yesterday morning's light" rain was welcome, but the quantity of water it was,'possible to conserve m the tanks was aggravatingly ' small. At Karori' water had to be distributed by means of a cart fitted with hand pump. i

Wairoa (H. 8.) reports that the dry, hot spell of weather is causing people in tihe borough considerable anxiety regarding their water supplies and daily-inspections of the contents ol tanks are being made,. Says the Wairoa Star; Gardeners are casting anxious eyes at their wilt-ed-looking vegetables and are longing for a good downpour of rain in the near future, but the present indications are. not very hopeful in this rpspect. The roads are getting particularly dijsty and the metal is being loosened on many of the streets, making walkings and cycling anything bui a pleasure. ■ '

As regards the South Island, a Press .Association meissagfa from Ohiistchurch states that the rain which fell over Canterbury jyesterday was very welcome to fanners, and although it has come too. late to save crops of oats where stock had already been turned in on them, it .should freshen up late.-sown crops of wheat, barley and peas. It is stated that in the Leeston district peas have been greatly benefited.

The rain ceased about daybreak, leaving, the country still parched, but the fall is greatly appreciated. The fall in the city was .382 in., making a toOil fall for thirty days of .389 in. The rainfall to date for the year is 29in., as comparted with 19in. up to the same date last year.

An Oamaru telegram says the best rain for eight months was experienced last night throughout , North .Otago, and relieved a situatiem which Was becoming serious, buit too lafle to save some cereal crop*.