WEATHER PHENOMENA OF 1870.

Southland Times, Issue 1278, 12 July 1870, Page 3

WEATHER PHENOMENA OF 1870.

of New South Wales lately, the Eev. W. B. Clarke (one of the vice-presidents), in commenting on the extraordinary weather which nas prevailed lately, said : — "Everyone has noticed the peculiar conditions of the present period — earthquakes, displays of the aurora, irregular gales, absence of hot winds, sudden storms, tropical rains— disturbing the usual order of summer weather, yet dressing the ground in a mantle of verdure which rivals the freshness of an English spring. We may not be able to explain it all just yet, but when the time arrives we shall probably learn that a great disruption of ice has, within » year or so, taken place from the Antartic barrier. After an examination, long ago, of many thousands of phenomena, I pame to the conclusion that at certain intervals or multiples of them nearly the same meteorological occurrences took place. I am informed by a close observer that the year 181? was distinguished by just such a season as this — that was immediately after a great disruption of ice in the Artie regions, which produced just; such changes as we have experienced here. Of course we cannot know what took place in the Antartic regions at that time. But having observed that in this part of the world occurrences are noted at about six months' date from the time of similar occurrences in the northern hemisphere, it, is not without a show of reason that one might conclude that the irregularities of 1819, which was a marked year in this hemisphere, may have nearly corresponded ,with those of .the same year in the other hemisphere. And if so, this year, at an interval of fifty-one years (a multiple of 17), satisfies the period in question."

- Home Scene. — Wife has resolved to be content with the duties of her " sphere," make home pleasant, and always meet her husband with a joyful smile." Enter husband; throws Ms hat on the floor, and drops; into a seat. Wife, preparing tea, looks up with a smile, and is so glad to see him. — Wife : " Well, it is so nice to have you here at meal-time." (A long smile). — Husband : " Ifes, I suppose ao." — Wife: "How has your business prospered to day ?" (Another smile). — Husband : " About so-so." — Wife : " Come, my dear, tea is ready ; let me draw your chair." (Another smile).— Husband (gruffly : "I am too tired to stir. Wait till I warm my feet."— Wife : "Do as you choosej my dear." (Another sweet Bmile). Husband looks up with a .smile on his face too, and Mary, coming with the tea-kettle, hears something like a kiss. Johes (who had just Btood a bottle of the finest brand of champagne) : " Well, old fellow ! how do you like it ? That's something -you can't always get in the North." 1 Sandy (up for the cattle show) : " Verra true, Mister Jones, verra true — it's the best ginger-beer I ever tasted." Jones faints. ."...,