USEFUL SOAKING

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 296, 6 March 1928, Page 9

USEFUL SOAKING

RAIN GENERAL IN CITY AND PROVINCE DELAYS ON WATERFRONT Umbrellas and coats were taken from hooks, dusted and donned yesterday, when heavy rain fell in Auckland and throughout the province, effecting great benefit to pastures, gardens and crops. Although threatening conditions turned many from picnic excursions on Sunday, Aucklanders were perfectly happy yesterday, as, clad in overcoats and with umbrellas, they tramped sodden streets and sidewalks. The downpour which commenced in the early hours of yesterday morning, continued throughout the day, and was accompanied by a driving wind which made things a little unpleasant in the less sheltered streets in the city. Coming as it did after the light rains of last week, yesterday's fall produced sufficient moisture to give welcome stimulus to winter feed in the rural districts, which had been causing the settlers some concern, but which now promises well for a return to normality. Reports from different parts of the province indicate rains of similar intensity to those experienced in Auckland, and record great benefit to rural lands and crops. Work on the Auckland waterfront was interrupted, and only colliers and small coastal ships could be worked. Cargo operations were commenced on some of the larger steamers, but as the rain became heavier the work was abandoned, and at noon the men were dismissed for the day. In consequence of the delay the departures of all the larger steamers will have to be postponed. Coastal shipping schedules suffered by the storms at sea, and the southeast gale, accompanied by heavy rain, delayed the progress of the steamer .Karetu, which left Auckland early yesterday morning for Portland to continue unloading cargo from Australia. The Northern Company’s steamer Claymore was to have left Whangarei last evening, but she also was delayed, and will not sail until this evening.