THE DRY WEATHER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 53, 21 February 1908, Page 2

THE DRY WEATHER.

L XI'AIiALLKLED STRETCH. Wellington, Last Night. Figures published in the Gazette tonight show that the average rainfall during January in the North Island returns (being taken at 13 observing stations) was -10 points (100 points to the inch). The average fall in the South Island- (recorded at nine Stations) was 147 points. In nearly every part of the North Island the rainfall has been so low that it constitutes a record for any month since returns have been generally made. In the northern parts 01 the South Jslaud the dryness has also been most remarkable, but in the southern puts the rainfall, though below the arerage everywhere, has not been so deficient. On the whole there can he 110 doubt that the past month has generally been the driest since the country was Settled, and as this follows a second very dry month in the eastern parts of the North Island and Marlborough and Canterbury in the South, the experience is all the more unusual in New Zealand. The temperature, though subject to a considerable range, had a higher mean than usual ill all parts, and the barometer was also higher with only very moderate fluctuations from westerly depressions, which passed quickly, on the 10th, 20th, 22nd and 30th, with but little inlluenco 011 the w6atlier.