SEVERE DROUGHT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 April 1939, Page 8

SEVERE DROUGHT

MARLBOROUGH DISTRICT AFFECTED WORST REPORTED FOR FIFTY YEARS. FEED SHORTAGE BECOMING SERIOUS. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association ) BLENHEIM, This Day. Most of Marlborough is still in the threes of the worst drought for nearly fifty years. The total rainfall for the first quarter of the year was only thirty-eight points, distributed as follows: —Six points in January, seven points in February and twenty-five points in March. The dry spell actually extends over nearly four months, as the last useful rain fell early in December, the gauging that month being 4.61 inches, which is double the average, but all of it fell early in the month, followed by a series of heavy drying north-westerly gales. The feed shortage in most districts is assuming a serious aspect. Rain is essential before the onset of cold weather destroys hopes of late growth. The dairying industry is feeling the pinch. Factories report a reduction of outputs for the season exceeding ten per cent on the average. The harvest has failed to reach the early optimistic expectations, although some remarkably good yields have been recorded, especially for small seeds.

Bush and grass fires are still a grave menace. Outbreaks persist in various localities while local body plantations near Renwick have been severely hit, the losses of trees running to probably a thousand. These extensive plantations of pines and eucalyptus are located alongside the Wairau River, the water of which has dwindled to a comparatively small stream, which has withdrawn to the opposite side of its milewide shinglebed, leaving the trees to wilt as if swept by fire. Livestock are maintaining condition so far, and farmers generally are still hopeful that early rain will minimise the worst effects of the dry spell. A satisfactory feature as far as the town is concerned, is the maintenance of the water supply, which is still available, though garden hosing is on a zoned basis.