SNOW AGAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 July 1939, Page 4

SNOW AGAIN

WIDE AREA OF WAIRARAPA

AFFECTED PRETTY SIGHT FOR MASTERTON RESIDENTS. HEAVY FALL AT TE WHARAU. For the third week in succession snow has fallen in the Wairarapa. This morning residents of Masterton and other parts of the district awakened to find the ground, housetops and trees effectively decorated like a gigantic birthday cake and there was a rush by the younger folk to get outside to indulge in the ever-fascin-ating sport of snowballing. Last night's fall was the most extensive experienced this year, the countryside from Woodville to Carterton and from the Tararua Ranges to Te Wharau being affected.

A clap or two of thunder, the clatter of a vicious hailstorm and sudden gusts of wind ushered in a change in the weather at about 10 o’clock last night and snow fell in the early hours of the morning. In every direction this morning snow was visible from Masterton and reports from other parts of the district indicate that the fall was more than usually widespread. As much as six to eight inches fell at Te Wharau and at 10.30 o’clock this morning snow was still falling there. It is the heaviest fall for some years in that area. "The trees and hedges are covered and as far as the eye can see it is white,” said a farmer near the Blairlogie Junction this morning. The snow, in this area, is likewise the heaviest for many years. The Maungarakis are again well covered and at Kaituna, Mauriceville, Rangitumau and intervening districts a fall of three inches is recorded. In fact, the whole countryside right up to the Hawke’s Bay district is affected. Snow began to fall in Carterton and district in the early hours of the morning and at daylight this morning the countryside was covered with a heavy mantle. It is some years since such a fall has been experienced on the flat country. Stock, especially lambs and calves, which are becoming numerous in this area, are feeling the effects of the cold, and it would not be surprising if some mortality occurs among them. A stiff breeze has blown since daylight and in consequence the snow at nine o’clock was beginning to disappear. School children are joyous and are engaging in snowballing and rolling snow men. Although in the hill country it is still too early for lambs, apart from a few early ones, the snow has a bad effect on the ewes later on, probably on account of temporary lack of feed. It is better, however, to experience the snow before the actual lambing period than during its height. Farmers who have areas of bush on their properties are in a much more fortunate position than those who have not, as on occasions like the present the sheep are able to withstand the snow comparatively comfortably by seeking the shelter of the bush.

Reports this morning showed that although about two inches of snow fell on the Rimutaka Road during the night, the highway is not seriously affected and cars are not experiencing any trouble in negotiating the road. FALL IN PALMERSTON N. FIRST FOR FIFTEEN YEARS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) PALMERSTON N., This Day. The first snowfall within the city for fifteen years occurred early this morn.ing and a light dusting was still lying on the ground at daylight. Conditions are still very raw. The fall of snow on the foothills of the ranges reached a depth of five inches, the fall being the fourth this winter.