RAIN AT LAST

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20281, 25 August 1937, Page 8

RAIN AT LAST

DRY SPELL BROKEN EFFECT ON LAMBING. The long dry spell of over a fortnight was broken to-day when heavy rain set in throughout the Waikato. The weather has been very dry for this time of the year, and except for a slight drizzle yesterday the pastures have been without rain since the first week of this month. Although the average rainfall for August in Hamilton is nearly four inches and there is less than a week to the end of the month there has not yet been an inch recorded.

The long dry spell has materially helped lambing and although it is early in the season indications are that the lambing will be fully as good as last year when a record season was experienced. The cold frosts regarded lambing in some quarters, but for the most past the weather has been satisfactory. This rain now may increase the mortality on unsheltered properties and in the hills hut unless it is continuous and heavy for several days it will not do much harm.

The breaking of the dry spell will be welcomed by the dairy farmers who have begun to worry about their pastures. Solid rain now, followed by another fine break will ensure a good spring growth with a consequent satisfactory season. Gardeners in Hamilton, with their gardens now in order, will also welcome the rain as it will materially assist the growth of the spring plants. The rain in the town early this afternoon was very heavy and gutters in all parts of the borough rapidly filled. It was a common spectacle to see the water flowing over the footpaths.