H.—34.

Except for two periods of fine, mild weather —viz., between the lltli and the 15th and from the 25th to the 27th, the month of May was a cold, unsettled one, with a predominance of southerly winds. Except in the far North, temperatures, which in the preceding six months had been above normal, fell below it in May. The total rainfall was below average in parts of the Auckland Province and in the East Coast areas. Over the remainder of the Dominion it was above, the greatest excess being on the west coast of the South Island and in the Wairarapa. A number of intense and extensive depressions occurred, and there was a good deal of stormy weather. On the sth there was heavy snow on the ranges of both Islands and considerable falls occurred, also, on the low levels. In Taranaki parts of the plain country had an unprecedented fall for the time of year. On the morning of the 20th a violent north-west gale swept Canterbury and caused widespread damage. Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and some flooding were experienced in the Taranaki and Wellington Districts on the 21st. During the first five days of June the weather was fine generally, but otherwise the month was an unsettled one. There were several severe storms accompanied by continued strong winds from between west and south-west and rain was frequent. Rainfall was below the average in a small area about Cook Strait and in parts of the western districts of the South Island, while over the remainder of the Dominion an excess was experienced. In Canterbury a severe snow-storm occurred on the 9th, and considerable damage to telegraph and power lines resulted. At the same time there were widespread thunderstorms in the North Island. Otago had particularly heavy southerly rains on the 18th, with much flooding in low-lying areas. In July cold spells occurred between the 7th and 10th and from the 24th to the close, but the remainder of the month was mild for the season of the year. Appreciable, growth of pasture was reported. Very heavy rain occurred in North Auckland between the 6th and Bth and again from the 21st to 25th. The total rainfall was above average, also, over all the North Island except parts of the Taranaki Bight and central areas. The whole of the South Island recorded less than the average. Temperatures did not differ greatly from normal. The month of August was remarkable for the prevalence of strong and squally westerly winds. On this account the finest and mildest weather was experienced in districts east of the main ranges. Rainfall was below normal in the East Coast districts of the South Island, and also, but to a less extent, in those of the North. Most of the remainder of the Dominion had more than the average, the Nelson Province reporting more than double. Temperatures nearly everywhere exceeded the average, the departure being greatest in the eastern half of the North Island. Frosts were less frequent and generally less severe than usual at this time of the year. After a comparatively mild winter September proved a very cold month. Low temperatures associated with a prevalence of southerly or easterly winds and extreme dryness had the effect, in many parts, of retarding growth of pasture. The only districts where rainfall was above the average were the far northern and East Coast portions of the North Island and Marlborough. North Auckland experienced extremely wet conditions, with considerable flooding at times. October was a good spring month, mild conditions and a plentiful rainfall causing a vigorous growth in vegetation. Rains above average were experienced over most of the North Island, deficiencies occurring only in North Auckland and isolated parts of the Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, and Taranaki Districts. In the South Island an excess was recorded north of Greymouth and Akaroa. Thence southwards totals were generally slightly below average. There was a reversion to almost wintry weather in November, the outstanding features being its coldness, a deficiency of sunshine and, in most districts, an excess of rainfall. The month was, in fact, in many parts one of the coldest Novembers on record. Though there was fair growth of pastures and stock remained in good condition, lambs failed to fatten well and shearing was interfered with. In December the weather was remarkably fine, with temperatures much above normal. Rainfall was, in general, considerably below the average, but after a wet, cold spring this was not a disadvantage. The only periods when general rains occurred were from the 17th to 19th and the 28th to 30th. Conditions were most favourable for all farming operations, and there was an abundance of feed for stock. Year.—The summer of 1934-35 was much the hottest recorded hitherto. With the period from November, 1934, to February, 1935, there has previously been nothing comparable, and temperatures remained above normal in March and April. Very dry conditions prevailed over most of the country until the end of January, and for the farming community the position was very unsatisfactory. In February the drought was gradually broken, and excellent conditions ruled throughout the autumn. The wheat crop was light and there were many failures. The grain produced, however, was of a high quality, and there were some excellent individual crops. The milk-yield was poorer than for several years previously. The apple crop also was light, and much of the fruit too large for export. The winter was, on the whole, mild, with ample feed for stock, which maintained its condition well. Crops were sown under favourable conditions. Cold and wet weather made the spring a late one, but December was a very fine month, and at the end of the year stock and crops were in very good condition. The lambing season was considerably poorer than in the two preceding years. The rainfall for the year was considerably above normal over most of the North Island. In the South there was usually little departure, but falls less than the average predominated.

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