THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

ABSTRACT of METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, New Zealand, for the Month of APRIL, 1871.

• Altitude 2,104 feet.

• For two years only.

NOTES.

Mongonui.—Thunder on 3rd and wet weather; wind E. On 4th storm from N.E., with thunder and heavy rain all day and
night. 3.74 inches of rain fell in twenty-four hours. Heavy showers on 7th and 8th, with thunder; southerly wind
changing to N.W. Lightning on 17th, otherwise the weather was remarkably fine during the month. Prevailing wind
from E. Maximum temperature on 7th, 76°.

Auckland.—From 1st to 19th cloudy and unsettled, with rain nearly every day. A strong easterly gale occurred on 3rd and
4th, with heavy rain. 593 recorded on 4th, and 1.260 on 5th. From 19th to end of month delightful weather, with
steady S.E. wind. Early part of month winds E. and S.W. Thunder on 7th. Maximum temperature on 15th, 71.8.

Taranaki.—Occasionally fine and bright, but on the whole dull and showery. Prevailing wind from S.E. Thunder and
lightning on 7th and 8th. Greatest fall of rain on 13th, 700 of an inch. Maximum temperature on 4th, 72.6.

Napier.—Unsettled weather generally during the month. On 19th and 20th strong southerly wind. Winds moderate, and
prevailing from S.W. Smart shock of earthquake on 19th, at 1.30 a.m. Maximum temperature on 13th, 70°.

Wellington.—The southerly weather which commenced on the 28th of last month continued up to the 7th instant; during this
period it was showery, cold, and disagreeable, but with high barometer. On the 7th the wind changed to N.E., and the
weather became very unsettled, and generally wet and unpleasant, though the winds were moderate. Heavy rain on the
12th and 13th; 1.050 inch being recorded on latter date for the previous twenty-four hours. On the 18th and 19th stormy
from S.E., with rain, and very cold. During the middle of the month there occurred some pleasant days, and from 23rd to
29th it was very agreeable, with light N.W. winds and high temperature, also high barometer. Sudden change on the 30th
to S.E., and threatening. Prevailing winds from S.E. to N.W. Maximum temperature on 12th and 28th, 67°.

Nelson.—From 4th to 8th strong S.E. winds, especially on 5th and 6th, when it was very stormy, but little rain. Heavy rain on
13th from N.E. 1.32 inch recorded; otherwise weather during the month was fine. Wind prevailed from S.E. Maximum
temperature on 10th, 72°.

Christchurch.—Dull wet unpleasant weather during early part of month. S.W. gale on 17th and 18th, with rain. 1.40 inch
recorded on 19th. Fine for rest of month, with light variable winds. Dense fog on 29th. Prevailing wind from S.W.
Maximum temperature on 15th, 71°.

Bealey.—Stormy on 14th and 15th from N.W., with rain. Gale on 24th from S.W., with rain; and on 26th strong N.W. wind,
but no rain. Maximum rain recorded on 13th 630. Snow fell on 18th. Fog on 8th and 25th. Prevailing wind from
N.W. With above exceptions weather usually fine and pleasant, with little rain. Maximum temperature on 9th, 62°.

Hokitika.—Heavy rain on 12th from N.E. 1.08 inch in twenty-four hours. On 14th stormy from N.W., with rain; and on
24th squalls of wind and rain, with thunder and lightning, from E.; otherwise weather during month generally fine. Fog
on 25th. Prevailing wind from E. and S.E. Slight shock of earthquake on 20th, at 3.42 p.m. Maximum temperature
on 7th, 72.5.

Dunedin..—Fine weather at this station for time of year. Light winds except on 17th and 18th, when it was stormy from S.W.,
with rain. Greatest rainfall recorded on 19th, 0.922 inch. Snow and hail on the 18th, very cold. Prevailing wind from
S.W. Maximum temperature on 15th, 70.0. Earthquake on 20th.

Southland.—Splendid weather throughout. No high winds, heavy rain, thunder, hail, or fog. Prevailing winds from E. and
S.E. Greatest fall of rain only 47 inch. Frequent aurora, specially brilliant on 2nd, 9th, and 10th. Meteor on 27th.
Two sharp shocks of earthquake on 19th, at 4 p.m. and five seconds after. Another shock on 20th, at 1.15 a.m. Maximum
temperature on 9th, 73°.

GENERAL REMARKS.

Fine weather in the Southern and Western districts, but stormy and wet in the North.

JAMES HECTOR, Inspector.