460
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 21

ABSTRACT of METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS, New Zealand, for the Quarter ending 31st December, 1885.

OCTOBER.

NOVEMBER.

DECEMBER.

NOTES FOR OCTOBER.

Auckland.—On 2nd stormy from S.W., with showers, and squally during middle of month from same quarter, with rain; otherwise rather fine weather, with moderate rainfall, the maximum on 4th ·54in.; prevailing wind S.W.

Wellington.—From 1st up to 5th squally, showery weather from W., changing to S.E.; 6th to 12th fine weather generally, wind variable and moderate; on 13th showery, and during night heavy rain from S.E., 1·15in. recorded on 14th, maximum for month; also showery on 15th and 16th from W. and S.W.; 17th to 23rd fine, but at times strong wind from N.W.; night of 23rd rain, and showery to 25th, N.W. wind; remainder of month fine; prevailing wind for month from N.W., and frequently stormy; hail on 1st.

Lincoln.—Generally fine, with prevailing S.W. and N.E. winds, and small rainfall, the maximum recorded on 1st ·286in.

Dunedin.—Changeable weather, with light showers, the maximum rainfall on 19th ·44in.; wind prevailed from S.W., and strong on 5th, 8th, 15th, and 16th; snow on 4th.

GENERAL REMARKS.—On the whole fine for the time of year, except rain in excess at Wellington and squally weather; temperature about the average. Meteor on 20th, to eastward.

NOTES FOR NOVEMBER.

Auckland.—Fine weather, with occasional showers, the maximum rain on 4th ·90in.; prevailing S.W. and N.E. winds, and strong on 7th from former and on 25th from latter quarter.

Wellington.—Heavy rain on 2nd and 3rd, ·73in. recorded on 4th, the maximum; then fine weather until middle of month, when it was showery; end of month fine and bright; prevailing N.W. wind, and stormy on five days in early part and middle of month from that quarter; on the whole a fine month, with rainfall much below the average. Thunder and hail on 15th.

Lincoln.—A fine month, with the average rainfall; winds from N.E. and N.W., and moderate; thunder on 15th; hail on 20th, and fog on 28th; maximum rainfall on 3rd 1·012in.

Dunedin.—Showery and changeable until 22nd, when it was fine, and until end of month; generally S.W. wind, and light; fog on 2nd and 26th; maximum rainfall on 3rd 1·25in.

GENERAL REMARKS.—Fine generally at all stations during the month, with moderate winds.

NOTES FOR DECEMBER.

Auckland.—Slight showers in early part, the maximum rainfall recorded on 7th ·20in.; otherwise a very fine month, with prevailing S. and S.W. winds, and moderate; on 24th and 25th strong N.E. wind.

Wellington.—Fine, bright weather during this month, with very little rainfall in early part, ·67in. recorded on the 7th, being the maximum for month; from the 8th to end excessively dry, and at times very warm; prevailing N.W. wind, and strong on five days, otherwise generally light.

Lincoln.—Very fine weather, with little rain, the maximum recorded on 7th ·232in.; prevailing S.W. and N.E. winds, and moderate; stormy on 5th from N.W.; thunder and hail on 6th, during night.

Dunedin.—Fine, warm weather, with light rainfall, the maximum recorded on 7th ·370in.; prevailing S.W. wind, and strong on 8th, 14th, and 17th, and on 21st from N.W., changing to S.W.

GENERAL REMARKS.—Very fine weather at all places, the rainfall considerably under the average; and the temperature was less than the usual average for this month. Earthquake reported on 13th, at 7.15 a.m., and on 20th, at 7.20 a.m., at Wellington.

J. HECTOR, Inspector.