Jan. 18.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 131

METEOROLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS FOR DECEMBER, 1905.

The weather during the month of December, though on the whole drier and warmer than experienced in the corresponding period of last year, was somewhat dull and resulted in a late summer. Much of the weather was, however, very agreeable. When during the daytime the clouds dissipated hot sunshine was felt everywhere, but the mornings and evenings were often cloudy. Evening showers were frequent, but the nights mostly clear. Moderate winds prevailed, except on the 20th and 21st. The backwardness of the summer season last year and this is accounted for by the increased humidity and cloudiness of the atmosphere, which may possibly be traced to greater solar activity upon the wide oceans of the Southern Hemisphere. Sun-spot theories, though not wholly coming up to expectations, chiefly because they do not readily account for differences in various latitudes, nevertheless attract attention when it is found, as lately in New Zealand, that anomalous weather conditions have accompanied the period with a maximum number of sun-spots. To these periods (recurring every eleven years) lower mean temperatures, more rain, and a greater number of atmospheric disturbances are generally attributed, while periods of minima are found to be warmer, drier, and more settled.

In the northern parts of both Islands the amount of rainfall, with the exception of a few stations, was considerably below the average of the month, although in most cases the actual number of “rainy days” was greater. The total fall was generally above the average in the southern parts of both Islands—viz., Taranaki and North Wellington districts in the North Island, and in parts of South Canterbury, Otago, and Southland especially.

Anticyclonic conditions prevailed in the first week of the month. The weather was fine, and summer seemed to come with a burst. Dews and a few very light frosts were recorded at this time. On the 5th light showers fell in parts of the South Island, and other parts of the North Island were also visited with rain in the next few days. The 12th was fine everywhere, but the weather was very warm and muggy. The highest temperatures were recorded at this time; the thermometer registered 85° at Gisborne, 86·6° at Christchurch, 87·2° at Lincoln, and 83° at Dunedin.

The most general rains of the month followed—on the 13th and 14th with the fall of the barometer on the West Coast, and on the East Coast particularly with the rise of atmospheric pressure on the 15th and 16th. Several local thunderstorms were recorded on the 13th and 14th. The weather was somewhat cold and unseasonable between the 19th and 24th. Light rains were general at this time. Snow fell on the high mountains on the 21st and 22nd, and thunder and lightning were then recorded in a few places. A touch of winter in summer also occurred (in many valleys especially) on Christmas morning, when a frost was experienced. Christmas Day and Boxing Day were generally fine and pleasant throughout the colony. About the 28th rain fell in many districts, and some heavy falls were recorded in the Poverty Bay district. Mr. H. Guthrie-Smith, of Tutira Lake, thus describes: “The atmosphere on morning of 28th very heavy and close, without sun. At 1 p.m. mist from the east draped the hills, and a few drops fell; at the same time thunder was heard in the west and south-west. The wind veered to the south, changing later to the west, accompanied by terrific deluges of rain and a few large hailstones; 78 points fell in eleven minutes. Blue sky was observed, the clouds lifted from the hills, and a wind blowing from the east veered again to the west, and again brought heavy rain, but less heavy falls for a shorter period. Steady rain then set in from the south-east, and stars were out by 10 p.m. I do not remember heavier rain than during the eleven minutes.” Hail fell in some places with the rise of the barometer, and rather chilly southerly winds succeeded to the end of the month.

The frequent light showers had a beneficial effect upon the growth of grass and many crops, but greatly retarded shearing everywhere, and the sowing of turnips in the South. Vegetables grew wonderfully, and the small fruits especially benefited, plums, grapes, and pears promising large crops. In South Canterbury it is remarked that “the absence of sunshine is presumably accountable for the lateness of the season. Early pears which used to ripen now are showing no signs of ripening. Gooseberries, which used to be quite over by this time, are still to be had.”

From Timara, Renwicktown, Mr. R. F. Goulter reports that the month was dry, and that this year plums came into full bearing, trees that never bore fruit before then being loaded. This he attributes to there being no frosts in October, and also to the absence of beetles, presumably the small bronze beetle (Encolaspis brunnea).

Other observers also report that the cicada is not so numerous this year as last. Reports as to cereal crops are more varied, but are generally very much more promising than last year at this time. Potato-blight has continued to spread in several parts, but judging from the reports it is not thought to be nearly so serious as last year. On account of the exuberant growth of feed stock are reported as mostly healthy and in fair condition; in some places they have not done well for fattening, but with the hardening of the feed will benefit greatly.

D. C. BATES, F.R.Met.Soc.

Meteorological Office, Wellington, 17th January, 1906.