Dec. 13.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 3505

Government Meteorological Observatory.

METEOROLOGICAL Observations at Kelburn, Wellington, for the Month of October, 1928. Observations taken at 9 a.m.

Altitude of Observatory, 415 ft.

Mean earth temperature at 1 ft. 54·9°; and at 3 ft. 53·6°. Number of rain days, 16.

DIRECTION OF WIND.

Gale (force 8 or more). Forces 4 to 7. Calm. N. N.E. E. S.E. S. S.W. W. N.W.
5 | 14 | .. | 3½ | 3 | ½ | 4 | 4 | 1 | 1½ | 13½

NOTE.—A mild month, with strong north-westerly winds prevailing. Precipitation at Karori Reservoir, near Kelburn, was 39 per cent. above the mean. Total bright sunshine, 174·6 hours, 43 per cent. of the possible, and three sunless days. Fog was in evidence on the 19th, and thunder and lightning on the 8th. Hail fell on the 8th, 13th, and 14th. Mean dew-point, 47.5°; and mean elastic force of vapour, 0·328 in.

SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 1928.

October was characterized by rains in excess of the average in all parts of the Dominion. In most districts the excess was considerable, and, from the agriculturalist’s point of view, the position for the coming season is most promising. The heavy falls towards the end of the month, especially, were of great value to the East Coast provinces where a dry spell had previously been experienced. In parts of the South Island the absence of sunshine following on the cold and dry conditions in September prevented any rapid growth of vegetation, but in most districts feed is abundant and in excellent condition. Lambing has, on the whole, been very satisfactory. Warm, sunny days in November are now required in order to ensure the best returns from the soil.

Although the rainfall was, on the average, above normal in all districts, there were isolated stations on both east and west coasts where slight deficiencies were reported. The greatest excesses occurred in the high country of the South Island and in Central Otago where some stations had more than double the average. Hanmer Springs recorded 11·58 in., compared with an average of 3·31 in. Of the North Island provinces, Wellington had the greatest excess, while among individual stations Tauranga was outstanding with double its average fall.

Temperatures were, on the whole, mild, and the few cold spells were of too short a duration to have a serious effect on vegetation. A few inland frosts occurred about the middle of the month, one on the 15th doing some damage to early-sown crops.

For the greater part of the month, unsettled, and frequently stormy, weather prevailed. Depressions were numerous and mainly of the westerly type. During the first ten days the westerly weather was particularly strongly developed, and gales from between north and west were of almost daily occurrence. The most violent were on the 5th, 6th, and 8th, and on the first two days much damage was done to buildings, fences, and trees in South Canterbury, the wind on the evening of the 6th being considered the severest experienced for many years in that district. Heavy rains fell in the ranges of the South Island. High levels were reached by the southern lakes, especially Lake Wakatipu, while many of the rivers were in flood. An unusual number of thunderstorms were recorded. In the East Coast districts warm and dry conditions predominated during this period.