JUNE 16.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 1465

Government Meteorological Observatory.

METEOROLOGICAL Observations at Kelburn, Wellington, for the Month of April, 1932. Observations taken at 9 a.m.

Altitude of Observatory, 415 ft.

Mean earth temperature at 1 ft., 58·0°; and at 3 ft., 59·4°. Number of rain days, 15.

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.

.. 8 3 9 ½ 1½ 2½ 8½ .. .. 5

NOTE.-On the whole a fine but cloudy autumn month. Precipitation was 24 per cent. below the mean of previous years. Total bright sunshine, 132·7 hours, 40 per cent. of the possible, and seven sunless days. Lightning was seen on the 8th, and fog was in evidence on the 28th. Mean dew-point at 9 hours, 50·4°; and mean vapour pressure, 0·365 in.

SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL, 1932.

General.—The principal characteristics of the weather in April were mild and humid conditions and an absence of wind.
The greater part of the country had more than the average rainfall, but southern Wairarapa is still very dry. The prospects for winter feed for stock in the latter district are very poor. There is some shortage, also, about Taihape. Otherwise, conditions in the North Island are remarkably good. Feed is abundant, particularly in northern Taranaki, Auckland, and Hawke’s Bay. Milk yields are being well maintained for the time of year, and stock are in good condition. In the South Island there has never been a real recovery in some of the eastern districts, particularly parts of Canterbury, from the summer dry spell. Pests have been rather abundant, and the growth of pasture has been rather weak and with a lack of nourishing properties. Nevertheless, in the greater part of the Island, there has been good growth during April, and conditions are satisfactory. Mushrooms have everywhere been unusually plentiful.

Rainfall.—Rain was below normal in parts of the Bay of Plenty area, in all of Wellington except the eastern coastal portion, and in much of Nelson and the west coast of the South Island. Elsewhere there was an excess, which in many cases was considerable. Even when there was no rain, much of the weather was damp, and in the North Island, especially, showers were frequent.

Temperatures.—After a prolonged period with temperatures in nearly every month below normal, it is pleasing to record that April was almost everywhere somewhat warmer than the average. This was most noticeable in the interior of the North Island. A few frosts were recorded, but they were not severe. Vegetation was practically undamaged. The high ranges received a few light falls of snow.

Wind.—The absence of wind was one of the most pleasing features of the weather. There were very few strong northerly winds, and southerlies generally prevailed. A strong north-easterly gale blew in the North on the 27th and 28th.

Sunshine.—There was more cloud than usual, and sunshine was, in consequence, considerably below the average. There were, however, some very fine days.

Pressure Systems.—Intense anticyclones were a feature of the weather charts, the pressure exceeding 30·4 inches on several occasions.

Rain was widespread on the 4th and 5th, with heavy falls in the North, when a rather irregular westerly depression crossed the Dominion.

The next rainy period culminated on the 10th, when a shallow cyclone crossed the South Island. Rain was practically general, with many heavy falls. On this occasion there were some very heavy rains in Canterbury and Otago.

A series of westerly depressions passing between the 20th and 23rd brought rains to districts with a westerly aspect.

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