Aug. 11.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 1869

Government Meteorological Observations.

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

Altitude of Observatory, 415 ft.

Mean earth temperature at 1 ft., 46·8°; and at 3 ft., 50·3°. Number of rain days, 14.

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.
1 | 8 | 7 | 3½ | 4½ | .. | ½ | 6½ | .. | 1 | 7

NOTE.—A dry and sunny month, with comparatively light N.W. and S. winds prevailing. Precipitation, which amounted to 2·18 inches, was 48 per cent. below the average for June. It was the driest June since 1916, when only 133 points of rain were recorded. Total bright sunshine, 135·7 hours, 49 per cent. of the possible, and four sunless days. Frost was recorded on the grass on two mornings, and fog was in evidence on five days. Hail fell on the 28th, lightning was seen on four days, and thunder was heard on the 25th. Mean dew-point at 9 hours, 41·2°; and mean vapour pressure, 0·258 in.

SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, 1932.

General.—The accounts received from different districts regarding the weather in June vary markedly according to whether or not they were exposed to the westerly winds which prevailed during the latter half of the month. Temperatures were actually below normal everywhere except in the southern half of the South Island, but in the Poverty Bay and Hawke’s Bay districts, in Marlborough, North Canterbury, and parts of the interior of South Canterbury and Otago, the dry, sunny weather and absence of wind gave an impression of mildness. The effect on vegetation was evidently similar to that on man, since there are several reports of the early appearance of spring flowers, and some growth occurred in pastures. On the other hand, in the central and western portions of the North Island a series of severe frosts in the first half of the month was followed by a period of dull, wet, and boisterous weather. Pastures deteriorated in consequence, and cattle are losing condition. On the west coast of the South Island, though rainfall was somewhat above normal, conditions were not quite so bad. Similarly, in Southland the weather was very dull and the rain much above the average, but the mean temperature was about normal for June, and there were no severe cold snaps or heavy snowfalls. The country, therefore, is in a satisfactory state for the time of year. In the wheatgrowing districts the weather was favourable for farm work, and the sowing is well advanced.

Rainfall.—Rainfall was above normal in the western districts of both Islands and also in Southland. In the latter province and in the South Taranaki Bight the excesses were heavy. Much the greater part of the rest of the country had less than half the average for June.

Temperatures.—As already intimated, mean temperatures were, for the most part, below normal. The departures were, however, seldom large, and over the southern half of the South Island the normal was exceeded slightly. Several falls of snow occurred on the high levels, and the ranges now have a thick coating. In the low country there were no falls of any importance. Frosts were very numerous and frequently severe. The interior of the North Island, especially the Waikato district, experienced unusually heavy frosts in the first half of the month.

Sunshine.—In Taranaki and western Wellington and in the southern half of the South Island less than the average sunshine was recorded. At Invercargill the total duration was only 52·5 hours. Elsewhere the totals were considerably above the June average.

Winds.—Westerly and south-westerly winds prevailed, especially during the latter half of the month. About Foveaux Strait, and in Taranaki and the South Taranaki Bight, they were frequently boisterous.

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