2522
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 75

Government Meteorological Observatory.

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

Altitude of Observatory, 415 ft.

Mean earth temperature at 1 ft., 55·9°; and at 3 ft., 53·7°. 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.
.. | 16 | 1 | 7½ | 1 | 1½ | 2½ | 7½ | .. | .. | 10

NOTE.—A fine spring month with moderate north-westerly and northerly winds prevailing. Precipitation was 13 per cent. above the mean of previous years. Total bright sunshine, 173·3 hours, 42 per cent. of the possible, and four sunless days. Lightning was seen on the 27th. Mean dew-point at 9 a.m., 48·7°; and mean vapour pressure, 0·343 in.

SUMMARY FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER, 1932.

General.—October was a particularly favourable spring month, the principal features of which were generally mild temperatures, a good rainfall in those districts where it was most required, and an absence of strong drying north-west winds usually so prevalent at this time of the year. After a succession of dry, cold months, the rain came at a time when the soil was in an ideal condition to receive it and, as a result, vegetation made phenomenal growth. Stock are now in splendid condition, and there has been a remarkable increase in dairy production.

Rainfall.—The total rainfall was considerably above the average in the eastern districts of the South Island, parts of Canterbury having more than double the usual amount. It was also in excess over much of the Taranaki and Wellington provinces, but elsewhere, except at isolated places, below normal falls were recorded. The deficiency was greatest in the Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay districts in the North Island, and in Otago, Southland, and South Westland in the South Island, but even in these districts there were occasional useful falls.

Temperatures.—Temperatures were nearly everywhere above the average, the departure being over one degree and, in places, up to two degrees in the North Island. In the South Island the western districts had much warmer conditions than usual, while in Otago it was slightly warmer; but in Canterbury it was again colder, although the difference from normal was nowhere great.

No severe frosts occurred.

Sunshine.—Over the greater part of the Dominion sunshine was less than the average, the only meteorological stations with an excess being Auckland, New Plymouth, and Invercargill. The deficiency was small in the North Island and in Marlborough, but parts of Canterbury had particularly low aggregates.

Pressure Systems.—The month as a whole was free from severe widespread storms. During the first week an anti-cyclone ruled and fine, pleasant weather was general. From the 7th to the 13th a series of moderate westerly depressions crossed the Dominion and somewhat changeable weather was experienced, although rainfall during this period was confined chiefly to districts with a westerly aspect. After the 15th a succession of depressions, chiefly of cyclonic form, advanced over the Tasman Sea and New Zealand and, except for a few brief fine intervals, the weather continued to be dull and unsettled