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THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE

No. 26

NOTES ON THE WEATHER FOR MARCH 1969

General—Winds from a westerly quarter were unusually frequent in March. In the North Island and the north-east of the South Island it was one of the driest months on record. Fortunately, the greater part of the North Island had received good rain in February, and the effect of the low rainfall was not nearly as serious as, for example, that of the protracted dry period in the North Island from November 1945 to February 1946. Nevertheless, in most farming areas throughout the country conditions were very dry. Dairy production was affected in many districts. The worst effects on stock were reported from North Canterbury, where February had also been dry.

Rainfall—Rainfall was less than half the average value over the North Island, except in parts of the Taihape-Taupo-Taumarunui-Waitomo area. It was also less than half the average in the South Island east of a line from Karamea to Timaru. The only area with rainfall somewhat above normal consisted of Fiordland with most of Southland and South Westland and the greater part of Otago.

The most extensive area with very low rainfall was eastern and northern Northland, with less than a tenth of the average value. Other smaller areas with a similar departure from average were Ruatoria-East Cape and parts of Nelson, Marlborough, and North Canterbury.

The total rainfall for August 1968-March 1969 at Christchurch was only 7.92, the lowest total for any period of 8 months recorded at this station during a century of observation. The average rainfall for August-March at Christchurch is 16.4 in.

In the early morning of 1 March 4.3 in. of rain fell during 6 hours at New Plymouth, causing serious flooding.

Temperatures—Temperatures were 2-3 degrees above average in Canterbury and most of Marlborough. They were 1-2 degrees below average in northern districts west of Te Aroha and Taupo.

Sunshine—Sunshine was more than 40 hours above average in northern Northland; east and south of a line through Thames, Taumarunui, and Wanganui in the North Island; and in Marlborough. In Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, and Wairarapa it was by far the sunniest March on record, with departures of 80-130 hours; Wairoa, Gisborne, Napier, and Waipukurau all reported totals above 290 hours, and these were the highest ever recorded in March for any part of New Zealand.

By contrast, sunshine was 30-40 hours below average on the West Coast and on the Southland coast.

Weather sequence—At the beginning of March a small depression which had been moving north-eastwards continued its motion across the southern North Island, with an associated trough of low pressure, while another trough was moving over the South Island bringing a change to south-westerlies. Light rain was reported on the West Coast, in Nelson and Southland, and in the North Island from Wanganui and Napier to Hamilton and Thames. Some considerable falls occurred in the central North Island.

For the next 18 days, from the 2nd to the 19th, conditions were mainly westerly, with pressures high over the Tasman Sea and the North Island but low to the south of the country. Fairly persistent rain was reported in Fiordland and on the Southland coast, frequently also extending to other parts of the West Coast. Two of the troughs which passed over the country during this period, 5-6 and 16 March respectively, caused rain to extend over the greater part of the South Island, but not Marlborough and North Canterbury. There were also two periods, namely 11 March and 17-19 March, when an anticyclone extended over the whole country, with generally fine weather.

During the 20th and 21st a depression was passing to the south and the associated trough of low pressure crossed New Zealand. Some rain was reported over most of the country, but falls were light over the greater part of the North Island and north-eastern parts of the South Island. From the 22nd to the 24th an anticyclone was advancing eastwards over the Tasman Sea, while weak troughs of low pressure passed to the south. The weather was mainly fine but scattered showers were reported on the Southland coast and on the West Coast. On the following day pressures rose in the south and the weather was generally fine. From the 26th to the 28th a depression south of Tasmania moved south-eastward, and the associated frontal system affected the southern half of the South Island, with rain mainly in Southland, Otago, Fiordland, and South Westland. During the 29th and 30th an anticyclone developed over Southland and the frontal system moved northwards, causing rain over the greater part of the South Island and the southern half of the North Island. At the end of the month the front had become very weak, and pressures were high over the whole country. However, some rain was still reported in King Country, in the East Coast ranges of the North Island, and in South Westland.

J. F. GABITES, Director.

(N.Z. Met. S. Misc. Pub. 107)

Land in Otago Land District Forfeited

Pursuant to section 146 of the Land Act 1948, notice is hereby given that the Land Settlement Board, with the approval of the Minister of Lands, has by resolution declared the under-mentioned lease forfeited, and that the land is thereby reverted to the Crown.

Dated at Wellington this 21st day of April 1969.

(L. and S. H.O. 22/950/9; D.O. LP. 1006)

Notice Under the Regulations Act 1936

Pursuant to the Regulations Act 1936, notice is hereby given of the making of regulations as under:

Copies can be purchased from the Government Publications Bookshops-State Advances Building, Rutland Street (P.O. Box 5344), Auckland; Investment House, Alma Street (P.O. Box 857), Hamilton; Mulgrave Street (Private Bag), Wellington; 130 Oxford Terrace (P.O. Box 1721), Christchurch; T. and G. Insurance Building, Princes Street (P.O. Box 1104), Dunedin. Prices for quantities supplied on application. Copies may be ordered by quoting serial number.

A. R. SHEARER, Government Printer.