A Brief Review of 1951.

Rainfall was much above average in eastern districts from Canterbury to Gisborne, also about Nelson, Marlborough, and in the far north. Canterbury established a new record for wetness, many parts of the province having received more than the average annual rainfall in the first half of the year. In and near Christchurch the year's rainfall had not been exceeded in over ninety years of recordings. For the remainder of the country rainfall was close to the average, except in south Westland and in parts of Southland and Taranaki where there was a small but appreciable deficiency.

Mainly resulting from the wet cold weather of late autumn and winter, both the duration of sunshine and the mean temperature for the year were appreciably below average east of the main ranges. Temperatures elsewhere were about normal, but sunshine was deficient over the whole of the North Island. From Masterton to Gisborne the deficiency was at least 200 hours, while Napier's total of 2075 hours was 330 hours below the average, and the lowest since records commenced in 1907.

Seasonal Notes.—The year started with a period of mild, settled weather, but conditions deteriorated towards the end of January, when gales caused the loss of some crops of small seeds. Temperatures on the whole were above normal throughout the summer and early autumn, but conditions generally were rather unsettled, especially in eastern districts, where the rainfall was persistently high. In Canterbury it was a particularly wet period, and much trouble was experienced in harvesting cereal crops and preparing the ground for autumn sowings. Sheepfarmers also had their troubles, but it was an excellent season for the dairying industry.

Rain fell profusely in April and extensive flooding occurred about the middle of the month in Canterbury, where the weather remained unsettled through the succeeding month. May was also wet in the Gisborne district, but elsewhere it was mainly sunny though rather cold.

In June the weather was more settled, but temperatures were very cold, with many severe frosts. In Canterbury it was the coldest June for over forty years, but, fortunately, snowfalls were light and were confined to the high country. Unsettled weather predominated for the remainder of the winter season, with August temperatures below even those of July. A heavy fall of snow down to low levels towards the middle of August caused many deaths among new-born lambs in the North Island.

September was remarkable for its record low rainfall. By contrast, the remainder of the spring season was characterized by a persistence of dull stormy weather. Although spring growth got away to an excellent start the season became progressively more backward. Conditions were not at all favourable for early vegetables, the North Island potato crop being particularly poor. However, in spite of frequent and often heavy rain, there was no major flooding. It was not a good season for stock, especially for sheep, and shearing operations were considerably delayed.

December brought little improvement, cold, changeable conditions prevailing throughout. Farmers wishing to turn their large surplus of grass into hay found few opportunities of doing so before the end of the year. Vegetable and fruit crops matured several weeks later than usual.

THE NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL YEAR-BOOK, 1953