10 Feb., 1917.] Rainfall. 125 



Following on the abnormal rains of September another wet month 

 occurred in October, the rains being above average, except in Gippsland, 

 the greatest deficiency being in the eastern part. The disturbances were 

 mostly of nionsoonal origin, but a great portion of the rain fell towards 

 the end of the month, being the result of a great cyclonic visitation 

 which caused nearly all the northern streams to flood. A greater number 

 of frosts than is usually the case occurred during the mouth, but these 

 did more good than harm, especially through their purification of the 

 wheat crops, which promise almost throughout the Stat* to be equal to 

 record yields, except in the northern water-logged country, where floods 

 d-d a great deal of damage. Potatoes and others crops were later than 

 usually planted, owing to the wet conditions which prevailed. Shearing 

 was also commenced later than usual, owing to the same cause, but the 

 anticipated clip was generally deemed to be up to average weight. A 

 vigorous growth in pastures was the general experience, and stock were 

 in splendid condition. November rains were heavy throughout, and in 

 many places established records, and on almost every day during the 

 month rain was recorded. The day temperatures were thus reduced, and 

 resulted in an extremely cool month. In fact, the highest daily maxima 

 was below the nineties, a very uncommon experience for Victoria in 

 November. Dairying was in a thorouglily flourishing condition owing 

 to the great, and in parts almost excessive, growth of grass. The 

 Murray and Avoca rivers were still in flood, and reached their highest 

 points during the period. Hay cutting was almost finished in the Mallee. 

 where crop pros|>ects were excellent and the wheat generally clear of 

 disease. In the north-east wheat prospects were decidedly promising, 

 and oats exceedingly good. In many parts early sowings of potatoes 

 were a failure, and the later settings hindered and delayed through the 

 abnormally wet season. Abundant rains were again the case early in 

 December, owing mainly to tropical visitations. During the latter half 

 the weather cleared and rain was seldom noted, the anxietv to agricul- 

 turists being relieved as the rain ceased when harvesting operations 

 should be in full swing. In the Mallee and Wimmera record yields 

 were generally obtained, except in areas where floodings took place, 

 such as in the Avoca watershed. Good crops were also harvested in the 

 north-east and northern country, and satisfactory yields in the north 

 central. Wheat and hay results were above average in the western 

 district generally, though caterpillars and excessive moisture tended 

 to militate against the anticipated results. Grass was everywhere 

 abundant, and dairying prosperous. In Gippsland, hay crops were 

 heavy, but in parts spoilt by wet conditions, and consequent lateness in 

 harvesting. All classes of stock were :n excellent condition owing 

 mainly to the great super-abundance of grass. The Rutherglen fly was 

 troublesome, and, in gardens, caused some havoc, and caterpillars, in 

 the west and central parts, greatly damaged and lessened the market 

 value of the crops. 



H. A. TTuNT, 

 Commonwealth Meteorologist. 



