40 



WHEAT PRODUCTION IN NEW ZEALAND 



( a ) Sunshine. Two Government meteorological 

 stations are situated in the producing area; but 

 unfortunately they are very close together, so that 

 observations from them cannot be considered to be 

 general. Information from private sources will have 

 to be considered. The wheat producing area is situated 

 in a very favourable position for obtaining the maximum 

 amount of sunshine. Over the years 1907-13, the average 

 annual number of hours of sunshine was 2,064, showing 

 a daily average of 5-65 hours, which is about 50 per 

 cent of the possible amount. 



( & ) Temperature. The oceanic influences are 

 recognised as the dominant feature with regard to 

 both summer heat and winter cold, upon both of which 

 they exercise a moderating effect. No great extremes 

 of heat or cold are found on this account, and, although 

 the winter is sharp, it is characterised in Canterbury by 

 clear frosty nights and bright sunny days. The excellent 

 nature of the summer heat promotes the growth of 

 cereals to a very high degree. The following table shows 

 the temperature for the four seasons in the area of 

 Canterbury and Otago. 



TABLE IX. 



TEMPERATURE IN CANTERBURY AND OTAGO. 

 CANTERBURY. 



Hence it will be seen that the temperature is more 

 even over the seasons than is common; moreover, that 

 while the summers are cool for the most part, the winters 

 are mild. 



(c) Rainfall. Throughout the country rainfall varies 



