5g2 mr. a. w. preston’s meteorological notes. 
two-thirds of the month’s total fell between the 22nd and 
the end, which period was exceedingly rainy. On the 26th 
.68 ins. fell, being the heaviest fall since April. There was 
no snow. A sharp gale from N.W. sprang up in the early 
hours of the 13th. and a sudden squall occurred about noon 
on the 26th, accompanied by great darkness. 
December. 
The south-westerly type of weather continued till 
Christmas, and a great deal of rain fell. On the 14th the 
barometer fell to 28.50 ins., which was the lowest reading 
recorded here since the 24th February, 1900. Following the 
depression was a rise of the barometer of unusual rapidity, 
the mercury ascending 1.64 ins. in 33 hours. During the 
last week freezing winds from the E. prevailed, drying up 
the roads, and were accompanied by slight snow and sleet on 
three days. There was a good deal of cloud on many days, 
but not so much fog as is usual in December. 
The Seasons. 
The following tables show the mean temperature and 
rainfall of the four seasons, together with those of the five 
previous years, compared, with the usual averages. Winter 
comprises the three months December to February inclusive ; 
Spring, March to May ; Summer, Jupe to August ; and 
Autumn, September to November. 
TEMPERATURE. 
Seasons. 
1902. 
1903. 
1904. 
>905. 
1006. 
1907. 
Average 
Departure 
0 1907 
from 
average. 
Winter 
Spring 
Summer 
Autumn 
degrees. 
37-9 
46.3 
58.7 
50.1 
degrees. 
41.8 
47-3 
58.7 
51. 2 
degrees. 
38.3 
47.8 
60.8 
49. s 
degrees. 
39-2 
47-5 
62. 1 
47-5 
degrees. 
39-3 
46.7 
61. 1 
52.9 
degrees. 
36.2 
47.6 
57-8 
50.7 
degrees. 
38.0 
46.3 
60.3 
50.2 
degrees. 
- 1.8 
+ i -3 
-2.5 
+ 0.5 
Year 
48.4 
49-5 
49-3 
49.0 
49-7 
48.4 
48.7 
-0.3 
