THE NEW ZEALAND OFFICIAL YEAR-BOOK 1917

THE Dominion of New Zealand consists of three main islands, with several groups of smaller islands lying at some distance from the principal group. The main islands, known as the North, the South, and Stewart Islands, have a coast-line 4,330 miles in length: North Island, 2,200 miles; South Island, 2,000 miles; and Stewart Island, 130 miles. Other islands included within the Dominion are the Chatham, Auckland. Campbell, Snares, Antipodes, Bounty, and Kermadee Islands. The Cook Group of islands and certain neighbouring islands were included in the Dominion by proclamation of the 10th June, 1901.

The total area of the Dominion proper (i.e., excluding the islands annexed in 1901) is 66,292,232 acres or 103,581 square miles. The land area of the Cook Group is about 150 square miles, and of the other islands annexed in 1901 about 130 square miles. Full information as to boundaries and area, together with descriptive matter relating to the physical features of the various portions of the Dominion, will be found in the 1913 issue of this book.

The geologic structure of New Zealand, so far as it has yet been determined is, owing to its complexity, difficult to summarize. For a fuller account than can be given here the reader is referred to the article in the 1914 Year-book, pages 943-47, and to the various works on geology mentioned therein.

The oldest fossiliferous rocks are the Ordovician argillites ("slates") of North-west Nelson and Preservation Inlet. At Baton River Silurian fossils, at Reefton Devonian fossils, and in the limestone near Nelson Carboniferous or Permo-Carboniferous fossils, show that these systems are all represented in the Paléozoic sequence. Included in it are marble, sandstone, shale, greywacke, quartzite, schist, and gneiss. The auriferous lodes of the South Island are almost always found cutting through rocks of Paléozoic age.

1—Ybk.

Rocks belonging to the Mesozoic periods occur over a large area in both islands. The Trias-Jura system of greywacke and argillite forms the main mountain-ranges, but contains few workable mineral deposits. It is fossiliferous in only a few localities, and cannot be easily subdivided.

While all these foregoing rocks were being deposited the New Zealand area was probably the foreshore of a great continent, but after the Trias-Jura sediments were deposited far-reaching changes, involving the breaking-up and disappearance of the continental land, took place. The New Zealand area was necessarily involved in these earth-movements, and as the result the existing strata were folded, broken, and raised above sea-level. After extensive denudation of its surface had taken place New Zealand was again, probably several times, depressed and elevated either in whole or in part. During the periods of subsidence Cretaceous and Tertiary strata were laid down. These contain all the workable coal-seams of the Dominion.

Pleistocene and Recent deposits are well represented by fluviatile, glacial, marine, and wind-blown material.

Plutonic rocks of various types, but mainly granitic, occupy a large area in the western parts of the South Island and occur also in North Auckland. Volcanic rocks, chiefly of Tertiary age, are found in scattered areas throughout the eastern part of the South Island and occur extensively in the North Island, where volcanic activity still continues on a small scale.

The rivers of New Zealand were fully discussed in the 1914 issue of this book in an article (pages 948-56) supplied by R. Speight, Esq., M.Sc., F.G.S., Curator of the Canterbury Museum. Considerations of space in the present book prevent more than a list of the more important rivers being given. These are as follows, the lengths shown being in most cases only approximate. Very few of these rivers are navigable by vessels of any size.

In a further article in the 1915 issue of the Year-book Mr. Speight dealt at length with the lakes of the Dominion. A summary of the statistics of the chief lakes of New Zealand is here given:—

In the 1913 issue of the Year-book (pages 32 to 34) appears a short account of the Flora of New Zealand, supplied by Dr. L. Cockayne, F.R.S. The article covers briefly the various points of interest in connection with the flora of the main Islands, and deals also with that of the outlying islands.

For information re the fauna of New Zealand the reader is referred to the article by James Drummond, Esq., F.L.S., F.Z.S., appearing on pages 957 to 961 of the Year-book for 1914. The article, though brief, contains a fairly comprehensive account of the Dominion's fauna.

The 1915 issue of this book contains considerable information concerning the history and constitution of New Zealand, with lists of successive occupants of important offices. Particulars as to present occupants only are given in the following pages.

30th June, 1917.

The designation of “Governor,” hitherto borne by His Majesty's Representative in New Zealand, has now been altered to “Governor-General.” The Earl of Liverpool, who had held office as Governor since 19th December, 1912, was sworn in as the first Governor-General on 28th June, 1917.

Liverpool, His Excellency the Right Honourable Arthur William de Brito Savile, Fifth Earl of Liverpool. Born 27th May, 1870; succeeded 1907. Educated at Eton and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Formerly Major in the Rifle Brigade (the Prince Consort's Own), and subsequently Major of its 6th Battalion. Sometime an A.D.C. to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (Earl Cadogan, K.G.), and Staff Captain, Dublin District. Is a J.P. for Kesteven and Lindsey Divisions of Lincolnshire, and Lieut.-Colonel 8th Battalion London Regiment (the Post Office Rifles). Served in South Africa, 1901-2 (Queen's Medal with three clasps). Was State Steward and Chamberlain to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (the Earl of Aberdeen, K.T., G.C.M.G.), 1906-8. Comptroller of His Majesty's Household, 1909-12. Appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of the Dominion of New Zealand, 1912. Appointed Governor-General and Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand, 1917; M.V.O., 4th Class, 1900; K.C.M.G., 1912; G.C.M.G., 1914; P.C., 1917.

Seat: Hartsholme Hall, Lincoln.

London residence: 44 Grosvenor Gardens, S.W.

Residences: Government House, Wellington; Government House, Auckland.

Private Secretary: Gavin M. Hamilton, Esq.

Official Secretary: A. Cecil Day, Esq.

Aides-de-Camp: Captain J. Gage Williams, 19th Hussars; Honorary Lieutenant H. G. Helmore.

Extra Aide-de-Camp: Lieut.-Colonel J. H. Boscawen.

Honorary Aides-de-Camp: Colonel R. J. Collins, C.M.G., J.S.O., V.D.; Colonel (temp. Major-General) Sir A. H. Russell, K.C.M.G.; Colonel R. Logan, C.B.; Colonel V. S. Smyth; Colonel J. C. Nichols, V.D.; Colonel G. F. C. Campbell, V.D.

The Executive Council now consists of:—

His Excellency the GOVERNOR-GENERAL.

Right Hon. W. F. Massey, P.C., Prime Minister, Minister of Lands, Minister of Labour, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Commissioner of State Forests, and Minister in Charge of Land for Settlements, Valuation, Scenery Preservation, and Electoral Departments.

Right Hon. Sir J. G. Ward, Bart., P.C., K.C.M.G., Minister of Finance, Postmaster-General and Minister of Telegraphs, Minister in Charge of Land and Income Tax, State Advances, Public Trust, and Government Life Insurance Departments.

Hon. Sir James Allen, K.C.B., Minister of Defence and Minister in Charge of War Pensions.

Hon. W. H. Herries, Minister of Railways and Native Minister.

Hon. A. L. Herdman, Attorney-General, Minister in Charge of Police, Crown Law (including Drafting), and Discharged Soldiers Information Departments.

Hon. W. Fraser, Minister of Public Works and Minister in Charge of Roads Department.

Hon. G. W. Russell, Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister of Public Health, Minister of Marine, Minister of Stamp Duties, Minister in Charge of Hospitals and Charitable Aid, Mental Hospitals, Printing and Stationery, High Commissioner's, Audit, Museum, Registrar-General's, and Laboratory Departments.

Hon. A. M. Myers, Minister of Customs, and Minister in Charge of Munitions and Supplies, Pensions, Advertising, and National Provident Fund Departments.

Hon. Sir F. H. D. Bell, K.C.M.G., K.C., Minister of Immigration and Leader of the Legislative Council.

Hon. W. D. S. MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Mines, Minister in Charge of Legislative, Public Buildings, Inspection of Machinery, State Fire and Accident Insurance, and Tourist and Health Resorts Departments.

Hon. J. A. Hanan, Minister of Justice, Minister of Education, and Minister in Charge of Friendly Societies.

Hon. Dr. M. Pomare, Member of the Executive Council representing the Native Race, Minister of the Cook Islands, and in Charge of Maori Councils.

Clerk of the Executive Council—James Frank Andrews, I.S.O.

Speaker—Hon. C. J. JOHNSTON.

Chairman of Committees—Hon. W. C. F. CARNCROSS.

Speaker—Hon. Sir FREDERIC WILLIAM LANG, Kt. Bach.

Chairman of Committees—ALEXANDER SCOTT MALCOLM.

Isaac Earl Featherston, Esq., appointed Agent-General under the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, by Warrant dated 5th April, 1871. Appointment to date from 25th March, 1871. (Gazette, 1871, page 155.)

(Note.—Sir W. Tyrone Power was appointed on 20th June, 1876, by the Crown Agents as temporary Agent-General on the death of Dr. Featherston.)

Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., appointed Agent-General under the Immigration and Public Works Act, 1870, by Warrant dated 19th September, 1876. Appointment to date from 9th September, 1876, vice I. E. Featherston, deceased (Gazette 1876, page 721.)

Sir Francis Dillon Bell, appointed Agent-General under the Public Revenues Act, 1878, by Warrant dated 7th December, 1880, vice Sir Julius Vogel, resigned. (Gazette, 1881, page 311.)

Westby Brook Perceval, Esq., appointed Agent-General under the Public Revenues Act, 1891, by Warrant dated 25th September, 1891, vice Sir F. D. Bell. (Gazette, 1891, page 1071.)

The Hon. William Pember Reeves, appointed Agent-General under the Public Revenues Act, 1891, by Warrant dated 23rd December, 1895, vice Sir W. B. Perceval. (Gazette, 1896, page 50.) Appointed High Commissioner under the High Commissioner Act, 1904, by Warrant dated 14th June, 1905. (Gazette, 1905, page 1509.) Reappointed High Commissioner as from 14th June, 1908. (Gazette, 1909, page 1921.)

The Hon. Sir William Hall-Jones, K.C.M.G., appointed High Commissioner from 1st December, 1908, vice Hon. W. P. Reeves. Assumed office 18th January, 1909. (Gazette, 1909, page 27.) Appointment extended to 31st December, 1911. (Gazette, 1911, page 2720.) Appointment further extended to 31st March, 1912. (Gazette, 1912, page 45.) Appointment further extended to 31st May, 1912. (Gazette, 1912, page 1227.)

Charles Frederick Wray Palliser, appointed High Commissioner from 1st June, 1912, for one month. Reappointed from 1st July, 1912, and again reappointed from 1st August, 1912.

The Hon. Sir Thomas Mackenzie, appointed High Commissioner from 23rd August, 1912, for a term of three years. (Gazette, 1912, page 2612.) Assumed office 9th October, 1912. Reappointed from 22nd August, 1915. (Gazette, 1915, page 2283.)

(Downing Street, London, S.W.)

Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies—Right Hon. A. Bonar Law, P.C., M.P.

Parliamentary Under-Secretary—A. D. Steel Maitland, M.P.

Permanent Under-Secretary—Sir George Vandeleur Fiddes, K.C.M.G., C.B.

Assistant Under-Secretaries—Sir H. W. Just, K.C.M.G., C.B.; H. J. Read, M.A., C.B., C.M.G.; H. C. M. Lambert, B.A., C.B. (acting); and G. E. A. Grindle, M.A., C.M.G. (acting).

(City Office, Whitehall Gardens, S.W.; Stock Transfer Office, 1 Tokenhouse Buildings, E.C.; Shipping Office, 13 Great St. Helens, E.C.; Packing Store, Cole Abbey Chambers, Lambeth Hill, E.C.; Colonial Stamp Department, 8 Errol Street, Bunhill Row, E.C.)

Crown Agents—Sir Reginald L. Antrobus. K.C.M.G., C.B.; Major Sir Maurice Alexander Cameron, K.C.M.G., late R.E.; and Sir William Hepworth Mercer, K.C.M.G.

CONSULS OF FOREIGN COUNTRIES RESIDING IN, OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER, NEW ZEALAND, 30TH JUNE, 1917.

Argentine Republic.—Vice-Consul: Henry Hampton Rayward, Wellington.

Belgium.—Consul-General for Australasia and Fiji: F. Huylebroeck, Melbourne. Consul (with jurisdiction over New Zealand): M. Matteeuw, Sydney. Consul-General (with jurisdiction over the Provincial Districts of Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, and Wellington): Hon. Charles John Johnston, Wellington. Vice-Consul: G. F. Johnston, Wellington. Consul (with jurisdiction over the Districts of Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland): Joseph James Kinsey, Christchurch. Consuls: Alexander Manual Ferguson, Auckland; George Lyon Denniston, Dunedin.

Brazil.—Vice-Consul: A. H. Miles, Wellington.

Chile.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, and New Zealand: William Brown, Sydney. Consuls: E. A. Craig, Auckland; J. Montgomery, Christchurch. Honorary Consuls: Albert Martin, M.D., Wellington; J. A. Roberts, Dunedin.

China.—Consul: Kwei Chih, Wellington. Acting Consul: Yue Henry Jackson, Wellington.

Denmark.—Consul-General for Australia and New Zealand: Otto Wadsted, San Francisco. Consul (for North Island): Hon. Sir Francis Henry Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., Wellington (Principal Consulate). Consul (for South Island): Henry Bylove Sorensen, Christchurch. Vice-Consuls: Paul Maximilian Hansen, Auckland: William Edward Perry, Hokitika; Odin Henry Möller, Dunedin; Michael Myers, Wellington.

France.—Vice-Consuls: Leon Hippeau, Auckland; Percival Clay Neill, Dunedin. Consular Agents: George Humphreys, Christchurch; James Macintosh, Wellington.

Greece.—Vice-Consul (for New Zealand); Joseph Frank Dyer, Wellington.

Honduras.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, and New Zealand; Frederic Walsh, Sydney.

Italy.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji: Cavaliere Emilio Eles, Mellbourne. Consular Agents: Joseph Wallace, Christchurch; Loonard Owen Howard Tripp, Wellington; John Roberts, C.M.G., Dunedin; Geraldo Perotti, Greymouth; Giovanni (J. H.) Pagni, Auckland.

Japan.—Consul-General: S. Shimizu, Sydney. Consul: Thomas Young, Wellington.

Liberia.—Consul: Charles Louisson, Christchurch. Acting-Consul: Trevor Noel Holmden, Wellington.

Mexico.—Consul: John William Hall, Auckland.

Netherlands.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji: W. L. Bosschart, Melbourne. Vice-Consul de Carriere, attached to Consulate-General, P.E. Teppema, Melbourne. Consul (with jurisdiction over New Zealand and the Islands belonging thereto): Hon. Charles John Johnston, Wellington. Vice-Consuls: George Ritchie, Dunedin; M. Copeland, Auckland: Walter Goring Johnston, Wellington; G. Van der Velden, Christchurch.

Norway.—Consul-General for Commonwealth of Australia, New Zealand, and the adjacent islands: Arne Scheel, Melbourne. Consul: Alex. W. Newton, Wellington. Vice-Consuls: Sigurd Bentzon, Melbourne: Robert Millar, Auckland; George Jameson, Christchurch; Mathias Erickson Wiig, Invercargill; John Hayes Enright, Westport; John Scott, Timaru; William Fraser Edmond, Dunedin (Honorary).

Paraguay.—Consul: A. E. Kernot, Wellington.

Peru.—Consul-General (with jurisdiction over the Commonwealth of Australia and New Zealand): J. Maitland Paxton, Sydney. Consul: G. H. Baker, Auckland.

Portugal.—Consuls: John Duncan, Wellington; David L. Nathan, Auckland.

Vice-Consuls: Arthur Donald Stuart Duncan, Wellington; Charles William Rattray, Dunedin.

Russia.—Consul-General for the Commonwealth of Australia, and the Dominion of New Zealand: A. N. d'Abaza, Melbourne. Vice-Consuls: Ultan Francis McCabe, Wellington; James Paterson, Auckland.

Spain.—Consul-in-Chief (with jurisdiction over Australia and New Zealand): Senor Don Jaime Montero y de Madrazo, Melbourne. Vice-Consul (with jurisdiction throughout New Zealand): William Henry Dillon Bell, Wellington.

Sweden.—Consul: Arthur Edward Pearce, Wellington. Vice-Consuls: Sidney Jacob Nathan, Auckland; Albert Kaye, Christchurch.

Switzerland.—Consul: Georges A. Streiff, Auckland.

United States of America.—Consul-General (for New Zealand and its dependencies): Alfred A. Winslow, Auckland. Vice-Consul-General: Leonard A. Bachelder Auckland. Consular Agents: John Henry Stringer, Christchurch; Arthur Edward Whyte, Wellington; Frederick Orlando Bridgeman, Dunedin.

Uruguay.—Acting Consul: William John Prouse, Wellington.

There is no State Church in the Dominion, nor is State aid given to any form of religion. Government in the early days set aside certain lands as endowments for various religious bodies, but nothing of the kind has been done for many years past.

The principal churches, with the names, &c., of the present heads or officers, and the places and times of holding the annual or periodical assemblies or meetings, are as follows:—

By an Act passed during the year 1912 and intituled the Public Service Act, 1912, the Public Service of New Zealand was placed under the direct and sole control of a Commissioner and two Assistant Commissioners, who were appointed in the first place for a term of seven years, are responsible only to Parliament, and can be dismissed from office only for misbehaviour or incompetence.

The Act became operative on the 1st April, 1913, and applies to all members of the Public Service with the exception of the Controller and Auditor-General, officers of the Railway Department, members of the Police and Defence Forces, Judges and Magistrates, officers of the House, certain officers of the Legislative Departments, and persons paid only by fees or commission, as well as any officer to whom the Governor in Council declares the Act shall not apply.

The powers vested in the Commissioner are very wide. They include the inspection of offices, the appointment, promotion, transfer, and dismissal of officers, and the framing of regulations.

An entrance examination is provided for youths desirous of entering the service, and efficiency and educational tests for promotion have been established.

In accordance with the provisions of the Education Act, 1914, Inspectors appointed by Education Boards, and in office on the 1st January, 1915, are deemed to be Inspectors of the Education Department as if they had been appointed under the Public Service Act, and will in future come under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. Under the same Act the Commissioner is empowered to appoint to the Clerical Division of the Public Service any person who on the 1st January, 1915, was permanently employed by any Education Board for more than twenty hours a week in clerical work.

The records show a slight deficiency in the total year's rainfall as compared with the average in the Wellington District and over the whole of the South Island, with the exception of the Nelson Province. Nelson, Hawke's Bay, and New Plymouth districts experienced only a small amount above the mean, but the Auckland Province had substantially more than the usual amount.

Following are brief monthly summaries of the weather and the principal atmospheric systems which were in evidence:—

January.—Over the country generally very warm weather was experienced, with an absence of high winds. The rainfall was nearly everywhere below the average, the greatest deficiency being in the east coast districts of the South Island. North of Auckland there was an excessive precipitation, which was accounted for by the passage of a depression to the northward, between the 24th and the end of the month. Three westerly “lows” passed in the south —viz., on the 1st, 12th, and 26th—and these were responsible for rain in various districts.

February.—The rainfall for February was above the average in parts of North Canterbury and Otago districts, but below in nearly all other parts of the Dominion. The most conspicuous disturbance was a cyclone whose centre passed down the west coast of the North Island and in the neighbourhood of Cook Strait on the night of the 4th, causing general heavy rains. Several other atmospheric depressions were in evidence, but were centred too far away to have an appreciable effect, or the effect was neutralized by the nearness of other “lows,” and they were accountable only for local showers and thunderstorms. As a rule, fair, warm, and at times sultry, conditions prevailed, with an absence of strong winds.

March.—The outstanding feature of the month of March was the continuous exceedingly warm weather between the 1st and the 20th. On the night of the 20th widespread thunderstorms, accompanied with heavy rain, were experienced on account of the passage of a double-centred depression over the South Island. The winds changed to southerly generally on the 22nd, causing cooler conditions, an appreciable change which continued to the close of the month. The total rainfall was above the average in the northernmost and southern-most districts, and also in portions of the west coast of the South Island, but in most other parts of the Dominion it was below the mean.

April.—During the month of April atmospheric pressure was chiefly anti-cyclonic, this type prevailing between the 1st and 7th, the 10th and 13th, and the 19th and 28th. In consequence the weather generally was fine and calm, with mild days and cool nights. Unsettled conditions were experienced on the 7th and 8th, with the passage of a small depression in the south. Between the 14th and 17th a more intense westerly held sway, and this was followed by an extra tropical cyclone, the centre of which passed over the North Island during the night of the 17th. Heavy rain fell on the 14th over the South Island, and general rains were reported on the 15th. On the 29th and again on the 30th, when the centre of a disturbance passed in the vicinity of Cook Strait, heavy rain was recorded, and caused floods in some of the rivers in the northern districts. Most of the northern districts of the North Island and the whole of the western coast had more than the average rainfall, while the remaining portions of the Dominion recorded slightly below or about the average.

May.—There were at least two definite periods of unsettled weather during May—viz., between the 10th and 15th, and between the 25th and 31st. In the former period very heavy rain and floods were experienced in the northern and east coast districts of the North Island, which were due to an unusually intense subtropical low-pressure system. The most notable record was that for Pakihiroa, which shows that between the 10th and 15th 27.69 in. of rain fell, 11.02 in. falling on the 12th, and a total of 34.11 in. was returned for the month. On the 25th high atmospheric pressure ruled, but there was evidence of a cyclonic disturbance to the north-west. On the 27th, the centre of the latter was located between Cape Maria van Diemen and Norfolk Island, and by the 29th the Dominion was enveloped in the system. About these dates high easterly and south-easterly winds prevailed, and the last week was very wet and cold generally. With the exception of these two periods the weather proved fair and mild. The greater part of the Dominion had more than the normal rainfall.

June.—With the exception of a small westerly depression which passed in the south, and brought some heavy rain in the west coast and southernmost districts on the 5th, an anticyclone ruled during the first half of the month. Observers in various parts of the Dominion reported mild, springlike weather during this period. After the 17th the barometer fell steadily, and a succession of low-pressure systems passed over the country until the 26th, accounting for very unsettled and wet weather. On the 27th and 28th a small anticyclone prevailed, but this was quickly followed by a disturbance passing somewhat south of Cook Strait on the 29th, when general rain fell. Precipitation was considerably above the average in the southern half of the South Island and in parts of Hawke's Bay and Auckland districts, but elsewhere it was below.

July.—The weather during July was extremely mild for a winter month, really cold conditions only being experienced during the last four days. However, dull skies were much in evidence, and the total rainfall was generally above the average, except on the west coast of the North Island and about Foveaux Strait. An atmospheric depression passing in the north was responsible for heavy rain on the 14th and 15th, while the heaviest day's rainfall in the South Island occurred chiefly between the 20th and 23rd, during the passage of an Antarctic disturbance.

August.—During August very unsettled, and at times stormy, weather prevailed. The total rainfall and the number of wet days were nearly everywhere above the average. Between the 1st and 4th an intense cyclone passed in the north, causing very heavy rain and floods in the northern and east coast districts of the North Island. Stormy conditions were also experienced between the 20th and 23rd during the passage of an extensive and intense westerly area of low pressure in the south. The barometer rose considerably above normal on the 24th, but fell again on the 28th and 29th with the approach of a rapidly moving westerly “low,” which passed in the south in the early hours of the 30th. Some strong winds prevailed about this time, but the rainfall was not excessive. Other smaller disturbances were also in evidence. Three anticyclones passed over the country, but these were all of short duration—viz., between the 10th and 12th, 15th and 17th, and 25th and 28th. Fair weather prevailed about these dates.

September.—The weather during September was, on the whole, mild and spring-like, and, except in the southernmost districts, precipitation was everywhere below the average. There were three noteworthy atmospheric depressions accounting for short periods of disturbed weather, and these may be briefly described. Although an anticyclone ruled in the north between the 1st and the 11th, relatively low pressure was in evidence during this period in the southern districts, and on the 6th and 7th this depression intensified considerably over the South Island, being responsible for somewhat boisterous conditions in and southward of Cook Strait. Some heavy rainfalls occurred about this time in Westland and Otago. Bluff recorded 5.57 in. for twenty-four hours up to 9 a.m. on the 7th, and some of the rivers in Otago rose to flood-level. Between the 13th and 15th the passage of an intense Antarctic low-pressure area caused very stormy weather, heavy westerly gales prevailing on the 13th, changing to south-westerly on the 14th. Considerable rain fell, and on the 15th snow was also reported in various districts in the south and inland on the higher levels in the North Island. The third unsettled period—viz., between the 26th and the end of the month, was the result of a disturbance located on the Tasman Sea, the centre of which passed down the west coast on the 28th and 29th. Dull skies and much mist and fog were experienced, with rain in scattered districts, but in Taranaki heavy rain fell on the two latter days. A week of very fine weather was experienced from the 18th to the 25th when a decided anticyclone held sway, which, on the 21st, was remarkable for a central isobar of nearly 30.8 in. about Cook Strait.

October.—Very changeable weather characterized the month of October. Over the North Island and in the northernmost districts of the South the total rainfall was everywhere above the average, but nearly all parts of the south recorded a deficiency. Showers were frequent during the month, but about the 10th and the 21st some heavy downpours occurred in and northward of Cook Strait. About the former date a disturbance passed in the south, and this was followed by one in the north, which ruled until the 12th. The most notable atmospheric depression was a cyclone of subtropical origin, the centre of which apparently passed down the west coast of the North Island and through Cook Strait on the 21st.

November.—November proved a very unsettled month, and, except in the Hawke's Bay and Canterbury districts, the aggregate rainfall was everywhere above the average. North Auckland, Taranaki, and Nelson experienced excessive rainfalls on several days, and an unusual number of wetdays. The west coast of the South Island also had many wet days, but the falls were not particularly heavy except in the higher country. Central Otago reported excellent rains during the latter half of the month, while precipitation in Hawke's Bay and Canterbury was of a showery nature only. Some very interesting data is disclosed in the returns, of which the following are particularly notable: The total month's rainfall at Auckland was 7.74 in., which is the highest November fall recorded for that city. At Wekaweka (south of Hokianga Harbour) on the 8th 8.05 in. of rain fell, while the month's total was 18.68 in. Okoke, Taranaki, recorded 10.94 in. on the 8th, and a total for the month of 21.96 in.; while Upper Mangorei on the 7th had 6.32 in. and on the 8th 6.72 in., with a total of 25.22 in. for the month. At Bainham, on the Aorere River, Nelson, 37.40 in. fell during the month. On the 6th, 7th, and 8th 6.27 in., 11.24 in., and 1.78 in. fell respectively. The heavy rainfall about this time caused serious floods in many of the rivers in Nelson and Marlborough. Endeavour Inlet recorded 11.2 in. on the 8th, the observer stating that the rate of fall averaged between 0.55 in. and 0.72 in. per hour throughout the day. Although the rainfall in Canterbury was small, isolated stations received some good falls accompanying local thunderstorms. At Coalgate on the 16th, during a severe thunderstorm, 1.44 in. fell in half an hour, between 12.30 and 1 p.m. Otira, Westland, had an aggregate for the month of 30.03 in. The most intense storm during the month was one which passed on the 27th. The barometer fell as low as 28.85 at the Bluff, but although the conditions were particularly boisterous, especially in and southward of Cook Strait, the storm was not responsible for much rainfall, and the heaviest and most widespread falls were the result of a similar disturbance, but of less intensity, which ruled between the 6th and 10th. A subtropical depression passing between the 11th and 14th also accounted for heavy downpours in the northernmost districts.

December.—An excessive rainfall was experienced during December in the northernmost districts, while all other parts of the Dominion had a total fall less than the average, and quite a number of stations in the vicinity of Cook Strait recorded a total absence of rainfall. Anticyclonic conditions were the most prevalent, accounting for a considerable amount of fair and bright weather. A fast-moving and rather intense disturbance passed in the south on the 15th, but was responsible for rain only in the West Coast and southernmost districts of the South Island, and heavy westerly gales in parts southward of Cook Strait. Between the 20th and 23rd a subtropical depression was in evidence in the north, and during this period heavy rain fell in the Auckland Province. Auckland City reported 4.51 in. on the 20th.

The following table shows the difference, above or below the mean, for each month in the year:—

NORTH ISLAND RAINFALL, 1916.

Monthly Means compared with the Averages for Eleven Previous Years.

Mean Number of Days with Rain, compared with the Averages for Eleven Previous Years.

SOUTH ISLAND RAINFALL, 1916.

Monthly Means compared with the Averages for Eleven Previous Years.

Mean Number of Days with Rain, compared with the Averages for Eleven Previous Years.

Temperature, Rainfall, Atmospheric Pressure, and Wind throughout New Zealand, as observed at Ten Stations, for the Year 1916.

The observations were taken at 9 a.m.