Auckland Market Gardens Suffer.

Parched ground and acres of drooping, dusty plants tell clearly enough the story of the season which Auckland suburban market gardeners are experiencing, states the "New Zealand Herald." Some districts have had more showers than others, but generally the season is regarded by old residents as the driest they have known. The feature of it has been that the dry weather set in so early, and many districts have not had a thorough soaking since August. Tho cumulative effect of t his prolonged dry spell is now making itself felt in a marked degree. It is predicted that the public will have to pay iv higher price than usual for produce which is below the average in quality. "The dry weather is making it, very difficult indeed for market gardeners to grow anything, "said a leading produce merchant on Monday. "It is almost impossible to plant vegetables for early winter use. Of course, it is too early to forecast far ahead what the final result may be, and ideal weather from now onwards might, go far to compensate, but present indications are that there will be a shortage of vegetables in -1110 Auckland growing district. Everything is affected. Even the autumn crop of potatoes is not developing as it should. Cabbage and cauliflower, the two main lines for winter use, are definitely failing." Evening Post , Issue 14, 17 January 1935, Page 10