A “Drought” at Lae

154 Inches

IN 1955

WHAT amounted to a drougli occurred at Lae, New Guinea in 1955—although the visitd to that part of the Territory wr unlikely to have noticed it.

Only 154 inches of rain wes recorded—which was four inchr below the previous record low 158 inches in 1950.

Our correspondent neglected say what is the average annul, rainfall of Lae—although eve enthusiastic residents admit that is considerable. The configuratio of the country—with the deep Huo Gulf and high surroundirr mountain ranges provides natural area of precipitation.

The meteorological office in Lji in early January explained that tl NW monsoon had not then crossei over New Guinea and there hs been fewer thunderstorms ths usual.

Reports from other areas showe 1 that some parts of the Pacii also had drier years than averajj in 1955.

PORT MORESBY which hii a very dry climate for the tropii —had only 39 inches of rain instes of the average 46. Driest year wr\ 1953, when only 33 inches we:e recorded.

SAMARAI: This small islanr which is usually very wet, had severe drought in recent montti Most household tanks were dry < very low and water was bein. rationed by the District Offio However, in mid-January tl; drought broke, tanks were filled an rationing ceased.

GOROKA: This Eastern High lands town had only 63 inches : 1955 instead of the usual 77.

SUVA: Fiji, on the other han had a wetter and hotter year ths. usual in 1955. Total rainfall ffi the year was over 158 inchr instead of the average 124.;.: inches. September was the wette on record (22.5 inches); and tl; wettest day of the year was Juu 21—with 8 inches. fl Mr. A. V. Beel, of the Departmeie of Health, Rabaul, NG, returntr to the Territory in January.