THE HONEY CROP

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 42, 13 November 1918, Page 3

THE HONEY CROP

The Director of the Horticulture Division of the Department of Agriculture, Industries, and Commerce has received from the apiary instructors the following report concerning tho honey crop prospects:— Auckland.—Auckland districts have experienced an exceptionally cold and windy spring, and colonies recently examined have been very short of stores. ' In many cases feeding has been necessary up to the time of writing. The late season would indicate that there will not bo, much thick honey this season. There is an abundance of clover in bloom; all that is required is warm, sunny days to ensure a fair crop.—G. V. Westbrooke. Wellington—l have to report that throughout the whole of my district the climatic conditions during the past month have been very unfavourable to beekeepers. in many instances the colonies have had to be fed to keep them alive, whereas the favourable seasons at this period would induce Hie colonies to become strong to gather the honey'flow later. It will therefore be seen that unless the weather materially improves at once tho prospects will not lie good. Honey in bulK is still coming forward to tho grading store, but it is improbable that any more of last year's crop will be available fur export. Beeswax is quoted at 2s. 6d. per lb.—F. A. Jacobsen. Dur.edin.—The prospects of a good season are excellent as the bees are .building tip well in -most districts. Fine weather has enabled the bees to work the fruit blossom and the early flowering ncctar plants. Prices are unaltered. Bulk honey from lOd. per lb.; sections, noneoffering; pai honey, scarce. Beeswax is quoted up to 2s. per lb., according to quality.—E.' A. Ear,).