BEE-KEEPING.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2214, 11 June 1908, Page 1

BEE-KEEPING.

A PROFITABLE INDUSTRY. Mr. R. W. Bi.'iekoll, manager of the Allianco Box Company, of Dunedin, is at present on a. visit to Gisborne in connection with tho supply of beokeuping requisites which bis firm make a specialty. .In conversation with a “Times” roportor yesterday, Mr. Bric’knell said that since tho Apiaries Act of last session becamo law, it was illegal to keep bees in anything but removable panel hives, as these hives enable the Apiary Inspector to look for disease, tho most prevalent being foul brood, which, when once it gets into a district, dessemiuates whole colonies, and tlie bees rapidly die out. 'The removable hives allow the bee-keeper to keep a closo watch upon the health of the hive and in ease of infection, to take out the comb and burn it. Speaking upon bee-keeping as an industry, Mr. Brickell said that lie did not know ..of any occupation that gave such a handsome return upon the capital invested and tlie small amount of labor expended. At the present time tho honey market was short of supplies, the demand for household honey was' increasing by leaps and bounds, and it was almost impossible to purchase any quantity in tho Dominion. A duty of 2d per lb. protected growers from outside comnctition and local supplies could be easily and profitably marketed at from 4d to 4Jd per lb. ' Dunedin obtained larger supplies from tho North Island and a considerable quantity from Gisborne, and Air. Brickell said lie wished to do something during liis visit to foster the •honey trade hero, The Government had talked about exporting honey ■fronlitiie 'State Apiaries at K.uakuia, but could not even-supply the Aucjp - land market. “If the. industry was developed by the orchardists oti Dover ty Bay,” said Air. Bricked, in conclusion, “I am confident it would prove a most profitable adjunct. The bees need no attention in tho winter, and beyond clarifying and packing the honey in the season no other work is required. Tlie fruit blossoms provide good stimulating spring food for the bees, and prepares them for work when tho clover fields are in bloom, and in open country such as is to bo found here, bee-keeping should pay handsomely. There are. large apiaries in tlie Hastings, Palmerston North and Alasterton districts, and the owners will reap good returns.” Air. Brickell will remain in Gisborne until Saturday uiul will be pleased to seo those interested in bee-keeping at tho Alasonic Hotel.