NEGLEUTED WESTLAND

Hokitika Guardian, 9 July 1920, Page 4

NEGLEUTED WESTLAND

(By J. Murdoch, Ross.)

[A paper read before the Westland Chamber of Commerce, j

In the oad -olil days, when gold was first discovered 7a Westland, men from all parts ol the world flocked to its shores in anything that would float. If they could not enter the port at once an earlier landing on tho beach suited them just as well. They knew no tear, faced any foe, dared any risk in the lure for gold. Many of these same men satiated with the gold fever, migrated to other parts of “God’s own country,” serving their King, and upholding the very best traditions of our race. Many of them have, and still are filling responsible positions in other parts of this Dominion. For go, grace, and gumption you only have to turn to some of our early pioneers. When . travelling through other portions of New Zealand one often comes across a man who claims to have been either horn or lived on-the West Coast, and if you enquire you will always hnd that he is quite able to hold Ins own amongst his follow workmen. West-kind claims to have sent the most progressive Premier that New Zealand has ever produced to guide our destinies in Parliament. l’o-day, our greatest need is more men of this type, men who are outspoken, who know what we want and are not afraid to demand our rights. At present we are in the transition stage between the age of glittering gold and tlie glory of the cow-yard and milking shed.

Our vanishing gold has to give place to other industries, timber, butter, cheese—and last hut not least—honey. The last-named has reached the dawn of a new era. In the old- days, if the “Cookie” wanted to take some honey from -his bees he had recourse to the sulphur pit. After the bees were sulphured lie strained the mixture of dead bees, brood, grubs, larva;, etc. Foul brood he knew nothing about. The result was sold as honey. Is it any wonder that the children did not like it? Today, the boney receives different treatment in a commercial apiary. The combs, when taken from the hives, are uncapped,' placed in an. extractor, the honey is thrown out as extractor revolves at high speed, the corahs are returned to the hives for the bees to fill again, the honey is strained, ripened in a tank, and when it is granulated it is ready for shipment.

Westland honey has gained 98 points out of a possible 100. The remaining two points can be accounted for by the usual prejudice. A certain Government official in Wellington was asked after tasting a sample of Westland honey where lie thought it came from. His reply was from “ Waikato.” When he was told it came from Westland lie said,

“ Ha, ha, no you doa’t, that’s where it is raining all the time, isn’t it.” At the National beekeepers’ Conference held in Christchurch last month, the President of the Auckland branch asked leave to bring before the conference certain statements circulated broadcast throughout the whole Dominion regarding the possibilities of bee-keeping in Westland. He considered such statements were misleading, as in his district such returns were not possible. The chairman asked a Westland delegate to reply. The Auckland man admitted he had never been in Westland. He was offered a •lieque for £IOO, to be given to any charity if he could prove that the returns published were not correct. Tlie chairman, in commenting on the discussion, considered it was a splendid advertisement for the bee industry in Westland, and hoped shortly to see for himself this wonderful Westkuid. Views of “ Beautiful Westland ” were handed round amongst, men and women from Auckland to the Bluff.’ Several stated they had no idea we possessed .such beautiful scenery, and intimated their intention of visiting us when the tunnel was through the hill. Last week we had a visit from two returned soldiers we met at tlie conference- —one still carries a bullet in his breast—who are looking for a location. At the close of the conference we accepted an invitation to visit several apiaries near Christchurch.

At present we need only to refer to the Avonhead Experimental Farm near Rieearton. It is a Government Demonstration Farm under the control of the Christchurch Repatriation Board. The Apiary section is supervised by the Government Apiary Instructor. The object is to provide a course of instruction for returned soldiers who wish to take up bee-keeping as a commercial proposition. It is probable that after the soldiers have been admitted, should there still be loom for more students, a certain number of farmers’ sons may be instructed. Tile day we visited the farm we were shown through by the manager, who imparted any information he thought would, interest us. We had a chat with two of the students, who botli bore the cruel marks of the war in their bodies, extending an invitation to visit Westland when in search of a location. Now to the point: If the Repatriation Board in Christchurch can induce the Government to purchase this farm for experimental purposes, why should not Westland agitate for the same? Let our local Re patriation Board, backed up by the Chamber of Commerce, Progress League, etc., apply at once for £IOOO to purchase bees and appliances,. The land has already been offered for this section, so that a season’s training (free to returned men) may he given to those who plyWe have several returned men who are capable of managing such a scheme, so that- witli our location, after the second season’s work, the section would be self-supporting, and could pay back in an average season £IOO per year. Wo have a much better location than Avonhead, as last season’s crop Is still on the hives for winter feed. We are not subject to the hot north-west winds they get in Canterbury which dries up the nectar secreted by the clover in summer.

Wo have a rotation of bee-fodder in early spring, which is not surpassed in any other part of New Zealand. It is quite possible to get an average return of 2001bs of honey per colony in Westland, whereas in many places they count fiOlbs per colony good business. Push your barrow for Westland, and wipe out my heading—Neglected Westland —and insert in its place—-“ Progress Westland.”