APIARY INSTRUCTOR.

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1921, Page 1

APIARY INSTRUCTOR.

VISIT UK MR SARD KANT. (Contributed). Mr Snrgeant the Government Apiaiy Instructor passed through to Ross on Wednesday and was busy there insisting those who are interested in toe Beekeeping Industry. On Friday he paid n visit to Ruatapu where he found about half a dozen people doing their best, with very little experience io assist them, in building up their Apiaries. To-day (Saturday) he visls Mikonui River, Ivokatahi, Koiterangi. Kanieri and Arahura will follow on Monday and Tuesday weather permitting. As the present visit is rather early in tile season for demonstrations ill rhe various centres the Department will he asked tu send him hack in January an February when his experience will lie gladly availed if. Due notice' will tie published in these columns' of the dates selected for demonstrations in Iho various centres.

Mr Snrgeant has. been highly nleased with the possibilities of beekeeping ion the Coast. It only requires the necessary knowledge and the grit! to "carry on” for an enthusiast to he successful seeing that we have such an ahendan,e of native llera at. this time of the year. Ife lias had experience nmongsti

the bees in England and Australia, as well as New Zealand, lie was horn, ill Jama in,, his father being a merchant and planter. At the age of 6 years he was sent to England to lie. eduiaic'L When quite a young man lie went out to the Argentine ut search of aTontnre. Here lie lived in the saddle and gl-orilied In the wild life of (he Paul.-as until the But' war broke out when Me returned to England a.n<l joined tip with the 3rd King’s Own Hussars. He was in action with the New Zealanders at Rntlmsherg when De M'et .'liade his [aiiiniK night attack driving cattle before his forces on to the British line. At pie conclusion of the Boer V.'.ir he was ordered to India and spent about 3 years in the Punjniili. He si cut abi lit o years in Australia before coming to New Zealand and was only 'here about 3 years when the call of the Empire caused him to don thej khaki.

Our secondary industries roqiiiro tn be developed lo increase pr'd'o tion and impinve I lie earning power of the West Const lands. Beekeeping ; s one of these industries and if we had Mr Snrgeant stationed here (for o*t" tor even two seasons as an experiment), T boUovo many would embrace the or.l'Ortunity of taking up beekeeping if they were snnt of his advice and training during his periodical visits to Hieir Aninrios.