EXPORT OF HONEY

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1926, Page 3

EXPORT OF HONEY

AN INCREASING DEMAND. WELLINGTON. Jan. 7. Amongst tho exports from New Zealand which are steadily growing, is that of honey, which last year showed an increase of 21X1 tons over the preceding year, or from 509 tons to 709 tons, valued at between £40.000 and £SO,(XK). •Speaking to Air E. A. Harp, of the Apiary Division of the Department of Horticulture yesterday, a “Times” reporter was informed that whilst the greater hulk of this export went, to Liiidim. an increasing inquiry was being received from the Continent. Totablv from Norway and Sweden. The honey exported from New Zealand is graded into special, prime, and good grades, these being further divided according to colour. The inquiry from England is mostly for a white honey, the Continent preferring a darker grade, such as is largely produced in (the Auckland district where the flower* til the manuka utfect the colour. With the inflimvcil inquiry lor honey, consequent, on the growth ol export, trade. Air Karp explained. Serious attention was being directed to bee-culture in New Zealand. The return is high, two farms last seal who worked 630 “colonies” or builtup hives, eaeb receiving £ISOO from their honey crop. Once the tarm has been established, there is practically no further outlay. Even food does not have to ho provided as the bees obtain their requirements from lhe surrounding farmlands, and the only space required is that on which the hives stand. Throughout the katn a bee-farm can he . suctosslally l‘sta>4ishe;l every three mile-, this area providing sufficient food lor the liees. On the West Coast of the Sooth Island one apiary per mile is not too much, tho native hush, more inrtieularly the rata providing exec - ent feed and honey of a very high order.