BEE INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 October 1927, Page 4

BEE INDUSTRY

NEW LECVHI'.VIiON BEFORE HOUSE. WEI.LIN'G'i ;)N, Sept. 30. The Apiaries Bill, now before Parliament, repeals the existing nets regarding the keeping of bees, but provides for the re-enactment of some of their provisions with the addition of others. If the Bill botanies law it will be an offence, punishable by a fine of £2O, to keep bees in an unregistered apiary after .March 31st next. The registration is to be continuous, instead of every three years, as at present. Wider powers tire to he given to the inspectors. Besides having the power to order the destruction of bees and appliances which are affected by an incurable disease, they will have authority to compel the withdrawal from sale of any honey that is unfit for human consumption, or honey that is produced by hoes which have had access to any area infected with pois m.

The written consent of the inspectors will be necessary before bees can ho transferred for more than 10 chains from their home apiary, or before appliances can he taken to another apiary It will still be legal, however, to sell bees or unused comb foundations or other appliances. The appearance of disease in an apiary is to be notified to the inspector within seven days, and the inspector may order the destruction of the

bees, etc., or the adoption of remedial measures. Dealing in bees, combs, a inf appliances from infected apiaries is to he prohibited until approved sterilisation has been carried out. The penalty for a breach of this clause i.s a fine of £730. No compensation will be payable in respect of any action taken or ordered by the inspectors in terms of the Bill, which i.s to 'OOlllO into force on January Ist next.