HONEY FOR EXPORT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 291, 12 May 1914, Page 7

HONEY FOR EXPORT.

CO-OPERATIVE ACTION. . That the production of honey has increased in Taranaki is •evidenced by the figures for the season just concluded. The co-operation of bee farmers ini Taranaki has resulted in arrangements for the shipment of all their honey through one channel, and the probabilitv of the inclusion of all New Zealand honey in their operations. In this way an improvement similar to, that which occurred in the case of dairy produce when the co-operative principle of- manufacture and distribution was inaugurated .is almost certain to result. Hitherto each bee-farmer has been selling on his own, taking practically whatever he could get for his produce. Rather an important stage in the history of the industry was reached Tvhen_ on Thursday morning Mr. F. A. Jacobsen, Government Expert, finished the grading of the Taranaki honey at the Hawera Dairy Company's cheese store (says the Star). He reports that it was on the whole of very good quality. Comparatively little has had to bo returned. The fault in what was not accepted as first-class was due mainly to want of care and to some lack of knowledge. Thi* will no doubt be rectified as tbc industry grows and knowledge of proper methods spreads. In all, sixteen tons are readv for shipment, and will be sent to Waitara to go by direct boat. This is said to be the largest shipment yet sent from. New Zealand. The consigning is done by the Honey producers' Association through the Farmers' Co-operative Society. The honey is in 561b tins, two of which ire packed in a case. The case is branded New Zealand honey, has the stamp of the Association on it and the grading mark of the Government Department. The shipments it is understood, will be sent to one firm. 'Consumers at Home will therefore know where they can procure New Zealand honey. All New Zealand honey will be placed on the market under similar conditions, and will luive the advantage in common with dairy produce of being under the aegis of the Government grading stamp. It is expected, said Mr. Jacobsen, that better prices will be obtained. Last year's Taranaki export averaged aliout '4ss. Recently advice was received .that a consignment of New Zealand honey had realised 50s. per cwt. Thh is («lisidered very satisfactory and gives promise of an improvement in the price to be realised for the Taranaki exported article. • i

It U reported in one district of New Zealand, that fanners are urging beefarmers to settle because of the lack of clover. Tliey say thatpo far from tlie bees doing any damage they are a great benefit by fertilising the plants and so increasing the growth of clover.