BEE-KEEPING.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1917, Page 3

BEE-KEEPING.

VALUE OF INDUSTRY. (By Clematis). Tlio season's production of honey in New Zealand is estimated at 1250 tons, and taking it to produce at the low average of 5d per lb, totals in value in the neighbourhood of £OO,OOO. This is a fine little sum from the work of the busy little bees. Against this amount must be added the proceeds from the sale of tub honey and beeswax which will cousidc-rably swell the grand total lor the work of the busy lioney bee. LOCAL CONSUMPTION, The New Zealand Honey Producers' Association up to March had received orders for some 2000 eases of honey, and this in eases containing 4821b tins, would amount to a trifle under 79 tons. Added to this must be what reaches tha consumer through grocey stores and various retailers from beekeepers. Taking the population into consideration the consumption of honey in New Zealand is very small, considering that jt is a pure, wholesome and cheap food; and one wonders why the consumption is so small compared with other foods, such as jam and butter. What is done to bring the industry before the people, where does one see it advertised? We have the National Beekeepers' Association, with headquarters at Hawera, the Beekeepers' Journal and vnrioiis journals with a column set apart for the doings of the apiary. These keep in touch with the individual beekeper, but they do not launch cut an advertising campaign which the isdustry has been looking for ior this considerable time. CONFERENCE AT WELLINGTON. The Honey Producers' Association, and the National Association will be holding their annual conference in Wellington early in June, and the opportunity should be taken by its members to discuss the ways an,d means of encouraging the production and consumption of such an important food, considering that such a large amount is lost every year for want of encouragement to foster the industry, and an advertising campaign to bring it far more before (the consumer. NEW PLYMOUTH WINTER SHOW. The Taranaki Agricultural Society has this year a very complete honey schedule. It contains ciasses for section honey, frame comb honey, granulated and liquid honey, beeswax, mead and vinegar made from honey. To give, the section a public interest, ii special prize of a guinea is offered for the best observation hive of bees, hive to he made by exhibitor. Prizes range from 23 fid to 255, including points prize of 21s, and also a silver cup valued at five guineas.. Apply to secretary, P.O. Box 19, New Plymouth for complete schedule.