5—H. 29.

H.—29

work of inspection, instruction in all branches of apiculture has been given by the Apiary Instructors, both by private visits and by public demonstrations and lectures. The export of honey now comes within the jurisdiction of the Control Board set up under the Honey-export Control Act, 1924. Grading of all export lines at the various grading-stores is at present carried out by one officer attached to the Division (Mr. G. V. Westbrooke, Apiary Instructor, Auckland). With the view of strengthening the position in this direction arrangements have been made for the Apiary Instructor at Hamilton (Mr. T. S. Winter) to assist in the carrying-out of the work. Other officers are also receiving instruction in grading as time and opportunity permit. A continued improvement is noticeable in the packing of honey for export, and only a small quantity had to be rejected, chiefly on account of not being in a fit state of granulation for export. The quantity of honey exported during the year was 15,770 cwt., valued at £51,733, a considerable increase as compared with the previous year's figures. The following figures, showing quantities and values of honey exported from the Dominion during the last five years, are quoted for comparison : 1922, 8,542 cwt., £31,943 ; 1923, 10,605 cwt., £43,032 ; 1924, 9,157 cwt., £26,910 ; 1925, 10,836 cwt., £30,549 ; 1926, 15,770 cwt,, £51,733. The total number of registered apiaries now stands at approximately 7,100, representing some 99,855 colonies of bees. Staff. During the year three Assistant Orchard Instructors were appointed, and were stationed at Auckland, Hastings, and Nelson respectively. The help thus afforded the Orchard Instructors at these places is much appreciated, especially in view of a very busy export season. It will also enable inspection work, &c., to be more systematically carried out in the districts concerned. In conclusion. I have to thank all members of the staff for their cordial co-operation in the carrying-out of the many and varied phases of the work coming within the scope of the Division.

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