LIGHT CROP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 30, 6 February 1939, Page 6

LIGHT CROP.

POOR HONEY SEASON. WEATHER AFFECTS BEES. Beekeepers throughout N'ew Zealand have suffered lrom the effects of the broken weather this season and the honey crop is very light, according to Mr. J. l'entoul. honey manager for the Internal Marketing Division. Canterbury is the only one of the large honey producing distiicts where anything like a normal crop is expected. In Manawatu it is doubtful whether the bees will have enough honey for their own winter requirements, and in Taranaki. Waikato, Auckland and Southland prospects are little better. There is little chance of making up leeway, as the season is usually over uy mid-February. However, beekeepers are hopeful of a spell of favourable weather, which will result in an extended season. In spite of the poor crop Mr. Rentoul states that the Internal Marketing Division's policy of keeping up a steady supply at stable prices can be carried out, as stocks have been held to meet the position. Vnder the control scheme introduced this season all honey except that soltl directly by the producers is sent in to the Marketing Division in Auckland, where it is blended and packed at the Government plant in Stanley Street and France Street. The former premises were acquired when the Government bought out the assets nf New Zealand Honey, Limited, last year, and the plant in France Street was set up this year to meet the extended requirements resulting from the new control scheme.