THE HONEY CROP

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 14, 11 October 1917, Page 8

THE HONEY CROP

REVIEW OF THE' PfI.OSP.GCTS. The Director of (ho Horticulture Division of the Department of Agriculture has received from tho apiary instructors tho following report conccrninc the honey crop prospects:— Auckland.—Wo have experienced a fortnight's fine weather in 'September and the bees have been busy on the early flora. Honey prices remain unchanged,, but beeswax is in demnnd at Is. 9d. per lb. Wellington.—The honey crop prospects for the coming season are good. The good rains compared with other seasons are favourable and will undoubtedly materially stimulate tho growth of clover, and this in turn will lead lo honey production. Occasional eummor showers aro all that it requires to prudiico a first-das return. Christchurch.—Pastures aro looking well, grass and young clover coming awav in fine stvle. Bees have had a very busy time working the willow catkins, ftesh honev and abundance of pollen are being stored in. the brood combs, louiis uueens with plenty of stores have fairly large brood nests established, and tuo moro forward stocks have young bees flying. Indications are for an early seasou. Swarms in two instances have already been reported. Dunedin.—The prospects of a. good season are bright. Excellent rains have revived the pastures in the northern parts of my district. In the bush districts nectar is being freely gathered, and generally speaking the bees have wintered well.' Inquiries nre being made for next season's crop. Indications are that prices will rule high. Bulk honey is quoted at 6d., sections none offering, 21b. pott ee 18s. per dozen; beeswax to Iβ. Od. per 11).