HONEY CROP

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 44, 20 February 1918, Page 9

HONEY CROP

REVIEW OF THE PROSPECTS.

The Director of the Horticulture Division of the Department of Agriculture has received from the apiary instructors the following report concerning the honey crop prospects.:—

Auckland.. —Reports from Waikato show good'returns, Bay of Plenty poor, North Auckland fair. Taking the average, th.c yield, from the Auckland province will be only fair, and 'npt quite up to expectations. Prices for honey on the local market show a. decided advance.

Wellington.—As reported last month the honey crop prospects this season are fairly good, and it is estimated an average crop will result. Extracting has commenced in some apiaries, and the quality is up to expectations. Prices are ruling high, first grade on. the English market bringing £150 per ton; local prices range 'from. 9d to 'lid per lb, in Ijulk. Beeswax is scarce, and up to 2s per lb has been paid for some lines.

Pmiedin.—Unsettled weather has prevailed throughout- the greater part of the, month, and indications point to halfcrop. At the outset of the season the prospects were excellent; but weather conditions have prevented the bees, from gathering the nectar. Generally the clover' pastures are in good heart. E-.X: tfacting is, in progress, but the yields generally a,ye,< disappointiyig. Pwces are trim, with an upward .tendency. Beeswax is quoted up to 2s per lb.