THE HONEY CROP

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 53, 11 September 1928, Page 4

THE HONEY CROP

FOR LAST SEASON . BEST FOR MANY YEARS The season of 1927-28, as' regards .honey production, was tho best on record for many years past, all districts producing good crops. Taken altogether, the season has been a combination of the worst possible conditions and most suitable weather from tho beekeepers' point of view. There is evidence on every hand, states the anual report of the Director of the Horticultural Division of the Department of Agriculture (Mr. J. A. Campbell) of greater production and increased prosperity among the beekeepers. The 1927 Apiaries Act, adding, as it does, increased protection to the. progressive apiarists, will no doubt encourage them to extend operations. A factor that is helping considerably to increase the production of honey is tho growing practice among farmers to top-dress pastures. This is noticeable in certain districts of tho North and South Islands, where its general effect in increased returns is already evident. The activities of tho Apiary instructors, have been well maintained, notitwhstanding that their work was seriously, handicapped by the prevalence of wet weather in tho spring. Soino 9589 cases of honey were passed and graded for export at the various grading stores by the Department's honey grader during the season. Tho bulk of the honey was of prime quality, and the packing well up to the requirements of tho regulations. A few lines were rejected on account of not being in a suitable condition for export. Honoy exported during tho year amounted to SGsocwt, valued at £27,----78. Quantities and values of honey exported from tho Dominion during the last five years nro as follows: 1924, 0137cwt, £20,910; 1925, 10,830cwt, £30,549; 1920, 15,770cwt, £51,733; 1927, 10,590cwt, £34,695; 1928, 8050 cwt, £27,784.