HONEY SEASON

Evening Star, Issue 22843, 29 December 1937, Page 10

HONEY SEASON

PROSPECTS OF BETTER CROPS DROUGHT AFFECTS SOME DISTRICTS It is, anticipated that the honey crop this season will exceed that of last year, taken throughout the Dominion. In some districts there hare been cases where the prolonged spell of drought has militated against crops coming_ up to expectations, but generally it should be found that the quality and supply will be in excess of the previous ones. Those districts suffering most from the dry weather have been North Otago and South Canterbury, where the yield is expected to bo much lower than before. Fair to average crops are anticipated from Otago, Central Otago, Southland, Canterbury, and North Canterbury, with Wanganui and Taranaki also in the same class in the North Island. The recent rainfall in . Otago has been beneficial, hut in some cases the fall was too light and too late, Auckland should head the list with a heavy yield, and the quality of the honey in this province should be well up to standard, while production should be well ahead of that of last year.

The extracting season begins mainly about the beginning of January, and lasts until well into February, though some have already commenced _ operations. Last year the crops did not allow of exports to reach the figure required, but this year it is anticipated that there will be more of the quota sent from New Zealand. The ideal weather for heavy crops is thundery, humid, and -“muggy,” the

bees working best under these conditions, while the plant life secretes more nectar. The dry weather experienced in some districts has been unfavourable, with the result that supplies have suffered. Generally, it is expected, the crops will be of better class in the south than in the north.