N.Z. HONEY

Grey River Argus, 23 October 1936, Page 3

N.Z. HONEY

Improved Prospects ON ENGLISH MARKET. LONDON, October 9. A poor summer in England has many eonsequences, and from one of them New Zealand may’ benefit. Lack of sunshine and damp weather for a considerable period had the effect of reducing the English honey’ crop by something like one-tenth of its normal quantity. Many- beekeepers have watched their livelihood almost disappear this year, and there is a likelihood that, a run may’ he made on New Zealand stocks once English supplies have been used up. A fairly large carry-over from last season, however, may delay this demand for some weeks, and in the meantime prices for English honey have risen slightly’. English honey usually realises from Is to Is 3d per lb, as compared with New Zealand bulk honey at 7d to lOd per lb. and Imperial Bee at 9d per lb. New Zealand honey is recognised as being the next best to English, so that once Home supplies are taxed and the failure this season becomes evident the Dominion product is likely to realise increased sales.

While the main English crop has been well below the average however, clover honey yield has been almost normal, and large quantities were collected during the latter part of August when weather conditions were normal. HeariieT honey is chiefly popular with those who have acquired the taste. It is usually dark brown in appearance and of a much stronger taste than the flower honey.

English honey has been produced in increasing quantities of recent years, and assistance to the trade has been given by the British Beekeepers’ Association, which is affiliated with the Roval Horticultural Society. It supplies members with latest information and where possible with the -ale of the' produce. In quiet ways it advertises honey as a food, its slogan being "Honey i'or Health,” backed up by “Honey 'Build Bonny Babies.” Its annual exhibition was held in London this week, when prizes were offered for the usual competitions, including one for the manufacture of mead.