HONEY INDUSTRY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 June 1928, Page 16

HONEY INDUSTRY.

.SOUTH AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION. At the annual meeting of the South Auckland Beekeepers ’ Association at Hamilton, the president, in his annual report, stated that the past season had proved favourable for beekeeping, most of the. members getting good average crops. The annual field day was held as usual at the State Apiary, Ruakura, and was a. distinct success. Mr P. S. Moisson, Waitoa, won the queen bee test, and members 1 were asked to stimulate- future competitions by entering. Good displays of honey were staged at the Waikato Winter Show, and members were urged to increase the size of the exhibit at the coming show. Masters Pearson Brothers succeeded in winning the points prize outright. Inspection work had been carried out in the district by one permanent and four parttime insip ectors, who were all doing good work. The association (hoped that another permanent inspector, who was badly needed, would Shortly be appointed. The report went on to comment that it wns very .pleasing .to note that between 1000 and 1500 tons of honey were now being consumed annually in the Dominion. The annual consumption was increasing, indicating that .the value of honey -as a food was being increasingly recognised. Since last annual meeting the aisisoeiafi on's efforts had been instrumental in. getting the Apiaries Act amended. . The association looked to the amended legislation to assist the industry.

It was decided to urge the. National Oonfctreniao to put in' a. [strong plea, with the Government for an additional grant for part-time inspectors, whose work was spoken very highly of. Mr A. H. Davies was appointed delegate to the National Conference in Hawora.

The changed condition of the benzine industry by the switching over from ealse to bulk delivery, has l had a direct effect upon the honey industry. Hitherto apiarists have relied very largely on the benzine bases for packing their honey. This supply having been stopped, the producers have n'ow to look for another source. It waw pointed out that whereas benzine anises could be bought for 6d each, it cost about 2s per Case .to have them 'specially made. It was decided to obtain quotes with a view to. ascertaining whether it is worth while for members of the association to combine their purchases.