MOST PRECARIOUS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3154, 7 August 1942, Page 3

MOST PRECARIOUS

PRODUCTION OF HONEY MANY DIFFICULTIES PROBLEMS OF THE INDUSTRY Sltating that from a production standpoint beekeeping was the most precarious primary industry upon which one could embark, the Director-General of Agriculture (Mr A. H. Cockayne) is opening the annual conference of the National Beekeepers’ Association of New Zealand in Wellington, referred to some of the difficulties being The season, he said, had. been a poor one, with production distinctly below local absorptive capacity. The industry, more than any other primary industry, had very little control over production. A poor climatic season meant a crop far below average and a good climatic season a crop far above average. Prices and the general marketing of honey appeared to be satisfactory, he said, though there might be some who did not agree with.that. The bee industry had, had great'difficulties to contend with — labour shortage, and transport, with the shortage of certain commodities affecting it considerably. The number of registered hives was tending to drop, though not by much, the fall in two years amounting to 4000 hives. While that was regrettable, it was hoped that it would not become any more pronounced. Labour Problem The matter of winter feed supplies for beekeepers was of great importance. The release of essential sugar should and. would, he said, be forthcoming; Regarding labour, the Minister of (Primary Production for War Purposes (Mr Polson) had made it the duty of primary production councils to see that adequate labour was available for the maintenance of primary production. Mr Cockayne recommended that beekeepers having difficulty regarding labour should communicate with the nearest .primary production council.

The transport position was a problem. Transport, he said, might not be thought to have much effect upon the honey industry, the production of which varied from . 2000 to 4000 tons. But to many commercial beekeepers lorry transport was essential, and the tyre position for such transport was serious. Still, the industry in many respects had not had to make the great changes and alterations that had been necessary in other industries, such as the meat and dairy industries.

The department recognised the value of the industry, more so now than in peacetime, and it was felt that the difficulties would be overcome.