THE HONEY INDUSTRY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 97, 24 March 1939, Page 6

THE HONEY INDUSTRY.

New Zealand with its rich pastures is eminently suited to the production of honey of excellent quality for both the local and overseas markets. In London the Dominion article has won higdi praise from consumers, and Continental interests hold it in favour for its various uses. There was a time when on many farms there were to be seen hives of bees kept a? a sideline, and no doubt the marketing- of the annual output gave much needed income to its producers. Since then the industry lias become of increasing importance in the Dominion’s economy, and with its development on sounder commercial lines the tendency has been for the individual producer to leave the rearing of bees and the production of honey to specialised beekeepers. Figures given at the convention held by the Manawatu branch of the National Beekeepers’ Association at. Massey College, this week, emphasise this aspect. From 60,000 apiarists with 90,000 colonies in 1912 there are to-day 4672 apiarists with 112,500 colonies. Control of the industry has been in force since the passing of the Honey Control Act of 1924, the Board, which received wide support from the initial poll of producers, controlling all honey for export in conjunction with the Internal Marketing Department. The beekeepers have their difficulties, chiefly from adverse seasons. In the past five years- to 1937 their best export season was in 1935 when 1,155,2471 b -were exported to return £33,788, as against 757,1061 b and £21,823 in 1933, and 739,9561 b and £20,844 in 1936, two other fair years for the beekeeper. In 1937, however, there was a marked decrease, following upon the decline in the previous season, and only 318,621 lb. were exported to return £9,099. This was an exceptionally unfavourable year. According to statements made at the convention beekeepers in some parts have again had this exasperating experience, but others have been more favoured, so the season cannot be written down as a failure. The industry has made considerable progress from the days of a “few box hives,” and though the export trade may be small, under the wise g-uidance of departmental officials it seems assured of an excellent future.