Beekeepers’ Meeting

Northland Age, Volume XVII, Issue 61, 4 May 1948, Page 1

Beekeepers’ Meeting

Supply shortages and accompanying difficulties again came up for discussion among local beekeepers at the May meeting of the Far North branch of the National Association, presided over by Mr. W. Haines, last evening. Members felt concern at the possibility of there being a i-epetition of their last year’s experience when there was a serious shortage of pollen in the spring, particularly, as a substitute must be ordered in advance in preparation for such an emergency. It was believed that the shortage last year may have been attribI utable to the heavy seasonal rains 1 having washed pollen from the blooms, including those of the Far North’s former standby, gorse. Heavy rain has been known to render whole paddocks of clover devoid of pollen and thereby useless to the honeygrowing industry. The pollen substitute which will be used in another emergency consists of a mixture of nine parts of soya bean flour, one part of dried yeast, and sugar or honey. Should it be found necessary to go to such lengths to save the season’s crop, groweis will find that a considerable expenditure will be involved. About 10 lbs of the mixture is required to serve a large hive at a cost of approximately 1/- per lb. The Branch was advised that considerable concern is felt in the industry at the partial failure of growers to respond to the Food for Britain appeal. Although according to Internal Marketing Division figures only one third of the required weight of honey has been contributed, members felt that a me re satisfactory state of affairs would have been revealed bad private consignments been taken into consideration. An- ' other factor probably contributing to the failure of the appeal is the ready ' local market which awaits New Zea- : land honey. As the Far North Branch i members are mainly hobbyists, no great responsibility is felt locally foi the poorness of the response, but it fairness to their fellow beekeeper, they are of the opinion that the manj factors acting against the interests of the campaign should be taken int< consideration. Further, it was point - ed out that late contributions fron - the South may arrive to swell thi s pool. No delegate has been appointed b; - the Branch ta attend the annual con :- ference of the Association which i ■s to be held on the Ith, Bth and 9th <i e July in Dunedin, but it is hoped thi is a member willing to make the tri i- will come forward. The annual mee is ing of the Branch will be held c June 7th.