THE HONEY CROP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17158, 10 November 1917, Page 10

THE HONEY CROP

PROSPECTS REVIEWED. Tho Director of tho Horticulture Division of the Department, of Agrciulture has received from the apiary instructors the following report concerning the honey crop prospects:— Auckland. —Present indic&tiows are for a good yield in the Auokland districts. There is an abundance of white clover in bloom, and on warm days tho bees are working this blossom. The honey market is bare, and prices are likely to increase. Beeswax. is in demand at Is 9d.

Wellington.—All colonies examined recently aro in good condition to take advantage of what is almost certain to be a good season. In certain districts clover bloom is already in evider.ee, indicating an early summer.

Christehurch.—During ' the past month brood rearing has made rapid progress. In marry apiaries colonies are in a very forward condition, and havo honey stored in tho supers, some of which, is already being sealed over. From tho middle of October swarms have been fairly numerous. It is anticipated that the main flow will be earlier this year, as clover is coming into bloom in many parts. The recent rains should prove of groat benefit to pastures, providing wo get favourable- conditions from now onward. The prospects for the season aro probably better this year than those experienced during tho past three-seasons. Dunedin. —It is full early yet to form an estimate of the coming season's crop. Continued wet weather prevailing throughout October has necessitated steady feeding. Generally the olover pastures are in excellent heart, and given fine weather another good season should be _ experienced. Tho market is bare of supplies. Prices are unchanged. Beeswax is scarce.