Hives Closing Down

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18634, 19 February 1935, Page 4

Hives Closing Down

“THE production season for honey * in Hawke’s Bay is now drawing to a close, and bee-keepers cannot expect, fiie bees to store any more surplus honey at this stage,” said Mr. L Kiesterer, Government apiary instructor in Hawke’s Bay, in an interview. , ~i “The recent rains,” lie added, “came too Jate to be of: any material benefit so far as bee-keepers were concerned, and apparently autumn condi'tions in the apiary will make an early appearance this year. “Under the circumstances, it.would bo as well for bee-keepers to bring about the closing down of the laves somewhat earlier than in a normal season Trt many instances, tho bees have already discarded a great-number of the drones, and this, in itself, indicates tho final stages of tho season. “Of course, any qucculess hives will retain their drones, and beekeepers would be well advised' to complete their queen-raising activities as soon as possible, otherwise a number of unmated queens may be left on hand. Autumn conditions always result in the stimulation of the natural instincts of tho bees to rob, owing to the dearth of nectar supplies from natural sources. “Beekeepers should be particularly careful to prevent the commencement of robbing. Under such conditions the bees are not only a source ot annoyance, but even of danger In the interests of producers, it is advisable to keep the lnve as qmot a. ' “'Hie remainder of the season’s lionev can now be removed, without fear“of the honey proving of low ineeific "ravitv, but, at the saino time, So scaled honey should- be taken in preference to the unsealed,. whmh may be left for the winter supplies ol the* bees,” he concluded.