BEE-KEEPING.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 118, 11 July 1911, Page 8

BEE-KEEPING.

AN INTEL NG EECTEIIK. An interesting lecture under tho auspices of the Dominion Winter Show was delivered at the liawcra Technical School on Friday by Air .1. Banks, headmaster ot the A aver ley State School, and instructor for tho Wanganui Education Board. Mr Banks, in opening, referred to Taranaki as the ideal homo of the honey bee. Owing to its climate and the fact that dairying is carried on rathmi - than sheep farming, the soil supports a wealth of clover, hawkweod, catsoar, and dandelion, and in a dairying district such plants have a chance to bloom. An apiary is always an advantage on a farm on account of the service the bees render in the fertilisation of crops and fruits. Fields which afford pasture for cows also afford food for bees; hence there is an economy or fields. As the work of bee-keeping is suitable for men, women, am! children, being light, it

affords an interesting brealt to monotonous work of flic farm. As regards tho amount of capital invested and the labour needed, there is no industry which brings such huge profits; £1 per colony per season can bo depended upon, and a family can easily manage 100 hives. The demand for honey is constantly increasing, therefore the industry affords every inducement to beginners._ Ladies especially would find this industry an agreeable recreation,_ or an interesting hobby, as the main part of the work is done during the pleasantest part of the day in the best part of the year. It should be mentioned that the necessary labour involved is less than is usually estimated. It is always well to prepare early for the new season. All care and consideration now expended result in handsome returns jin the flush of tho season. The lecturer suggested that a beginning be made with times hives, whicii can easily bo obtained locally. Attention was directed to the stringent regulations of tho Apiary Act. Successful bee-keeping requires experience, mental effort, technical instruction, and the study of periodicals. Attention was directed to tho success of the classes held during the last two years. The results are seen in the high standard of_ exhibits at tho porsent show, and in the solid basis of the industry in Taranaki. Mr E. Dixon, chairman of the Technical School, presided at the meeting, at the conclusion of which a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the instructor. —“Star.”