tt.—29

Tobacco Industry The acreage planted, which is located in the Nelson district, is being maintained at about 3,000 acres per annum. The total yield is in the vicinity of 3,185,000 lb. Growers are required to obtain a license to grow tobacco, which is produced under contract to several tobacco-manufacturing companies. The Tobacco Board, which controls the industry and the Tobacco Research Station located at Riwaka, has contributed considerably to the stabilization of the industry. It is expected that there will be a gradual increase in acreage, which is likely to be accelerated through rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and as soon as additional harvesting labour can be assured. The 1944 crop was approximately 3,100,0001b. from 3,093 acres. Hop Industry The hop-growing industry changes very little. The acreage stands at approximately 650 acres, and is located in the Nelson district. The average annual yield is in the vicinity of 3,500 bales (9,375 cwt.). Some slight increase in area has been made through an export demand. The 1945 season promises to be a good one with an estimated yield of 3,500 bales. The National Service Department has done much in recruiting labour for this industry, but there has been a shortage of female labour which, it is expected, may be overcome when normal conditions are restored. Beekeeping Industry There are at present 6,097 beekeepers in New Zealand who own 8,888 registered apiaries containing 133,326 colonies.

The present distribution of beekeeping in the various apiary inspection districts throughout the Dominion is as follows : —

The estimated total production of honey in a normal season is in the vicinity of 3,400 tons. Unseasonable weather conditions at critical periods during the past season in Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wairarapa, and parts of Southland adversely affected nectar secretion ; consequently, lioney crops in these areas range from poor to almost a complete failure in some localities. In North Otago and Marlborough exceptionally heavy crops of excellent-quality honey were harvested. Elsewhere, payable crops have been secured. In the main, crops so far made available for marketing purposes are of excellent quality, but the quantity is far short of all requirements. To ensure the progress of the beekeeping industry, particular attention is being given to the possibility of using pollen substitutes to offset serious shortages of natural pollen in some areas. The work of classifying and grading of honey has been carried out as usual at the Honey Depot of the Internal Marketing Division at Auckland. Rehabilitation The rehabilitation of ex-servicemen in all branches of horticulture has been carefully studied. Arrangements have been made for direct contact to be established with those who may be engaged in growing small fruits, vegetables on a commercial scale, and the production of grapes for the manufacture of beverage wines and brandy. Those who have taken over orchards are receiving special attention from the Instructors with regard to cultural problems, and considerable assistance is also being rendered in the selection of suitable areas of land for commercial vegetable production. Experimental Work Field experimental work has been continued, to a limited extent, in conjunction with the Plant Diseases Division in connection with variety trials and the growing of filbert nuts. Experiments in connection with the dipping of stone-fruit in certain solutions with the object of combating brown-rot in transit to the market were also continued in conjunction with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. The results obtained have not been very promising, although useMinforinatioii has been gained. ■''Trials'on'" pre-stofage heat' treatments of onions were continued in Canterbury, and useful informatibirwasotFtained from this trial.

22

Apiary Inspection District. dumber of N . UI ? ber of of 1 J * Beekeepers. Apiaries. Colonics. Auckland .. .. .. .. .. 1,390 1,631 15,724 Hamilton .. .. .. .. .. 741 1,289 34,342 Hastings .. .. .. .. .. 766 1,092 12,731 Palmcrston North.. .. .. .. .. 1,237 1,856 23,220 Nelson .. .. .. .. .. .. 416 506 5,510 Christcliurch .. .. .. .. .. 654 1,215 22,038 Duncdin and Invercargill .. .. .. .. 893 1,299 19,761 Totals .. .. .. .. .. 6,097 8,888 133,326