Honey Crop Prospects.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 57, Issue 6, 20 December 1938, Page 497

Honey Crop Prospects.

THE Director of the Horticulture I Division has received from the Apiary Instructors the following reports concerning the honey crop prospects at the end of October, 1938 : Auckland. The prospects of honey production for the forthcoming reason in the Auckland and the North Auckland districts at the present time are fair. The winter conditions for the bees were favourable, but a considerable amount of wind has been experienced during the spring, and apiary operations have been affected accordingly. Colony strength generally, however, is in good order, and the pastures have been stimulated recently by a beneficial rainfall. Hamilton. . The rainfall during October was exceptionally light and was only 1.18 in., as against the average for the month of 4.52 in. for Hamilton. These conditions obtained more or less throughout the

South Auckland district. Consequently, clover pastures are backward for this time of the year. The dry conditions enabled the bees to work freely the straight willow, barberry, and native trees. On the whole, the bees throughout the district are in normal condition for this period of the year. At the time of writing, 3rd November, steady rain is falling ; thus the prospects for the season ahead are much brighter than a week ago. Hastings. , Present indications give promise of good clover blossoming. . Good rains have been experienced throughout the districts, and, providing good weather prevails, there should be good crops of honey harvested. Palmerston North. Prospects continue to be favourable. Nectar secretion was restricted somewhat during the past month because of rain and some squally intervals. Clover is not quite so forward as it was this time last year.-

Nectar is available in most districts when foraging-conditions permit. A somewhat earlier season is anticipated in some parts. Temperatures remain satisfactory, and hive condition generally is promising. Christchurch. A severe winter has been experienced in this province. Low temperatures have ruled throughout, and the ' rainfall is several inches above last year. Bees wintered exceptionally well, with few losses, and as brood rearing ceased as a result of the intense cold only a small quantity of honey was used. This left ample stores for spring requirements, and at the opening of the willow flow colonies were in a forward condition and, where weather conditions were favourable, stored a considerable quantity of honey. Swarming is not yet general, but if the present colony’s strength is maintained it will, no doubt, prove difficult to control. The pastures are in excellent condition, and the prospects for the honey crop on the medium and light soil are good. The extent of the crop, however, will be governed by the rainfall and weather generally during the next two months. Dunedin. ' The weather during the past winter has been especially cold in the Dunedin districts, and much boisterous weather has been experienced during the early spring, accounting for big losses of field bees. Where adequate stores were provided bees have wintered well, but there have been big losses with those put down for winter with light stores. The conditions of hives are fully a fortnight later than normal, but, with a fairly liberal spring rainfall, pastures are looking well, and at present the prospects are for a good honey crop, given reasonable climatic conditions.

Rates of the levy on all wool produced in New Zealand have been fixed as follow: For each bale, 6d. ; for each fadge, 3d. ; for each bag or sack, id. The levy is charged on all wool produced in New Zealand which at any time during the season commencing on Ist October, 1938, is exported from New Zealand or is delivered to a wool-manu-facturer for use in New Zealand