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Research Work. —Valuable research work on problems affecting the beekeeping industry in New Zealand has been carried out in conjunction with the Department's Animal Research Station at Wallaceville and with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. This has included diagnostic work on bees submitted for examination, investigation of fermentation and sour flavours in honey, chemical constituents of beeswax produced in New Zealand, pollination of red clover by honey bees, economic use of pollen substitutes, use of chemicals for control of wasps, and identification of pollens found in New Zealand honey. Part-time Apiary Inspection.—Seventy-eight competent beekeepers were employed during the season as part-time Apiary Inspectors to assist the permanent Instructors in the detection and control of bee-diseases. In this way 1,844 apiaries, containing 13,378 hives, were inspected in selected areas, in addition to the work done by the Apiary Instructors during the year. Expansion of Beekeeping Industry in New, Zealand. —Many good beekeeping districts are now fully stocked with bees. A survey on a county basis completed during the year shows that there is scope at present for the expansion of apiary holdings and for the establishment of separate economic units up to a total of at least 18,000 hives in good beekeeping areas. Expansion beyond these limits will depend largely on increased liming and manurial top-dressing of permanent pastures and the establishment of fresh clover pastures on undeveloped lands.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, not given; printing (798 copies), £2OO.

By Authority: E. V. Paul, Government Printer. Wellington. —1948. Price Is. 9d.~\

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