1918
The first issue of the NZ Beekeepers’ Journal for 1918 provided a change in type size and layout (now using two columns of text). With a reduction in page numbers from 20 to 16, the Editor assured readers there were in fact more than 2 pages more equivalent reading material than the previous journal.
Two of the honey graders Mr Earp and Mr Jacobsen had received a call to report to military camp in April. The Editor appealed for an extension to June to enable them to grade this year’s honey crop before joining the war effort. As it turned out, Mr Earp did not need the extension – he did not pass the physical.
Mr AL Luke of Awakeri, Bay of Plenty, described a variety of honey poisoning incidents. He noted that the honey was gathered in the autumn, and the poison appeared to come from unripe honey extracted then.
In April 1918, Mr HW Gilling found it necessary to resign as Vice President of the NBA. He did this on a matter of principle, as he objected to the NBA’s journal running an advertisement for a company offering to buy honey for export in competition to the HPA with which he was associated closely. At a meeting in July of the HPA he took the new position of general manager of the HPA at a salary of £400.
High prices for the 1918 crop both locally and for export put pressure on HPA shareholders. Many shareholders were selling for short-term profit outside of their organisation and contrary to their contract with the HPA. There was considerable fluctuations even over short periods of time in the prices obtained for honey. The HPA in June was paying 9d per pound when the honey was shipped. With difficulties getting shipping space, however, producers were receiving the in-store advance of 5 ½ d on light amber honey, with the rest to come when the honey was finally shipped to England.
The Fifth Annual Conference was held on 13 and 14 June 1918 in the Esperanto Hall, Wellington. It was opened by Hon WDS Macdonald, the Minister of Agriculture, and was one of the largest and most enthusiastic held to date. During the Conference a delegation was sent to the Minister to ask for appointment of a Chief Apiarist, a man capable of organising the industry and getting the best results possible from beekeepers, though shortly after Conference the industry was advised that the suggestion was considered “impracticable”.
The Minister also promised his assistance in obtaining shipping space for the 300 tons of honey the HPA had accumulated in shipping stores. He would cable the Prime Minister and Sir Joseph Ward who were in London to point out the advantages of ensuring the honey was shipped promptly.
Mr WE Barker (Peel Forest) was re-elected as President, with Mr James Allan (Tasman) as Vice President. Executive for the coming year were Mr RH Nelson (Martinborough), Mr EW Sage (Ohaupo), Mr A Ireland (Christchurch) and Mr W Watson (Geraldine). Mr FC Baines remained as Secretary and Editor, and his salary was increased by £26, as well as receiving an immediate £10 bonus!
In the September issue of the Journal the Editor made some scathing remarks about Mr FA Jacobsen, the apiary instructor for the Wellington district. Mr Jacobsen had failed the physical required for military service and put his name forward to be considered for the position of Chief Apiarist. The Editor felt he was taking unfair advantage over two other contenders for the position who were both serving their country overseas. In the next issue of the Journal, the Editor retracted and corrected many of the statements, upon the advice of Mr Jacobsen’s solicitors!