To my Bee- keeping Triencfs in Mew Zeafancf. 



At the suggestion of several old beekeeping friends I promised some time ago 

 to write a brief history of tlie progress of Modern Commercial Beekeeping in 

 New Zealand, from its introduction into the country down to the present time. 

 This, with the consent of the Editor of the "N.Z. Farmer," was published in a 

 series of articles last year in the bee columns of that journal. Having records by 

 me, and my memory serving me well, enabled me to jot down fairly complete 

 particulars of such events as now seem to me to have had the greatest influence 

 in shaping the course of our beekeeping industry. 



Seeing that I have taken a leading part in all movements herein recorded, the 

 frequent use of the personal "I" was unavoidable. To have given the names of 

 all connected with the pioneering of the industry would have made too formidable 

 a list, so I have only mentioned those that could not well be avoided. 



While the "Reminiscences" were being published I had ample proof of the 

 interest taken in them, and I think any of the younger generation of our bee- 

 keepers who have read them will better appreciate the favourable conditions 

 under which they now work, as compared with the difficulties the pioneers of the 

 industry had to contend against. 



Regarding the present condition and the future prospects of Commercial 

 Beekeeping in New Zealand. Having subscribed to most bee journals published 

 in the English language during the past 38 years, I have kept abreast of all 

 movements in the Taeekeeping world during that time, and am therefore able to 

 form a fairly correct estimate of the status of our beekeeping as compared with 

 that in other countries, and I have no hesitation in saying that we lead the 

 world in beekeeping. I am aware it is a big claim to make, but when we con- 

 sider that no other country has such an effective Apiaries Act for controlling 

 disease, or such compulsory Regulations for Government Grading of all honey 

 leaving the country, annual registration of Apiaries, and supervision over all im- 

 ported bees, besides permanent Inspectors of Apiaries, who are constantly travel- 

 ling from apiary to apiary, I don't believe it will be thought an idle boast; and 

 with regard to Apiary Appliances, we are in the forefront with these. 



As to the future there cannot be a doubt. The strides that the industry is now 

 making, with an assured oversea market for our surplus honey, warrant our 

 younger beekeepers launching out in all good faith in the future development of 

 a prosperous industry. 



The official figures given by the Hon. Mr. Rhodes at the opening of the Bee- 

 keepers' Conference in June, 1915, were encouraging: Number of beekeepers in 

 New Zealand the previous season, 11,200; number of hives of bees, 74,340; value 

 of output of honey, £50,000; and the industry only in its infancy under the new 

 conditions. It is expected that these figures will be doubled in a very short time. 



In order that the oldest of my beekeeping friends may have a copy of these 

 jottings in Handy form, I have had a limited number reprinted for private circu- 

 lation only. 



With fraternal regards, 



I. HOPKINS. 

 Auckland, N,Z., March, 1916. 



