The Immigrant Bees, 1788 to 1898, Vol.

IV

A Final Insight on the Introduction of European Honeybees into Australia and New Zealand

Peter Barrett

Published April, 2010. A limited edition of 25 copies. Published by the Author. This book is copyright. Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Inquiries regarding any form of reproduction beyond the above permissions, should be directed to the author: Peter Barrett, 28 Osprey Street, Caloundra 4551, Qld., Australia Phone 07 5491 1204 or Overseas +61 7 5491 1204 Also by the author: The Immigrant Bees 1788 to 1898, Vol. I (1995) William Charles Cotton, Grand Bee Master of NZ, 1842-1847 (1997) An Australian Beekeeping Bibliography (1996, 1999, 2010) The Immigrant Bees 1788 to 1898, Vol. II (1999) The Immigrant Bees 1788 to 1898, Vol. III (2006) The Immigrant Bees 1788 to 1898, Vol. V (manuscript)

Transferring spoils from a bee tree

Angus Mackay borrowed several illustrations from the 23rd April 1881 issue of Harpers Weekly and inserted versions of them into his 1885 Elements of Australian Agriculture. So, mirroring his creative selectivity, Ive extracted another.

Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ..................................................................... 14 Copy Holders & Subscribers ...................................................... 15 Foreword .................................................................................... 16 PART I - THE NATIVE BEES ....................................................... 18 BEE-HUNTING, 1887 ....................................................................... 18 NEW SOUTH WALES ....................................................................... 19 James Atkinson and Jim Vaughan, native bees honey, c1820 .. 19 Horticultural Society of London, 1825 ....................................... 20 Edward Macarthur, 1825 ........................................................ 21 They have been unsuccessfully tried in hives at Sydney, 1839 .................................................................................................... 23 T. W. Woodbury, 1864 ................................................................ 23 VICTORIA ........................................................................................ 25 Tarlton Rayments Apis Aenigmatica, an update ....................... 25 NORTHERN TERRITORY .................................................................. 26 Port Essington, c1846 ................................................................ 26 WESTERN AUSTRALIA .................................................................... 26 Edward John Eyres explorations, 1840-41 ............................... 26 David Carnegie, c1892-96 ......................................................... 27 A.C. Gregory & F.T. Gregory, Murchison River, 1857 ............. 27 PART II - THE DARK EUROPEAN HONEYBEE ..................... 29 NEW SOUTH WALES ....................................................................... 29 Another attempt, 2 hives from England, 1809 ............................ 29 The convict ship Phoenix, 1824 another update ..................... 30 Captain Wallace, 1822: .............................................................. 32 an 1824 reference ....................................................................... 32 1823, 1824 and 1825 references ............................................ 33 Apis Mellifica, an 1828 reference .............................................. 35 Observations of Peter Cunningham, 1821-1824 ........................ 36 Bees plentiful in the colony ? 1826 ............................................ 37 several times tried, in each instance failed, 1830 ............. 38 Thomas Braidwood Wilson delivers a hive to Sydney, 1832...... 38 The European bee has been oftener than once introduced into Sydney but without success; 1835 ............................................ 38 4 hives imported from Hobart to Sydney, 1835 .......................... 42

English bees, which have been recently introduced, multiply fast, 1838 .................................................................................. 42 Some early Sydney imports & exports ........................................ 43 Honey and Beeswax, 1832 to 1845 ........................................ 43 Honey Exports from Sydney & Newcastle, 1850-52 ............. 51 Honey & Wax to Sydney from Taree, 1854 ........................... 53 Two bee hives from Hobart Town for Sydney, June 1836 .......... 54 A bee hive from Launceston for Sydney, May 1838 ................... 54 Bee hive stolen, South Head Road, Sydney, Nov. 1838 .............. 54 Foulbrood symptoms, Maitland, 1839 and 1842 ....................... 54 English bees are now pretty numerous, 1842 ............................ 56 Mr. B, Sydney, 50 hives of bees, 1842 ................................... 56 One hive exported to Port Nelson, New Zealand, April 1844 .... 57 Two hives for Port Phillip, Vic., May 1844 ................................ 57 Illawarra: 1845, 1846, 1849, 1852 ............................................ 57 Maitland, a tentative honey industry, 1840s .............................. 61 Potential of honey and wax production, 1843, 1844 .............. 61 Benefits of honey and beeswax exports, 1845 ....................... 63 100 hives for auction, 1845 .................................................... 65 Proceeds from 40 hives, 1846 ................................................ 66 Costs of production, 1846 ...................................................... 68 Honey scarce, 1845 & 1847 ................................................... 70 Twenty hives of bees for auction, 1848 ................................. 70 A Productive Hive, William River, 1850 ............................... 71 Feral bees ................................................................................... 71 Hawkesbury River, 1844 and 1849 ........................................ 71 North of Sydney, 1854 ........................................................ 72 Dapto, South Coast, 1860 ....................................................... 72 For Sale, Durham Hotel, Dungog, with apiary 18 feet long, shingled, 1863 .......................................................................... 72 TASMANIA ...................................................................................... 73 English Black Bees in Tarraleah, 1986 ................................... 73 Two Illusive years, 1817 and 1826............................................. 75 Foreign Honey, 1827 .................................................................. 80 Bees suggested obtainable from Cape of Good Hope, 1829 ...... 80 Dr. Thomas Braidwood Wilson .................................................. 80 Bees let loose from the wire cage, March 1831.................. 80 Bees thriving well, Nov. 1831 ................................................ 81 13 hives in the Government garden, Jan. 1832 ...................... 82 Beekeeping Hobart style, March 1832 ................................... 82 4

Beautiful transparent combs of colonial honey, March 1832 ................................................................................................ 83 Government gardens bees active, circa Jan. 1832 ................ 84 Dr. Wilsons 7th visit to Hobart, July 1832 ............................ 84 Colonel Arthur gifts a hive to Gov. Bourke, 1832 ................. 85 An early swarm, Oct. 1832 ..................................................... 87 English Bees have lately been introduced, 1833 ................ 88 It is necessary to remark the introduction of bees , 1833 88 Another swarm, Oct. 1833 ..................................................... 88 Lessons in the practical management of the apiary, Dec. 1833 ................................................................................................ 89 Dr. Wilson, who has immortalized his name as the friend of Van Diemen's Land March 1834 ..................................... 89 The bees are now becoming so numerous Nov. 1834 ... 90 These useful little insects are now very numerous in the colony, Jan. 1835 .................................................................. 91 bees are now very numerous in the colony, March 1836 ... 92 The bees are now largely spread over this colony, New South Wales and Swan River, May 1836 ....................................... 93 Conclusions re Dr. T.B. Wilson 1831 & Capt. Wallace, 1822 ................................................................................................ 93 Thomas Hentys livestock casualties aboard the Forth, May 1832 ............................................................................................ 95 Mr. Clayton, entrepreneurial apiarist, 1834, 1836 & 1837 ....... 96 Some early honey imports & exports ......................................... 97 For Sale, Campbellford Cottage, consisting of a well-stocked garden, with green-house, apiary, &c., 1842 ............................. 98 Louisa Anne Meredith, a lady beekeeper, 1848 ......................... 98 These busy little colonists are fast spreading all over the island, 1851 ............................................................................ 105 Feral bees, 1852 ....................................................................... 106 Robbery of Bees, 1859 .............................................................. 106 Some Honey Exports from Hobart, 1850 & 1859 .................... 107 SOUTH AUSTRALIA ....................................................................... 109 Bees from Tasmania, 1838 ....................................................... 109 A honey industry progressing by 1859 ..................................... 110 No market for inwards honey cargo, Dec. 1858 ................... 110 Four hives of bees exported to Fremantle, 1859 .................. 110 Honey Exports from 1859 .................................................... 110 Apiarian Society Formed, 1860............................................ 111 5

Honey Imports from Moreton Bay, Qld, 1860 ..................... 111 Honey Exports to Melbourne, 1860 ..................................... 111 WESTERN AUSTRALIA .................................................................. 112 William Hardey, Swan River, 1830, an update to Vol. II ......... 112 May & July 1834, hives imported from VDL ........................... 112 Fremantle, King Georges Sound, 1835 ................................... 113 Lieutenant Helpman, bee hives to the Swan River, Western Australia, in 1841, 1843 & 1846 .............................................. 114 Pre-1841 attempts ................................................................. 115 One hive of bees from Van Diemens Land, July 1841 ....... 116 Three hives from Sydney, 5 July 1843 ................................. 120 Potential hive sourcing voyages in 1844 .............................. 122 The 1846 importation ........................................................... 125 Bees established at Fremantle by 1849 ................................ 128 Dramatis Personae ................................................................ 129 Lt. Francis Helpman:, naval officer, ships captain, expeditioner, harbourmaster, bee hive beneficiary .......... 129 Marshall MacDermott, army officer, prominent settler, banker, the first importer of Bees from England, 1831 131 Captain John Molloy: army officer, gentleman farmer, beekeeper with one bee hive aboard the Warrior, already two months at sea, Dec. 1829 ........................................... 133 Lawrence Welch: customs officer, collector of dues, inspector of weights and measures, collector of license dues, constable, court bailiff, gaoler, beekeeper .............. 135 Addenda................................................................................ 139 Early river travel on the Swan River ................................ 139 An incident with refractory natives, 1838 ........................ 141 Honey and Beeswax Imports, 1833 to 1846 ............................. 144 Dom Rosendo Salvado, Spanish bees to New Norcia, May 1869? .................................................................................................. 145 Salvado & Serras arrival in W.A., 1846 ............................. 146 Salvado in Europe 1849 to 1853 .......................................... 147 Salvados May 1867 visit to Spain, back in Fremantle, May 1869 ...................................................................................... 150 Salvados Sept. 1869 visit to Rome...................................... 151 Conclusions .......................................................................... 151 Senor John Casellas beehouse, 1918 .................................. 153 NORTHERN TERRITORY ................................................................. 154 Three hives of bees for Erickson and Clopenburg, 1882 ......... 154 6

A hive of bees for Hodgson Downs Station, 1896 .................... 155 Bees for the Botanical Gardens, 1897 ..................................... 156 VICTORIA ...................................................................................... 157 Intense heat destroys hives, Heidelberg, Jan. 1848 ................. 157 Spread of feral bees, Gippsland, 1857, 1860, 1863 ................. 157 Spread of feral bees, Melbourne, 1866 .................................... 159 QUEENSLAND................................................................................ 160 Moreton Bay, four inwards shipments of hives, 1848 .............. 161 Before the Magistrates Bench, Dec. 1855 .............................. 161 hives of bees for auction, 1860-1861 ....................................... 162 One hive to Captain Cottier, Rockhampton, July 1860............ 163 hives of bees for auction, March, 1861 .................................... 165 New England district, 1861 ...................................................... 166 Honey from bee trees, Gregory River, 1861 ............................ 167 An Immigrants view of Queensland, 1862 .............................. 172 An Ipswich swarm, 1863 .......................................................... 173 German Settlers, 1863 .............................................................. 173 NEW ZEALAND.............................................................................. 175 William Brown, Auckland, Feb. 1840 ...................................... 175 Campbell and Brown in Australia, 1839-40 ......................... 177 Campbell and Brown in NZ, 1840-41 .................................. 181 Motu korea Browns Island, 1840 ...................................... 182 Acacia Cottage, Auckland, June 1841.................................. 185 George Graham, bees from Hobart to Auckland, 1841 ........... 187 Mrs Eliza Hobson, Bay of Islands, 1840 .................................. 193 Mrs. Williams diary, March 1840 ....................................... 193 Rev. Richard Taylor, Waimate, Dec. 1840 .......................... 194 James Busby, some biographical notes .................................... 202 Mr. John Carne Bidwill, 1842, an update ................................ 204 Dr. Pompellier & Mr. Cotter, May 1843 ............................. 212 The quantity of honey yielded is amazing 1843-47............ 213 Nuisance bees, enthusiastic honey-eaters & and a pains-taking industrious clergyman, 1857 ................................................ 214 A Race of Sorts: William Charles Cotton & Mrs. Allom, Dec. 1841 .......................................................................................... 215 Thames River, London ......................................................... 217 14th December 1841 .......................................................... 217 Departure of the Tomatin.............................................. 218 18th December 1841 .......................................................... 220 Mrs. Allom ........................................................................... 221 7

Correspondence to the Royal Society of Arts, 1845 ........ 221 Self Nomination for an award, 1845 ................................ 223 The ship London ............................................................... 231 The ship Clifford .............................................................. 233 The brothers Imlay, April 1842 ........................................ 237 The brothers Wakefield, 1842 .......................................... 248 The Silver Isis Medal ....................................................... 252 An 1849 novel inspired by Mrs Alloms efforts .............. 254 Rotchs version of Nutts Collateral Hive ........................ 258 Francis Whishaw, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts ........ 260 Cottons Plan ........................................................................ 261 The demise of Cottons bees ................................................ 262 Background....................................................................... 262 Superstitious sailors and the myth of success .................. 264 Mrs. Alloms letter of 12 March 1845 ............................. 267 A carelessly packed hogshead, mashed hives thrown overboard in Plymouth Sound .......................................... 268 A competing explanation - sailors stung by the bees ! ..... 271 Misinformation, ignorance and intensive research .......... 274 Cotton: some additional biographical background ................. 277 I know that bee well .......................................................... 277 a bodyguard of them used to attend him to lecture and chapel .................................................................................. 283 About daylight he used to crow like a cock ...................... 287 as if he had in a previous state of existence been a queen bee himself ................................................................................ 287 A small box would throw a swarm in a very short time, and this again would swarm ...................................................... 288 Mr. Cotton may claim the honours of an Aristaeus in NZ 288 He was never without a plurality of dogs ......................... 289 Mr. Cotton had the swarm sent to his own apiary 1871 ... 290 My Bee Book, a book review, Dec. 1842 ............................. 291 Memoir of Jane Pennington, 1856 ....................................... 292 An 1881 report of Cotton in Melbourne? ............................. 294 The Rise & Fall of an 1840s Cross-Tasman Trade in Bees ..... 294 Sydney hives of bees for sale, September 1842 ................... 295 One hive to Nelson from Sydney, January 1844 .................. 296 One hive from Sydney, January 1844 .................................. 296 Nelson, Wellington and Taranaki sourced swarms available, 1844 & 1847 ......................................................................... 298 8

English honey imports, 1841 ................................................ 298 New South Wales honey, 1843, 1844 & 1846 ..................... 299 Van Diemens Land honey, 1844 & 1846 ............................ 301 Other imported honey, 1846 ................................................. 302 Domestic Bee produce at Agricultural Shows, 1845 & 1849 .............................................................................................. 302 Beekeeping books and bell hives for sale, 1847-1848 ......... 304 Bees Wax sought by H.M. Ships, 1847-1848 ...................... 305 Bees Wax a potential export, 1848....................................... 306 Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1849 ................................. 306 Increasing Domestic Honey Self Sufficiency............................ 307 Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1850 ................................. 307 Foreign Honey into Auckland, 1850 .................................... 308 Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1851 ................................. 308 Foreign Honey into Auckland, 1851 .................................... 310 Exports from Auckland, 1851 .............................................. 310 Home Grown hives for sale, 1852, 1856 .......................... 311 Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1852-1854 ........................ 312 Domestic Honey into Auckland, Wellington & Lyttelton, 1855 .............................................................................................. 313 Foreign Exports, 1855 .......................................................... 314 Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1856-58 ............................ 315 Foreign Honey Imports / Exports 1858-59 ........................... 316 Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1859 ................................. 317 Domestic Honey Coastwise, 1860 ........................................ 319 Foreign Exports 1860-61 ...................................................... 323 Domestic Honey Shipments into Auckland, 1861 ............... 323 Foreign Imports, 1861 .......................................................... 325 Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1862 ................................. 325 Valley of the Okouto River, Feb. 1848 ..................................... 331 New Plymouth, 1848................................................................. 332 Mr. Thorpes apiary, Thames River, 1849 ............................... 332 Isaac Cookson, Lyttelton, 1852 ................................................ 334 Bees plentiful & cheap & colonial collateral hives, 1856 ....... 335 William Swales letter to Charles Darwin, July 1858.............. 336 Shipping of Bee Hives and Bee Produce .................................. 338 The 1860s ............................................................................. 338 The 1870s ............................................................................. 344 Grand Exhibition, 1851 ............................................................ 348 NORFOLK ISLAND ......................................................................... 349 9

Captain Maconochie, 1840, 1845 and 1850 references........... 349 HAWAII ........................................................................................ 351 Sandwich Islands, 1852 ............................................................ 351 Kona, Hawaii, 1863.................................................................. 352 PART III - THE ITALIAN OR LIGURIAN, APIS LIGUSTICA .......................................................................................................... 353 NEW SOUTH WALES ..................................................................... 353 S. MacDonnell, Homebush, July 1881 ..................................... 353 WESTERN AUSTRALIA .................................................................. 359 Ligurians available commercially by 1898 .............................. 359 QUEENSLAND................................................................................ 359 The first Ligurians an 1873 update ....................................... 359 Angus Mackay .......................................................................... 360 1860s & 1870s ...................................................................... 360 Special Commissioner from Qld to Philadelphia, 1876 ....... 364 Success in 1877 ? ................................................................. 365 Chas Fullwood ......................................................................... 369 Plymouth to Brisbane, Sept. - Oct. 1880 .............................. 369 Success in 1881 .................................................................... 371 Beekeeper, bookbinder and rechabite, 1880s ....................... 372 Some NZ notes, 1884 ................................................................ 373 SOUTH AUSTRALIA ....................................................................... 373 The first Ligurians a minor update ....................................... 373 NORTHERN TERRITORY ................................................................ 374 An early record of Italian bees, 1914 ....................................... 374 Ligurian Sanctuary established on Groote Island, 1923 ......... 374 Oenpelli, 1926 .......................................................................... 375 VICTORIA ...................................................................................... 376 Apiarian Societys Report, Dec. 1862 ...................................... 376 Acclimatisation Society, Melbourne, 1864............................... 376 Alfred Neighbour, 1865 - The apiary; or Bees, bee-hives and bee culture....................................................................................... 378 NZ newspapers - Edward Wilson, 1863 & Mr. Hopwood, 1865 .................................................................................................. 380 The Journal of Horticulture, Jan. 1865.................................... 381 American Bee Journal, August 1866 ........................................ 381 Gleanings in Bee Culture, 1873 ............................................... 382 Ligurianizing an Apiary, 1879 ................................................. 382 10

Serious doubt cast on success of the 1862 Ligurian adventure, 1872 & 1881 ............................................................................. 384 BATAVIA (JAKARTA), JAVA, INDONESIA, 1880 ............................. 386 NEW ZEALAND.............................................................................. 386 Acclimatisation Society of Canterbury, Ligurian bees and a little chaos, 1868 ............................................................................... 386 An unsuccessful attempt, Mr. Parsons of Waikato, May 1877 . 387 Royal Commission on Local Industries, Aug. 1880 ................. 388 Hopkins & Wren, Sept. 1880 ............................................... 388 Canterbury Beekeepers Assoc., Christchurch, Dec. 1880 ...... 388 Robert James Creighton, Noah Levering & Samuel Charles Farr, 1880 (an update to Vol. 2) .............................................. 389 Failure of the first attempt .................................................... 389 The second attempt, San Francisco to Auckland, 13 Dec. 1880 .............................................................................................. 393 Robert Creighton, NZ Government agent, San Francisco .... 396 Noah Levering, Los Angeles, California.............................. 397 S.S. Australia, Pacific Mail Steam Ship Co. ........................ 398 Samuel Farr, Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, NZ ........ 401 A German in Tahiti offers Ligurians to NZ, 1882 .................... 401 Thomas Wilson, Kaipoi, Canterbury, from Alfred Newman of Chicago via San Francisco, Oct. 1880 .................................... 402 A sample of subsequent imports, 1881-85 ................................ 405 Isaac Hopkins, Oct. 1881 to Dec. 1884, numerous importations from Queensland, California & Italy .............. 405 L. J. Bagnal, Auckland from America, Nov. 1884 ............... 408 Otago Acclimatisation, 1877 to 1882 ................................... 408 Major Jackson, Ligurian queen importer & breeder, circa Jan. 1882 ...................................................................................... 411 A. J. Karl, Ohaupo, a Waikato Ligurian queen bee breeder, Sept. 1885 ............................................................................. 411 CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA ...................................................... 412 T.W. Woodbury, c1865 and 1868 ............................................. 412 PART IV BY SEA & LAND IN THE 19TH CENTURY ........ 413 NEW SOUTH WALES / VICTORIA .................................................. 413 Diary of James and Alice Greening, 1886 ............................... 414 COOK ISLANDS RAROONGA, C1862, AN UPDATE ....................... 419 CALIFORNIA .................................................................................. 420 11

The shipment of bees for California and Oregon has been a brisk business, 1860 ............................................................... 420 QUEENSLAND................................................................................ 421 From London for Brisbane via Sydney, Jan. 1888 ................... 421 S.S. Dorundas cholera bees, Moreton Bay, Jan. 1886 ........... 421 WESTERN AUSTRALIA .................................................................. 432 Rev. William Horsfall, Roebourne bees head for Singapore ... 432 Golden Italians in the Goldfields, 1899 ................................... 441 Port Adelaide to Fremantle on the S.S. Rome .......................... 443 SOUTH AUSTRALIA ....................................................................... 447 R. D. Ross, Aug. 1883 ............................................................... 447 Fred Meincke, railway carrier & queen bee breeder .............. 448 South Australian Beekeepers Association .......................... 451 SOUTHAMPTON TO GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 1875 ........ 453 SPAIN TO CUBA AND MEXICO IN THE 17TH CENTURY ................... 454 Dr. Gerstacker, historical sleuth, 1863 .................................... 456 Frederick Smith, British Museum, 1865................................... 463 A BEES SOLILOQUY ..................................................................... 464 PART V MORE EARLY 19TH CENTURY BEEKEEPERS & SOME UPDATED BIOGRAPHIES............................................. 465 TASMANIA .................................................................................... 465 William Kermode, 1821 ............................................................ 465 Joseph Milligan, Tasmanian Beekeeper, 1845-51 ................... 468 Van Diemen's Land Royal Society, 1852.................................. 469 Robert Walker of Kilburn Grange, 1854 ............................. 470 Samuel Perkin, Launceston, 1869 ............................................ 470 Thomas Lloyd Hood, 1884 ....................................................... 471 Thomas James Lempriere ......................................................... 471 Hugh Munro Hull, 1864 ........................................................... 472 SOUTH AUSTRALIA ....................................................................... 472 Jonathan Basham, Hindmarsh Valley beekeeper, 1859 ........... 472 Albert Molineux, 1880s ............................................................ 473 NEW SOUTH WALES ..................................................................... 475 Nathaniel Payten, stonemason & beekeeper, 1842 .................. 475 QUEENSLAND................................................................................ 476 James Carroll and the illusive Queensland Apicultural Journal .................................................................................................. 476 VICTORIA ...................................................................................... 486 Mr. Bell, Newstead farmer & Mr. Mlnnes, carpenter, 1867 .. 486 12

James Shackell, Echuca, 1869 ................................................. 486 Local beeswax candles, Beechworth, 1869 .............................. 487 NEW ZEALAND.............................................................................. 488 Marianne Gittos (1830 1908) ................................................ 488 APPENDICES ................................................................................ 490 APPENDIX 1. BEN OLDROYDS LETTER, JUNE 2007 .................. 490 MY question .............................................................................. 490 Bens response .......................................................................... 491 APPENDIX 2. PAPERS PAST NEW ZEALANDS SEARCHABLE NEWSPAPERS ................................................................................. 493 APPENDIX 3. AMY STORRS LETTERS TO THE HAWKES BAY HERALD ........................................................................................ 495 APPENDIX 4. A SUBSCRIBERS LETTER TO THE NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL, 12 NOVEMBER 1842 ..................................................... 497 APPENDIX 5. ANOTHER SUBSCRIBERS LETTER TO THE NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL, 24 DECEMBER 1842 ...................................... 499 APPENDIX 6. AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPERS DIGITISATION PROGRAM AUSTRALIAS SEARCHABLE NEWSPAPERS ................. 500 APPENDIX 7. ANGUS MACKAYS PUBLISHED WORKS ................ 501 APPENDIX 8. OFFICERS OF THE NSW BEE-KEEPERS UNION ... 503 APPENDIX 9. SOME MORE SHIPS PICTURES .............................. 505 APPENDIX 10. A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE FIRST SUCCESSFUL (?) INTRODUCTION OF HONEY BEES INTO AUSTRALIA IN 1822. .... 509 Failed Attempts both before and after 1822 ......................... 509 Evidence for and against Capt. Wallace in 1822 ..................... 515 Overwhelming evidence for Dr. Thomas Braidwood Wilsons success in 1831 ......................................................................... 524 BOOK REVIEWS ............................................................................ 525 The Australasian Beekeeper, November 2007 ......................... 525 SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................... 526 BOOKS .......................................................................................... 526 SELECTED NEWSPAPERS ............................................................... 536 PROFESSIONAL PAPERS, JOURNAL ARTICLES & DIARIES............. 538 INDEX ............................................................................................. 541 ENDNOTES .................................................................................... 564

13

Acknowledgements
I have pleasure in acknowledging the assistance of the following for their replies and/or contributions to my latest volume. Ann Barton Bob Flanagan Interloans Librarian, Dunedin Public Library, NZ West Norwood Cemetery, U.K. Re: tombstone of James Busby (grave 13,335, sq. 86). British Isles Bee Breeders Assoc. Re: Tarraleah bees article National Railway Museum, Port Adelaide Re: Adelaide to Port Adelaide railway Honorary Librarian, Rockhampton & District Hist. Soc., newspaper cutting on Capt. Cottier Dept. of Biology, College of Mount St. Joseph, Cincinnati, Ohio. Portrait of Alfred Neighbour and pictures of a Nutts hive and a straw skep topped by a glass bell jar. State Library of Tasmania Re: Robert Walker Kilburn Grange, 1850s Woodside, Sth. Aust. Re: Frederick William Meincke Alexander Turnbull Library, re New Zealand Farmer articles from 1896 Saxton descendant, details on John & Charles Saxton Aust. Garden History Jnl. Re: an article on J. C. Bidwill CQ University, Rockhampton, portrait of William Cottier Caloundra City Library, interlibrary loans Manuscripts Librarian, Auckland War Memorial Museum, NZ. Re: Rev. Taylors diary Papers Past, Digital Product Manager, National Digital Library, National Library NZ Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, NZ Re: NZ (diary fragments of John Waring Saxton relate to bees aboard the Clifford); Allom14

Brian Dennis Des Egan Fay Griffiths Gene Kritsky

Gillian Winter Ian Morrison Jan Squire Jill Goodwin Joanna Broad Keith Jorgensen Kerrie Malcolm Maree Millard Martin Collett Matthew Oliver Merryn McAulay

Peter Ludlow Sophie Cawthorne Val Maas

Neighbour correspondence; re diary of Marianne Williams; re diary of Mary Anna (Bumby) Smales; Photos of Flowerdale Apiary Royal Society of Arts, re Allom correspondence Local History, Shire of Roebourne, WA

Copy Holders & Subscribers

Bob Gulliford Bruce Stevenson Dunedin Public Library Mark Appleton Peter Barrett Steve Craig State Library of NSW National Library of Australia Alexander Turnbull Library The State Library of South Australia CSIRO Black Mountain Library Deakan University Library Christchurch City Library Dunedin Public Library Hamilton City Library Lincoln University Library University of Waikato Library University of Otago Library, Hocken Collections State Library of Victoria Total Library Solutions Tamworth Bay of Islands Dunedin Winmalee Caloundra Warrimoo Sydney Canberra Wellington Adelaide Canberra Canberra Christchurch Dunedin Hamilton Lincoln Hamilton Dunedin Melbourne Auckland NSW N.Z. NZ NSW Qld. NSW NSW ACT. N.Z. Sth. Aust. ACT ACT N.Z. N.Z. N.Z. N.Z. N.Z. N.Z. Vic. N.Z.

15

Foreword
With the publication of Volume III in June 2007 I could not declare the story told. My research continued to be a pleasurable pastime, and at times, a passion. This volume, as with its predecessors, is the story of the arrival of the immigrant bees, but principally, that of their colonial custodians. Early in 1995 I found it less than satisfying to be told the details of the birth of Australian beekeeping were already known - simply that bees were introduced into Australia in 1822 by Captain Wallace aboard the Isabella. There had to be a deeper and more colourful story waiting to be uncovered and acknowledged. My books are a mix of simple facts, some unembellished; updates to my previous volumes; beekeeper biographies and stand alone articles such as the competing solutions to the fate of Rev. William Cottons bees in Plymouth Sound, December 1841. Some highlights of this edition include: Given the weight of evidence now available, the first successful domestication of honey bees in Australia should be pulled back from 1822 to 1831, with Hobart supplanting Sydneys prior fame. Victorias acclimatisation of the Ligurian bee in 1862 now shown to be unsuccessful. The presence of a honey industry in South Australia by 1859 A major update on Ligurians into NZ in the 1880s. Discovery of an introduction into Hobart in 1817. Bees to New Zealand in the 1840s The introduction of the Spanish honeybee into New Norcia, Western Australia by a Benedictine monk in 1869

My research has made use of internet resources, taking great care to double and triple check anything found there. This includes the resources of New Zealands Early Books; Google Book Search; New Zealands Papers Past and the National Library of Australias Australian Newspapers Digitisation Program. Like William Charles Cotton who populated his My Bee Book of 1842 with extracts that particularly interested him, Ive included in my book much thats especially interested me. Youll find herein stories Ive enjoyed discovering: a stagecoach journey in the goldfields in 1899; Rev. William Horsfalls attempt to take a hive of bees from 16

Western Australia to Singapore in 1892 and Captain Arthur Wakefields gruesome demise at the Wairau Affray in 1843. I decided to halt work on this volume having achieved 600 pages. As I still had research materials on hand I proceeded to construct another volume yes, there will be a Volume V. One query which had puzzled me over the years was the extensive career of Angus Mackay - prominent author and lecturer on matters agricultural, overseas commissioner, newspaperman, one whose working career covered England, North America, Queensland, New South Wales and Scotland. Could I actually be dealing with two different men? No my suspicion was ill founded, however there were two prominent Angus Mackays. One pursued his career in the late 19th century Australian colony of Queensland and latterly, New South Wales. Another, politician and newspaperman, not the subject of my research, lived out his career in Victoria. Volume V will provide more detail on these two men, as well as some more fascinating tales. Peter Barrett, Caloundra, Queensland, April 2010
Cover illustration: Transferring Swarm of Bees from Log Gale, Albert (1912) Australian Bee Lore and Bee Culture. (p.101)

17

Part I - The Native Bees

BEE-HUNTING, 1887

Robbing a bee tree, wood-engraving, John Mather, 1887 1

From the Northern Territory Times and Gazette, 7 May 1914: One of the delights of the Queensland bush is the "sugar bag," the hoard of the wild bee, found in the hollows of trees. Many a traveller has fared sumptuously upon this honey, which is sweet and aromatic. One of them thus describes its taking: "The blacks capture a little indigenous stingless bee, no bigger than a household fly, stick a bit of down on it with resin from a tree for the purpose of enabling them to keep it in sight, and then, letting it go, follow it to its home. 2 To do this they have to be a party of six or eight, because they have to run as hard as they can go, and, looking up, so as to keep their eyes on the bee, and not seeing things on the ground that keep bringing one or another of them down a cropper, the spare runners have to take up the race and
1 2

Refer printsandprintmaking.gov.au A supporting picture may be found on page 17 of The Immigrant Bees, Vol. III, (p.18, 19); also Vol. II, p.17

18

keep the bee in sight, while the spilt ones recover themselves. It is an amusing and exciting scene to witness. Having run the bee to tree, they do not cut the tree down, because that would be too much for their small tomahawks, but they make a hole in the tree and get the honey out. (p.9)

NEW SOUTH WALES James Atkinson and Jim Vaughan, native bees honey, c1820
From the ABC Radio program Ockhams Razor, 3 broadcast on 29 Dec. 2002 Around a litre of honey could usually be retrieved from a hive of an Australian Trigona [ie., native bees]. Dr Charles Throsby noted the general use of honey among Aborigines on his trip to Jervis Bay in 1818. Near present-day Nowra, he met a group who, he said, are the most robust and healthy-looking Natives I have ever seen in the Colony the whole of them shook hands with me and offered us Honey of which they had great Quantities. James Atkinson had reason to be thankful for the prevalence of honey as a food for the Aborigines when he got lost in the bush further west along the Shoalhaven River near Kangaroo Valley, a few years later. He was helped by Jim Vaughan, an Aborigine, who took honey from a bees nest in a tree, and served the honey to Atkinson, who survived on the honey for three days. Atkinson believed, perhaps as a result of this experience, that there was much honey to be harvested from the scrub on the south coast. From the National Library of Australia web site James Atkinson, father of Louisa Atkinson was a pioneer settler of Oldbury, Sutton Forest and an explorer in the Shoalhaven region. 4 From the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia: Louisa was born on her parents property Oldbury, Sutton Forest, about three miles from Berrima , [on the south coast of] New South Wales Her father, James Atkinson, was the author of an early Australian book, An Account of the State of Agriculture and Grazing in New South Wales, published in 1826. He died in 1834, when Louisa was only 8 weeks old. 5

3 4

Found in http://www.abc.net.au/rn/science/ockham/stories/s750777.htm Found in http://nla.gov.au/nla.ms-ms8363 5 Found in wikipedia

19

The question arises whether the honey which sustained Atkinson came from the nest of the native Trigona bee or from the introduced European honey bee. Given it was not until 1837 that Alexander Berry introduced honey bees to his Coolangatta estate at the mouth of the Shoalhaven River, its most likely the honey supplied to Atkinson by Jim Vaughan was obtained from a native Trigona bee hive. Horticultural Society of London, 1825 From the Aberdeen Journal 6 7 for Wednesday, 27 July 1825: Bees. The Horticultural Society of London has lately received from New South Wales a fine healthy hive of native bees. They differ materially from the bees of Europe, being infinitely smaller, and, like the Mexican, wholly without stings. The honey which they produce is said to be of excellent quality, and is distinguished by a peculiar fragrance; it is one of the new products of that singular country which serves as food for the natives. Note the replication of the underlined phrases in the following publication. From Newton's London Journal of Arts and Sciences, 1825, The Horticultural Society has lately received from New South Wales, through the liberality of Captain M'Arthur, son of John MArthur, Esq. of Camden, in that colony, a fine healthy hive of native bees, differing materially from the bees of Europe, being of a smaller species, and wholly without stings. The honey they produce is said to be of excellent quality, and is distinguished by a peculiar fragrance; it is one of the few products of that singular country which serves as food for the natives. (p.112) The Cottagers Monthly Visitor for 1825 reported in its Extracts from Public Newspapers section A hive of native bees of New South Wales has recently been brought to this country they are very small and have no sting, but their honey is particularly fine. (p.383) From John Miltons 1843 The practical bee-keeper; or, Concise and plain instructions for the management of bees and hives.: Stingless Bees. A swarm of these curious little insects arrived in this country,
6 7

Published Aberdeen, Scotland; Issue 4046 Also in The London Journal of Arts and Sciences, 1825, (p.112); The Treasury of Natural History , Maunder, Samuel, 1852, (p.31); The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British India and its Dependencies, July to Dec. 1825 Kingsbury, Parbury & Allen, London. (p.215)

20

(they came, I think, from Sydney,) and were presented to the Horticultural Society, and deposited by them in their gardens at Chiswick. I went to see this curiosity, for to me it was such. The hive containing them was placed in a pit, covered by a frame, similar to those used for growing melons, and very unsuitable for the inhabitants. I looked into the hive by withdrawing a slide that covered a piece of fine-wove wire-work. Upon the admission of the light, these little aliens exhibited all that irritability evinced by the European bees. They flew around us, and made a soft and plaintive buzz of distress and uneasiness; upon which I begged that they might not be further disturbed; but it was to no purpose, for these, like the European bees above-mentioned, 8 fell into careless hands, and thus their existence was but of short duration in England. (pp.106-108) From Loudons 1826 The Gardeners Magazine and Register of Rural & Domestic Improvement, in the chapter titled Horticultural Society and Garden: The Australasian bees have unfortunately died during the last winter. (p.345) i

Edward Macarthur, 1825

From the online Australian Dictionary of Biography 9 Sir Edward Macarthur, (1789-1872), soldier, the eldest son of Captain John Macarthur and his wife Elizabeth. He went to Sydney with his parents in 1790 and spent his boyhood there and at Elizabeth Farm, Parramatta. Sent to England in 1799 to be educated he returned to Sydney in 1806. He soon left (c1808) for London In 1824 Macarthur went to New South Wales as the agent of colonizer T.P. Macqueen.

8 9

Refer the chapter Observations of Peter Cunningham on page 30 A. J. Hill (1966) Macarthur, Sir Edward (1789 -1872) Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 5, (pp 122-123)

21

Sir Edward Macarthur 12

Wikipedia 13 states In 1824 he paid a visit of 10 months to Australia On conclusion of his visit its probable that Edward returned with the hive of native bees. From Hazel Kings 1980 Elizabeth Macarthur and Her World: After an absence of sixteen years Elizabeths son Edward returned in April 1824, staying some 10 months. he left in February 1825 to return to England after his return from New South Wales in June 1825 on the ship Mangles not only with eighty-seven bales of Macarthur wool on board and a case of six bottles of wine produced by William, but also with the usual objects of natural history as presents. The plants were for presentation to the Horticultural Society while others received two emus, a pair of black swans and three doves. Edward also had a hive of bees, ii temporarily residing at the Horticultural Society's garden, for which he had not found a recipient. (p.120) 14

12 13

http://www.diggerhistory.info/pages-heroes/macarthur.htm Refer wikipedia 14 King cites: Edward to Horton, 23 June 1825, CO 201/167 [Colonial Office Archives, Public Record Office, London]; Edward to his brother John, 14 June 1825; to his brother James, 7 July 1825, MP 17 [Macarthur papers, Mitchell Library, Sydney].

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They have been unsuccessfully tried in hives at Sydney,

1839
From Discoveries in Australia; with an account of the coasts and rivers explored and surveyed during the voyage of H. M. S. Beagle, in the years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43 published in 1846, the following is part of a description of the fauna of Port Essington in 1839. Great numbers of kangaroos were also found here I must further allude to a most beautiful little opossum which inhabits these parts. It is about half the size of a full-grown rat, and designated as belideus ariel. This animal has a membrane between the fore and hind paws, which aids it to some extent when leaping from bough to bough. It is a great enemy to the wild bee, devouring them and their nests; the bees the natives discover by tapping the tree and listening for a buzzing from within. Those we saw, amounting to nearly a hundred, were about the size of a fly, of a dusky black colour, and strange to say, were hovering round an empty tar-barrel. They have been unsuccessfully tried in hives at Sydney. (pp.396-7) 15 T. W. Woodbury, 1864 Others were took an interest in Australias flora and fauna, including its native bees. The Courier (Brisbane, Qld.) on 4 June 1863 announced We are informed that, owing to the kindness of Mr. H. C. Keen, the captain of the ship Flying Cloud, 16 which leaves this day for London, the Acclimatisation Society have been enabled to send home one native dog; also, that two cases of the new fibre sida retusa, 17 one hive of native bees, and one case containing three dozen tree frogs have been sent from the Botanical Gardens. We have been requested to state that both Captain Keen and other commanders of ships have evinced a great desire to aid the Acclimatisation Society in effecting exchanges, and have shown every wish to forward its
15

Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty (1839) Discoveries in Australia; with an account of the coasts and rivers explored and surveyed during the voyage of H. M. S. Beagle, in the years 1837-38-39-40-41-42-43 16 A 1200 ton yacht-built clipper. On this occasion sailed direct from Moreton Bay to London on 8 June. 17 Paddys lucerne, Refer cms.jcu.edu.au/discovernature/weedscommon/JCUDEV_012304 Refer also http://www.ann.com.au/herbs/Monographs/sida.htm Perennial, woody, fibrous stemmed shrub 2nd half of 20th century the bark fibre was tried for rope manufacture, but it did not succeed

23

interests. (p.2) In the same Courier issue: About noon yesterday the Brisbane left Harris' wharf to proceed to the bay to convey Captain Keen and pilot Sholl on board the Flying Cloud. The passengers and their luggage were also taken down, as well as a number of ladies and gentlemen who wished to take a farewell of their friends. The Flying Cloud will probably sall to-day, taking with her a valuable cargo of colonial produce.

Clipper ship Flying Cloud 19

In the 1864 Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of London, a report from T.W. Woodbury titled On the Nest of Trigona carbonaria was presented. At the November Meeting of this Society I exhibited a nest of Trigona carbonaria, a stingless honey bee, from Queensland, Eastern Australia. I have had opportunities since that time of more carefully inspecting the structure of the nest, and I think the results may be sufficiently interesting to lay before the Meeting.
20

The American Bee Journal for May 1869 published a contribution from Woodbury In September, 1863, I received a beautiful nest of these remarkable insects, the scientific name of which is Trigona carbonaria, and which nest is now deposited in the British Museum. Its inhabitants were alive when shipped from Brisbane, but had unfortunately become defunct long before the conclusion of their
19 20

Refer http://www.eraoftheclipperships.com/page21web3.html (pp.181-2) His full report may be found using Google Book Search

24

voyage. T. W. Woodbury, (A Devonshire Bee-keeper.) Mount Radford, Exeter, England, December 21, 1868. (p.223) This was followed up with another Woodbury letter published in the American Bee Journal for November 1869: I am indebted to Mr. F. Smith, the distinguished hymenopterist of the British Museum, for the following description of the native Australian honey bee, a nest of which reached me through the kind offices of Messrs. Yeitch, of Chelsea. Although the bees were alive when shipped from Brisbane, in Queensland, they had evidently perished long before the termination of their voyage. This fatal result is, however, less to be regretted, since it is evident that their power of honey-gathering must be perfectly infinitesimal as compared with those of either of the European races. (p.91)

VICTORIA Tarlton Rayments Apis Aenigmatica, an update

John Edmonds, a south-east Queensland commercial beekeeper, made reference in his May 2007 submission to the Australian Governments Inquiry into the Future Development of the Australian Honey Bee Industry, to Tarlton Rayment's discovery of a believed new native bee, Apis Aenigmatica. I believe this bee was actually Apis Andreniformis, which can be found in Indonesian highlands, thus the climatic conditions are very similar to those of Victoria. Unfortunately with the [death] of Marius Jensen 21 we lost a beekeeper who also described these bees being in the Victoria Valley of the Grampians up to 1920. I believe the bees were nomadic and deserted the small nests (as big as your hand) and like Apis Dorsata migrated to other areas as the flowering cycles of the trees came and went. Why did they disappear? Most likely clearing of the landscape caused havoc with their migration and, allowing the wind into clearings has a large effect on the flight of insects. Honeybees located within a forest always perform better than those that have to battle the winds of the open country. European honeybees had largely spread throughout Australia by the mid 1800s so the bees had lived together until the last sightings in 1920s.

21

his full name was Marius Kristian Jensen. At the time of his death in 2000 at the age of 75, Marius lived at Tarrington, near Hamilton, in south-west Victoria.

25

In Eva Cranes mammoth The World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting (1999), beekeeping with the dwarf or little honey bee, Apis florea is described. Briefly mentioned is Apis andreniformis which is rather similar to A. florea, occurs in regions that include southern China, parts of Burma, Malaysia, Palawan in the Philippines, Thailand, and also Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam. In August 2007 I emailed John Edmonds of Mount Duneed, Victoria, to ask if he was aware of any evidence, documentary or otherwise, of Marius sightings of these dwarf bees. He promptly replied Marius was a bushman and had worked with his father from a young age beekeeping, timber cutting etc and was not educated to write things down, but he was absolutely amazing with his knowledge of the Grampians bush. So it [his evidence] was only verbal. Marius must have been born in 1925, given he was aged 75 at the time of his death in 2000. His verbal evidence cannot therefore have been first hand I must assume it was passed down by his father.

NORTHERN TERRITORY Port Essington, c1846

In the chapter on Port Essington in Stokes 1846 Discoveries in Australia: I must further allude to a most beautiful little opossum which inhabits these parts. It is about half the size of a full-grown rat, and designated as belideus ariel. Its colour and fur greatly resemble the chinchilla, and I have little doubt that the skin is valuable and might be made an article of trade. This animal has a membrane between the fore and hind paws, which aids it to some extent when leaping from bough to bough. It is a great enemy to the wild bee, devouring them and their nests; the bees the natives discover by tapping the tree and listening for a buzzing from within. Those we saw, amounting to nearly a hundred, were about the size of a fly, of a dusky black colour, and strange to say, were hovering round an empty tar-barrel. They have been unsuccessfully tried in hives at Sydney. (pp.396-7)

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Edward John Eyres explorations, 1840-41

With thanks to Project Gutenbergs ebooks, I located the following in Edward John Eyres Journals Of Expeditions Of Discovery Into Central Australia And Overland From Adelaide To King George's 26

Sound In The Years 1840-1, Volume 2. Sent By The Colonists Of South Australia, With The Sanction And Support Of The Government: Including An Account Of The Manners And Customs Of The Aborigines And The State Of Their Relations With Europeans. Chapter III within the section titled Manners and Customs of the Aborigines of Australia covers Food`-- How Procured -- How Prepared . It commences with The food of the Aborigines of Australia embraces an endless variety of articles, derived both from the animal and vegetable kingdom. Honey is procured by steeping the cones of the Banksia or other melliferous flowers in water. It is procured pure from the hives of the native bees, found in cavities of rocks, and the hollow branches of trees. The method of discovering the hive is ingenious. Having caught one of the honey bees, which in size exceeds very little the common house fly, the native sticks a piece of feather or white down to it with gum, and then letting it go, sets off after it as fast as he can: keeping his eye steadily fixed upon the insect, he rushes along like a madman, tumbling over trees and bushes that lie in his way, but rarely losing sight of his object, until conducted to its well-filled store, he is amply paid for all his trouble. The honey is not so firm as that of the English bee, but is of very fine flavour and quality.

David Carnegie, c1892-96

In Spinifex and Sand, A Narrative of Five Years' Pioneering and Exploration in Western Australia, by David W Carnegie (1898), I found, thanks to Project Gutenbergs ebooks: Here we also made acquaintance with the native bee, and would certainly have been counted mad by any stranger who could have seen us sitting in the smoke of a fire in the broiling sun! This was the only way to escape them; not that they sting, on the contrary they are quite harmless, and content themselves by slowly crawling all over one, up one's sleeve, down one's neck, and everywhere in hundreds, sucking up what moisture they may--what an excellent flavour their honey must have!

A.C. Gregory & F.T. Gregory, Murchison River, 1857

A mention of native bees appeared in the Journals of Australian Explorations by Augustus Charles Gregory and Francis Thomas

27

Gregory. 22 23 The expedition commenced on 3 January. The party of nine 24 commenced with equipment 25 and provisions 26 for five months supported by twenty-seven pack-horses with pack-saddles, three pack-horses with riding-saddles and six riding horses. The diary entry for Sunday 14 September: At 5.50 proceeded down the creek on a nearly west course, searching the channel in its winding course for water, but without success, till 10.0, when we found a pool of good water fifty yards long and two feet deep, at which we encamped. Some blacks had been camped at this pool, and their fires were still burning. The country on the creek is very poor, with patches of open melaleuca scrub, box, bloodwood, leguminous ironbark, terminalia, white-gum, and a few pandanus, triodia, and a little very dry grass. The soil sandstone, with ironstone gravel. The native bee appears to be very numerous, and great numbers of trees have been cut by the blacks to obtain the honey.

22

published 1884 in Brisbane by James C. Beal, Government Printer, William Street 23 On a routine survey of the Murchison River in 1857 he explored its upper reaches . Refer also online Australian Dictionary of Biograp hy. 24 To read Gregorys journal refer web page http://freeread.com.au/ebooks/e00053.html#four The Party: Commander, A.C. Gregory; assistant-commander, H.C. Gregory;artist, T. Baines; botanist, F. Mueller, collector, J. Flood; overseer, G. Phibbs; farrier, R. Bowman; harness-maker, C. Dean; stockman, J. Fahey. 25 Instruments, clothing, tents, ammunition, horseshoes, tools, etc., 800 pounds; saddle-bags and packages, 400 pounds; saddles, bridles, hobbles, etc., 900 pounds. Total, 5,430 pounds. 26 Flour, 1,470 pounds; pork, 1200 pounds; rice, 200 pounds; sago, 44 pounds; sugar, 280 pounds; tea, 36 pounds; coffee, 28 pounds; tobacco, 21 pounds; soap, 51 pounds. Total, 3,330 pounds.

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Part II - The Dark European Honeybee

This part is seamlessly split into two sections. The first demonstrates the halting steps in the successful establishment of the honey bee, while the second gives examples of its spread. Ive paid little or no attention to the years beyond 1860 because feral bees were easily establishing in the bush, householders were commonly keeping bees and the beginnings of a commercial honey industry was well underway.

NEW SOUTH WALES

Another attempt, 2 hives from England, 1809 In the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal for 1820 and repeated in Charles Buckes 1823 On the beauties, harmonies and sublimities of nature , 27 Bees were introduced to New South Wales in 1809. 28 Two hives were taken from England; but the bees were suffocated by the melting of the wax, in crossing the Line. 29 Captain Wallis afterwards introduced four more hives 30 in 1822, and the last time I heard of them, they were healthy and increasing. Bucke also commented on the introduction of bees into Boston, New England and Cuba. On the surface this 1809 incident might be mistaken for Samuel Marsdens effort to introduce honey bees to New South Wales. He wrote to the secretary of the London Missionary Society on 1 December 1809 recording therein hed purchased at Rio de Janeiro livestock including two hives of bees. These were safely landed on 27 February 1810 at Sydney and placed in the garden of Government House. Unfortunately, they were left exposed to the elements and did not
27

Bucke, Charles (1823) On the beauties, harmonies and sublimities of nature , Vol. II, Whittaker, London. (p.186). Also in Edinburgh Philosophical Journal, Vol.5, 1820 (p.423) 28 This is unlikely a reference to Rev. Samuel Marsden. Refer my Vol I. 29 ie., the Equator 30 In the Scottish Beekeeper for 1924 (p.98) Commercial apiculture may be said to have begun in Australia in the year 1822, when 12 hives of English black bees were landed in Sydney, New South Wales. ... I located this item on Google Book Search and am yet to sight this article to see what else may be there.

29

survive. The bees however were not European honey bees but stingless bees. Rio is 23 degrees south of the Equator so these bees did not cross the Line. Additionally, the 1820 report states the two hives were brought from England. The convict ship Phoenix, 1824 another update During a visit to the State Library of Queensland in August 2008 I located the full text of a 28 July 1863 Sydney Morning Herald iii report referred to by John Ross in his letter dated 10 August 1863. 32 The article which drew Rosss objection covering the meeting of the New South Wales Acclimatisation Society on 27 July 1863, Mr. L. Samuel in the chair. At the end of the article The chairman mentioned that he had received some hives of the bees from Tasmania in 1834. The SMH article is as follows Mr. S.M. Mowle forwarded, for inspection of members, a silver snuff-box, which had been presented some years ago by a number of gentlemen resident in Tasmania, to Dr. Thomas Braidwood Wilson, as a recognition of that gentlemans services to the colony, and this momento was regarded by the meeting with considerable interest, chiefly as indicating the date when, and the person by whom the English honey bee was first introduced into Tasmania, and thence into this colony. The following inscription, to which the names of forty gentlemen are appended, was engraved on the back of the box. Sir, we the undersigned, request you will do us the honour to accept of this box, manufactured in the colony as a mark of the sense we entertain of the important services which, in a long series of voyages, you have rendered this colony by introducing to it some of the most valuable plants and animals, but especially the honey-bee, which are now in a manner become indigenous to it. That you may long live to enjoy and participate in the advantages which your exertions have thus conferred on the colony is the earnest wish of, Sir, your obedient servants.
32

In my Volume III there is a minor error - my proof reading was at fault. I wrote on page 47: Mowle provided details originally penned in 10 August 1863 by Captan John Ross of Moruya, who described the snuff box This should read Mowle provided details originally penned in 10 August 1863 by Captan John Ross of Moruya. Mowle described the snuff box There is a second error on page 34 one paragraph commences with Next from Ross , this should read Next from Mowle

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The SMH article continued Dr. Thomas Braidwood Wilson left Spithead in the ship John, either at the end of August or the beginning of September, 1830, with the bees on board. They were landed at Hobarton about the end of January or the commencement of February, 1831, and placed in the Government Gardens by the doctor. From these there were about fifteen swarms the first year. They were intended originally for Sydney, but Colonel Arthur, the Governor, persuaded Dr. Wilson to leave them at Hobarton, he, however, subsequently brought two swarms to Sydney from which have sprang the swarms to be seen in every part of the colony. In a Google cached web article from Afloat magazine written by Jack Clark, there is an interesting story about the history of Lavender Bay and Blues Point 33 in Sydney. A player in this tale is the convict hulk Phoenix, said to have had four boats. The largest required a crew of four oarsmen, with a bosuns mate in charge. Its main task was to supply the hulk with water and firewood, and it was also used if required to transfer prisoners. The second boat was used by the military guard, but was also used to convey prisoners when needed. The third was a smaller boat rowed by two oarsmen and used mainly by the surgeon and the clergymen who came to visit Phoenix twice a week. The smallest boat was operated by one man, usually under sail, and its main task was to convey provisions every day from the town to the hulk. The particular ships boat, with its cargo of a hive or hives of bees, I assume under the charge of junior officer John Ross, and accompanied by the bees chaperone, Surgeon Superintendent Dr Quede, was most likely to have been the largest ships boat. The oarsmen had a lengthy row at least 15 miles (24 klms) - to complete from Sydney to Parramatta, followed by their return to the Phoenix. The bees final journey up the Parramatta River was relatively short compared to their voyage from England along with some 190 male convicts - the ship Phoenix (II) departed from Portsmouth, England on 29 March 1824 , arriving in Hobart on 21 July 1824, having sailed via Tenerife and the Canary Islands - the voyage took 114 days. 34

33 34

titled Lavender and Blue on the North Shore, May 2003, afloat.com.au http://members.iinet.net.au/~billeah/babington.html

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Captain Wallace, 1822: an 1824 reference In Volume I of my Immigrant Bees, I attempted to determine how many hives of bees Capt. Wallace had brought into Sydney. I found the following reference in June 2008 from the Morning Chronicle 35 for Monday, 21 June 1824: New South Wales: The five hives of bees taken out by Capt. Wallace of the Isabella, were thriving well, and had thrown off many swarms, the greater part of which had escaped into the woods, where they will multiply fast, from the climate and country being so favourable to their propagation; so that wild honey and wax will may hereafter become objects of interest to the Colonist for domestic purposes and exportation, besides what will be produced from the bees in their tame state. iv A similar report appeared in William Charles Wentworths 1824 A Statistical Account of the British Settlements in Australasia: Including the Colonies of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land Some bees taken out three years since, have thriven and thrown off several swarms, some of which, had escaped into the woods, where, from the favourableness of the climate and country, there is no doubt they will multiply fast; and wild honey and wax are thus likely to be added to the other products of Australasia. (p.300) A following article in both the Morning Chronicle and the Oriental Herald mentioned Hannibal Macarthur 37 of Parramatta and an earlier entry noted the arrival of the Competitor, Captain [William] Ascough, on 16 June after a 134 day voyage from Sydney. Such intelligence may well have arrived from New South Wales aboard this ship. Either way, the delay for such news reaching England would age the Wallace story to no later that early February, 1824. Given the Isabella under Captain Wallace arrived in Sydney on 9 March 1822, almost two years previous to the Morning Chronicle report, added weigh is

35 37

Published London, England. Issue 17215. William Charles Cotton was to visit future beekeeper Hannibal and his bees nearly two decades later in early 1842. The article addressed Hannibals importation of six young olive-trees from England this soil appeared to be so well adapted to them. Should the production of the olive progressively increase at this rate, Mr. M'Arthur will be able in a few years to disseminate this valuable tree over the whole Colony, where all attempts at propagating it have hitherto failed.

32

thus applied, I believe, to the actual success of the Wallace importation, at least into their second Australian summer of 1824.

Henry Field Gurner, Australiana collector From the Illustrated Australian News, 16 May 1883

I published this same quote in my Volume I, sourced from Henry Field Gurners 39 Miscellaneous Papers 1817-1873, held at the Mitchell Library, part of his valuable collection of Australiana. The newspaper cutting is hand annotated as originating from the Morning Herald of 21 June 1824. Assuming the cutting to be from the Sydney Morning Herald, I returned to the SMH for that date and surrounding issues in my visits to the Mitchell during 1995 and later years. My inability to locate it is now explained. 1823, 1824 and 1825 references From The European Magazine and London Review for 1823 Australasia. New South Wales. - The news from this country continues to be highly satisfactory. The experiments made by the inhabitants of Port Jackson, in the interior of New Holland, give still greater confirmation to the ideas already conceived of the excellency
39

Henry Field Gurner (1819-1883), solicitor, born on 31 March 1819 in Sydney. Gurner's attachment to his native land and legal work was reflected in his valuable collection of Australiana (list published in 1878) and his own publications For a full biographical entry refer the online Australian Dictionary of Biography.

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of the soil and climate. The new governor, Sir Thomas Brisbane, successor to Macquarrie, [sic.] is president of an agricultural society. An article in a late Sydney Gazette informs us, that oranges may be gathered and bought for sixpence the dozen; a few years since, that price was given for one only. Bees have been imported without suffering from the voyage, and are doing well. Mr Blaxland, 40 of London, presented to the Society of Trades in Paris the first specimens of the Australasian vines, and has obtained a medal. Sheep brought over to Van Diemen's Land thrive well. (p.270) In The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and Foreign India ..., (V.16, July - Dec 1823, p.483) During the last three weeks, three swarms of young bees have been produced from two hives, the property of D. WENTWORTH, Esq. purchased by him from Captain Wallace of the Isabella, ... From The Spirit of the English Magazines (1825) The Hives of Bees taken out to New South Wales by Capt. Wallace, were five of them thriving well, and had thrown off many swarms, although the greater part of these had escaped into the woods, where they are multiplying 41

40

The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal for 1824 reported It seems that the culture of the vine in New South Wales has begun to attract more attention in that Colony since the Society of Arts awarded the large silver medal to Mr. Blaxland for wine, the production of New South Wales. (p.435) 41 The Atheneum or The Spirit of the English Magazines , (1825) Monroe and Francis, vol. 2 (Oct. 1824-Mar. 15, 1825, p.127). Also in Tilloch, Alexander and Taylor, Richard (Jan.-June 1824) The Philosophical Magazine and Journal, Richard Taylor, London. Its version was subtly different, specifically between the 1825 they are multiplying and its (1824) they will multiply. The 1824 text indicates an expectation; the 1825 is one of implied observation, though I suspect optimistic journalistic interpretation was more likely rather than someones actual observation. ie., The five hives of bees taken out by Captain Wallace of the Isabella, were thriving well, and had thrown off many swarms, the greater part of which had escaped into the woods, where they will multiply fast (pp.460-1) The report of the Isabellas bees appeared with other items under the heading Intelligence and Miscellaneous Articles New South Wales, which included such notes as Hannibal MArthurs recent import of olive trees; the commencement of a daily stage coach run between Parramatta and Sydney;Archibald Bells discovery of a new route over the Blue Mountains; Mr oxleys return in

34

Apis Mellifica, an 1828 reference

An article 42 43 44 under the name of Samuel Griswold Goodrich 45 in the North American Review for October 1828, 46 reviews Frederick Butlers The Farmers Manual, including a Treatise on the Management of Bees. Goodrichs article opens with: The bee seems to be a native of every part of the globe, and the same characteristic traits distinguish the whole race; we allude simply to the Honey Bee, Apis Mellifica.

Samuel Griswold Goodrich (1793-1860)

Even in New South Wales, we find that, excepting in some variation of size and color, the honey bee is the same with that of Europe and America. In 1827 Goodrich began under the name of Peter Parley,
January after his discovery of a river in Moreton Bay, which he named the Brisbane - all attributed to the June 21 issue of the Morning Chronicle. 42 Refer web site cdl.library.cornell.edu 43 Also in Journal of the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, Pa., 1829. (p.36) 44 Also in Magazine of Botany and Gardening British and Foreign: Comprehending Figures Carefully Coloured from Nature of Flowers, Fruits & Cryptogamia with Descriptions Thereof, Together with Original & Select Papers & Reviews on the Principles and Practice of Cultivation. By James Rennie, James Burnett. G. Henderson, 1837. (p.113) 45 Samuel Griswold Goodrich (1793-1860). His 1856 book: A History of All Nations, from the earliest periods to the present time , makes short reference to the settlements of New South Wales, Swan River and King Georges Sound in New Holland the largest island on the globe - now called Australia (p.1207). Another work by Goodrich (pseud. Parley, Peter), is Peter Parley's Tales about the World, Containing Europe, Asia, Africa, America and Australia, Darton, London. (1840, 1862). It contains descriptions of the Australian colonies of New South Wales and Van Diemens Land. 46 Volume 27, Issue 61, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa

35

his series of books for the young, which embraced geography, biography, history, science and miscellaneous tales. Of these he was the sole author of only a few 47 From whom Goodrich gained his information of bees in New South Wales unfortunately remains unknown. Observations of Peter Cunningham, 1821-1824 From Peter Cunninghams 1827 Two Years in New South Wales: Comprising Sketches of the Actual State of society in that colony; of its peculiar advantages to emigrants; of its topography, natural history &c. &c. European bees were introduced some years ago, but falling into careless hands, little attention was paid to them for awhile. Lately, however, some swarms have been obtained by a careful individual, and we may soon hope to see the colony stocked with them. A number of the swarms have escaped at different times into the woods, where they will doubtless breed fast, and wild wax and honey may hereafter become common; indeed, the country and climate being exceedingly favourable for bees, we may hope to see such products added another day to the list of our exports. It is feared by some, that being able to procure honey all the year round, they may cease hiving, and become solitary; but in this apprehension I do not participate; Of whose careless hands was Cunningham referring: DArcy Wentworth at Homebush in 1822 ? Thomas Icely of Macquarie-place ? Other recipients of Captain Wallaces hives ? The owners of other introductions post Wallace up to Cunninghams last presence in New South Wales and prior to the publication of his book?

Cunninghams first of five voyages as a surgeon-superintendent in convict transports to NSW was between 31 July 48 and 18 Dec 1819. This pre-dates the arrival of the Wallace hives in March 1822. His second voyage was between May and September 1821. If he stayed in NSW rather than returning soon after his arrival, then he would have remained in residence for approximately one year from October 1821 to October 1822. Such a stay places him in NSW at the time of arrival of Wallaces hives (and others that may have occurred), allowing for
47 48

encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Samuel+Griswold+Goodrich http://mywebsite.bigpond.com/michelle.reader1/reader_adam1.htm

36

a four to five month return voyage (say between November 1822 and April 1823). Cunninghams next and third convict ship voyage covered the four months between 5 April 49 and 30 July 1823. Assuming his second residence in NSW lasted between August 1823 and April 1824, he would have had another period, this of nine months, in which to observe and record his experiences. Thus, his two residences amount to some twenty-one months. Assuming his return voyage ran between May and September 1824, this provides for his fourth convict supervision voyage between October 1824 and January 1825. Given these timings, Cunningham could not have been aware of the August 1824 50 arrival at Sydney of a hive of bees aboard the Phoenix. Adjusting the timings for an immediate return, an insufficient period of time would be available to satisfy his Two Years in New South Wales. His book was published in 1827, the year of his fifth voyage to NSW between November 1827 and March 1828. From the online Australian Dictionary of Biography 51 In 1825 Cunningham (1789-1864) was granted 1200 acres (486 ha) on the Upper Hunter River, with a lease of 1340 acres (542 ha) adjoining, and in 1826 he applied for an additional grant of the leased land, which was issued in 1830. In this application he claimed to have spent 1100 on stock and improvements, the property, on which fourteen convicts were employed, being managed in his absence by Lieutenant William Ogilvie R.N., a neighbouring settler. He proposed to bring out Saxon merinos and agricultural implements to the value of some hundreds more. Of his book it was extremely popular, running through three large editions in two years On the proceeds of this book and the savings of his naval service he hoped to establish himself as a settler on his property. In this, however, he did not succeed, partly because of a severe drought, and in May 1830 he returned to England. Bees plentiful in the colony ? 1826 An extract from Atkinsons 1826 An Account of the State of Agriculture and Grazing in New South Wales, &c., appeared in the Sydney Gazette for Friday 19 January 1827. It suggests bees were not
49 50

http://members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/convicts/shipNSW2.html Refer my Vol. III 51 Fitzhardinge, L. F., 'Cunningham, Peter Miller (1789 - 1864)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Online Edition

37

then plentiful in the colony: Much honey might probably be collected from these scrubs were bees plentiful in the colony, and some small profit may possibly be thus made of them hereafter; but with this exception, they scarcely seem susceptible of any improvement. (p.3b) several times tried, in each instance failed, 1830 The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser for Thursday 29 July 1830 published a letter signed A Member, addressed to the Editor: Sir, The Agricultural Society of New South Wales has done wonders, by encouraging a spirit of competition among our large flock masters who should produce the finest fleece, and it is to be hoped that the premiums under this important head of our Colonial produce, will never be discontinued. I think the Society should hold out an encouragement for other articles of rural economy, such as the rearing of bees, and the production of wax and honey; nothing can be easier, and no country offers such a field of sweets for this agreeable blanch of domestic industry. The profits are larger than might be expected, and what can be finer than the honeycomb ? Yours. A Member. (p.3) In the same issue of the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, appears the following under the title Australian Capabilities. A Member calls the attention of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society to sundry productions which the Colony is capable of yielding, and which it is important to encourage by premiums. Whether the bee would, as he supposes, thrive well in our climate, is at present problematical. They have been several times tried, but we believe in each instance failed. (p.2c) Thomas Braidwood Wilson delivers a hive to Sydney, 1832 Please refer to the Tasmanian chapter Colonel Arthur gifts a hive to Gov. Bourke, 1832 on page 85. The European bee has been oftener than once introduced into Sydney but without success; 1835 The sometimes truncated observation that the European bee has been oftener than once introduced into Sydney appears within an array of books published between 1840 and 1880. These include William

38

Jardines 52 1840 The Naturalist's Library, Entomology, Vol. VI, Bees. Comprehending the uses and economical management of the honeybee of Britain and other countries ... (p.282-3); and James F. Robinsons 1880 British bee-farming, its profits and pleasures (p.140). The following attributed text may be found within Rev. William Dunbars 53 1840 The Natural History of Bees: Comprehending the uses and economical management of the British and foreign honeybee ... It appears from recent accounts, that in the distant regions of New South Wales and Van Dieman's Land, besides the indigenous insect, the Bee of Europe has obtained a firm footing, and already rivals the prolific race of South Carolina. The following account is from a periodical of extensive circulation and great utility. - Loudon's Gardener's Magazine, Dec. 1835. The native bee is without a sting, and is not much larger than a common house-fly. It produces abundance of honey and wax, but has not yet been subjected to cultivation; and from its small size, and its building on very high trees, probably never will be so. The European Bee has been oftener than once introduced into Sydney, but without success; the swarms having always left the hives for the woods. A hive was carried to Van Diemans Land, in the autumn of the year 1830, by Dr. T. B. Wilson, at the suggestion of his friend Mr. R. Gunter 54 of Earls Court, brought from London in a wire case. It arrived in safety, and the bees swarmed several times the first year; and in the True Colonist (a Hobart-Town newspaper) of February 14th 1835, 55 it is stated that a hive descended from Dr. Wilsons, belonging to a gentleman in the neighbourhood of Hobart-Town, had already swarmed eighteen times! (pp.282-3) 56
52 53

Actual author was Rev. William Dunbar with Jardine as editor British Bee Books (1979), pp.123-4, advises Sir. William Jardines name appears incorrectly on some editions as the author, when in fact he edited the series; or under the name of James Duncan who wrote the section on wild and foreign bees Later editions appeared in 1843, 1852 and 1859 54 Loudons Gardeners magazine, & register of rural and domestic improvement. p.638, gave his first name Robert. 55 Ibid., p.638, has additional text at this position now before us 56 Also in William Jardines Bees: British and foreign, together with descriptions of the known wild species.

39

There is a strong suggestion here that bees in captivity were not established in Sydney at this time, due to swarms continually escaping into the bush, giving weight to the importance of Wilsons introduction to Hobart Town and into the capable hands of someone who could not be classed as careless Mr. Davidson, 57 superintendent of the public garden. 58 In Wilsons own words 59 The hive was placed in the public garden, under the special care of Mr. Davidson the superintendant [sic], and as his Excellency had commanded that the greatest attention should be bestowed on them, they soon began to thrive and increase. Davidson received a flattering mention in The Hobart Town Magazine for 1834 During Baron Hugel's short stay in our Colony, he made several particularly interesting excursions into the interior. One to New Norfolk and its beautiful neighbourhood, a second to the Coal river and a third to the Huon. In the latter he was piloted and accompanied by Mr. Davidson, v the able and zealous superintendent of the Government garden, who pointed out to him the localities of many rare and beautiful plants discovered in his recent researches. (p.304) The section on Hobart Town in J.C. Loudons The Gardeners Magazine, Dec. 1835 begins with: There is a government garden at Hobart Town, under the care of our correspondent Mr. Davidson; 61 and here, as in the neighbourhood of Sydney, the citizens are beginning to build villas, and to lay out pleasure-grounds around them in the English manner. The latest accounts which we have had from this quarter relate to the European honey bee. The native bee is

57

William Davidson arrived in Tasmania on 15 September 1827 on the Albion. He was appointed as the first Superintendent of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in November 1828. He left the Gardens in 1834 and died in 1837 aged 32. From Hurburgh, Marcus (1986) The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, 1818-1986: a history in stone, soil and superintendents. Shearwater Press, Sandy Bay, Tasmania 58 Refer my Vol.II 59 Moubray, Bonington. (7th ed., 1834) pseudo (Lawrence, John) (1834) A Practical Treatise on ... the Management of Swine, Milch Cows and Bees 61 It was to Mr. Davidson that R.N. Surgeon Thomas Braidwood Wilson entrusted his hive of bees brought to Hobart Town aboard the convict transport John in Jan. 1831.

40

without a sting and continues on with the same phrase as previously underlined. Following the phrase had already swarmed eighteen times!, Loudons article adds Some curious details on this subject will be found in our succeeding volume. The inhabitants of Hobart Town and its neighbourhood, in testimony of their gratitude to Dr. Wilson for the invaluable service he had rendered them, presented him with a silver snuffbox; 62 on which occasion the doctor announced his intention of bringing out, in his next voyage, the salmon and trout, for which the rivers in Van Diemen's Land are considered to be admirably adapted. These are the deeds which should, and which will, commemorate the name of a man to the latest posterity. (p.638) The succeeding volume would have been January 1836. I text searched the whole volume Loudons The Gardeners Magazine for 1836, but, unfortunately, found no relevant section on bees that would have supplemented their progress in Hobart Town. In John Miltons 1843 The practical bee-keeper; or, Concise and plain instructions for the management of bees and hives. Bees in New South Wales. Our bees are in shape like the European; but they are little larger than the common house-fly, and have no sting. They live in hollow trees, produce very fine honey and wax, which is much sought after by the natives. We have also solitary bees, and solitary wasps. Some European bees were introduced here a few years ago, but falling into careless hands, little attention was paid to them. Lately, however, some swarms have been obtained by a careful individual, and we hope soon to see the colony stocked with them. A number of swarms have, at different times, escaped into the woods, and the climate being exceedingly favourable for bees, we may expect soon to see honey and wax added to our list of exports. It is feared by some that the bees, through being able to collect honey all the year round, may cease to swarm and become solitary. In this apprehension I do not participate, for no animals or insects naturally gregarious, ever, I believe, become otherwise. Milton properly credited Cunninghams 1827 Two Years in New South Wales.

62

Refer Hobart Town Courier, Fri. 10 Aug. 1832, p.2

41

4 hives imported from Hobart to Sydney, 1835 The following advertisement appeared in the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser on 6 and 8 August 1835. From its tone the hives might have been brought from England, however, the Shipping Intelligence section of the Sydney Gazette for 4 August (p.2), listed the earlier arrival the 135 ton schooner Maria under Captain Milne 63 from Hobart Town. Amongst reported imports from the 27th ultimo to the 3rd instant inclusive was the Marias manifest which included 4 bee-hives, with the consignee being A. Browne (or Browue). Implied in the 6 August (p.3) offer is that there were more than two hives available. No price was provided. The Sydney Gazette for 28 July (p.2) gave the Marias arrival date as 25 July.

To Apiarians
ANY GENTLEMEN desirous of establishing an APIARY, may obtain a Hive or two of English Honey Bees just imported, by applying at the Shakespeare Tavern next door to the Royal Hotel, George-street, Sydney. These interesting insects may be seen in full operation as above. The Hobart Town Courier, 3 July (p.3) announced a previous departure of the brigantine Maria, Captain Robert Milne on the 7th proximo 64. This vessel has a ladies cabin and excellent accommodation for passengers. Accommodation for bee hives was also available!

English bees, which have been recently introduced, multiply fast, 1838
This simple phrase appears in several books, the earliest of which I located are George Newenham Wrights 1838 A New and Comprehensive Gazetteer; being a delineation of the present state of

63

Milne was also agent and owner of the schooner Currency Lass, see Sydney Gazette, 19 Jan 1839, p.1. His office was in Prince-street 64 Proximo on or of the next month

42

the world, from the most recent authorities , (p.552); 65 Robert Montgomery Martins 1836 and 1839 History of Austral-Asia: Comprising New South Wales, Van Dieman's Island, Swan River, South Australia &c. (p.116 & 137), and The Popular Encyclopedia: Being a General Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature, Biography, History, and Political Economy (p.247). None provide any further elaboration. The term multiply fast also appeared in Londons Morning Chronicle for 21 June 1824 in relation to Captain Wallaces bees.

Some early Sydney imports & exports

Honey and Beeswax, 1832 to 1845 An indication of the self sufficiency of a region is the extent to which imports of are required. Locally produced honey and beeswax, one would think, would be price competitive, and if sufficient was being produced domestically, then imports would not be required. The following table was extracted from the Sydney Gazette, Sydney Herald, Maitland mercury and the Sydney Morning Herald.
Date 13 June 32 Ship Agnes, brig, 272 tons 66 vi M. Hindson Pegasus, ship, 67 222 tons (?) Bachelor, brig, 340 tons 68 Master Millons From London Honey 1 case bees wax 1 cask bees wax 10 kegs honey

24 Nov. 32

Hewlett

London

21 May 1835

Ellis

From Liverpool and Hobart

69

65

Re New South Wales of bees, there are three kinds; these form their hives in the hollows of trees and rocks, and produce a great deal of delicious wild honey. English bees, which have been recently introduced, multiply fast. 66 Sydney Gazette, 19 June 1832, p.2 67 Sydney Gazette, 27 Nov. 1832 68 Sydney Herald, 25 May 1835 69 The honey may have come from England though its just as likely it came through Hobart, given one other cargo which included 16 bundles of sheep skins and 7 kangaroo skins - indicating some goods were brought on board in Hobart

43

17 July 1835 Oct.1835 16 Nov. 1835 8 Feb. 1836

Edward, 81 tons 70 sch. Barque Fortune

71

Pulman Lister Brend Richards

Sydney to Launceston ? Sydney 73 to Launceston Sydney to Launceston London

3 kegs honey 3 cases beeswax 5 kegs honey 1 case honey 1 case bees wax 8 casks honey

Micmac, 157 tons 72 Frances Charlotte, 297 tons 74 James Laing, ship, 417 tons 75 Duke of Roxburgh, 76 barque, 416 tons Thomas Harrison 77 Hope, ship, 377 tons 78

13 July 1836

Gedner

9 Jan 1837

Dessington

Dantsic [sic.] via Hobart Town Liverpool via Hobart Town London

28 Jan.1837

Harrison

1 case beeswax 1 case bees wax, 1 case honey 6 casks honey 7 casks

9 May 1837

Coombes

20 Feb 1838 27 Apr.

70 71

Bee, brig, 135 tons 79 Ferguson, ship,

Hunter Robertson

Launceston London

Sydney Herald, 20 & 21 July 1835 Sydney Gazette, 20 Oct. 1835 72 Sydney Herald, 16 Nov. 1835 73 Sydney Gazette, 3 Nov, shows the Micmac arrived Sydney from Singapore on 27 Oct, though no cargo of honey was on board, indicating the honey was Launceston sourced 74 Sydney Herald 75 Sydney Gazette, 19 July 1836, p.2 76 Sydney Herald, 15 Jan. 1837 77 Sydney Gazette, 31 Jan. 1837 78 Sydney Gazette, 16 May 1837, p.2 79 Sydney Herald, 26 Feb. 1838

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1838 28 Apr. 1838 30 Apr. 1838 30 June 1838 7 Jan. 1839

554 tons 80 Joshua Carroll, sch. 81 William, brig, 218 tons 82 Water Witch, 25 tons 84 Eweretta, 87 barque 356 tons Caroline, 182 tons 88 Henry Freeling, sch. 91 tons 89 Regia, 181 tons
90

Lindsay Watson Smith Gilmore ?

Hobart Hobart Town To South Australia From London For New Zealand Launceston Ampanam [Lombok] Indonesia Salem, 93 New England (1 Apr.) via Hobart Town (18th)

honey 3 kegs honey 3 casks honey 83 3 casks honey 6 kegs honey Honey, unknown quantity 1 jar honey 1 case honey 25 barrels honey

25 June 1839 12 Aug. 1839 2 Sept 1839

Fisher Johnstone

27 / 31 Aug 1840

USB Nerius 91 Unites States brig, 182 tons 92

Chapman

80
81

Sydney Herald, 30 April 1838 Hobart Town Courier, 4 May 1838, p.4 82 Sydney Herald, 10 May 1838 83 Hobart Town Courier, 27 April 1838, lists departure of the brig William, 17 cwt honey - hence 1 cask would contain 634 pounds of honey. 84 Sydney Herald, 4 July 1838 87 Sydney Herald, 14 Jan. 1839 88 Sydney Herald, 1 July 1838 89 Sydney Herald, 19 Aug. 1838 90 Sydney Herald, 9 Sept. 1838 91 Sydney Herald, 31 Aug. 1840 92 Sydney Gazette, 29 Aug. 1840 93 Which Salem is difficult to determine as many countries have such a place name; North America has many instances. A search on Wikipedia will amaze just how many there are. My guess is this ship came from the east coast of North America.

45

3 Oct. 1840 4 Dec. 1840 5 Dec. 1840

Dorset, 84 tons
94

Mackay Smale

For Adelaide For New Zealand From Boston via Hobart Town 96

1 cask honey 1 keg honey 25 barrels honey, 10 boxes mead 1 cask honey 1 case bees wax

Chelydra, 349 tons 95 Shepherdess,

25 Feb. 1841 6 Jan. 41

Black Nymph, barque 97 Diana, barque, 321 tons 98

Hall Lane

London Calcutta via King Georges Sound Hamburgh Bourbon

15 April 1841 12 July 1841

Beatrice 99 barque 278t

100

Hurry Williams

7 jars honey 2 baskets

Salazes ship 290 tons 101

94 95

Sydney Herald, 13 Oct. 1840 Sydney Herald, 7 Dec. 1840 96 The (Hobart) Courier, 20 Nov. 1840, lists the 25 barrels of honey on the Shepherdess as imports. 97 Sydney Herald, 1 March 1841 98 Sydney Gazette, 12 Jan. 1841

99

Barque Beatrice under full sail, State Library of Tasmania 100 Sydney Herald, 19 April 1841; Sydney Gazette, 22 April

46

honey 2 Sept. 1841 1 Dec 1841 Hamlet, barque, 421 tons 102 Catherine Jamieson, barque 452t, 103 Dublin barque 429 tons 104 City of Sydney brig 105 Wilson Hutchinson London Leith 1 cask bees-wax 8 cases honey 24 casks honey 1 jar honey

20 Jan 1843 31 Aug 1843

Duniam Munro

Dublin via Port Philip for the Bay of Islands and Auckland Stockholm for Tahiti London Launceston for Launceston

22 Feb 1844 8 Apr 1844 15 July 1844 26 July 1844 21 Jan 1845

Bull Swedish brig 160 tons 106 Bull 160 tons 107 Lloyds barque 402 tons 108 Giraffe barque 260 tons 109 Mary Ann sch
110

Werngren Wrengren Lewis Grant Amner

46 jars honey 42 jars honey 4 casks honey 4 casks honey 4 casks honey

28 Mar 1845

Consigned by Robert Campbell Martha and Elizabeth sch 111

Pockley

for Port Phillip

1 cask honey

101

Sydney Herald, 19 July 1841; Sydney Gazette 24 July Sydney Gazette, 9 Sept. 1841 103 Sydney Herald, 6 Dec 1841; Sydney Gazette, 9 Dec 104 Sydney Morning Herald, 21 Jan 1843 105 Sydney Morning Herald, 1 Sep 1843 106 Sydney Morning Herald, 24 Feb 1844 107 Sydney Morning Herald, 9 April 1844 108 Sydney Morning Herald, 16 July 1844 109 Sydney Morning Herald, 27 July 1844 110 Sydney Morning Herald, 23 Jan 1845 111 Sydney Morning Herald, 28 March 1845
102

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17 Apr 1845

Dorset brig 112

Walsh

for Adelaide

2 kegs honey, Carnon 2 jars honey 1 keg honey 1 cask honey A Drummo nd 3 cwt honey 6 casks / kegs honey 1 cask beeswax 10 jars Honey 1 cask honey Sidley 8 casks honey 2 kegs honey

5 May 1845 12 May 1845 19 May 1845

Shamrock steamer 113 Alexander 10 tons 114 Ann Grant barque 115

Gilmore Baxter

for Port Phillip Jerringong (South Coast NSW) for London

Foreman

12 June 1845 21 July 1845

Dolphin 16 tons
116

Nicholson Weller

Jerringong for London

Penyard Park barque 377t 117

14 July 1845

from Brlsbnne Water. for Port Phillip for London for Boyd Town

6 Sept 1845

Christina brig
118

Saunsers

7 Nov 1845 20 Nov 1845

Corsair brig 119 Shamrock steamer 120

Sproul Gilmore

112 113

Sydney Morning Herald, 18 Apr 1845 Sydney Morning Herald, 6 May 1845 114 Sydney Morning Herald, 13 May 1845 115 Sydney Morning Herald, 20 May 1845 116 Sydney Morning Herald, 13 June 1845 117 Sydney Morning Herald, 12, 19, 22 July 1845 118 Sydney Morning Herald, 8 Sept 1845 119 Sydney Morning Herald, 8 Nov 1845 120 Sydney Morning Herald, 21 Nov 1845

48

22 Nov 1845

Christina brig
121

Saunders

for Port Phillip Morpeth, Hunter River

1 cask honey W Chowne 12 jars honey

13 Dec 1845

Rose steamer 172 tons 122

Pattison

In analyzing the inward and outward shipments of honey a trend is revealed, one which gradually switched from import reliance to self sufficiency, even over supply. In 1832 honey was sourced exclusively from London. The first colonial honey appears in a shipment from Hobart in 1835. Surprisingly, two shipments to Launceston from Sydney were made in 1835. The following year a small shipment to Launceston occurred. In 1837 one case arrived from London and eight casks arrived from Hobart (or possibly the Free City of Danzig, now known as the Polish city of Gdansk). 1838 saw three shipments from Tasmania, being one from Launceston and two from Hobart; an equal sized shipment from London; while 3 casks wee sent to South Australia.

Iron Paddle Steamer Rose used on the Hunter River to Sydney run, as passenger-cargo carrier

In 1839 one shipment each arrived from London; Lombok, Indonesia; and Launceston. An unknown quantity was also sent to New Zealand. 1840 received two significant cargoes of honey from the east coast of
121 122

Sydney Morning Herald, 24 Nov 1845 Sydney Morning Herald, 16 Dec 1845

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the United States - one each from Salem and Boston; export shipments were made to Adelaide and New Zealand. More foreign honey arrived from Leith (Scotland), London, Hamburg and Bourbon (France) in 1841. 1843 saw a large shipment received from Dublin; a small quantity was sent to the Bay of Islands. In 1844 some 56 jars arrived from Stockholm on the Swedish brig the Bull. Likely a speculative shipment, there cannot have been a market for it as the majority was carried on to Tahiti. Some 4 casks were sent to London and an equivalent quantity arrived from Launceston less than two weeks later. An article in the Maitland Mercury, 28 December 1844, recommended the keeping of hives but It is difficult to say what would be the market price for the honey, there having been yet no attempt at a regular trade in it, but the Maitland honey is excellent, and would, we think, command a regular sale in Sydney However, the Maitland Market Report supplied current honey prices: Colonial honey per lb. was 1 shilling to one shilling and sixpence, while English honey attracted an extra shilling per pound. English honey had held its price for in the Sydney Gazette ten years previously on for 1 January 1835, in the Wholesale Price Current the Sydney markets schedule supplied a price range of 2s 3d 123 to 2s 6d per lb. (p.4) Domestic honey was not listed. The year 1845 was a much busier one for honey. Two separate quantities were received from Gerringong on the south coast of NSW, one lot from Brisbane Water on the central coast, with another from Morpeth in the Hunter Valley. Boyd Town on the south coast received two kegs. Three consignments went to London. In the Sydney Morning Herald, 19 April 1845 - Amongst the various speeches delivered by judges and office bearers of the Hunter River Agricultural Society, one judge, a Mr Lipscomb, stated honey and beeswax [was] produced in the district to such an extent as to be now useless from the want of a market, and thought that it might he made of importance were the attention of the society turned to it. John Solomon of Harris-street, Parramatta, wrote to the Editors of the Sydney Morning Herald, his letter published on 19 May 1845: Gentlemen, - As many persons have large stocks of bees in this colony, and which are increasing every year, the question naturally
123

2 shillings and 3 pence

50

will be - what are we to do with the honey? I have a large quantity and cannot get sale for it The market report in the Sydney Morning Herald, 25 January 1845 there is avery large supply of rich colonial Honey, retailing at 8d. per lb. In the Courier (Hobart), 16 January 1845: colonial honey, of which there is a large quantity in the market, is selling wholesale at 4d to 8d per lb; retailing at from 10d to 1s 3d - Sydney Herald. The Maitland Mercury for 31 May 1845 published an article titled Honey Management of Bees: It is evident that the production of honey throughout the agricultural districts of the colony is increasing at an extraordinary rate. Accounts from Illawarra, Parramatta, Brisbane Water, and other districts, show that the settlers have for some time been alive to the profit and advantages resulting from beekeeping. The only thing required to make it completely successful is a steady and sufficient demand to ensure for the producers a ready sale for their honey and wax; and from the arrangements which have already been made for exporting these articles, on a moderate scale, and the attention which the subject has excited in Sydney, there can be little doubt that this desideratum will soon be supplied. Our attention has been again called to this subject by the perusal of an excellent practical letter in the Sydney Herald of Monday last, from a bee-keeper at Brisbane Water. 124 This gentleman obtained a hive of bees in April, 1842 The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 August 1845, gave prices for a wide range of natural productions. Honey could be had for between 4d and 6d per pound, while bees per hive were available from 8s to 15s. Honey Exports from Sydney & Newcastle, 1850-52
1850 17 May Ship Constant, ship, 535t 127 128 Master J. Coombes From Sydney, Dep. 27 Apr, Via Auckland to San Francisco Honey 1x casks, 1 case
129

1851
124

Refer my Volume II for the story of Thomas Alison Scott of Brisbane Water 127 New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 425, 11 May 1850, Page 2 128 New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 427, 18 May 1850, Page 2 129 Quantity illegible

51

31 May 1 Aug

Alexander, ship, 398t 130 Alexander, ship, 398t 131 132 133

Thomas Long Thomas Long

Sydney to Auckland Sydney (dep. 31 May) Auckland for Tahiti for Geelong

20 casks, W. Hughes 20 casks outbound (part of orig. cargo) 1 tin honey, F Bate; 1 pkg beeswax, J Muston 2 kegs honey

1852 12 June

Sch. Coquette; 72 tons 134

James Farmer

18 Oct

Abyssinia, 400t barque. 135 136 137

138 139 140

Charles Gordon

from Newcastle, via Auckland, Tahiti, to San Francisco

The Shipping Intelligence section of the New Zealander, 20 October 1852, reported The barque Abyssinia, Captain Gordon, has had a fine run of ten days from Newcastle, for San Francisco. Her cargo consists chiefly of coals for that port, for which she sails in a few days calling at Tahiti. In the Daily Southern Cross, 26 October 1852, Shipping List - Cleared Out section: Oct. 23 Abyssinia - barque, 400 tons, Gordon, for San Francisco, via Tahiti, with original cargo and passengers, from Newcastle. In the New Zealander, 27 October 1852 A barque in distress was signalled at the Flagstaff on Monday, and Captain Rough with his boat's crew immediately proceeded to her assistance, followed by
130 131

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 536, 4 June 1851, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 410, 3 June 1851, Page 2 132 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 427, 1 August 1851, Page 2 133 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 553, 2 August 1851, Page 2 134 Argus, 22 June 1852 135 Daily Southern Cross, Volume IX, Issue 554, 19 October 1852, Page 2 136 New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 680, 20 October 1852, Page 2 137 Daily Southern Cross, Volume IX, Issue 556, 26 October 1852, Page 2 138 New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 682, 27 October 1852, Page 2 139 New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 680, 20 October 1852, Page 1 140 Taranaki Herald, Volume I, Issue 14, 3 November 1852, Page 3

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Captain Daldy in the Undine. She was found to be the Abyssinia, which sailed on Sunday morning for San Francisco, and which had anchored under Wangaparoa on Sunday night in shelter from a northerly wind that appeared to be setting in on that evening. She had brought up too close in, and on getting under weigh on Monday morning went ashore, where she remained until assistance arrived on Monday night when she was got off, without having sustained any damage, and proceeded on her voyage yesterday morning.

Honey & Wax to Sydney from Taree, 1854 The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser for Wednesday 21 June 1854 reported upon a public meeting of the residents of the Manning River district, held at the school house, Taree, on 31 May 1854, to discuss the practicability of obtaining a steamer for the river trade and to provide rapid transit communication with the Sydney markets. G. H. Rowley, Esq., J.P., gave a luminous statement of the capabilities of the district which required only rapid and constant intercourse with Sydney to give it commercial value. He stated that poultry, pigs, calves, fat cattle, and horses, would become a great source of wealth if this object could be effected, as also lucerne hay, and potatoes, vegetables and fruit, but which now for want of a market are either neglected or wasted; and last, though least, the bees were not to be despised that by way of a simple experiment he had sent the produce of a few hives in a quartercask, together with the wax from them, to Sydney, and had netted 15 by the transaction.

53

Two bee hives from Hobart Town for Sydney, June 1836
The Sydney Herald, 13 June 1836 listed the arrival on 6 January of the barque Frances Freeling, 190 tons, under master Milne, from Hobart Town. As part of the manifest in satisfaction of an order were two hives of bees.

A bee hive from Launceston for Sydney, May 1838

The Sydney Gazette for Saturday 19 May 1838 reported The William, from Launceston, has brought twenty pure Merino rams for Mr. Mocatta of Wellington Valley, and a thorough-bred draught horse for the house of R. Campbell, jun., and Co., Bligh-street; also a beehive, in fine condition, for Mr. W. H. Chapman. (p.2)

Bee hive stolen, South Head Road, Sydney, Nov. 1838

An apparently tall story about the theft of a hive in Sydney contains an element of truth if the weight of honey stolen is read in pounds rather than by the hundredweight. 141 The Sydney Gazette for Saturday 24 November 1838: A Large Bee Hive. - Did any one ever hear of a bee hive containing five tons of honey? Well, if they never before did, they now have an opportunity. For the last few days the walls about the town of Sydney have been posted with a placard offering a reward of 5 for the discovery of the robbers of a garden on the South Head Road, which is stated to have been entered on Saturday night last, or early on Sunday morning, and a hive of bees containing 100 cwt. (or five tons) of honey stolen therefrom. We guess the robbers must have been provided with a pretty considerable sized vehicle in which to remove the booty. The Sydney Gazette for Thursday 26 November 1840 listed honey at 3s per lb. Had the hive contained 100 lbs. of honey, the theft of the honey alone would have been worth 15. Thievery of bee hives accelerated in the 1840s. The Sydney Herald contains details of three such thefts. 142

Foulbrood symptoms, Maitland, 1839 and 1842

The following article appeared in the Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser, 18 October 1845. This appears to have
141 142

1 cwt. (hundred weight) is 112 lbs. (pounds Imperial weight) two hives at Richmond, 26 Dec 1843, also one hive from ABecketts garden in Newtown, valued at 6; one hive at Surry Hills, 6 Dec. 1845; one hive at Burwood, 24 Feb 1847; one hive at Picton, 25 July 1850; The Argus, Melbourne, 3 Nov. 1848, hive stolen at Dandenong;

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been the earliest recorded instance of foulbrood in Australia. Bees. We have been in the habit of considering bees entirely free from disease or accident in this colony, unless indeed from attacks of ants, &c. ; but an experienced bee owner in the town, Mr. Heugh, has lately shown us an example of a peculiar disease which has attacked some of his hives this season. Our readers are aware that bees are propagated from eggs, each of which is laid in a cell by itself by the queen bee. Usually these eggs are almost certain to produce each a young bee, which grows until fully formed, and then emerges to join its sister bees. During this year, however, just previous to the time when the young bees should have left their cells, Mr. Heugh has found in three of his hives that they have been attacked by some disease which has killed them, and left them a mass of thick viscous matter, having a very offensive smell. In each hive, this disease was first confined to a few cells, but gradually extended until the whole of the brood comb in the hives was affected by it. The same disease has also attacked the brood comb in a few of Mr. Capper's and Mr. Scobbie's hives, and perhaps others. In the year 1839 Mr. Heugh states that he observed the same thing in some of his hives, and on that occasion he cut out the whole of the infected portions, indeed nearly the whole of the brood comb, but that the new brood comb produced in the same hives afterwards was similarly attacked. Mr. Heugh has tried the same expedient this year, but cannot yet tell what the result may be. As bees promise very shortly to be very extensively kept in the colony, and as, irrespective of the chances of exporting honey and wax, their extensive domestic use will be a great saving to the colonists, we hope some of our scientific readers will devote their attention to the subject. Before a certain cure can be found it is essential that the nature and cause of the disease be ascertained. It may be simply a disease arising from something unhealthy in the condition of the working bees who bring the food, or of the queen bee who lays the eggs; the hot dry weather which distinguished the year 1839, and the early part of this spring, may have caused this - and Mr. Heugh thinks it possible it may have had some influence; some particular plant may be very generally in flower, the food from which is noxious to the growing bees; or it may possibly be some small insect preying on them. Any person possessing a powerful 55

microscope, and leisure for the study, would confer considerable benefit on his fellow colonists by endeavouring to ascertain what is the cause of the disease, and we shall be glad to publish any communications on the subject.

English bees are now pretty numerous, 1842

The Sydney Gazette for Saturday 12 March 1842 reported English bees are now pretty numerous. Honey in the comb is sold at a stall in Sydney market. Wild honey is sometimes found in hollow trees. It is produced by native bees, from wild flowers; it is not so sweet as that produced by English bees, from cultivated flowers, but its flavour is equal to the latter, if not superior. (p.4) The Sydney Herald, 5 May 1842, covered the insolvency of one Adam Smith. Part of his estate included Seven hives of bees, at Lucking's market-garden, Ultimo, at 3 each, 21. (p.3)

Mr. B, Sydney, 50 hives of bees, 1842

John Hoods account of his visit to the anonymous Mr. B identifies an early beekeeper: I have just returned from a visit to an old acquaintance, who possesses one of the most splendid villas in the neighbourhood of Sydney, in the midst of an extensive and beautiful garden. The interior of the mansion is handsome and spacious, and fitted up with good taste; comprising in its many elegancies the results of his extensive travels in Europe. Mr. B. is a gentleman very justly esteemed, and is an active member of many of the excellent public institutions in Sydney; and his ample fortune and high respectability are just those lights that settlers in this distant land should keep ever before them, as guides to show what may be accomplished by prudence, activity, and strict integrity. His gardens are most beautifully arranged. Here I saw the almond, the fig, the citron; the blossom, the newly-set fruit, and the ripe fruit of the orange, all on the same tree; the lemon, the loquat, (an excellent Chinese fruit, of the size of a plum, and in taste resembling the gooseberry,) the pomegranate, the grape, nectarine, apricot, and pear; the date, the aloe, the sugar-cane, the strawberry, and, better than all, the delicious water melon. The white cedar is also there, and the bamboo; the dark Norfolk island pine, with its pelican-pouch, and the weeping willow, in all their vigorous and graceful perfection. Fifty hives of bees amuse the leisure hours of my excellent friend and his lady. I cannot omit this opportunity of expressing my thanks to the 56

kind friends whose unreserved hospitality I experienced during my stay in Sydney. Coming, as I did, without any letters of introduction, their kindness was as unexpected as it was profuse; and I shall ever retain the most grateful recollection of it. (pp.108-109)

The Ladies Safety Hive, from Bagster, 1834 143

One hive exported to Port Nelson, New Zealand, April 1844

On the brig Dawson, Captain Carder, consignor E W Stafford forwarded 1 hive of bees on 30 April, destination Port Nelson, accompanied by 1100 sheep, 7 horses, 2 gigs, 2 cases saddlery, 8 tons hay, 27 bags grain, 1 bale woolpacks, 2 cases green fruit and 2 cases of plants.

Two hives for Port Phillip, Vic., May 1844

On 11 May the brig Christina, Captain Pearce, conveyed 2 hives of bees and 2 empty hives to Port Phillip for consignor H. A. Smith. 144

Illawarra: 1845, 1846, 1849, 1852

The following article headed Honey Management of Bees appeared in the Maitland Mercury for Saturday 31 May 1845: It is evident that the production of honey throughout the agricultural districts of the colony is increasing at an extraordinary rate. Accounts
143

Bagster, Samuel Jun. (1834) The management of bees, with a description of the ladies safety hive. Bagster and Pickering, 1834 144 Sydney Herald, 14 May 1854

57

from Illawarra, Parramatta, Brisbane Water, and other districts, show that the settlers have for some time been alive to the profit and advantages resulting from bee-keeping. The only thing required to make it completely successful is a steady and sufficient demand to ensure for the producers a ready sale for their honey and wax; and from the arrangements which have already been made for exporting these articles, on a moderate scale, and the attention which the subject has excited in Sydney, there can be little doubt that this desideratum will soon be supplied. Our attention has been again called to this subject by the perusal of an excellent practical letter in the Sydney Herald of Monday last, from a bee-keeper at Brisbane Water. This gentleman obtained a hive of bees in April, 1842, and up to June, 1844, he had derived from them, although not well acquainted with their management, 58 7s. 2d. 145 On Monday last we had an opportunity in Maitland of witnessing the process of taking honey from several hives of bees, without destroying or stupifying the bees. The method adopted was as follows: The operators having ascertained, by lifting, which of the hives (or rather bee-boxes) had sufficient honey in them, a rag was tied round the end of a stick, and being set fire to, was held just under the orifice by which the bees enter and leave the hive, and one of the operators blew the smoke with some force into the orifice for a minute or two. The hive was then lifted off without any further precaution, and set down on the ground with the bottom upwards. The smouldering rag was then passed over the exposed comb a few times, the smoke being blown down between the cakes or slices of comb. The blade of a long knife was then passed down each end of a slice of comb, to detach it from the wood, and an instrument shaped something like an L (with the down stroke or handle perhaps eighteen inches long, and the bottom stroke two or three) slid gently down by the face of the slice, and then turned round and pushed across the bottom of the hive, so as with the bottom stroke or cross-piece to detach the slice from the wood. The operator then laid hold of the top of the slice with his fingers, so as to gently draw it out and place it in a dish close by, most of the bees that might be crawling on it being brushed back into the hive
145

The full text of lengthy this letter from Thomas Allison Scott may be found in my Volume II.

58

first. Where the slices were broad, or detained by a cross-piece of wood, they had to be cut in two previous to drawing. This process was repeated till two-thirds or three-fourths of the honey was removed, the remainder being left for the winter stock of the bees. From time to time during the process the smoke from the rag was blown down into the hives, but notwithstanding this the operator got many a sting, some drawing blood, but, as he remarked, it didn't matter much, because their stings never made his skin swell or blister. We suppose that most bee-keepers get to be practical philosophers in this respect. When a sufficient quantity of comb was removed, the hive was taken back, and placed in the same position as it had been before removal; and we were assured that all the bees that lay about, helplessly stuck over with honey, would before night be cleaned by the others, and be safe back in their old homes. The process was repeated with eight hives of Mr. Capper's, and five of Mr. Heugh's, and the average quantity of honey taken by each gentleman was nearly the same, Mr. Capper's being about 42 lb., and Mr. Heugh's 41 lb., from each hive. The honey was as rich and luscious as any we ever tasted. The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser for Wednesday 14 January 1846 reported Illawarra. - The 30th of January has been fixed as the day on which the Illawarra Agricultural and Horticultural Society will give prizes for the best specimens of garden produce. - Butter and honey are becoming two of the staple exports of the Illawarra district; the white clover, largely grown as food for the cows producing the former, proving excellent raw material for bees. From Chambers Edinburgh Journal of 1849, a chapter titled Life in New South Wales provided a book review. The following extract refers to the Illawarra region of the south coast of New South Wales. On getting to Sydney, the plan Mr Townsend vii would adopt himself is this: I should go to Illawara [sic.] and rent about a hundred acres of land well covered with clover; or if I had capital enough, I should buy such a place, taking care that there was plenty of water upon it, and, if possible, the means of irrigation for I am convinced that the settlers there could make their farms as valuable again if they introduced this, since, though the district is not subject to drought, there is often much dry weather. 59

If there were no house on the place, I should build a brick cottage, which I think would cost about L.150. [150] I should go to Mr Berrys, 146 or to Mr M'Leays, 147 at Ulladulla, and buy sufficient dairy cows to stock this land, and engage a steady married couple to manage the dairy. This dairy would be my mainstay for a time; for the butter, cheese, pork, and bacon produced on the farm would sell well in Sydney, provided that I attended to the matter myself. It would be necessary that I should be often, if not always, up at daylight, and that I occasionally saw that the cows were properly milked. If I neglected my own interests, I could not expect that my servants would attend to them. I should keep bees, and make as much as possible of honey; and I should also establish a good garden, and send fruit regularly to Sydney. viii I should have to get, yearly, a good crop of clover hay, lest the stock might suffer in the winter or the dry weather; and I should have to find a run for the dry cows, lest they should consume the clover without giving a return. But, without further details, this farm at Illawara should be my homestead, and nothing should induce me ever to encumber it.' (pp.331-333) In the Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser for Saturday 24 July 1852 Bees Wax - It is remarkable that from the district of Illawarra this season, we have had a very small supply of wax - and still the discrepancy in prices is not conspicuous. We understand that the particular flowers from which the wax is contributed have been remarkably scarce in the southern districts, and, in some instances, not more than from one to two pounds have been rendered out of four or five hives. To the northward, however, they have had abundance of wax; so that betwixt the increase of honey in one direction and the increase of wax in another, the relative prices of each remain much about the same average as in former years. - People's Advocate. (p.4)

146 147

Alexander Berry, Coolangatta Estate, Shoalhaven Heads Alexander McLeay (MLeay), the Colonial Secretary. From the Australian (online) Dictionary of Biography: McLeay bought another reserve of 2560 acres (1036 ha) at Ulladulla in 1840 Refer http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A020156b.htm

60

Maitland, a tentative honey industry, 1840s

Potential of honey and wax production, 1843, 1844 In the Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser for Saturday 8 April 1843, under the heading The Labouring Classes: In looking over the report of the provisional committee of the Hunter River Society, published in our number of March 18th, we observe the following passage Your Committee have also considered that the character, and, as influencing the character, the domestic comfort, of the working class of this community is a subject deserving their most careful attention; and they are persuaded that much good would accrue if persons with small holdings were encouraged to improve the style of their dwellings, to surround themselves with those conveniences at their homes, and cultivate that neatness, which would contribute to the happiness of themselves and their families, and thus render them stationary, contented, and respectable: for this end your Committee have advised that a premium be given to the cottager who shall raise four hives of bees, weighing not less than 20 lbs. each, the produce of his own stock; and they recommend this subject to the particular attention of the Society. (p.2) The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser for Saturday 28 December 1844, explored the potential of honey and wax production. We have noticed for some time past, with great pleasure, that a taste for keeping bees is spreading in the town and neighbourhood. As far as our observation goes, as yet, the habit is principally confined to persons who keep them mainly for pleasure; ix and those who have never tried the experiment can form no idea of the real pleasure derivable from watching the labours of the busy bee. But we should be well pleased to see the habit extending far and wide among the numerous persons living in cottages and huts in Maitland and its vicinity, to whom the profit arising from keeping bees would be an object of some importance. In this district the bees gather their honey almost entirely from the bush, rising into the air on leaving the hive, and making straight to some particular spot, and returning when loaded in the same way. Any man can make his own boxes to keep the bees in, and they appear to require little care except when swarming, if the simple precautions are used of raising them two or three feet above the ground, and of covering the boxes over with a sheet of bark to keep off the rain and 61

sun. The only expense here would be the first purchase of a single hive, which may be got in the town for about twenty shillings, and we have heard that two or three parties in the vicinity are selling them at from ten to fifteen shillings. Supposing a man gets a young hive now in good condition, it will probably throw a swarm off before the summer is over, and these will again swarm so rapidly next summer that, by eighteen months from his first purchase, he may have eight, ten, or even twelve hives, besides getting 80 or 100 lbs. of honey. This calculation is merely stating the actual success a neighbour of ours has met with. We suppose the bee-owner to sell none of his hives until he has ten or twelve of his own, but meanwhile he has for sale, say only 60 lbs. of honey. It is difficult to say what would be the market price for the honey, there having been yet no attempt at a regular trade in it, but the Maitland honey is excellent, and would, we think, command a regular sale in Sydney; and, supposing it only realised 8d. per lb. wholesale, the bee-owner would receive 40s. for honey in the eighteen months; and in the next year, what with his honey and wax, and the numerous swarms he would have for sale, he would clear at least 5, and with good luck might double that sum. As far as we can ascertain, the wholesale price of honey in Sydney has varied in the last few years from 4d. to 1s. 6d., and even 2s. per lb.; that bought at 4d. having been very inferior. As a guess, we should expect 9d. or 10d. might now be obtained in Sydney for a considerable quantity of good honey, and that, as the production increases, the price will fall till it reaches 6d., or perhaps 5d., when it might become available for making fruit preserves for export, with a prospect of paying, or might possibly even pay as an export to England, provided it would keep on the voyage quite sound and sweet. The duty on colonial honey at home is 5s., and on foreign 10s., per cwt. The wholesale price of bees wax is more steady in Sydney, and has seldom, we understand, fallen below 2s. per lb. for good and unadulterated. As the duty on colonial unbleached wax in England is only 1s. per cwt., and on bleached 10s., and as it is an article of increasing consumption there, it would doubtless at once be a paying export, if produced in sufficient quantity. The duty on foreign unbleached wax is 2s., and on bleached 1, per cwt. 62

Benefits of honey and beeswax exports, 1845 In The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser for Saturday 3 May 1845, a long article is presented discussing the financial benefits involved in exporting honey. The necessity of securing some market abroad for our honey, wax, gum, and other articles of colonial production for which there is only a limited demand in the colony, becomes more apparent as the supply of each increases; and unless we can profitably export such portions as are not required for home use, the articles will speedily be reduced to a nominal value, and their production discouraged. Even as regards articles for which a comparatively extensive demand exists in the colony, such as leather, tweed, &c, the establishment of markets abroad will tend to sustain, if not to increase, their value; and every such increase will equally benefit the manufacturers and the producers of the raw materials. The general correctness of this view is confirmed by a glance at the present state of the market for the various articles produced in the colony. For our wool, tallow, hides, and other articles for which a market has been established abroad, the demand is steady and certain, and the prices sufficient generally to return a living profit to the producers. On the other hand, the demand for our grain, and other produce the sale of which is confined to the colony, is limited and uncertain, and the prices generally unremunerating. With regard to the latter class of articles, there are some which we cannot reasonably look forward to exporting to advantage; but there are others again for which, with a little exertion and enterprize on the part of the commercial community, a ready and profitable market might be established in the mother country and elsewhere. Honey is one of these articles. Within a comparatively recent period honey realised a high price, and met with a ready sale; but, owing to the extraordinary increase which has lately taken place in its production, the supply is altogether beyond the demand; and as no vent has yet been found for the surplus, the value of the article has become merely nominal, and great difficulty is experienced in selling it at any price. At the figure at which honey can be purchased, we have little doubt that it could be exported with considerable profit, both to the mother country and the neighbouring colonies. Its value in the neighbouring colonies we have no means of ascertaining; but we 63

should imagine it would be rather higher than in the British market, as they, no doubt, receive their supplies from that quarter. The price of fine honey in London, at the end of November last, was, according to the Mercantile Journal, from 2 10s. to 4 10s. per cwt. the duty is 5s. per cwt. upon colonial, and 10s. per cwt. upon foreign. The difference of duty would place this colony upon an equal footing to compete with foreign countries nearer Britain. Indeed, we doubt if it would not absolutely cover the entire charge for freight. The quality of our colonial honey is said by competent judges to be first-rate; so that on this head we should have nothing to fear. The only objection we have heard stated against the practicability of sending our honey home is the doubt as to its keeping during the voyage; but we think a reasonable degree of care and precaution in packing would obviate any risk from this source. The present price of honey in Maitland, when purchased wholesale, ranges, we believe, from 2d. to 3d. per lb. At the highest price this would be 28s. per cwt. The price in London ranges from 50s. to 90s. per cwt.; and assuming that our honey brought the middle price, 70s., this would leave for the exporter, after paying on, for duty, 65s. per cwt: deducting from this the cost price of the honey, 28s., it would leave him a balance of 37s. per cwt. for his profit and expenses. The actual amount realized might not be so large as this, but it would admit of a considerable reduction and still secure the exporter from the chance of any loss by the speculation. The market once established, the colonial value of honey would no doubt rise, as that of tallow has done, to the point at which its export to England would allow of the ordinary rate of mercantile profit; and would thus open up a most profitable source of employment to our small farmers and cottagers, who can produce honey to an almost unlimited extent, at the most trifling cost to themselves. But unless a larger market is secured than the colony affords, the price of it will soon be so low as to check any considerable increase in its production, which would be much to be regretted, for there is scarcely an article which we can produce at such slight cost to ourselves, and it has the great additional advantage of holding out a prospect of bettering the condition of a most useful class of society, who are at present, for the most part, steeped in poverty and wretchedness. We are glad to hear that one of our storekeepers is making arrangements for sending home about a ton of honey as a speculation. 64

Bees Wax. - The value of bees wax will be influenced by the same circumstances which affect the price of honey. Although the quantity produced will not be very large, it is still desirable that the producer should have the choice of a market larger than the colony affords. There is hardly any fixed price for wax in Maitland; but it could probably be at bought in quantities at about 1s. 6d. per lb. The prices in London in November last ranged from 6 7s. for the commonest East India, to 10 10s. for the best white Hamburgh. The duty is 1s. per cwt. on colonial, and 2s. per cwt. on foreign; if in any degree bleached, the duty on colonial is 10s. and on foreign 20s. per cwt. (p.2) 100 hives for auction, 1845 The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser for 5 and 12 April 1845 announced the upcoming auction of 100 hives of bees well stored with honey by Mr. A. Dodds, at the school house, Dunmore Paterson River, on the following Thursday, 17 April. The advertisement was headed Bees ! Bees !! Bees !!! exhorting small settlers and others thus: Honey and Wax will no doubt become in a few years articles of large export to the mother country, the Auctioneer would therefore strongly recommend settlers to take advantage of this opportunity to purchase. The proprietor will take every care of those sold until the purchaser can remove them. On Monday 29 March 1847 Mr. A. Dodds was again auctioning hives of bees, some 14, this time at the George and Dragon Inn. 148 Two months later more hives were being auction by Dodds at Mr. Mutlow's residence, East Maitland, at twelve, household furniture and other effects, hives of bees, a saddle, horse, &c. 149 Mr Dodds was busy again on 27 and 31 May 1848 150 about twenty hives [of] bees were offered for auction amidst an array of agricultural items at the property Wallalong near Hinton in the lower Hunter Valley; and a lengthy list of auction items at James Adairs Lennoxton property, Paterson, at twelve oclock, Tuesday 16 January 1849, included 3 top swarms of bees. 151

148 149

Maitland Mercury for Saturday 27 March 1847 Maitland Mercury for Wed. 30 June 1847, p.3 150 Maitland Mercury for 27 May 1848, p.1 151 Maitland Mercury, Sat. 6 Jan. 1849, p.1; 13 Jan. 1849; 30 Dec. 1848, p.1

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Proceeds from 40 hives, 1846 The Maitland Mercury for Saturday 29 August 1846 carried an article titled The Honey Trade. About thirteen months ago, Mr. E. P. Capper, 152 of West Maitland, sent to England a small parcel of honey and bees' wax, as an experiment, to try whether a market could be found there for those commodities. 153 The first advices he got were that no one would look at the honey; but by the last arrival from England he has received an account sale of the honey and wax, which he has been kind enough to lend us, for the purpose of laying the results of the transaction before our readers. The honey and wax sent home by Mr. C. were from forty hives, which yielded about l,000 lbs. of rough comb. In taking the honey not a single hive of the bees was lost. The nett produce was 7 cwt 0 qr. 10 lbs. honey, and 34 lbs. wax. The honey was packed in six small barrels, the leakage from the whole of which during the voyage did not exceed 9 lbs. From the account sale it appears that the gross weight of the honey, as it reached England, was 8 cwt. 1 qr. 17 lbs.; the tare on each barrel was 30 lbs., and the draft 2 lbs.; leaving 6 cwt. 2 qr. 21 lbs. nett. Of wax there was 1 qr. 4 lbs. nett. The following statement shows the prices obtained, and the nature and extent of the charges upon the importation and sale of the honey and wax: [see table below] For the honey this left a nett price of about 4 7/8d. per lb., after defraying all charges in England. On larger parcels the charges would hardly exceed 1d. per lb.; and the cost of freight and casks would probably amount to 1d. per lb. more, which, at 56s. per cwt. would leave to the exporter 4d. per lb. nett. The wax brought 1s. 5d. per lb. No accurate estimate of the charges upon it can be formed from the sale of so small a parcel as the above, but they would probably amount on the average, including freight and packages, to about 3d. per lb. Were a regular trade established, the nett price to the exporters would range from 1s. to 1s. 2d.

152

s.

d.

s.

d.

Edward P. Capper, ironmonger of West Maitland, from The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser. 16(?) Jan. 1846 153 An account of Cappers experiment was recounted in John Dunmore Langs (1852) An historical and statistical account of New South Wales. See also the Courier, (Hobart) 23 Sept. 1845, p.4

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Honey, 6 cwt. 2 qrs. 21 lbs. at 56s. Discount, 2 per cent. Wax, 1 qr. 4 lbs., at 8. Discount, 2 1/2 per cent. Brokerage Dock charges Duty Entry

18 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 3

14 9 5 1 4 6 16 2 10

6 5 9 2 9 10 2 6 3

18 2 20

6 4 9

1 7 8

16

We have heard that a gentleman resident near Sydney sent home some time ago about a ton of honey and 4 cwt. of wax. When the returns for these come out, they will probably be made public, and a more accurate opinion may then be formed of the value of our honey and wax in the English market, and of the expenses attending its importation and sale. The return obtained by Mr. Capper is however, we think, sufficient to show that in the most plentiful seasons honey of average quality, would be worth 3d. per lb. for exportation. In dry and unfavourable seasons like the present, bee-keepers would generally be able to obtain a higher price than this, because for some time the quantity produced would not be much more than sufficient for home consumption. But the value in ordinary seasons is of course what ought to be looked to; and the result of Mr. Capper's experiment shows pretty clearly that when the price gets down to 3d. per lb., honey will pay for exportation to England. The market there is sufficiently extensive to ensure a steady demand for all this colony is likely to produce for some time to come and no fears therefore need be entertained on that head. With every probability, if not a certainty, of obtaining 3d. per lb. as a minimum price, our small farmers and cottagers would do well to lose no time in turning their attention to the production of honey. The cost of a hive of bees, and of materials for making additional .boxes, are the most serious expenses in the undertaking; these obtained, there is little more required than a little ingenuity, care, and trouble. The "incurabrances" in their families can very easily perform all the labour that is ordinarily requisite in looking after the bees: the raw material for the honey and wax will cost them nothing - mother Nature supplies that in profuse abundance in our gardens, fields, and 67

forests. The return from the bees would thus be nearly all clear gain, and in a few years would form a very snug addition to their annual income; and they would besides supply themselves with sundry additions to their family luxuries, in the shape of honey, mead, &c. The subject is one which is well worth the attention of the small farmers and cottagers; and the landlords could perhaps hardly take any more effective means of promoting their own interests than by encouraging bee-keeping among their tenantry. (p.2) Costs of production, 1846 The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser for Wednesday 16 September 1846 carried an article on The Honey Trade. To the Editors of the Sydney Herald. In the leading article of the Maitland Mercury of 29th August, I observe a statement of proceeds from forty hives. As the expenses attending this shipment are not placed against it, I trust that gentleman will, with equal candour, give a statement of the expenses, (unless he, as many others have before him, sought notoriety rather than public good). I have time and opportunity to attend to this branch of export; but should not like, on reviewing my hive account, to be stung. I have but little experience in these matters, but calculate the expenses thus:

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1 9 0 1 1 0 0 12 0 8 17 9 leaving a balance of 8 11s. 8d., in lieu of 16 9s. 5d. As this may be over or under-rated, I hope he will contradict if he can, and lessen the amount to render it beneficial to the true interest of the colony. As this may not be sweets to the sweet-perhaps he may not deign to reply. In the event of which I shall avail myself of your kindness by inserting a correct account, which I will procure in the mean time. Bythe-bye, there is another branch of export, which I hear is likely to be made, and which I hope will be more favourable-preserved rabbit skins. As these furry animals do not require more attention than bees, and the flesh furnishes a delicious feast to the epicurean, I doubt not it will have the same effect of inducing men of small means and large estates to enter to the full extent of their means in the production of these two new sources of colonial industry. Yours, very truly, New England, Sept. 4. Fix. [The above letter appeared in the Herald of Friday last. Our reason for not giving the "expenses in the colony" was simply, that we could not obtain them. We believe, however, that "Fix's" estimate is not far from correct, except as regards the first item. The hive boxes form part of the bee-keeper's stock in trade, and therefore belong properly to the cost of production, and not to the "expenses of shipment." Deducting this item from "Fix's" statement, it leaves 4 7s. 9d. as the expenses in the colony, which amounts to nearly l d. per lb. on the parcel. Our estimate of the "expenses in the colony" on larger parcels was 1d. per lb.; so that, allowing for the extra expenses on a small lot like that sent home by Mr. Capper, "Fix" and ourselves appear to be nearly of the same opinion. If "Fix" is disposed to carry out his own patriotic suggestion about the rabbit skins, we shall be happy to publish the particulars of his first venture, "shipping expenses" included. -Ed. M. M.] 69

s d 40 hive boxes, at 2s. 6d. Carriage from Maitland to Sydney Sydney expenses, say transit from steamer to wharf of shipment, bills of lading, brokerage, postage, &c.. Seven kegs at 3s. Packing, clarifying, &c.

4 0

10 14

0 0

Honey scarce, 1845 & 1847 Commercial and Markets - Dairy produce is very scarce. Butter, bacon, and cheese are scarcely to be had. Eggs and poultry are plentiful. The only plentiful vegetable is the new potatoe, at 4s. 6d. to 6s. per cwt. Cabbages are scarce, having been much injured by the weather: they have grown all to leaves. Honey is also scarce from the same cause: great loss is said to have been sustained by owners of bees in consequence of the hot 154 winds. Honey. - The quantity of honey produced in the district this season appears to be very small, particularly round Maitland. In many cases there has hardly been any increase of the bees, and even the more successful beekeepers have simply the gratification of seeing their hives increased in number, without having derived much benefit in the way of honey from them. This is singular, as although the early part of the summer was very dry, the latter part has been unusually fine and productive. Some of the owners are beginning to fear the neighbourhood is overstocked, which is somewhat countenanced by the fact of the bees having been more given to plunder each other's hives this season than usual; the more experienced owners, however, say that bees might be almost inimitably increased without any worse effect than making them travel over somewhat more ground in search of their food. About Singleton and on the Paterson we hear honey has been produced pretty freely this season. 155 Beekeepers wishing to study their subject were made aware at this time of Rev. William Charles Cottons book on honey production in New Zealand from a short article copied from the Herald of 12 April 1847. 156 Twenty hives of bees for auction, 1848 The classified advertising section of the Maitland Mercury and hunter river general advertiser for 17 May 1848 carried a notice from auctioneer Mr A Dodds that hed received instructions from J.B.R. Robertson, Esq., who is reducing his agricultural establishment, to sell by public auction, at Wallalong, near Hinton 157 an array of

154
155

Maitland Mercury for Sat. 22 Nov. 1845 Maitland Mercury for Wed. 5 May 1847, p.2 156 Maitland Mercury for Sat. 17 April 1847, p.4 157 About halfway between Raymond Terrace and Paterson/Tocal, WNW of Newcastle

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livestock and agricultural implements including about twenty hives [of] bees, cash terms. (p.1) A Productive Hive, William River, 1850 From the Maitland Mercury, 5 June 1850 A correspondent informs us that on Friday last, at Porphyry Point, William River, a hive of bees was weighed, and was found to weigh 98 lbs., the box itself not exceeding 10 lb.; the box contained about a cubic foot and a half (1 ft. 6 in.) of space. (p.2) Feral bees Hawkesbury River, 1844 and 1849 Headed the Lower Hawkesbury, the following item appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald for 5 March 1844: An extraordinary quantity of English bees have lately migrated into this quarter, and parts of the bush are teemimg with these welcome visitors. A few days since some gentlemen accidentally discovered in a large rocky perforation an immense colony of busy bees actively at work; from the amazing number there must have been the increase of several generations, and it is supposed from a cursory view that upwards of five cwt of honey was fit for taking. ... (p.2) In the Maitland Mercury for Saturday 10 November 1849: Bees. Attention to the care and management of bees, although a valuable branch of domestic economy, both us respects comfort and profit, has been very little attended to, and as this is the season for obtaining the hives, it may be of service to direct attention to the subject. In keeping bees no expense is incurred beyond the stand on which the boxes are placed, and the erection of a shed covered with bark to protect them from sun and rain. It is necessary that the feet of the stand should be insulated in water, otherwise the ants would be troublesome and injurious. A few years ago there was not an English bee to be seen in this locality, now they are very numerous through the bush. x It appears that by whatever means the English bee was brought to Sydney, that their instinctive progress has been northward by the course of the Hawkesbury, and the bush now between this and Sydney is studded

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with hives in the trunks and branches of decayed trees. - Wollombi Correspondent of the Herald. xi 158 North of Sydney, 1854 A comment on the spread of bees north of Sydney appeared in Robert Elwes (1854) A sketcher's tour round the world: European importation. Sheep, cattle, and horses, thrive and increase wonderfully. Corn and potatoes, fruits and vegetables of all kinds, grow better than in England. Even bees have been introduced, and require no care, insomuch, that to the north of Sydney there are now in the woods numbers of wild ones, which have strayed from the settlers and increased. (p.279) 159 Dapto, South Coast, 1860 From Bennetts 1860 Gatherings of a naturalist in Australia A skeleton of a species of Opossum, of small size, was sent to the Australian Museum at Sydney from Dapto. It was found in the hollow of a tree, in which the bees had formed their honeycomb, and was filled with honey, so as to cover the greater portion of the skeleton. The skeleton was coiled up in the attitude the animal assumes when asleep, and appears to have perished in that position, either from the stings of the English bees, or from some other accidental cause. (p.193)

For Sale, Durham Hotel, Dungog, with apiary 18 feet long, shingled, 1863
The Maitland Mercury, and Hunter River General Advertiser, 24 December 1853 (p.3), and 31 December (p.2s) advertised for auction, J.R. Allens Durham Hotel, Dowling street, Dungog. Its lengthy description included: It is a Corner House, having two nicely palisaded frontages, very tastefully and beautifully disposed; has Orchard and Garden, with a choice selection of Fruit Trees, Evergreens, and Flowers, and a large brick, cemented Tank of the purest fresh Spring Water, in perennial supply; Coach and Gighouse; Stable for eight horses, and an apiary18 feet long, shingled; leaving sufficient room on the allotment for about Four Additional Houses, enclosed with a strong Four-railed Fence.

158 159

This article also appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, 6 Nov 1849 This page also contains details of aboriginals hunting bees

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TASMANIA English Black Bees in Tarraleah, 1986

The following is an update to the short chapter in my Volume I, titled Sanctuary at Tarraleah. In mid 2007 while scanning the web I located the site 160 of the British Beekeepers Association, wherein I read the following In 1986, a sample of dark bees from an isolated apiary in Tasmania were examined and recognised as A m mellifera, probably descendants from colonies taken out by the early settlers. The area around the apiary is now an 'exclusion zone' and it is forbidden to take bees into or through the area. Would that our own authorities took as commendable an interest in native bees as the Tasmanian government! (Some Notes on Beekeeping in Tasmania by Stan Millard in The Bee Breeder No. 4, 1988 published by BIBBA.) I emailed Brian Dennis of the British Isles Bee Breeders Association and he promptly replied with a copy of Millards 1988 article . Stan was visiting his son and family in Tasmania in the summer of 198687. While there he visited an apiary amongst the leatherwood with commercial beekeeper, Hedley Hoskinson of Hobart, then president of the Tasmanian Beekeepers Association. In Hedleys company Stan also met another commercial beekeeper, Julian Wolfhagen. 161 Stan wrote The general run of the bees I saw were Italian o r more probably Italian-based hybrids, but my most interesting trip of all was to visit Lee Slaters apiary. Lee keeps a pretty pure strain of mellifera, the old British Black bee. Lees apiary is at Tarraleah, a wellwooded and somewhat isolated area in the south-west. He started beekeeping as a young man by assembling a number of second-hand hives and stocking them with colonies he collected from the bush where he had roamed at will as a boy. He had no idea there was anything different about his bees until a friend from Hobart came out to examine them. The inspector at once recognised them as mellifera, a fact that was later confirmed by a visit from an expert from Germany (I think perhaps Dr. Ruttner). The bees are presumably descendants from colonies taken out by early settlers and later abandoned. The ministry of Agriculture
160 161

bbka.org.uk/articles/honeybee_family.php Julian Wolfhagen is current president of the Tasmanian beekeepers Association. Email: tashoney@microtech.com.au

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appreciates the value of this pure strain of bee and the area is now an exclusion zone. It is forbidden to take colonies of bees into or through the area for a certain distance round Tarraleah. The hilly and heavily wooded nature of the terrain inhibits natural migration and since the locality is very isolated I imagine no bees are kept closer than perhaps thirty miles or more. The day of my visit was fine but somewhat cool; nevertheless Lee opened one or two hives for me. There was a small flow on at the time from Prosantha, the Christmas bush, and the bees were working. I got the impression that they were not the most gentle of bees, although Lee worked without gloves. I did in fact get one or two stings. (The culprits were immediately pocketed, so that their wings, together with those from other dead bees, could produce a venation test when I got back home.) A postscript to Stans article added Stan Millard of St. Albans died in January of this year. A lover of nature in all its forms and a Quaker by conviction, he is missed by all at Hertfordshire beekeepers who knew him. Shortly before his death he submitted the following article. I have let him tell his story in his own words before making some comments. The editor proceeded to analyze whether, following testing, the bees could be direct descendants of English black bees the results leave no doubt at all that on these criteria [wing venation analysis of a sample of 30 wings] the bees could pass for British natives. Are Lee Slaters bees really the lineal descendants of British imports as Stan supposed? This is of course possible. I would regard it as equally likely that natural selection may have shaped the bees as they are from a mixed or even largely Italian ancestry. Either way, the effect of the environment, which is the most British-like in the Australian continent, must surely have been paramount in maintaining the type. (It is hard to believe that there has been absolutely no Italian admixture from swarms and wild colonies.) the wing venation, taken together with the black colour, is hard evidence which cannot easily be explained away. Theres no doubt of the sanctuarys current integrity for I found on the web 162 a 2007 Apimondia 163 Melbourne conference tour titled Temperate Apiculture Tasmania which offered in September
162 163

quadrantaustralia.com/TOURS/TApimondia/Pre2itin.htm International Apicultural Conference, refer www.apimondia2007.com

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2007 A comprehensive itinerary in the cooler climates focusing on the latest trends in apiculture en route from Launceston to Hobart. As part of the tour the coach will depart for Tarraleah traveling through the Great Western Tiers and along the shore of Great Lake, a source of unpolluted water over 1,000 metres above sea level. After visiting the sanctuary of English Black Bees at Tarraleah, the coach will head down the mountain to the remote west coast town of Strahan

Two Illusive years, 1817 and 1826

Several times while trawling the web Ive come across the year 1826 identified with the introduction of honeybees into Australia. However, Ive been unable to find any supporting evidence nor has it been documented in any form in my books. Scientific papers on honey bees often mention a date for their first introduction into Australia. Whether that year is 1810, 1821, 1822, 1826 or some other, it often means in such a context no more than bees were introduced a long time ago. For example, an extract from one paper which gives the year 1826: Honeybees have been present in Australia since 1826 (Doull 1973; Paton 1996) Another: 164 In Australia the honeybee, Apis mellifera, [was] first introduced in 1826 and [is] found over most of the continent and in Tasmania (Ruttner 1976; Rhodes 1988 165 ). The citing of Paton 1996 most likely relates to a web site 166 provided article titled Overview of Feral and Managed Honeybees in Australia: Distribution, Abundance, Extent of Interactions with Native Biota, Evidence of Impacts and Future Research, authored by David C Paton, Department of Zoology, The University of Adelaide, for the Australian Nature Conservation Agency. Found therein Honeybees Apis mellifera were first introduced to Australia in 1810
164 165

tmag.tas.gov.au/workshop/append2.html Though Ive not yet been able to verify, the likely referenced articles are: Rhodes, J.W. (1988) (Ed). Bee Keeping in the Year 2000. Second Australian and International Beekeeping Congress. Surfers Paradise. Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, July 21-26, 1988. Brisbane: Dept Primary Industries 288pp. Ruttner, F. (1976). Isolated populations of honeybees in Australia. J. Apic. Res. 15: 97-104. International Bee Research Association. (For a copy of this refer to nla.gov.au/anbd.bib-an000001386717)
166

environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/bees/distribution.html

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by Samuel Marsden 167 who imported an unknown number of colonies from England. These, however, failed to establish and eventually died out as did the hive introduced to Tasmania in 1821 (Ziegler 1993). A second introduction in 1822 to mainland Australia was successful 168 and further introductions to other parts of the continent over the next 50-60 years introduced other races and apiaries were established in each state (Eagland 169 1958; Manning 1989, 1992; Wills 1989; Oldroyd et al. 1993; Ziegler 1993). Surprisingly, theres no mention to the year 1826, but a host of new cited references are introduced. The Ziegler 1993 reference comes from Ziegler, K.I. (1993). Leatherwood nectar resource management report, for the Forests and Forest Industry Council, Hobart. I located a copy of this report on the internet - the following quote caught my attention In Tasmania, feral swarms were first noted in 1838 just 7 years after successful establishment, and before long were reported widely over the island. No primary source was provided. I searched the Tasmania white pages online and found two addresses for a K.I. Ziegler I wrote asking if they were the author of the report, and, if so, could they supply the historical sources used. In a few days I had my response: This explained the year 1821, being William Kermodes failed

167

The Marsden reference is incorrect in that, although Marsden did acquire bees, not from England, but from Rio de Janiero in 1810, however they were not Apis honey bees. 168 Evidence to date strongly suggests the 1822 introduction was not successful 169 James Stanley Eagland, a former president of the Victorian Apiarists Association, c1958. He provided the following in The Australian Encyclopedia of 1958 The honey bee is not native to Australia. The earliest known attempt to introduce bees into the continent was made by Rev. Samuel Marsden, who imported an unknown number from England in 1810, but he was unsuccessful in establishing these and they eventually died out. (p.472).

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introduction, 170 a research avenue Id already addressed in my Volume I. 171 Alas, I was no closer to any clues on the year 1826. Another reference to the year 1826 appeared in the journal Austral Ecology (Vol. 16 (2), pp.171181) within a 1991 article titled Effects of honey bees on colonies of Exoneura asimillima, an Australian native bee, authored by Evan A. Sugden and Graham H. Pyke. In it is stated Since honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) were first introduced into Australia in 1826 ... The cited source was Doull, 1973. 172 Through some research I identified the likely article and subsequently organised an inter-library loan. Titled Bees and their role in pollination, it appeared in Australian Plants (7:223-236). My thirst for new facts was sorely disappointed for the relevant text, without any referenced sources, simply reads Honeybees are not native to Australia, and the first hives were introduced in 1826. Another site 173 titled Guidelines for rural beekeeping in Queensland not only cites the year 1821 but provides a new entrant - 1817. 174 Beekeeping is one of Australias oldest primary industries, stemming from the successful importation of hives of the European honeybee, Apis mellifera, in Sydney 1810 and 1822. Other recorded introductions occurred in Hobart in 1817 and 1821. After all the above, in August 2008 I found the following two related letters to the Editor of the Colonial Times and Tasmanian Advertiser for Friday 8 December 1826. The first demonstrates that bees were not then procurable within the Colony. The second adds evidence to an attempted importation in 1817. Sir, - While possessing a climate,
170

I located another reference to Kermodes introduction in Bonwick, James (1890) Early Struggles of the Australian Press, Gordon & Gotch, London. Then was the notice of the first hive of bees by a Liverpool vessel; adding The bee has not before been imported into Van Diemens Land (p.35) referring to the Hobart Town Gazette of 7 April 1821. For more details refer to my Vols. I & II. 171 See the chapter on William Kermode in Volume I of The Immigrant Bees, also refer Hobart Town Gazette, 7 Apr. 1821; 172 Ive located various journal articles dealing with pollination authored by Keith Doull in the 1960s and 1970s. Doull was a senior researcher at the Waite Agricultural Research Institute, Sth. Aust. 173 www2.dpi.qld.gov.au/bees/16929.html 174 I emailed the author of this 2004 report in July 2007 seeking background on the year 1817, however no reply has as yet been received.

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perhaps the finest in the world for the purpose so much spare, and now useless land which might be made use of to advantage, it is really surprising that the Colonists of Van Diemen's Land should not pay some attention to the keeping of bees. These little creatures are so very industrious, that they cost very little expence [sic.] or trouble for their support, and yield in return that which is every where a valuable and saleable commodity; indeed, I should say commodities, for wax and honey are both very valuable. A little thyme-seed scattered over the now desert and barren spots of land, would soon furnish them with an endless source of food for the summer, and would by its fragrance and lively appearance, greatly add to the beauty of a farm, and the pleasure of a country life. Land, like money, should never be permitted to lie idle - it is always fit for some useful purpose, if not for one, for another; and that which is now unfit for pasturage or tillage, might be well applied to grow thyme for the purpose of feeding bees. Independently of this, there are many flowers which are the natural productions of the soil that would afford a rich supply to these hard working little creatures, which, in my opinion, would amply repay the expense of importation and attention. In summer they will find their living, and need only be looked after in the swarming season, in order that they may not be lost - and in winter, a little, sugar moistened with water, and put into the hive, with a well-covered and warm stand, is the whole they require. Allow me the favour then, Mr. Editor, of a corner of your valuable Paper for this, and I would just suggest for the consideration of my fellow Colonists, the benefit which it appears likely would result from the culture of Bees. C.Y.X. (p.4) And the second letter: In another part of the Paper, we have given insertion to a Letter, signed C.Y.X. on the subject of bees. We think what our Correspondent says is true, and should rejoice to see something done of the nature of what he advises. We remember, that about 9 or 10 years back, 175 a few bees were imported to this Colony, which were turned loose in Hobart Town, but, in consequence of their then being so few flowers and herbs about the town, they flew away and were never seen since. What C.Y.X. says about the culture of thyme might perhaps prevent a recurrence of this.

175

Going back 9 or 10 years from 1826 approximates the year 1817

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Clearer details on the reputed introductions of honey bees into Australia in 1817 and 1826 may well continue to be a mystery. However, there is one line of enquiry that may yet resolve the issue. From The Convict Ships by Charles Bateson, the Marquis of Hastings, was a ship of 452 tons, built London in 1819. With Master Wm. Ostler and Surgeon Geo S Rutherford, she sailed from Portsmouth on 22nd August 1825 via Rio de Janeiro. After a voyage of 134 days the complement of 152 male convicts arrived complete at Port Jackson, Sydney, on 3 January 1826. Convicts were not the only cargo for also on board was Alexander Macleay, New South Wales Colonial Secretary, accompanied by his wife, six daughters and his insect collection. From the online Australian Dictionary of Biography, 176 Macleay established the McLeay Collection, beginning with insects and enlarging it with varied purchases and acquisitions from Brazil, India, North Africa and Australia. By 1825 he was said to have the finest and most extensive collection of any private individual; as a noted scientist he was a corresponding member of several European societies and as a prominent public servant had served on many boards From a web site 177 of the Historic Houses Trust Dave Gray, Vaucluse Houses head gardener says, Wisterias are native to Eastern Asia and North America. In 1816 the first specimens of Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) were sent to England from Canton. It is likely that the first plant arrived in Sydney in 1826 by way of the Colonial Secretary Alexander Macleay, who established Wisteria in the gardens of Elizabeth Bay House. It quickly became popular in colonial gardens and in the 1860s was planted on the new verandah at Vaucluse House. Could it be that Macleay was aware, before departure, of the extent of success of the 1822 introduction of honeybees into the colony. Is it possible he brought, along with his insect collection and wisteria vines, a hive or hives of bees?

176 177

adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs The following web site was viewed July 2007: hht.net.au/news/media_releases/past_events

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Foreign Honey, 1827

There was an appetite for honey for in the Colonial Times and Tasmanian Advertiser for Friday 16 March 1827, an advertised auction at John Edward Coxs auction rooms, opposite the Ship Inn, Hobart, various goods were offered including Jamaican honey and beeswax. One week later Cox was advertising Minorca 178 honey and beeswax. One cake of beeswax formed part of the cargo of the barque Hope 179 from Sydney.

Bees suggested obtainable from Cape of Good Hope, 1829

The Hobart Town Courier for Saturday 3 October 1829 published this item: While upon the subject of vessels touching at the Cape of Good Hope, we suggest the propriety of any settler or commander of a vessel touching there on his voyage hither, to speculate in bringing out with him a few hives of bees. The voyage from the Cape hither is but short compared to that from England and although some attempts to introduce the honey bee in Van Diemen's land have already been tried and have failed, they must eventually succeed, and he who first speculates in them must realise a small fortune. Of all places in the world Van Diemen's land with its honeyed blossoms at all seasons, is most eligible for the rearing of bees. (p.4)

Dr. Thomas Braidwood Wilson Bees let loose from the wire cage, March 1831
In the Sydney Gazette for Tue. 15 March 1831 180 The bees imported to the colony by Dr. Wilson in the John, are now in the Government garden, and being let loose from the wire cage that surrounded them during the voyage, roam at large among the few flowers and blossoms that still afford them food, though at this late period of the season. They may be seen returning to the hive from their short excursions into the bush with their legs heavily laden with the yellow wax. Great care must be taken to protect them during the winter, especially against the incursions of insects and vermin. Even in England numerous hives are annually destroyed by mice and other enemies, and in this country the swarms of ants that abound everywhere, will,
178 179

A Mediterranean island, well known since the 15th century for its honey Colonial Times, Friday 11 May 1827 180 Attributed to the Hobart Town Courier for 19 Feb. 1831. Also appeared on 26 Feb. 1831, p.2

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unless carefully guarded against, not only rob the little animals of all their hard-earned gains, but many of this species will, by their nauseous smell, expel them from the hive. In this case we should strongly advise that the pedestal of the hive should be set in a trough of water which should be kept fresh and frequently changed. We are anxious to see this interesting and useful auxiliary to man thrive and increase in the colony; and we trust these observations will not appear either trifling or entirely unimportant.

Bees thriving well, Nov. 1831

The Sydney Gazette for 1 Nov. 1831 reported Bees. - We lately expressed our curiosity to know the result of the experiment to introduce the bee into the sister colony: the following paragraph occurs in the Hobart Town Courier. It alludes to a visit paid by the writer to the Government garden: The bees lately imported by Dr. Wilson, we are glad to observe, were thriving well, and had completely filled an addition lately made to the hive. The working bees may sometimes he seen as far as Hobart Town, and even New Town, being attracted no doubt by the fresh water. (p.2) The Hobart Town Courier for Saturday 5 November 1831 commented We last week had the pleasure to mention that the hive of bees lately brought out by Dr. Wilson, in the John, which had been placed under Mr. Davidson's care in [the] Government garden, had produced a maiden swarm, which was doing well. On Saturday last a second swarm came forth, which was also immediately hived and commenced working, and on Tuesday a third swarm was produced, being no less than 3 swarms from one hive, and the first in the colony, in the course of a fortnight !!! an instance of fecundity unprecedented, as far as our knowledge goes, in the annals of bees. Being so early in the season, and with so long a summer, before us, (for June analogous to our December is generally the earliest month in which bees swarm in England,) we have every hope that all these three hires will do well. It is advisable, however, in these second and third swarms to hive them in smaller sized hives, at the largest not above 2 pecks, for as the bees from instinct always endeavour to fill with combs whatever hive they are put into, however large, before they begin to gather honey; if the hive be large, a weak swarm would be apt to spend too much time on this labour, and so lose the opportunity of laying in a sufficient store of honey for winter food, and starvation of course would be the 81

consequence. Much credit is due to Mr. Davidson for the care he has taken with this valuable insect, and the success he has already had with it proves how well it is suited to the colony. (p.2) These reports were followed up by the Sydney Gazette 181 for 10 Nov. 1831 The bees in the Government garden, brought put last year in the John by Dr. Wilson, and to which Mr. Davidson has been so particularly attentive during the whole of the winter, produced a fine swarm on Tuesday last, [25th Oct.] which were successfully hived and immediately commenced working. (p.3) 182 Attributed to the Courier, 183 this update appeared in the Sydney Gazette for Saturday 26 November 1831 We have the pleasure again to announce an addition this week to the bees in the Government garden. On Monday last the first swarm that proceeded from the original hive, not yet three weeks ago, produced a virgin swarm, and the strongest of any that has yet come forth. The great success of this delightful little insect may be attributed in this instance as well to the favourableness of our climate as the care that has been taken to have an abundant supply of sweet flowering plants for their use in the garden and neighbourhood. (p.3)

13 hives in the Government garden, Jan. 1832

The Hobart Town Courier for Saturday 21 January 1832: It is a fact worthy of record in Mr. Loudon's Gardeners' or Naturalists' Magazine, that out of one single hive of bees imported to this colony by Dr. Wilson in the transport ship John last year, 12 others have been produced, the total number in the Government garden now amounting to 13. it is not likely that any of the honey will be used until the colony is well stocked with this most delightful and serviceable insect (p.2)

Beekeeping Hobart style, March 1832

The Hobart Town Courier for Saturday 3 March 1832 gives an insight into the style of beekeeping then in use. We mentioned in our last, that no less than 15 swarms in all had been produced from the hive of bees brought to the colony by Dr. Wilson last year in the John, making in all 16, although 3 of these swarms, after emerging from the
181

Attributed to the Hobart Town Courier which I located in the issue for 22 Oct. 1831, p.2 182 The same report appeared in The Sydney Herald, 28 Nov. 1831, attributed to the Launceston News 183 Hobart Town Courier, 12 Nov. 1831, p.2

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parent hive, had suddenly risen to such a height in the air and taken to their flight to such a distance as not be found. They are hived in the usual way in straw round hives as in England, with the exception of one in a square wooden box, having a window through which their interesting operations may be observed. The capacity of this box is 2 or 3 times that of the other hives, and of course will not be likely to produce a swarm until late, if at all, next year. Moderately sized hives which will soon fill and swarm again, are certainly the best suited for this colony until this valuable insect is sufficiently propagated, but a very good plan of managing the bee and of obtaining the honey without injury to the animal, is by having large boxes something similar to the one now in Government garden but with sliding partitions to admit the bees to work or to shut them out in order to take the honey as convenience dictates. It should be observed also, that the bee will always work horizontally to the sides rather than ascend higher or work below as in the old way by placing additional rings of straw plat at the bottom of the hives. In this way a swarm of bees may be increased to almost any bulk, the queen remaining in the most central and retired position of her little kingdom, and that ruin of so many colonies of bees by the old method, the robbing of one another, is entirely obviated. Much and increased attention has recently been given to this interesting and useful creature both in England and France, but perhaps the best and most instructive book is that written by Mr. Nutt at Hornby Castle, the seat of the Duchess of Leeds, where more bees are cultivated than perhaps in any other part of England. The lively interest at present excited in the cultivation of the bee in this colony, induces us to translate the following directions from the new work entitled 'the Bee Preserver,' lately published by the celebrated Jonas de Gelieu, whose observations were made in Switzerland, a climate especially analogous to that of this colony : (p.3)

Beautiful transparent combs of colonial honey, March 1832

In the Hobart Town Courier for Saturday 3 March 1832 (p.3) The company assembled at the Government house on the Queen's birthday, on Friday last, was by far the most numerous that has ever met on any occasion in this colony The repast was of the most neat and elegant description, and indeed the arrangement of the whole 83

conferred great credit on all who had contributed to plan and project it. One of the most striking features of the table was the profusion of delicious fruit for which the period of the year was propitious, the pears in particular deserve mention, which have been hitherto considered uncongenial to our climate, but which Mr. Davidson, the Superintendent of the Government Garden, has succeeded in rearing in the greatest perfection. But the most gratifying article of the dessert of all, without exception, was the beautiful transparent combs of colonial honey, now for the first time produced upon the table. We had anticipated that the strong aromatic native shrubs and flowers might have more or less communicated their flavour, like the thyme of Hybla, which might not at first have been agreeable, but nothing of the kind has appeared - it is as pure and pellucid 184 as can be imagined. The company then adjourned to the ball.

Government gardens bees active, circa Jan. 1832

In the Hobart Town Courier for Friday 15 June 1832 Last summer, the bees in Government garden were observed settling very frequently on them, and returning to the hive with their legs loaded with wax. (p.2)

Dr. Wilsons 7th visit to Hobart, July 1832

The press continued to remind its reading public of the valuable contributions made to the colony by Dr. Wilson. The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 27 July 1832 The prisoners just arrived by the Katherine Stewart Forbes, and the England, are, we are happy to learn, for the most part hardy agricultural labourers, and will (under the prudent management of reform that the settlers generally give them) prove of considerable advantage in promoting the improvement of the colony. They have come out in excellent order and healthy condition, much to the credit of the Surgeons Superintendent Drs. Wilson and Stephenson, under whose charge they were. Dr. Wilson, to whom the colony is already so much indebted for the valuable introduction of the honey bee, brought out by him in the John last voyage, and many valuable seeds and plants at former times, has again enriched us by what has never before been successfully
184

Transparent, allowing all or most light to pass through (U.K. Encarta Dictionary)

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attempted to bring to the island, namely, some genuine English partridges, in excellent healthy condition, as well as a large supply of the seeds of useful and ornamental plants, selected by the celebrated botanists Mr. Curtis and Mr. Cunningham, expressly for the colony. We are pleased to see that one of the numerous non-descript but beautiful plants of this island, recently collected by our Colonial Surgeon Dr. Scott, enriches the last number of Curtis's splendidly embellished Botanical Magazine. The Horticultural Society has, we are happy to learn, sent out a valuable supply of seeds and plants from their garden at Hammersmith, in consequence of a communication with our Colonial Secretary, which will bc invaluable to the colony. The seeds collected by Mr. Davidson on the sides and summit of Mount Wellington and sent home to the Society had grown and were thriving luxuriantly both at Hammersmith and Kew. The present voyage makes the seventh which Dr. Wilson has made to these colonies. (p.2)

Colonel Arthur gifts a hive to Gov. Bourke, 1832

Extracted from the Tasmanian for 24 August 1832, 185 the following appeared in the Sydney Gazette for Saturday 8 September 1832: We are pleased to learn that His Excellency Colonel Arthur, mindful of the interests of the sister colony, has sent a hive of bees, one of the progeny of that brought out by Dr. Wilson last year in the John, to Governor Bourke, for the benefit of the now very thriving colony under his Government; and what is a singular coincidence, the hive has gone up in the ship England, under the immediate care of Dr. Wilson, who originally and so successfully imported the original from which it was produced.

185

Also appeared in the Hobart Town Courier, 24 Aug. 1832, p.2

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Sir Richard Bourke Governor of New South Wales, Dec. 1831- Jan. 1837

It is but just here to mention that so long ago as the year 1821, Mr. Kermode, no less mindful of the interests of the colony, brought out a hive of bees from England in the finest possible condition, which he transferred on arrival to the care of the Lieutenant Governor, Colonel Sorell, but owing to the want of such a person as Mr. Davidson, at the head of the Government garden, to manage them so successfully as he has done those brought out by Dr. Wilson, they unfortunately perished. The gratitude of the colonists is the least that such active benefactors for their interests can expect, and we rejoice to find that a piece of plate, with an appropriate inscription, is now in course of preparation to Dr. Wilson, to which every well wisher of the colony is cheerfully and anxiously contributing. The colony is indebted to Dr Wilson for the introduction of innumerable valuable English plants, as well as many useful animals, as the pheasant, the Guinea fowl, peacock, &c. Indeed he has never performed one of his numerous voyages without bringing something that was wanting to supply our desiderata in this respect. (p.3) Governor Arthur made a habit of gifting hives. An extract made available through Google Book Search from the Religious Tract Societys 1859 The Sunday at Home, A Family Magazine for Sabbath Reading, reads: would produce twenty stocks in a year , the first swarms each yielding new swarms. The Governor politely presented

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his friends with hives of bees, so that, in a very few seasons, most gardens in the colony were furnished with them. 186 (p.660)

Colonel Sorell Lieutenant Governor, Van Diemens Land, 1817-1824

An early swarm, Oct. 1832

The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 12 October 1832: 187 The bees in Government garden, under the care of Mr. Davidson, have already we are pleased to observe begun to increase. The first hive which was produced last year from the original one imported by Dr. Wilson, threw off a swarm last week, notwithstanding the coolness and moisture of the temperature at the time, being a full month earlier than last year. The spring is now advancing with rapid strides. The bush is every where covered with blossoms and the hills and pastures generally clothed in beautiful green. On the whole, the season though late augurs most favourably of an abundant harvest. (p.2) Nine days later the HTC reported Dr. Wilson had brought out the bees which are now prospering so well in Government garden (p.4)

186

Other instances of this quotation relating to Governor Arthur may be found in William Haig Millers (1852) The Leisure Hour, An Illustrated Magazine for Home Reading, Paternoster Row, 1852. (p.767); Presbyterian Church of Englands The English Presbyterian messenger, in an article titles Bees and Thistles in Australia (p.354) 187 This article was repeated in the Sydney Gazette for Saturday 3 November 1832 (p.3), attributed to the Colonial Times

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English Bees have lately been introduced, 1833

This simple phrase appeared in William Henry Bretons Excursions in New South Wales, Western Australia, and Van Dieman's Land during the years 1830, 1831, 1832 and 1833, published in 1833. (p.277) In the same year in Henry Walter Parkers The rise, progress and present state of Van Dieman's Land: With Advice to Emigrants. Also, a Chapter on Convicts, Shewing the Efficacy of Transportation as a Secondary Punishment: Bees are not native insects; they have, however, lately been introduced, and the climate proves to be so extremely favorable that in the course of one year twelve swarms were produced from the hive imported. (p.193) 188

It is necessary to remark the introduction of bees , 1833

From Melvilles Van Diemans Land (1833) It is necessary to remark the introduction of bees this year 189 by D. Wilson, and which have since so propagated, that it is to be hoped in a few years this useful insect will be general in the Island. Pheasants and pa[r]tridges, are likewise introduced, and promise to do well. (p.35)

Another swarm, Oct. 1833

The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 25 October 1833: Comparatively cold as our Spring has hitherto been, our new and industrious colonists, the bees, do hot seem to have suffered anything from its severity. A hive at Roseway, belonging to Mr. Nickols, has already thrown off 3 strong swarms and is again full to the board. These interesting creatures are now completely naturalised, preferring to sip the blossoms of the native plants before the sweetest of the English exotics. Such is their rapid increase, that in a very few years they must prove a vast source of colonial wealth, in the quantities of honey and wax that will be produced. No less than 17 hives were produced last year in first and second generations from one original hive, under Mr. Davidson's care at the Government garden. The colony will ever be indebted 190 to the generous care and attention of
188

Parker, Henry Walter (1833) The rise, progress and present state of Van Dieman's Land: With Advice to Emigrants. Also, a Chapter on Convicts, Shewing the Efficacy of Transportation as a Secondary Punishment. J. Cross 189 1833 was the year of publication, this year must refer to 1831 190 The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 21 March 1834: Dr. Wilson, who has immortalised his name as the friend of Van Diemen's land by the

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Dr. Wilson who first introduced the bee to Van Diemen's Land. (p.3a)

Lessons in the practical management of the apiary, Dec. 1833

Evidence that hives were becoming generally available appears in the Hobart Town Courier, 6 December 1833, 191 which carried an advertisement (p.1) for vacancies at the Macquarie Plains 192 Establishment for Young Gentlemen. Among the advantages of Mr. Ms [W. Martin] establishment are, a limited number of pupils, the acknowledged salubrity of the spot, a large garden, and extensive play ground, together with a knowledge of horticulture, and the practical management of the apiary. All this for 25 Guineas per annum, washing included requiring quarterly payments, and a quarters notice on a young gentlemans leaving. Martin must have had a stocked apiary in order to support his promise of lessons in its practical management.

Dr. Wilson, who has immortalized his name as the friend of Van Diemen's Land March 1834
The Sydney Herald, 3 April 1834, attributed this short note to the Hobart Town Courier for 12 March: Dr. Wilson, who has immortalized his name as the friend of Van Diemen's Land, by the introduction of the honey bee, was coming out in the Moffat male prison ship. (p.2) This report was soon followed up by the Sydney Herald, 29 May 1834: Dr. Wilson has not forgotten us on the present occasion ... he has brought out a quantity of forest tree and other useful seeds in very fine condition, for the benefit of the Colony. A collection of fine plants which he had also carefully tended during the voyage, was
introduction of the honey bee, was coming out in the Moffat male prison ship. (p.2) Refer also Hobart Town Courier for Fri. 28 Mar. 1834 We look forward to the arrival of Dr. Wilson, daily expected in the Moffatt prison ship, who never comes out without bringing with him some valuable acquisition to the colony to supply these and several other deficiencies which we still feel. It must be gratifying to gentlemen like him, who thus volunteer for the general good, to know that their exertions are so highly prized by the community, and are in so many instances successful. (p.2) 191 The advertisement subsequently appeared on 13 Dec. 1833 and 3 Jan. 1834. 192 Macquarie Plains is NW of New Norfolk

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unfortunately overthrown in one of the heavy gales which took place when the vessel was only three days from the land. Dr. Wilson must be much gratified with the uncommon, and we may say, providential success that has attended his introduction of the working bee into these Austra'asiatic regions, which though introduced many years ago by Mr. Kermode, and attempted, we believe, on one or two other occasions by other individuals, had always failed. Not only is Van Diemen's Land now completely stocked from the original hive brought out by Dr. Wilson in the Medway, 193 but New South Wales, 194 and latterly Swan River, 195 have been successfully planted from the same source with this valuable insect. - Courier.

The bees are now becoming so numerous Nov. 1834

The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 14 November 1834: The bees from the hive originally brought out by Dr, Wilson, are now becoming so numerous as to put beyond question the great eligibility of this country for that valuable insect. We would strongly recommend to abstain from taking honey for some years to come at least, so as to allow the stocks to be more multiplied. With care and due attention we have little doubt but that in 5 or 6 years half the money now expended on sugar might be saved to the colony, to say nothing of the wax which is so expensive in Hobart town. On this score, we disadvise the trying of experiments out of the common course, which in 9 instances out of 10 that we know, have proved unsuccessful. For the most part, these experimentalists get large hives, wooden boxes, &c. made, so contrived as to admit of a portion of the honey being removed. In doing this the hive is generally
193 194

An error of fact here: it was not the Medway, it was the John This claim was placed in doubt by Wilson himself. From John Lawrences 1834 Practical Treatise on ... the Management of Swine, Milch Cows and Bees, in Wilsons own words: On my revisiting Van Diemans [sic] Land, in August, 1832, I carried the original hive I had brought from England to Sydney, and presented it to Alexander Maclean, [sic: should read Macleay] Esq. colonial secretary, but from some cause which I cannot explain, they did not promise to be so prodigiously prolific. (For Wilsons full account refer my Volume II.) 195 Commentators may have thought so at the time, but the Swan River colony had to wait until 1846 for the successful introduction of bees there by Francis Helpman of the colonial schooner Champion.

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made so large that the further swarming for the season is prevented, and what is worse the thin board left exposed does not defend the little creatures from the extremes of heat and cold, so injurious to their success, to which this climate is subject. In all cases, a good thick covering of thatch ought to envelop the hive, not more to protect it from the rain than to ward off the melting rays of the noon day sun, and the chilling influence of an evening or morning frost. The hive cannot be kept in too equal a temperature, for as the swarm increases and the honey accumulates their own natural warmth rises from 80 to 100 and even 140 degrees. It is unwise in our opinion, if we want thoroughly to establish the bee in the colony, to have two [too?] large hives - from a capacity of a peck and a half to two pecks is quite sufficient. (p.2) 196

Roseway, c1860, Lenah Valley, former house of Lt. Col. Thomas Davey, Lt. Gov of VDL between 1813 and 1817

These useful little insects are now very numerous in the colony, Jan. 1835
In the Sydney Gazette for Tuesday 20 January 1835 and extracted from the True Colonist of 7 January is the following Bees. - These useful little insects are now very numerous in the colony; many persons in the interior have found them in the bush and hived them, and swarms are almost daily getting away from their owners. At Roseneath there are several which have strayed into those premises.
196

The first paragraph of this report also appeared Sydney Herald, 1 Dec. 1834

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Nor are these little creatures less productive than numerous. One individual, named Clayton, having recently offered for sale not less than a ton of honey.' This person, it is expected, will realize upwards of 400 by the wax and honey alone. Swarms of bees have been offered by those who have found them as low as 2 each; but the real value is about 5 per hive. While on this subject we may remark, that the original line of bees brought out by Dr. Wilson have been destroyed. This, we think, is a perfect shame, as that hive above all others should have been preserved as long as the little creatures lived. (p.4) In the Sydney Gazette for Tuesday 5 March 1835 The successful introduction of the honey bee, however, now renders the cultivation of beautiful shrubs and flowers in our gardens a matter of profit as well as of pleasure, and if the latter he not sufficient to operate on our Settlers, the former perhaps will. (p.3) Clayton was also mentioned in The Hobart Town Magazine for February 1834 Mr. Clayton has kindly offered to shew [sic.] gentlemen about town who are desirous of taking honey from their bees at this season, the method of doing so without destroying the bees. (Vol.II, No. 12, p.304) In the Colonial Times, 20 January 1835: The introduction of bees in this Colony has been attended with extraordinary success; so much so, that few people in the Mother Country would believe us, were we merely to record the number of times one hive has swarmed in a season, leaving alone the incredible weight of honey which has occasionally been produced. ...

bees are now very numerous in the colony, March 1836

The Hobart Town Courier, 25 March 1836 (p.2) carried a letter from an unnamed correspondent. You know that I am an Apiarian, and no information that I can obtain about bees or their management escapes me. Yesterday, while it was so excessively hot, I was afraid that the combs in my hives might be so heated as to fall down and smother the bees (an accident which did occur to one of my hives this summer), I therefore got some strong matting (old Mauritius sugar bags) to nail up in front of my apiary. bees are now very numerous in the colony From observation, I am convinced that bees in this country require much more attention than they do in England, and I hope to be able shortly to give our Agricultural Society the benefit of my experience. 92

The bees are now largely spread over this colony, New South Wales and Swan River, May 1836
The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 27 May 1836: Our friend Dr. Wilson, whose splendid work on these colonies is announced in another part of this paper, has come out in charge of the prisoners in the Strathfieldsay, which sailed for Sydney at the same time with the Elphinstone, with Mrs. Wilson and family, in order to settle permanently amongst us. The bees which he originally introduced to us with such care are now largely spread not only over this colony, 197 198 but New South Wales and Swan River. By the present opportunity he has brought out a rare collection of useful and ornamental shrubs and flowers, and almost all the indigenous singing birds of England, with the hope of introducing them into his adopted country, especially the thrush, the blackbird, and the lark. (p.2) In the Hobart Town Courier, 2 September 1836: For us in Van Diemen's Land, we trust that by attention and economy we shall shortly be able to depend on our own native grown honey alone, thanks to Dr. Wilson and Mr. Kermode for the pains they took to introduce the insect amongst us.

Conclusions re Dr. T.B. Wilson 1831 & Capt. Wallace, 1822

The report xii of Wilsons introduction of bees into Tasmania which appeared in the Hobart Town Courier for Saturday 5 February 1831, (see my Vol. I.) was also printed in the Sydney Gazette for 24 February 1831. I dont believe this was simply reporting an event which had taken place in a sister colony. Wilsons introduction was, I believe, of great interest because New South Wales was itself without honey bees. Despite earlier optimistic newspaper reports, it would
197

The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 8 Jan. 1836 noted Now that the working bee, through the care and generosity of Dr. Wilson, has been so successfully established amongst us, we have the double inducement of pleasure and profit to encourage us in the cultivation of flowers. (p.2) The Hobart Town Courier for 25 Mar. 1836 As bees are now very numerous in the colony The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 2 Sep. 1836: For us in Van Diemen's Land, we trust that by attention and economy we shall shortly be able to depend on our own native grown honey alone, thanks to Dr. Wilson and Mr. Kermode for the pains they took to introduce the insect amongst us. (p.2) 198 The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 11 November 1836: The long protracted cold and wet season, has proved fatal, we are sorry to hear, to many hives of bees in different parts of the country. p.2

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appear that bees were, at worst, impossible to procure, or at best, only to be found with difficulty in a feral state. An 1826 report (see the earlier chapter on NSW) stated Much honey might probably be collected from these scrubs were bees plentiful in the colony while an 1830 newspaper stated They have been several times tried, but we believe in each instance failed.. From the information Ive gleaned from digitised old Australian newspapers (courtesy NLA Beta project) and 19th century books (thanks to Google Book Search) since my last volume, its become clear to me that some time between 1838 and 1842 the bee hive population in NSW firmed and began to flourish, as latterly indicated by a Mr. B of Sydney who had 50 hives of bees that year to amuse the leisure hours of my excellent friend and his lady. The 1822 Isabella and 1824 Phoenix introductions seemed not, despite some contradictory evidence, to have prospered. Icelys Sydney and Wentworths Homebush bees swarmed, on the surface indicating complete establishment of the European honeybee in the Australian mainland as some contemporary reports claimed. However, those swarms may simply have been the morbid result of absconding and/or poverty swarms. Parrs hives should have been kept together in one apiary for one or two swaeming seasons, thus providing a critical mass drone population for successful queen mating. The hives could then have been dispersed in pairs, rather like a reverse Noahs Ark, again allowing for effective cross mating, rather than rapidly dispersed in singles across wide geographic areas. Wallaces venture was commercial so a quick monetary return on arrival in Sydney was his aim and similarly for Parr. The profit incentive created the very strong probability that any issuing virgin queens presenting upon their mating flights were simply unable to find drones sufficient or adequately genetically variable to successfully mate with. Absconding swarms headed by a queen mated above overseas soil simply died out as the queen aged and ceased to lay. Wilsons hives in the Government garden at Hobart Town were not immediately dispersed but kept together for at least two years. I believe this allowed virgin queens to successfully mate in the immediate vicinity of the original hives. Wilson was surprised by the apparent failure of the hive he brought to Sydney in 1832. The 94

Hobart based hives grew from strength to strength, the Sydney hives died out or dispersed into the bush. 200 The hive brought to Sydney in 1832 by Wilson was the result of Governor Arthur gifting a hive to Governor Bourke. Three years later four hives were imported from Tasmania to Sydney, another two in 1836, as well as 69 hives in 1837 by John Clayton and a single hive in 1838 for W. H. Chapman. Why would Gov. Arthur in Hobart take the trouble to send a hive to Sydneys Gov. Bourke in late 1832? Surely, if bees were then available in Sydney, I think a Governor would have sufficient political, business or social contacts to locally source a viable bee hive. I believe only one inference can be drawn to Dr. Wilson must go the credit for successfully introducing the honey bee to Australia, specifically in Tasmania. The establishment of the honey bee in Tasmania by 1831-1832 should supplant the previously accepted date of 1822 for Sydney. Sydney had to wait until at least 1837 to begin the level of success already achieved in Hobarts Government garden some five years previously. 201

Thomas Hentys livestock casualties aboard the Forth, May 1832

The Sydney Herald, 7 May 1832, announced in its Van Diemens Land News section, the arrival of the Forth, from England, with the celebrated sheep breeder, Mr. Henty, and his establishment on board, has arrived at Circular Head. As a grazier, Mr. Henty was considered to rank only second in England; we may therefore justly expect an acquisition in that gentleman. Immediately following under the heading Grape Vines. Mr. Henty has brought out a choice selection of grape vines per Forth, which will be the means of introducing into the Colony many valuable sorts of the grape, at present unknown to us. The article continued: The Forth - We look upon the arrival of this fine ship, the largest which has visited our port, except the Burrell, to be one of the best events which could have occurred. Not only will the name add credit to the capability of the river, but the cargo of superior stock of all descriptions, greatly improve our pastoral and grazing economy, especially under the direction and management of
200 201

Refer Appendix 1 on page 435 Refer Appendix10 for a re-evaluation of Wallaces 1822 introduction.

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Mr, Henty, who is so noted for his improved stock. The cargo of live stock consists of one horse and one mare, from Lord Egremont's stud; 20 ewes, 2 rams, and 10 lambs, 1 goat, 6 pheasants, and several sorts of fine poultry, belonging to Mr. Henty; 1 ram of Mr. Henty's breed, the property of Mr. Mann. One blood mare was landed at Circular Head; and the Van Diemen's Land Company lost on the voyage, 1 horse, 1 mare, and 2 bulls. Mr. H lost one mare and a brace of partridges, before leaving England, and on the passage 1 ewe, and 1 goat, which died from the rupture of blood vessels; a hive of bees, which were struck by lightning, some degrees on this side of the line, and 1 cock pheasant that escaped from his coop, and flew overboard. All the other stock is in most excellent condition, and we learn that every lamb dropped on the voyage is alive, and doing well. (p.2)

Mr. Clayton, entrepreneurial apiarist, 1834, 1836 & 1837

The Hobart Town Magazine for 1834 reported Mr. Clayton has kindly offered to shew [sic.] gentlemen about town who are desirous of taking honey from their bees at this season, the method of doing so without destroying the bees. (p.304) The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 26 August 1836 reported Bees. - One of Mr. Clayton's hives in Hobart town, turned off a very fine swarm on Thursday last the 18th instant, an instance of early fecundity, wholly we believe, unprecedented, and a proof of the excellent manner in which Mr. Clayton manages this very interesting insect. The bee farmer in England would be surprised at the swarming of a hive in February, which is the month analogous to August in this country. (p.2) The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser for Tuesday 16 May 1837 advertised Bees. The Undersigned begs to inform the Public that he has just imported by the Orwell 202 xiii from Hobart Town, about sixty hives of the first description of Bees, and not to be equalled in the Colony. To be inspected at Mr. Herriotts, the "Burks' Head" Public-house, George-street, near the King's Wharf. John Clayton. Sydney, 10th May, 1837 (p.3) 203 In the same issue of the Sydney Gazette The Orwell discharges her cargo by boats in the
202

The Orwell was a barque of 305 tons under master Living. - Sydney Gazette, 16 May 1837. It arrived in Sydney on 13 May from Hobart Town its manifest listed 69 hives of bees. 203 The advertisement also appeared on 16th, 18th, 20th & 23rd May 1837

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Cove. (p.2) Kings Wharf was located within todays Darling Harbour, presumably at the end of King Street. The trans-shipment of some 60 hives by boat must have been an interesting spectacle. It seems Clayton kept his stock of hives within the grounds of the public house. The Sydney Herald, 15 May 1837, announced the arrival of the 305 ton barque Orwell from Hobart Town under master Living. The exact number of hives on board was listed - 69 in all. The Hobart Town Courier and Van Diemens Land Gazette for Friday 23 June 1837 reported The Sydney Colonist, in speaking of the Hives of Bees which were exported from home 204 to Sydney, by Mr. Clayton, says, that that gentleman as the importer of the first Bees into Australia, 205 is most justly entitled to our warmest thanks, and deserves more encouragement than he has met with; indeed, so disheartened is he, that unless they are speedily sold, he purposes taking them back to Hobart Town, where their value appears to be properly appreciated." (p.2) I find it surprising Clayton found it difficult to sell the hives.

Some early honey imports & exports

Date 24 Feb. 1827 Ship brig Caledonia 265 tons 206 Master ? From London Honey Unspec. quantity honey & beeswax 10 cases green honey 3 cases honey, EP Robinson

17 Oct 1831

brig Helen 207

D Taylor

Isle of France London

20 Jan 1838

Mary 208

Beachcroft

204

home is a euphemism for the mother state, Great Britain. Here the reporter is incorrect for Claytons hives would have been sourced from those introduced by Thomas Braidwood Wilson. 205 Again the reporter is confused for Clayton did not import the first bees into Australia. 206 Hobart Town Gazette, 3 Mar 1827 207 Colonial Times, 19 Oct 1831 208 Hobart Town Courier, 26 Jan 1838

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8 Oct 1845

brig Henry, 209

for Adelaide

1 keg 1 jar honey, EP Tregurth a

See also the Sydney imports and exports table for honey sourced from Van Diemens Land.

For Sale, Campbellford Cottage, consisting of a wellstocked garden, with green-house, apiary, &c., 1842
The Courier (Hobart), 16 December 1842, carried an advertisement (p.1) as follows FOR SALE, CAMPBELLFORD COTTAGE, the property of Mrs. Jellicoe 210 (proceeding to England,) consisting of a substantial, well-finished two-story house, with farmery detached; an extensive well-stocked garden, with green-house, apiary, &c., the whole forming a complete residence of the first class. The offered property was located one mile from Campbell Town, fronting on the Elizabeth [river].

Louisa Anne Meredith, a lady beekeeper, 1848

Louisa was an active beekeeper, 211 going by the number of hives she managed. From her 1853 book My Home in Tasmania: Or, Nine Years in Australia, she wrote of her relocation from Port Sorell to Swan Port in early 1848 due to the apparently uncertain continuance of all police appointments in the colony, and the strong inducements we had to return to Swan Port, at length decided us in favour of a removal from Port Sorell. As we had to transport ourselves, children and servants, together with our furniture, horses, dogs, bees, favourite fowls, and other matters - a very menagerie of clanjamphry 212 - Mr. Meredith engaged our graceful friend, the Harriet schooner, to convey us direct to Swan Port, all but the horses, which were sent overland with the groom (p.362)
209 210

(Hobart) Courier spouse of Henry Jellicoe formerly of Campbellford Cottage, VDL; see the Courier ( Hobart, Tas.) 28 October 1842 (p.3) 211 James Fenton wrote of Louisas beekeeping in his Bush Life in Tasmania, Fifty Years Ago (1891). Refer my Volume . 212 Wiktionary defines it as a rabble or a crowd, so it this context it would mean a jumble or a confused mix of belongings

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Louisa in middle age 213 The subsequent dangerous voyage brought discomfort to both passengers and bees, and proved fatal for one of the three hives. Louisas lengthy description is most revealing regarding the travails endured by transported bees both at sea and on land. Once established at Spring Vale Cottage, Swan Port, her description of its extensive apiary and her style of beekeeping is picturesquely portrayed. Louisas voyage commences with: having once rooted ourselves up, ready for a transplantation, delays became provoking, and after waiting two days on board, and receiving more "last visits" from the few valued friends we were leaving behind, we finally set sail, on a day universally considered of ill omen - in seafaring matters, at least on Friday evening, February 22, 1848. Our good neighbour, the builder and owner of the vessel, had at the eleventh hour suddenly relinquished his intention of going with us, and left the command to a very unworthy representative, a careless, lazy fellow, lately hired, whose chief vocation seemed to be dozing and smoking, and who could not even rouse himself enough to get out of the port at high water, but dawdled about on shore until we very narrowly escaped
213

Image from State Library of Tasmania

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another night's detention, and, by some mismanagement in the narrowest and most dangerous part of the intricate channel amongst the reefs and islands, were, for a short time, in considerable peril.

Charles Meredith 1811-80 214

The following morning, when Mr. Meredith went on deck, hoping to find that we had made good progress during the night, as we had had a fair breeze the evening before, - what was his annoyance to discern that our lazy "skipper" had afterwards hove the vessel to, and gone to sleep, during the greater part of the night, and so lost us at least thirty or forty miles of our voyage. By the time I thought of rising we were making tolerable way through the Straits, and the vessel's motion had become so unpleasantly lively, that I found it desirable to make my ascent to the deck as quickly as possible, and try to ward off the approaching return of indisposition. My nursemaid, as a matter of course, was totally useless, having given herself up a voluntary, or at all events an unresisting victim, to sea-sickness and lay on the deck refusing all aid or remedy; so Mr. Meredith and our good old servantman made their first essay in the nursery department The poor children were all very ill, and nothing but a most resolute determination saved me from sharing the same fate. I sat on deck all day, facing the fresh breeze, nursing the baby, and endeavouring to keep every thought busy with the passing clouds, the distant shore, the shoals of strange jelly-fish sailing along beside us, or anything, rather

214

Image from State Library of Tasmania

100

than suffer myself to admit the real truth, that I felt very far from well; and thus I continued all day without becoming worse. The wind had been veering round for some hours, and at last settled to a strong breeze from the north-east, the most directly adverse point for us. We passed "Tenth Island," and "Ninth," or "Gun-carriage Island," both of them barren and rocky, with low scrub and sand; and we were very anxious to reach "Waterhouse Island," where we could anchor safely, until a change of wind enabled us to weather Cape Portland, and then a breeze from any point of the compass, except due south, would carry us down the east coast to Oyster Bay. But the contrary breeze grew yet stronger towards night, and the vessel pitched and rolled horribly; the children suffered exceedingly, and poor Charlie, who had only recently recovered from a dangerous illness, became seriously ill and exhausted. The vessel, perfect as were her form and sailing capacities, had she been properly rigged, had only her fore and aft canvas, without square sails, and could not therefore be properly worked, even by skilful hands, whilst those we had on board were ignorant and helpless in the extreme. A thick dark night, a contrary wind blowing half a gale, and a rocky reefy lee-shore, added to these disadvantages, made me petition my husband most earnestly for a run back to George Town, whence we could proceed overland with our children; and, about eleven o'clock, I had the great, but I must confess unexpected, satisfaction of hearing that the order had been given, and we were soon hurrying back most rapidly bounding before the gale towards the Tamar. Knowing the inattention and recklessness of the "Master" (and which knowledge alone induced him to turn back), Mr. Meredith went on deck frequently to see that all was right. Once, as he stood gazing at the lighthouse, the point for which we were steering, he suddenly lost the light for a long interval, much longer than its period for revolving; then it reappeared, as if from behind some dark body, and again vanished. He then thought there must be an island which intervened, and asked the master if he knew how "Tenth Island" bore from us then "Oh, yes, sir ! - We're leaving Tenth Island two or three miles on the port quarter."

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Louisa Anne Merediths Spring Vale Cottage, Swansea As drawn by her, 1852 215 Still my husband's suspicions were not at rest, and he took the man forward with him to look out again. By this time the vessel had rapidly approached "Tenth Island" - for such it was - the roar of the heavy surf was distinctly audible on the rocks, and there remained barely time to alter our course, ere we swept close past the white gleam of the breakers on the cliff. Had we driven onwards another two minutes in the direction we were going, not one of us had survived to tell the tale: - and with a devout and grateful heart did I most earnestly thank God for our signal deliverance from such a fearful death ! I knew nothing of our danger until it was past, yet even then it was horrible to think of, and a right welcome sound was the nimble of the cable as we cast anchor at George Town, about one on Sunday morning. Leaving our servant as our supercargo on board the Harriet to proceed to Swan Port when the wind served, we exchanged our cabin accommodation for snug apartments in a quiet little inn, and took our passage from thence on Monday afternoon in the steamer for Launceston.

215

Image from State Library of Tasmania

102

A very pleasant voyage up the Tamar brought us in the evening to Launceston, and our old hotel, whence the following afternoon, we proceeded in the mail to Campbell Town: and here began the real difficulties of our progress; our own good horses were comfortably grazing at Swan Port, and our peerless tandem cart lay dismembered in the hold of the Harriet; Mr. Meredith consequently made a voyage of inquiry the next morning in search of some strong vehicle that could be hired to convey us across the tier, a weary journey of nearly sixty miles, over the same rough track described in our pilgrimage to Port Sorell. A spring cart was at length obtained, and in it we proceeded on our slow and weary way. On the third evening of our journey, we arrived and halted awhile at our old home of Spring Vale, where we pressed one of our own stout horses into our service, and had the pleasure of being welcomed with a shout of delight from some of our old servants. Our pretty cottage and the garden we had made and cultivated with so much care and pride, were unworthily tenanted by people who kept cattle and horses tethered to our choice fruit-trees, and had even erased the very form of the garden. Ragged disreputable sheds were set up in front, and slovenly brush fences behind; but I am happy to say it has since, in the occupation of our servants, under our own care, recovered much of its old neatness. We waited in anxious expectation for the Harriet's arrival, and as one week after another went by without intelligence of her, began to fear the worst for our valued old servant and our goods and chattels; but at length, after being driven about the straits in every direction but the right one, and paying involuntary visits to Circular Head, and other out-of-the-way localities, they contrived to cast anchor at Waterloo Point. As soon as our goods were landed, we took up our abode once more at Riversdale, where the commencement of a garden and orchard had brought a pleasant alteration on its former appearance and comfort, and where we have happily passed the last two years, busy in all farm matters, and in effecting every practicable improvement in all around us. A hawthorn hedge, and some

graceful white-blossomed acacias, overhang two ranges of beehives, and conceal the paling fence, behind which passes the public road; and beyond its other hedge, which is of gorse, lie sweet fields of clover, where the children's five pet lambs, and some favourite horses or cows, lead a luxurious life.
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View from the garden, Poyston, Louisa Anne Meredith, 1852 216

From the two hives of bees which survived the long confinement of the voyage from Port Sorell (one hive died entirely, not having enough honey to maintain them so long), we have now twenty-three, besides five that I have given away; and as we always drive the bees into a new hive when we take the honey, instead of smothering the swarm with brimstone, etc., our stock will soon be much larger. Whether the system of driving them into an empty hive would answer in the severe winters of England, I am not aware ; but here, we perform the operation early in February (which answers to August at Home), and the bees collect a good store again before winter, and are even then rarely kept prisoners three days together without fresh food. Here the wide extent of English clover fields, and the long, long lines of glorious gorse edges, added to all the usual bush and garden flowers, seem admirably suited to the good little honey-makers.
216

Image from State Library of Tasmania. A small drawing with a lot of detail, 65 mm x 80 mm

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At Poyston the young swarms always gave us great trouble to hive them, from their tendency to fly swiftly away, and we lost many in this manner; but here we have now even left off performing the usual tin-dish-and-key concert, 217 xiv on the rising of a swarm, for without any interference they settle within a few feet, or at most a few yards, of the parent hive. One little bush of Chrysanthemums has had four swarms light in it within a month, and an old peach-tree has been similarly favoured; so that we have come to the conclusion that our bees are of peculiarly domestic and contented habits. The honeycomb of this year is much of it, not figuratively, but literally, as white as snow, and the honey colourless as liquid crystal, and of most delicate flavour. Our fine dairy of beautiful cows, and our busy hives of good little bees, fully realize to us that scriptural picture of rural luxury - "A land flowing with milk and honey;" the only alloying 218 drop of gall being the absence of all possibility of turning any of our surrounding abundance to pecuniary profit.

These busy little colonists are fast spreading all over the island, 1851 From Henry Melvilles 1851 Australasia and Prison Discipline with a description of the penal settltment of Van Diemens Land: Bees have been introduced, and vast quantities of honey
procured, which is generally used in the interior, in lieu of malt, in making very superior ale. The bees do not require to be fed in the winter: one stock-hive will send forth three or four swarms during the summer, and the earlier swarms will, the same season, send forth one or two casts. These busy little colonists are fast spreading all over the island. Hives of extraordinary magnitude are at times found in hollow trees, in the bush, and as the honey is not eaten during winter (or very little of it), the quantity sometimes obtained is surprising, bush hives have been taken yielding upwards of two hundred weight of pure honey. The gardens are well stocked with flowers of all kinds; but when these industrious little workers are most successful in their labour, is when the gum-trees cast the manna. This is a kind of excrescence which falls from the leaf of that tree, it is sweet and waxy in flavour, of irregular shape, and of a whitish colour, it is frequently
217 218

Otherwise known as tanging something that detracts from the value or quality of the thing it is added to or mixed with 105

collected for medicinal purposes. In Van Diemen's Land, garden produce, like everything else, is turned to account, whenever purchasers are to be found. (p.304)

Feral bees, 1852

In chapter XIX of Hughes 1852 The Australian Colonies: Their Origin and Present Condition: The honey produced in Tasmania is of very fine quality. In no country in the world do bees thrive better, or prove so productive with a trifling amount of attention, circumstances which are no doubt due to the mildness of the winter season, and to the fact of many of the native plants blooming during the winter months. The bee has now become naturalised in the forests, and many of the hollow trees are found filled with the produce of its labour. 219 (p.251) This trend is reflected in Hughes 1856 A manual of geography The honey produced in Tasmania is of very fine quality. In no country in the world do bees thrive better, or prove so productive with a trifling amount of attention,circumstances which are no doubt due to the mildness of the winter season, and to the fact of many of the native plants blooming during the winter months. The bee has now become naturalised in the forests, and many of the hollow trees are found filled with the produce of its labour. (p.635); as well as in Fairfaxs 1859 Handbook to Australasia The bee has been introduced with great success, and a considerable quantity of wild honey is now obtained in all parts of the country, produced by bees that originally escaped and are now rapidly increasing in numbers. (p.103)

Robbery of Bees, 1859

In the Courier (Hobart, Tas.) 9 September 1858 (p.2) Robbery of Bees. - Last night some persons entered the grounds of S. Moses, Esq., Boa Vista, and stole three hives of bees from the apiary. Boa Vista was located in the Hobart suburb of New Town, some 4 klm north of the CBD. The villa was extant c1840. Boa Vista Road survives.

219

Also in the 1851 Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue: London Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations. (p.998)

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Boa Vista, the seat of Samuel Moses, Esq., J.P. 220 Some Honey Exports from Hobart, 1850 & 1859
Domestic honey production had reached considerable volumes by 1839, at least for one producer, given the following example - from William Manns Six Years' Residence in the Australian Provinces; ending in 1839 It may not be out of place to state, under the head of this chapter, 221 the singular success that has attended the introduction of the culture of the bee. A Mr. Wilson brought a single hive to the colony some time ago, which was placed in the Government-garden at Hobart Town. The gardener informed me that the first year the incredible number of seventeen swarms was produced from one parent stock. This would appear almost impossible if we did not consider that bees work in some situations in this colony all the year round. I have seen them labour in the middle of July, which is the depth of the Australian winter, as busy as they would in England in the month of June. Single hives sold for seven guineas each some time since, but are now reduced in price to two guineas. Honey has become so plentiful, that some farmers give it to their servants as a substitute for sugar; and I
220

From Hull, Hugh Munro (1859) Experience of forty years in Tasmania. London: Orger & Meryon; Hobart Town: J. Walch and Sons. (p.90) 221 Van Diemens Land Rivers, lakes, Soil &c. (pp.16-17)

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have heard of one person who sold a ton of honey, the produce of his own bees, in one season. An improved method of keeping them in boxes is now in operation, by which means their treasure can be taken without the cruel practice of destroying these wonderful and industrious insects.
5 July 1850 25 Aug 1850 11 May 1853 5 July 1859 15 Dec. 1859 Ship Isabella, 99t 222 Master Gedge From Hobart Town, 13th June, to Auckland Hobart to California From Hobart Town for Melbourne Hobart Town, 13th June Hobarton to Auckland Honey 1 cask (= 4 cwt. 223 , 1 ton = 20 cwt.), T. Lewis 20 cases

Petrel, barque, 195t 224 Flying Fish 225

Carder

1 bee hive

Isabella, 99t 226 Tyne 228 91t 229

Gedge

J. Riddle

1 cask (= 4 cwt. 227 , 1 ton = 20 cwt.), T. Lewis 3 cases

On the title page of Melvilles 1851 The Present State of Australia: Including New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and New Zealand , the author claimed more than twenty years a resident in the different settlements. In his chapter on Van Diemens Land Bees have been introduced, and vast quantities of honey procured, which is generally used in the interior, in lieu of malt, in making very superior ale. The bees do not require to be fed in the winter: one stock-hive will send forth three or four swarms during the summer, and the earlier swarms will, the same season, send forth
222 223

Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 316, 9 July 1850, Page 2 A cask holds 450 lbs of honey, being just over 4 cwt. 224 New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 463, 21 September 1850, Page 2 225 Argus, 17 May 1853 226 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 316, 9 July 1850, Page 2 227 A cask holds 450 lbs of honey, being just over 4 cwt. 228 The schooner Tyne, Captain Riddle, arrived in harbour on Tuesday last, having left Hobart Town on the evening of the 29th ult. She experienced light and variable winds during the passage. The first land made was Cape Brett. 229 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1279, 16 December 1859, P.2

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one or two casts. These busy little colonists are fast spreading all over the island. Hives of extraordinary magnitude are at times found in hollow trees, in the bush, and as the honey is not eaten during winter (or very little of it), the quantity sometimes obtained is surprising, bush hives have been taken yielding upwards of two hundred weight of pure honey. The gardens are well stocked with flowers of all kinds; but when these industrious little workers are most successful in their labour, is when the gum-trees cast the manna. This is a kind of excrescence which falls from the leaf of that tree, it is sweet and waxy in flavour, of irregular shape, and of a whitish colour, it is frequently collected for medicinal purposes. (p.304)

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Bees from Tasmania, 1838

From the chapter on South Australia, its Soil, Climate, Natural Productions &c. in William Manns Six Years' Residence in the Australian Provinces: Ending in 1839 ... With an Account of New Zealand: The average range of Fahrenheit's thermometer during that part of the month of December, 1838, in which I remained at Adelaide, was 89 in the shade, and 110 in the sun, and this was only the second month of the Australian summer. The months of January and February are much warmer. Vegetation lingered. The produce of the gardens, except the melon and cucumber, appeared dry and parched. A hive of bees, which a passenger on board our ship 231 had brought from Van Diemen's Land, seemed scarcely able to support itself with food, from the paucity of blossoms and flowers of plants and shrubs. I do not therefore think that they have the same chance of success in a dry parched climate, as they have in one of greater moisture. Summer seems to be the arid season of the year in

231

In the ship, the Lady Emma, in which I was a passenger to England (p.259) From web page slsa.sa.gov.au/fh/passengerlists/SAShips1838.htm the Lady Emma was a regular visitor from Launceston to Adelaide in 1838 and 1839. Web page slsa.sa.gov.au/fh/passengerlists/1838LadyEmma.htm lists the Lady Emma arriving Adelaide 2nd Dec. 1838, captain Henry King Price, listed among the passengers was a C. Mann. Of the 30 passengers, 13 were from the Gilles family, all of whom previously arrived [Adelaide] on Isabella 1837, then went to Tasmania. Its therefore likely (1 chance in 2) the person with the hive was named Gilles.

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this part of the world. (pp.260-261) xv Part of this report was repeated in the Sydney Herald, 6 April 1840.

A honey industry progressing by 1859 No market for inwards honey cargo, Dec. 1858
Part of the cargo on the 301 ton barque Ann and Jane on arrival at Port Adelaide on the 12th included 900 lbs. honey and 60 lbs. wax, consignor T. Smith. 232 xvi The honey and wax were subsequently listed as part of the original cargo on the 31st when loading was underway for Melbourne. This suggests none of it was marketable at Adelaide at that time or was on consignment for Melbourne.

Four hives of bees exported to Fremantle, 1859

In the South Australian Advertiser 233 for Wednesday 28 December 1859 The brig Champion was laying at the anchorage on Tuesday, awaiting a chance of getting down the Gulf by a shift of wind. She has on board four large cases aft her mainmast, with perforated zinc sides, and containing an exportation of bees. These exemplary insects appear to enjoy themselves in their closely confined position. Its evident from shipping notices in the South Australian Advertiser at this period that the Champion 234 plied regularly between Freemantle (King Georges Sound) and Adelaide. On this voyage the Champion had been cleared for Fremantle.

Honey Exports from 1859

A search for honey exports in the South Australian Advertiser for 1858 produced nil results, however for Monday 4 April 1859 it reported Amongst articles of farm produce, honey is saleable in large quantities at 4d. per lb., and beeswax at 1s. per lb. (p.2) In April 1859 there were various instances of honey exports (eg. 9th, 2 casks, 10, Melbourne; 12th, 3 casks, 5 cwt., 25, Melbourne; 27th, 11 cases, 11 cwts., 15, Melbourne.) Given these indications its clear a honey industry was healthily underway in South Australia from at least 1859.

232 233

The South Australian Advertiser, Friday 31 December 1858, p.2 The South Australian Advertiser was published between July 1858 and March 1889. As of the end of August 2008 the Australian Newspapers Digitisation Program had searchable issues available between 1858 and 1861. 234 brig Champion, 296 tons, Benjamin E Gall master

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Apiarian Society Formed, 1860

In the South Australian Advertiser for Friday 8 February 1861 BEES. - A society has been formed for the purpose of cultivating the breeding of bees in the colony, under the title of the Apiarian Society. (p.2)

Honey Imports from Moreton Bay, Qld, 1860

Given the following, South Australia was not then self sufficient in honey production. The South Australian Advertiser for Thursday 29 March 1860 reported in its Miscellaneous Shipping section The Ann and Jane - This barque, from Newcastle, New South Wales, with a cargo of coals, arrived, as reported in our publication of Wednesday, the 28th instant, with a cargo consisting of coals, soap, and a large quantity of honey, the produce of Moreton Bay district. The honey is reported to be of a very superior quality, proved by the quantities previously brought round from that district, which has always found a ready market here. The newspapers report for the previous day listed the quantity of honey as 15 cwt. (762 kg.) The Ann and Jane had another cargo of honey, 1 ton, via Newcastle in September 1860, 235 followed by one ton in November. 236

Honey Exports to Melbourne, 1860

In December 1860 the Ann and Jane carried 1 ton of honey for Melbourne. 237

235 236

South Australian Advertiser, 10 Sept. 1860 South Australian Advertiser, 26 Nov. 1860 237 South Australian Advertiser, 22 Dec. 1860

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA William Hardey, Swan River, 1830, an update to Vol. II

In late 2008 via Google Book Search I located a book 238 which described the passengers and the livestock of the Tranby. 239 My visit to the State Library of Queensland that December produced the following: The small ship, a two masted brigantine, left England in September 1829 and did not reach Fremantle until the afternoon of 3 February 1830. The Tranby, which was only 27 metres long with an 8 metre beam, carried thirty-seven passengers, including free settlers and their families, tradesman, indentured labourers and servants recruited by the families who sponsored the ship. The prominent families in the Tranby were the Clarksons from Yorkshire (represented by the brothers Michael and James), and the Hardeys (represented by brothers John and Joseph), farmers from Lincolnshire. The ships manifest reveals that 60 per cent of the stock of the cargo belonged to the Clarksons and the remainder to the Hardey brothers. The Tranby carried a variety of livestock in its cargo, including horses, cows, pigs, chickens and a hive of bees. (pp.1-2)

May & July 1834, hives imported from VDL

The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 2 May 1834 announced The hive of working bees, we learn, which Mr. Jones of O'Brien's bridge recently took to Swan River, has arrived safe and are doing well. (p.2) In my Vol. 3 I assumed the large scale apiary at OBriens bridge was run by entrepreneurial apiarist Mr. Clayton and Vol. 2 explicitly identified Mr. Claytons apiary location to have been at OBriens Bridge. So here we have a second apiarist in the same locale. Vol. 2 also details the story of Lt. Helpmans attempted introduction of bees into Western Australia in 1841 240 and the award of the governors
238

McNair, William & Rumley, Hilary (1981) Pioneer Aboriginal Mission. The Work of Wesleyan Missionary John Smithies in the Swan River Colony 1840-1855 239 Unfortunately, my search of library catalogues failed to find any reference to the actual manifest, be it in a diary or ships log. 240 In addition to the voyages of Lt. Helpman discovered by Coleman in his 1956 story, (see my Vol. II, pp.78-80) Ive located another of Helmmans voyages: In the Shipping Arrivals section of the Allen's Indian mail, and

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prize for his efforts, so the successful report upon Mr. Jones attempt in 1834 was premature.

Colonial Surgeon Scotts Boa Vista, c1831

Another attempt to export a hive from Van Diemens Land to Western Australia soon followed. The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 18 July 1834 reported We are happy to learn that the hive of bees which Mr. Innes took to King George's Sound from this colony, of the stock which Dr. Scott 242 has raised out of one of the progeny of the one originally brought from England by Dr. Wilson, is thriving well under the care of Sir Richard and Lady Spencer. Sir Richard besides being governor of the colony, as yet but in its infancy, is, though a captain in the navy, a thorough bred farmer, and is indefatigable in his agricultural labours. (p.2)

Fremantle, King Georges Sound, 1835

In the Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal for Saturday 10 January 1835, this small entry forms part of the Third Annual Report of the Directors of the Agricultural Society Bees have been landed at King George's Sound since our last report. (p.423) No more detail

register of intelligence for British and ..., Volume 4, (Jan.-Dec. 1846) the entry Champion, Helpman, Swan River for 25 August 1846 is to be found (p.672) 242 Dr. Scott was the Colonial Surgeon: Hobart Town Courier, 27 July 1832, p.2

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was supplied. This same item I reported in my Volume II, from the unsourced note located by Coleman in 1956. 243

Lieutenant Helpman, bee hives to the Swan River, Western Australia, in 1841, 1843 & 1846
In 1956, R. S. Coleman wrote an informative article 244 on early beekeeping titled Beekeeping in Western Australia, Some Historical Notes, which was published in the Journal of Agriculture. 245 From the information then available he came to the conclusion that honey bees were first introduced into Western Australia in early 1846 246 by Lieutenant Helpman, commander of the colonial schooner Champion. New research performed some fifty-three years later has added to Colemans original investigations into the first honey bee imports to early colonial Western Australia. While in government service Helpman made many coastal 247 and overseas 248 voyages in his 115 ton schooner. His numerous voyages to Sydney, Launceston and Hobart would have provided many opportunities to secure some hives
243 244

Beekeeping in Western Australia, Some Historical Notes I located another Coleman report, produced a 1962: Bee farming: honey flora of Western Australia, Journal of Agriculture of Western Australia 245 Coleman, R. S. (1956) Beekeeping in Western Australia, Some Historical Notes. Department of Agriculture of Western Australia, Bulletin No. 2347. (reprinted from The Journal of Agriculture of Western Australia , Vol. 5 (Third Series) No. 3, May-June 1956. Part of Colemans report was repeated in The Irish Beekeeper, An Beachaire, 1957 and in Bee World, March 1957 246 Colemans surmised Now, tracing back through the voyages of Lt. Helpman, it is apparent that he must have brought these bees into Western Australia either on June 12, 1846 when he returned from a voyage to Adelaide, or alternatively when he returned on March 2, 1846 from Sydney via Launceston. Unfortunately, there is no note of his cargo in the papers of that period, nor is his log of the period available. It appears probable that the bees were introduced following upon his trip to Sydney, in which case the first really successful introduction of bees to Western Australia was on March 2, 1846. (p.5) 247 Local ports included those in Western Australia, often simply described as the outports: King Georges Sound, Champion and Gantheame Bays, Leschenault (Bunbury), Albany, Nornalup, Doubtful Bay, Hutt River, Rottnest; other colonial ports included those in South Australia: Adelaide, Port Augusta; Victoria: Portland Bay; New South Wales: Sydney; Van Diemens Land: Hobart, Launceston. 248 These included the destinations of Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Colombo, Singapore, Batavia and London.

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of bees from locations where bees were known to be plentiful. He made at least four hive procurement voyages between 1841 and 1846. Mishandling of the hives once out of Helpmans care resulted in the demise of the first three batches of hives. The last hive delivered produced the first swarming event at the Swan River colony in November 1846 at Fremantle.

Lt. B.F. Helpman John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Pre-1841 attempts
Colemans 1956 research located a relevant entry in the 1842 diary of George Moore, a former Advocate-General, 249 who left the colony on
249

From the Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 2, 1967 249 George Fletcher Moore (1798-1886) was a lawyer, landed proprietor and diarist. Moore made his own way to the colony in the brig Cleopatra. Accompanied by four servants he landed at Fremantle in October 1830 and obtained a grant, which he called Millendon, on the Upper Swan. Farming gradually displaced his legal interests. From the time of his arrival he kept a journal and wrote lively and informative letters to his friends. These were later published as Extracts from the Letters and Journals of George Fletcher Moore, Esq., now

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completing his first term of office in 1841. Several attempts have been made to introduce the bee from England, 250 but whether from the length of the voyage, or from want of proper management on arrival, they have been hitherto unsuccessful. This is to be regretted, as from the numerous honey-bearing flowers in the colony, there is not doubt of their succeeding well. Governor Hutt has offered a premium to the first successful introducer of them. The expression several attempts suggests bees were imported on at least two previous occasions. The reference from England likely implied the failed introductions of Captain John Molloy, Mary Bussell and Captain Marshall MacDermott in the early 1830s. Excluding the English reference, Moore may also have been recalling Helpmans first attempt in 1841.

One hive of bees from Van Diemens Land, July 1841

The introduction of bees to the colony was considered an important issue by no less than the Governor as evidenced by the following public announcement: His Excellency the Governor has conveyed his desire to promote the introduction of bees, to the Secretary of the Agricultural Society, as follows: I am directed by the Governor to request that you will inform the gentlemen the Directors of the
Filling a Judicial Office at the Swan River Settlement, edited by M. Doyle (London, 1834), and Diary of Ten Years Eventful Life of an Early Settler in Western Australia (London, 1884). He revealed the difficulties encountered in developing his property, labour problems, the frequent food shortages and inflated prices. Many discouraged settlers left the colony, but Moore felt these were temporary reverses and refused to be depressed. He joined the Agricultural and Horticultural Society formed on 16 July 1831 and for a while was its secretary. As a result of Lieutenant George Greys of his 1839 expedition Moore was sent to examine the coastal district round Champion Bay [site of todays Geraldton, around 425 klm north of Perth ] and Point Moore Moore also visited Houtman Abrolhos in 1839. In 1840 Moore was warmly recommended to the Colonial Office by Governor John Hutt for leave to return to Ireland to see his ageing father. On his return he continued in office without interruption until 1846 250 The quote following, without attribution, appeared in the Walpole wilderness and adjacent parks and reserves Management Plan, 2008 , published by the Department of Environment and Conservation, Conservation Commission of Western Australia. Honeybees were introduced to WA in 1846 from England to pollinate plants grown by early settlers for food. (p.81) The 1846 / England reference is erroneous.

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Agricultural and Horticultural Society of Western Australia, that His Excellency wishes to place at their disposal, as his annual subscription for this year, a gold medal worth five pounds, or the same sum in money, according as the Directors may recommend, being intended as a prize for the introduction of bees, as soon as the first swarm may have been procured from any hive or hives, after they have been brought into the Colony." 251 The Inquirer of 7 April 1841 subsequently reported a meeting of the Agricultural Society at Guildford The Secretary was instructed to write to the Governor, thanking him in the name of the Society, for the reward offered for the introduction of bees into the colony. The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal for 17 July 1841 declared IMPORTATION OF BEES FROM VAN DIEMEN'S LAND. - We are informed that His Excellency the Governor has received by a late arrival a valuable present of a hive of bees. Many of these insects perished on the voyage; but a sufficient number of this busy tribe still remain apparently healthy to give the hope of their being successfully reared in the Colony. We hail with pleasure the introduction of this valuable addition to our future domestic luxuries; and, although the season is unfavorable, the abundance of flowering shrubs now coming into bloom, will conduce, it is to be hoped, to the sustenance and profitable labors of these strangers to this clime. M. MacDermott, Esq., was the first importer of Bees from England, in the year 1831, but they all perished. His Excellency the Governor, we believe, is indebted to the kindness of Mr. Helpman for this novel importation. (p.2) Two months later on 15 September 1841 The Inquirer stated His Excellency, the Governors prize of five pounds was awarded to Mr. F. Helpman R.N., who had lately introduced three hives; two of these, by mismanagement after leaving the ship, have been destroyed but the remaining one has been preserved and is in the possession of the Governor. 252

251 252

Perth Gazette, 6 March 1841, p.2 Also reported, under the title Introduction of Bees, in The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal, 18 September 1841, p.3

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A typical schooner: 253 characterized by the use of fore-and-aft sails on two or more masts.

The Preface to Moores book contains a list of distances and average passage times in a fast sailing vessel to various ports from Cockburn Sound. Cockburn Sound is some 28 klms south of Fremantle. Todays Rockingham is a satellite city in Perths southern corridor, located at the southern extremity of the Sound. In its early days, Rockingham was a busy port, shipping jarrah timber and sandalwood overseas. 254 Helpman had made passages to most, if not all of the listed destinations. The Swan River was a long way from ports foreign as well as those of other Australian colonies.
Destination Miles Passage (days)

Timor Java Madras Ceylon [Colombo] Mauritius Cape of Good Hope England

1500 1700 3400 3100 3400 3000

12 13 30 28 21 31 84

253 254

Refer web page http://www.freebase.com/view/en/schooner From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rockingham,_Western_Australia

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Port Jackson [Sydney] Van Diemens Land [Launceston]

2600 2200

50 42

Four Helpman voyages in 1841 to ports in other Australian colonies from which bee hives could have been sourced are recorded: 1. March: On the 12th inst., the Elizabeth, Capt Helpman, for Launceston. Passenger Mr. Robinson. Cargo 70 tons 255 sperm and black oil, and 5 tons whalebone. 256 2. April: the schooner Elizabeth, 100 tons, Helpman, from Swan River; Henty & Co., agents, with sundries and passengers 257 arrived at Launceston on 5th April 3. June: the Elizabeth departure Launceston for the Swan River on the 17th. 258 4. July: the Elizabeth, Capt. Helpman, from Launceston arrived at Swan River on the 27th. 259 The voyage preceding that of the Perth Gazettes report of 17 July was the Elizabeths June departure under Helpman from Launceston for the Swan River, a passage of some 2,200 miles completed in 41 days. He did well to successfully transport three hives of bees from Van Diemens Land despite the loss of many winged inhabitants en route. Imagine his dismay and frustration when two of these valuable hives were lost soon after they passed from his care. A facetious article on Helpmans procurement of two hives of bees appeared in the Sydney Herald, 16 November 1842. This was possibly the same instance as that just discussed, even though it mentions two rather than three hives the common point being the believed survival of only one of the hives. It is no long time since that the colony of Western Australia was in convulsions concerning a hive of bees. The Governor wanted bees, the colonists remembered the flavour of honey and desiderated bees, and their children, learning
255

The tun is an old English unit of wine cask volume, holding about 954 litres, almost a cubic metre. Etymologically it is identical to the ton a unit of mass or weight. Originally, it was a genuine unit of volume and measured 256 gallons. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tun_(volume) 256 Perth Gazette, 13 March 1841 257 The Hobart Courier, 13 April 1841 258 The Hobart Courier, 25 June 1841, (p.2) 259 Perth Gazette, 31 July 1841

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that honey was passing sweet, smacked their lips and incontinently cried for bees also. But not a hive could be got, and the thought of it had almost evaporated before two hives of this charming little insect omitting in its beauties its by no means agreeable sting - could be procured; one perished, the other is favourably increasing, and before long we hope that the tinkle of pots and pans will be heard in the forests of Australia calling the erring swarms to their hives, and proclaiming also that summer, sweet summer is nigh. (p.3)

Three hives from Sydney, 5 July 1843

From The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal, 8 July 1843, By the colonial schooner we have received papers from the other colonies up to the middle of May. Through the particular and assiduous attention of Lieut. F. Helpman, R.N., in charge of H.M. schooner "Champion," we have received a most valuable collection of fruit trees, and other plants, from the neighbouring colonies, in the highest state of preservation. The season is favorable for transplanting, and we have every reason to expect this collection will be a great addition to our previous stock. This importation brings us vines from Sydney, orange trees, and many horticultural plants, with three hives of bees, which is to be hoped will be carefully attended to by those in whose hands they are placed. Hitherto, although several experiments hate been tried, the adventures have failed, owing to casualties unconnected with the climate. (p.1) The Champion returned to the Swan River colony on 5 July 1843 from Sydney via Launceston. 260 The Sydney Herald, 18 November 1843, reported the delivery of the Sydney sourced bees in more detail: Horticulture - By the arrival of H. M. colonial schooner Champion, F Helpman, Esq, commander, we have received a most valuable addition to our stock of fruit trees, bulbs, and other rare plants, from the botanic and Nursery Garden at Sydney, and also three hives ot bees. His Excellency Governor Gipps promptly issued orders, that plants should be supplied from the botanic garden, and we cannot speak too much in praise of the
260

Perth Gazette, 8 July 1843, page 2. Another 1843 voyage - the Champion also sailed for Hobart Town on 13 March 1843. Perth Gazette, 18 March 1843, page 2. The Champion arrived Hobart Town on 27 March with 3 passengers and 4 male convicts, Colonial Times, 28 March, (p.2)

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attention and pains bestowed by the Botanist, Mr. N. Robertson, 261 in carrying those orders into effect, and also in making selections of all the most valuable varieties of fruit trees to be found in the nurserygardens Although many of those varieties may probably be found to exist here, yet their nomenclature has in too many cases been lost, because few persons, in the early days of the colony, could devote that attention to the subject which was required. However, it is now absolutely necessary that these matters should receive the requisite attention, and the identity of all valuable fruit trees and plants be carefully preserved. The Sydney botanic garden contains a splendid collection of several hundred vines, chiefly presented to the colony by Mr Busby, who bad carefully selected them in France and Spain, which countries he had visited for that express purpose. They have now been climatized in New South Wales, and closely observed for a period of ten years. ... Mr. Robertson, acting upon this principle, has selected and forwarded to us ... thirty-eight varieties, the qualities of which have been thoroughly proved by long experience. ... An extensive collection of the citrus tribe his also reached us in safety, which was much required; among this collection is included the celebrated Mandarin orange, and other choice varieties. The other fruit-trees, including many of the best varieties of peaches, plums,
261

The Sydney Morning Herald, 12 July 1844, carried the death notice of Naismith Robertson: On the 8th instant, at his residence, Government Gardens, Mr. Naismith Robertson, Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, Sydney, aged 60 years. arrived in 1829. He was for many years principal gardener to Messrs. James and William Macarthur, and had the chief direction of their extensive gardens and vineyards at Camden. Mr. Robertson has enjoyed the office of Superintendent for only two years, since the death of the late respected Mr. James Anderson. his death is much regretted by his friends and the numerous and respectable members of his own profession. The Sydney Morning Herald, 7 August 1844, reported The vacancy created by the death of the late Mr. Robertson has been filled up, by the recommendation of the Superintending Committee, by the appointment of Mr. J Kidd. In recommending Mr Kidd, the Committee have performed an act of justice to an old and tried servant, Mr Kidd having been employed as overseer in the gardens upwards of fourteen years under the superintendence of Messrs. Frazier, R, Cunningham, A. Cunningham, Anderson, and Robertson, during the whole of which time great portion of the management of the gardens has devolved on Mr. Kidd.

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nectarines, apricots, cherries, apples, pears, quinces, guavas, &c., &c., will enable the colonists to improve the stock they possess, which are in many cases merely seedlings. We cannot conclude this notice without expressing the sense we entertain of the services rendered to the colony by Lieutenant Helpman, R. N., for his unwearied zeal and attention in preserving this valuable collection during a tempestuous voyage. It has arrived in most excellent condition, and the lovers of horticulture cannot fail, in time to come, to associate that gentleman's name with a pure source of their enjoyment. - Swan River Inquirer The stage appeared set for the establishment of beekeeping in the far south west. The Western Australian Agricultural Society announced its annual meeting, ploughing match and exhibition of stock, produce and implements in the Perth Gazette for 9, 16 and 23 September 1843. The show was held at Guildford on Friday, 29 September. One of the lengthy list of prizes to be awarded was 5 for the best sample of Colonial honey, the produce of a swarm reared in the colony. A general report on the shows success appeared on 30 September but no specific prizes were listed as the results came to hand as the paper was going to press. General results only were provided: The Ploughing Match was well contested - five teams were entered, and the work was well performed. Fine samples of green crops and culinary vegetables were exhibited. The show of horses and cattle was, as usual, very fair, but the numbers small. Positive excellence was not exhibited, and the Society's prizes were consequently withheld. Some hanks of woollen thread, and fine samples of hemp were produced which were highly approved of. It seems no prize winners were to see their names in print in subsequent issues of the Gazette.

Potential hive sourcing voyages in 1844

The failure of previous attempts to introduce bees was confirmed by a report in The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal for 13 April 1844: Much praise is due to His Excellency Governor Hutt for his persevering endeavors to introduce the fruits, vegetables, and the horticultural products of foreign countries. Each trip our colonial schooner has taken has added to our resources. The Champion has now brought the custard apple, ananas, 262 and various approved species of the citron tribe, as well as two sorts of grain much used in
262

Belongs to the bromeliad family. Ananus comosus is the pineapple

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India, as being of fertile growth and well adapted for fattening cattle. The silkworm has likewise been procured and safely placed in the hands of a gentleman who has had some experience in rearing them. The white mulberry, their natural food, grows abundantly in the colony, having been introduced some years since, at which time the most sanguine expectations were entertained, that silk might form a staple export. Three experiments have been made to naturalize the honey-bee, as yet not very successfully. Lieut. Helpman, R.N., the Commander of the Champion, has always paid the greatest attention to the preservation and safe landing of the various specimens committed to his care, but unfortunately the chief casualties have occurred between Fremantle and Perth, subsequently to their delivery. The Chinese or Chusan cabbage, placed in the Governor's garden, is now thriving, it is we believe a most delicate vegetable. The first plants raised from the seed grew too rapidly, but the seeds of these seem to have become acclimatized and are now producing well. This we believe is often the case with foreign plants, and the gardener should not therefore despair if his first efforts should fail. (p.2) The common mode of transport at the time between Fremantle and Perth was by water. It can be safely assumed Helpmans previous cargo(es) of hives were transferred from his schooner to some smaller flat bottomed craft capable of negotiating the shallows up river. 263
263

From the Swan River Heritage Trail web page, Claughton Reserve in Katanning Street, Burswood, was Originally known as Whatley Cove after Dr J. Whatley, who was granted land here in 1829, this area offered good landing facilities for goods and stock transported up river from Fremantle. In the Swan River Colonys early years the river provided the most convenient means of transport, especially after a canal was dug through Burswood in 1831, alleviating the problem of hauling boats over the shallow flats at that point. The canal was filled in during the early 1900s. Refer http://tourism.heritage.wa.gov.au/ht_pdf/SwanRiver.pdf From the Swan River Trust River Guardians web page: In 1829 ferry services began on the Swan River between Fremantle and Guildford. In 1832 river transport was restricted to all but flat bottom boats between Perth and Guildford. It was decided that a canal be built to bypass these creating Burswood island. In 1831 it took seven men 107 days to do the work. In 1897 a channel was dredged between Barrack Street Jetty and Mends Street and by 1898 there was a regular ferry service between these two points. Refer

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Either the boats or their operators proved incapable of the task. 264 Given the previous counts of several and three failed expe riments prior to the 1843 attempt, Helpmans import of one hive in 1841 leaves another two undocumented. The Perth Gazette, 12 October 1844, announced the Champion for Hobart Town, having departed the previous day. She carried one passenger and four convicts: Wade, Vance, Dover and Coyle. We may look tor a speedy return of this vessel, as Lieut. Helpman has strict orders to use all despatch. (p.2) No time then for a hive sourcing foray. The Champion reached Hobart Town on 26 October. 265 The Colonial Times for 9 November reported the Champions sailing that day for Swan River, with troops. (p.2) In the Perth Gazette for 30 November: Mr. Helpman, R.N., commanding the colonial schooner, has accomplished his trip to Van Diemen's Land and back in a very short space of time, indeed within three weeks of the period allotted to him. The passage to Hobart Town was made in fourteen days, and the return was effected in seventeen days. The passage down was the shortest on record, notwithstanding our colonial craft bears no marked character for her sailing qualifications. (p.2) No local hives meant no local honey. The 247 ton barque Cecelia from London under master George Burrell, arrived at Fremantle on 27 February 1844. 266 Amongst the extensive list of imports 267 aboard were 5 casks of honey, and sundry packages, L. Lukin Its unknown whether Lukin, either by speculation or design, intended to satisfy the Westralian appetite for honey. Both unfortunate and unwelcome, consignees were to be hit with an unexpected financial impost. Ships Agent W&R Habgood published the following notice in the Perth Gazette for 2 March: In consequence of the damages sustained by the Cecelia in her voyage to Swan River, and of the expenses consequent thereon, it is necessary that a general average 268 should
http://www.riverguardians.com/Pages/Our%20Rivers/Did%20You%20Know. aspx 264 Refer the following section on early local water transport 265 Colonial Times, 26 October 1844, (p.2) 266 Perth Gazette, 2 March 1844, p.2 267 Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal, 2 March 1844, p.2 268 From Wikipedia: General average arises when sacrifices have been made, or expenditures incurred, for the preservation of the ship, cargo and freight,

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be made before the cargo can be delivered up; the consignees of goods on board are therefore requested to submit the amounts of their invoices to the undersigned agents for the ship, in order that such general average may be struck without loss of time, and the goods will then be delivered to the consignees on payment of their respective portion of the general average, and of freight, ice. On arrival Mr. Lukin was the only passenger listed. 269 The year 1845 was a continuation of the bee drought of 1844.

The 1846 importation

The situation changed the following year for in The Enquirer (sic) of 11 November 1846: 270 We are enabled to congratulate our settlers on the first swarm having taken place in the colony. The hive which the persevering patriotism, for after all there is no patriotism more true than that which seeks to introduce into new countries the foundations of future blessings; the persevering patriotism of Lt. Helpman, R.N., after more than one unsuccessful and discouraging attempt, succeeded in establishing at Fremantle, a hive which swarmed on Friday last, and, a new hive being in readiness, the young swarm was carefully secured and will we trust, found their own colonies through Western Australia in saecula saeculorum. This time the hive had not been forwarded up river but sensibly kept out of careless hands and landed at Fremantle, presumably by the schooners own small boat. The Enquirer report continued: And here we really feel that we have a right to express the thanks of the colony to Lt. Helpman for his
from some peril of the sea or from its effects. It implies a subsequent contribution, from all the parties concerned, rateably to the values of their respective interests, to make good the loss thus occasioned. 269 This must have been Lionel Lukin, mentioned as a co-trustee for the creditors of a Perth butcher. Perth Gazette, 7 September 1844, p.2. Described as a resident pastoralist on web page https://wwwlib.murdoch.edu.au/adt/pubfiles/adtMU20050602.121220/02Whole.pdf From: Beaton, Leigh S.L., Westralain Scotts: Scottish Settlement and Identity in Western Australia, arrivals 1829-1850. Doctor of Philosophy Thesis, Murdoch University, 2004 The Lukin footnote references Erickson, Bicentennial Dictionary of Western Australians, volume R-Z, p.2824 270 Cited by Coleman in 1956

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unceasing efforts on every voyage to bring some valuable addition to our colonial resources, and this in a class of subjects, as fruit trees, the silkworm, bees, etc., etc., requiring an anxious and skilful care, which can result only from the most warm and ruling desire to confer kindness and do service to the colony to which he is attached. 271 Its unknown when the bees were landed but the Champions 1845 and 1846 candidate voyages for sourcing a hive of bees include: Arrival at Hobart on 22 August from Swan River, having departed on 31 July 1845. 272 Arrival at Perth on 29 September from Hobart Town. 273 Departure for Sydney via Albany, Adelaide and Portland Bay on 16 November. 274 Arrival in Launceston from Sydney on 7 January 1846 in ballast. 275 She sailed for Swan River on 17 January. 276 Return voyage from Sydney via Adelaide, arriving the latter port on 13 February. 277 The Perth Gazette, 21 February 1846, reported The Commander of the colonial schooner Champion, Mr. Helpman, R.N., we are informed, has written from Sydney, intimating his intention of proceeding to Launceston for the purpose of bringing on the officer of the Engineer department, 278 who, he was told, had been waiting there for an opportunity of obtaining a passage to this colony. We presume we may look for the arrival of the Champion during the ensuing week. Arrival at Swan River on 2 March from Launceston. 279 Departure from Swan River for Adelaide and Hobart on 8 April 280

271 272

Newspaper item as located by Coleman in 1956 Colonial Times, 26 August 1845, page 2. 273 Perth Gazette, 4 October 1845, page 2. 274 Perth Gazette, 22 November 1845, page 2. 275 Colonial Times, 13 January 1846, p.2 276 Colonial Times, 23 January 1846, p.2 277 http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/fh/passengerlists/1846Champion.gif 278 It was inferred the engineer was a Major Irwin 279 Perth Gazette, 7 March 1846, p.2. Major Irwin was not amongst the seven passengers, however. Captain Twiss, Royal Engineers, was listed.

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Outward voyage to Adelaide, arriving there 30 April. Of particular interest is passenger McDermott (of the Bank of Australasia) along with his wife, six children and a servant.
281

Arrival at Swan River from unspecified ports about 25 August 1846. 282

Early Portland Bay, (adjacent Warrnambool) typical of the maritime environment in which Lt. Helpman operated, and finally retired. 283

Lionel Lukins cargo of 27 February 1844 was neither the first or last record of pre-1850 honey imports into Western Australia. General cargo including one case of honey arrived on 21 December 1832 per brig Cornwallis 284 from the Cape of Good Hope. The Perth Gazette for 10 March 1838 listed 2 cases of honey along with 8 tons of brown sugar by the Lady Stirling from Java. Subsequent to Lukins imports the market for honey remained greater than the meager output of two hives of bees. Obviously, more was required to satisfy the colonys hunger for honey. Imports continued. The Perth Gazette, 16 May 1846, listed the manifest of the Cumberland on the 12th from the
280

Perth Gazette, 11 April 1846, p.2. Amongst other passengers, Capt. Twiss along with Mrs MacDermott and family were on board. 281 http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/fh/passengerlists/1846Champion.gif 282 Shipping Arrivals section of the Allen's Indian mail, and register of intelligence for British and ..., Volume 4, (Jan.-Dec. 1846) the entry Champion, Helpman, Swan River for 25 August 1846 (p.672) 283 From http://www.maritimeworld.net/nn.asp?PageNumber=370 284 Perth Gazette for 5 January 1833, p.1

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Mauritius. Included were 6 cases of honey, 3 casks of molasses, 594 bags of sugar and 59 boxes of tea. (I prefer my tea black and unsweetened!) Even three years later honey continued to be sourced overseas. On 21 June 1849 the brigantine Waterlilly, G Watkin, master, arrived from the Mauritius with a mixed cargo including 448 bags of sugar, 1 barrel of molasses and 1 case of honey. 285 The Melbourne Argus for 29 January 1847 reported The Champion has been despatched to the vicinity of the spot at which coal was found by the brothers Gregory. Bees had been successfully introduced by Lieutenant Helpman, of the schooner Champion. (p.2) From an article on the colony of Western Australia in The Nautical Magazine, and naval chronicle for 1847, a journal of papers on subjects connected with maritime affairs, attributed to the Nautical Standard, there is supporting evidence of the relatively recent successful introduction of bees: Cheese, bees'-wax, and dried fruits, are being added to the produce of the settlement. (p.374)

Bees established at Fremantle by 1849

The Perth Gazette for 17 March 1849 reported this interesting incident: On the last trip of the Typo 286 when she was about 35 miles from that place, and 15 from the land, at night a smart thunder storm came on, during which a strange buzzing noise was heard at the mast head, and on one of the men going up to ascertain the cause, he was assailed by a number of bees, a swarm of which was clustered there; the bees shortly afterwards left the vessel, during a shower of rain; on the vessel's return to Fremantle it was ascertained that the day before her departure one of the hives belonging to Mr. Welch had swarmed and the young bees 287 could not be found; they were no doubt the same which took possession of the mast head, where they remained unnoticed.

285

Perth Gazette, 29 June 1849, p.2 A 20 ton cutter 287 The term young bees reflects a misunderstanding of the swarming process. A swarm typically consists of around half the bees in a hive, a crosssection of all age groups. Most bees of a younger age would continue to be hive bound until their nursing and housekeeping duties had escalated to that of a field bee involving nectar, pollen and water gathering outside the hive.
286

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Two weeks previously the Typo had returned from its outports on 4th March under Allen, her master. Of 20 tons burthen, Typo, colonial built, was a cutter, 288 smaller than a schooner, fore-and-aft rigged on a single mast. Under command of her previous master, J Watson, weekly advertisements announced she ran regularly between Fremantle, Bunbury and the Vasse, once a month or oftener, should sufficient freight offer. 289

Dramatis Personae
Many of Australias early beekeepers have never rated an entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography. Here then is some background describing the personalities orbiting the story of Helpmans bees. Lt. Francis Helpman:, naval officer, ships captain, expeditioner, harbourmaster, bee hive beneficiary The Australian Dictionary of Biography states Lt. Benjamin Franklin [sic.] 290 Helpman (1814-1874) was probably educated at Winchester and entered the navy on 16 December 1829. He saw service mostly on the West Indies and North American Stations and in 1837 was posted as mate in the survey sloop H.M.S. Beagle, which until early 1840 was engaged in surveying and exploring on the north-west and northern coasts of Australia. Although he passed his examinations and was appointed lieutenant in 1841, a year earlier he had left the navy and been appointed captain 291 of the Western Australian colonial schooner Champion. 292 He also led several important expeditions, including one in 1846 to Champion Bay to examine coal deposits on the Irwin River, and another in 1851 to the Abrolhos Islands 293 in
288

Refer http://www.thefreedictionary.com/cutter Also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutter_(boat) 289 Perth Gazette, 8 January 1848, p.1 290 The middle name Franklin is in error. His portrait shows the name Francis. He was consistently referred to in newspapers as Lt. F. Helpman 291 His appointment reported in the Hobart newspaper, The Courier, 8 Jan. 1841 (p.4) 292 The Champion was built in 1830 at New Shoreham, Sussex, 75 feet long, purchased by W A Govt Nov.1836, for 1500 from Kerr, Alexander & Co, Hobart, laid up in 1851 and sold for scrap in 1852. Refer http://members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/shipping/mig-sa3.htm 293 Houtman Abrolhos islands lay some 60 klms to the west of Geraldton, Champion Bay

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search of guano. He retired in 1854 and settled with his family in Warrnambool, Victoria, where he joined in a shipping venture with his brother-in-law Stephen G Henty. They bought a small steamer, and named it Champion; Helpman went to England to bring her to Australia. He was in command when the Champion sank after a collision with the Lady Bird off Cape Otway in August 1857. In 1861 Helpman was appointed harbourmaster at Warrnambool and in 1869 he also became collector of customs.

Daguerreotype (photograph) 294 of Captain Benjamin Francis Helpman, one of the early pioneers of Warrnambool. 295

294

For a fascinating insight into early colonial photography see web page http://photo-web.com.au/ShadesofLight/02-candles.htm 295 from Picture Victoria Original held by Corangamite Regional Library

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Daguerreotype (photograph) of the Lady Bird, a schooner rigged steamer 296

Marshall MacDermott, army officer, prominent settler, banker, the first importer of Bees from England, 1831 The mention of MacDermott at the end of the Perth Gazette report for 17 July 1841 as the first importer of Bees from England, in the year 1831 demanded further investigation. Firstly, who was this reputed importer of bees? Marshall MacDermott, as a prominent citizen of the colony, 297 with others, including George F. Moore, was proclaimed on 15 June 1838, by the Governor, James Stirling, as a trustee of Church of England property, including burial grounds. From the explorationswa web page, McDermott (c1793-1877) was a former Captain of the 8th Regiment, [he] had served in the Caribbean and North America during the Napoleonic Wars. He met Captains Molloy and Byrne in Dublin and in partnership with them bought a ship and arrived in Western Australia in June 1830. 298 After losses in farming, he started the first bank in Western Australia with George Leake and others. In 1846, after the amalgamation of that bank with

296 297

Image from Flotilla Australia web site Refer web page members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/graves/java-28.htm 298 Their plan to buy a ship jointly did not eventuate. The inferred arrival date of June 1830 for MacDermott is in error, it should be June 1831 when he arrived on the Stirling. As Well, Molloy arrived in March 1830 aboard the Warrior, not June.

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the Bank of Australasia he accepted the management of the South Australian branch. 299 According to Alexandra Hasluck in her 1955 book Portrait with Background: a life of Georgiana Molloy, although Macdermott had discussions with Molloy, Captain Francis Byrne and Mr George Cheyne, about jointly purchasing a ship, he was not able to get his discharge from the army quickly enough 300 and may have been the cause of the delay, while captains Molloy and Byrne may have wished to sail at once to be among the first-comers, who would have an advantage in the choice of land. By May, [1829] these two must have decided to take the first ship they could, which proved to be the Warrior, due to sail in August 301 (p.25) Initially I found it difficult to confirm MacDermotts date of arrival at the Swan River colony. One web page 302 states generally In 1830-31 early Swan Valley land owners, William Tanner and Marshall MacDermott arrived in the Swan River Colony. William and Hester Tanner, along with Charles and Ellen Viveash, their families, servants, labourers and property, arrived in the Swan River Colony on 1 February 1831 aboard the 298 ton Drummore. 303 Pamela StathamDrews 2003 book James Stirling: admiral and founding governor of Western Australia, states MacDermott and his wife arrived in the colony in June.

299

Extracted from explorationswa.com.au/Errata/Updated_Expanded_Bio_Notes.php 300 Hasluck drew upon MacDermott.s own 1874 book A brief sketch of the long and varied career of Marshall MacDermott, Esq. (p.35). MacDermott supplied the cause of his delay: During the year 1829, I came to the decision of retiring from the army, after a military service of upwards of twenty-two years. I was permitted to sell a company, [note: army commissions were bought and sold] but was delayed for four months, during the illness of His majesty George IV., as no commissions could be issued until the following reign. (pp.34-35) 301 The Warrior did not sail until late October 302 http://cityofswan.com/docs/documents/965/301220046705.pdf. 303 Sourced from http://members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/shipping/drummore.htm

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The explorationswa inferred arrival date for MacDermott of June 1830 is in error as shown by Moores personal record 304 for 20 June 1831: Here am I at Freemantle, [sic.] after having spent the evening at the house of Mr. Leake, in company with Mr. and Mrs. M'Dermot, who have lately arrived, we had some airs sweetly played on the piano-forte by Mrs. M'Dermot, most of the music from Don Giovanni, which was a treat here. (p.62) He noted one month later on 21st July: I breakfasted this day week with Mr. M'Dermot, who lives, as a matter of temporary accommodation, at the Governor's house at Guildford. (p.70) Moore was heavily involved in agricultural matters as his letters and journals demonstrate. It may well be that he obtained information regarding a failed importation of bees first hand from MacDermott. Therefore, the Perth Gazette report for 17 July 1841 cannot be dismissed. Moore, as a co-trustee of Church of England property with Marshall MacDermott in 1838, may have had many opportunities during the 1830s to become intimate with MacDermotts efforts of 1831. Of greater relevance, I thought, was the subject of discussion between Moore and the McDermotts on the occasion of the piano-forte recital. What would Moore talk about with the recently arrived MacDermotts? the weather, first impressions, their plans and resources, the ships captain and crew, shipboard food and accommodation, other passengers, ports of call, happenings on the voyage out. The circumstances leading to the failure of a hive or hive of bees brought out from Portsmouth would certainly have been an interesting subject for discussion. Captain John Molloy: army officer, gentleman farmer, beekeeper with one bee hive aboard the Warrior, already two months at sea, Dec. 1829 Like MacDermott, John Molloy (1780-1867) was an army officer and veteran of the Napoleonic wars. 305 Captain Molloy arrived on
304

Moore, George Fletcher & Doyle, Martin (Editor), Extracts from the letters and journals of George Fletcher Moore: Esq. now filling a judicial office at the swan river settlement (1834) published in London 305 Sourced from http://www.explorationswa.com.au/Errata/Updated_Expanded_Bio_Notes.ph p

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12 March 1830 aboard the Warrior. With three other households, he was one of the first settlers at the settlement of Augusta which he founded at the mouth of the Blackwood River. 306 Molloy, over fifty and a veteran of the Peninsular War and of Waterloo, had arrived at Fremantle with his youthful bride and his sixteen servants, 307 his tools and animals and his hive of bees, all ready to begin life as a gentleman farmer on the grant that he expected on the banks of the Swan. 308 Under Governor Stirling, Molloy, as the leading settler, became its Resident Magistrate and Commanding Officer. The Warrior was a 485 tonne wooden-hulled, copper-sheathed sailing ship which was launched at Chepstow in 1828. She sailed from London and Portsmouth on 23 October 1829 and travelled via St Jago and the Cape of Good Hope to the Swan River Colony, Hobart Town and Sydney. Captain John Stone was in command and she carried 27 officers and 4 guards as well as her 166 passengers. 309 The reference to Molloys bees was clarified in 1956 by R. S. Coleman 310 when he located an entry in Molloys diary which is held at the WA State Library. Coleman wrote There is some doubt concerning the date of the first successful introduction of bees into Western Australia. The first reference to appears in the diary of Captain J. Molloy On 1 December 1829 he wrote: Had the bees upon deck. Inspected them and cleared out the hive and found a great number dead. Given the poor condition of the hive after two months at sea and the absence of any further historical references as to its fate, the failure of the hive, either at sea or upon arrival must be assumed. The high temperatures endured by all on board as the ship approached the equator near the end of November is the most likely reason for the loss of all the bees. 311

306

Blackwood river reference sourced from http://www.explorationswa.com.au/Errata/Updated_Expanded_Bio_Notes.ph p 307 Ten of these servants are named on web page http://members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/shipping/warrior.htm#LIST 308 Bassett, Marnie (1954) The Hentys: an Australian colonial tapestry (p.264) 309 http://members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/shipping/warrior.htm 310 Journal of Agriculture, Western Australia 311 Refer Hasluck, Alexandra (1955) Portrait with Background (p.47)

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Lawrence Welch: customs officer, collector of dues, inspector of weights and measures, collector of license dues, constable, court bailiff, gaoler, beekeeper Here follow a sample of episodes in the known life of Lawrence Welch. Balancing the clinical performance of his official law enforcement duties, Welch was to reveal an uncommon trace of humanity in one of his dealings with native prisoners. As a chrysalis emerges into its final insect form, Welch managed to shed the veneer of a bureaucratic functionary during his leisure time to become a beekeeper, a noble calling, either in hobbyist or professional form. When he arrived in the Swan River colony is unknown, but in its earliest years he is revealed as an officer of the customs. From the Perth Gazette, 16 February 1833: Charles Brown of Perth, was convicted this afternoon in the penalty of Five Pounds and the forfeiture of the spirits seized, for retailing spirits without a license. The Publicans are indebted to Laurence [sic.] Welch, an active officer of the customs, for effecting this seizure, and exposing the practice, which a few similar cases would effectually suppress. (p.2) In June 312 that year he was a Bailiff of the Court. The Perth Gazette for 7 June 1834 described him as A constable at Perth. At the Quarter Sessions, Fremantle, on 6 April 1836, 313 he recalled a confrontation with his own mortality. Before their Justices of the Peace was Robert Smith, a private in H.M. 21st Regt., [who] was charged with an assault and battery on Mr. Lawrence Welch. The assault was proved to have been one of great aggravation, the prisoner having deliberately put his loaded musket to his shoulder, levelled it at Welch, and pulled the trigger. The gun, which was loaded with ball, fortunately flashed in the pan, when Welch wrested the musket from him. Verdict - Guilty. Sentence - Six calendar months imprisonment and hard labour. I think he got off lightly. The mundane was grist for the legal mill and part of Welchs day to day experience. One example came to light at the Magistrates Court, Perth, on 17 June 1837: 314 a baker appeared before the sitting Magistrates to answer a charge of selling loaves short of the weight appointed by Legislative enactment. Mr. Lawrence Welch, Inspector
312 313

The Perth Gazette, 8 June 1833, p.2 Perth Gazette, 9 April 1836 314 Perth Gazette, 24 June 1837

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of Weights and Measures for the Perth District, deposed One W.H. Mackie Esq. had complained to Mr Welch about Okelys bread. Welch found forty-one loaves more or less deficient. The loaves we weighed were handed to us by Mr. Okely himself I, with Mr. Cameron, also an Inspector, weighed the loaves with the standard weights and measures. fourteen loaves were ordered to be seized. They were produced before the Magistrates, and proved to be twentyfour ounces deficient of the weight. Okely produced a few lame excuses: The dough was rather slacker than usual, owing to my using new flour and Having another job to attend to, I allowed the bread to remain rather longer in the oven than I should have done. His main defence was that the drying of lime in the bakery walls hed whitewashed the previous afternoon had somehow attributed some of the deficiency in their weight as the freshly baked loaves were cooling on shelves. Unfortunately Welch ... had found a deficiency in Mr. Okely's loaves on a previous occasion. The defendant was fined 4 9s 6d with 10s 6d costs. An occasion of similar magnitude was resolved on Thursday 14 September that year when the Inspectors of Weights and Measures, Messrs Cameron and Welch laid a complaint against Mr. S. Kingsford, the proprietor of the Perth Mills, for having in his possession a defective and incorrect balance. The fact being proved by the personal examination of the Magistrates, he was adjudged, according to the Act of Council, to forfeit the scales, and pay the expenses of the Court, amounting to 15s. There was no evidence to prove that the scales had been used for fraudulent purposes, and the weights were found to be correct. 315 Situations of a more serious nature sometimes presented themselves. Two months later that December, Welch, along with two other Perth constables, two tracker natives and a few of the military, were involved in the pursuit of two natives who had speared the boys Hokin and Cleulow, and to make an effort to recover some sheep they had stolen. The party returned to Perth on Thursday last, after an absence of four days, but without any success, further than identifying the Guildford natives with a participation in this atrocious act. The searchers were betrayed by the injudicious act on the part

315

Perth Gazette, 16 September 1837

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of on some white persons, who conveyed an intimation to the natives, that a party was in search of the depredators. 316 The Perth Gazette, 11 August 1838, reported Welchs elevation from bureaucratic functionary into the ranks of management. He was appointed Keeper of the Rottenest [sic.] Institution for Refractory Natives, about to be formed there under his charge and direction. As a result of an incident with some native prisoners held there later that month, their ensuing escape, and the subsequent escape of another lot, he lost his position within a year and suffered a demotion. The Colonial Secretary's Office announced a new appointment on 2nd April in the Perth Gazette for 6 April 1844 His Excellency the Governor directs it to be notified, that all persons desirous of cutting timber for any purposes on Crown Lands will be required to take out a License, and to pay ten shillings for the same. Mr. Lawrence Welch has been appointed Collector for the Perth District of all such license dues, to whom applications for licenses must be made. ( p.3) The Gazette for 19 Oct 1844 gave some examples of dues payable: taking lime or stone from Crown lands and timber cutting. In the Perth Gazette, 31 January 1846, another announcement by the Colonial Secretary's Office, Perth, saw the publication on the 12th of officers who have been appointed in Perth to carry out the provisions of an act in Council entitled An act to provide for the improvement of Towns in the Colony of Western Australia. (p.4) Welch was appointed as a Collector. His performance in a variety of roles must have warranted his appointment as Gaoler at Fremantle Gaol on 12 February 1846, 317 some seven and a half years after the start of his Gaoler role on Rottnest. On 24 May 1851 he supervised the Queens birthday salute outside the gaol. On the firing of the fourteenth and last round the gun fired spontaneously as it was being loaded. Two prisoners were injured and Welchs hand was burnt. 318 Later that year on 15 August he was elected one of three Vicepresidents of the Mechanics Institute, Freemantle. 319 He exits this
316
317

Perth Gazette, 23 Dec. 1837 Perth Gazette, 14 February 1846, p.3 318 Perth Gazette, 30 May 1851, p.3 319 Perth Gazette, 29 August 1851, p.3

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story in February 1854 when he was recovering from a bout of remittent fever. 320 No trace remains of his fate in the pages of the Perth Gazette up to its final issue in June 1874. I assume he retired at some stage whereupon he would have had more time to tend his bees.

Entrance of Fremantle Gaol, c1875 321 Built by convict labour in the 1850s and decommissioned in 1991.

As a beekeeper Welch was either widely read or he was an innovator. The use of the puff-ball fungi to stupefy bees was known at that time. William Charles Cotton recommended it in his My Bee Book of 1842. Eight months after the Typo incident, Welch saw his apiarian activities reported for a second time. In the Perth Gazette, 23 November 1849: CHLOROFORM. - A curious experiment with this powerful agent was tried last week by Mr. Welch of Fremantle. In common with the generality of the genus homo, Mr. Welch is imbued
320

Perth Gazette, 17 February 1854. Remittent Fever: A fever pattern in which temperature varies during each 24 hour period, but never reaches normal. Most fevers are remittent and the pattern is not characteristic of any disease, although in the 19th century it was considered a diagnostic term. Definition from http://www.biology-online.org/dictionary/Remittent_fever 321 Image held by State Library of Victoria http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/pictoria/gid/slv-pic-aab89444/1/b13281

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with a desire of obtaining some of the sweets of life with as little trouble as possible, and shrewdly conceived that if chloroform would set men and women to sleep, it would very probably have a similar effect upon his bees, and enable him to remove the honey-comb without destroying them or injuring himself. He accordingly tried the experiment and found it [to] succeed admirably, but he was obliged to suspending operations rather hastily, as he found he was inhaling the fumes of the chloroform 322 himself. (p.2) Whether Welch happened on this application of chloroform through his own intuition as the Perth Gazette suggests or concluded its use from books is unknown. One possibility - amongst the 166 passengers aboard the Warrior accompanying Captain Molloy were the four Bussell brothers, John, Charles, Vernon and Alfred. Their capital goods, as well as including furniture, dogs, ducks and fowl, coops and kennels, a corn mill, a washing mill, tools, soap and foodstuffs, also included a copy of the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Welch may have had access to their copy or that of another settler and turned to its section on Bees. Therein he would have found: Chloroform has been employed with success in uniting swarms and artificial swarming, as well as for the purpose of extracting the honey from the hive. A quarter of an ounce of chloroform, in a saucer covered with a perforated card or with wire-gauze, is to be placed on the board of the hive, and all apertures to be carefully closed. In about half a minute the bees will be completely under its influence; and on the admission of air, after a lapse of fifteen or twenty minutes they will revive and soon recover the use of their wings. (1778, p.478) Alternatively, he may have read the following which appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, 27 December 1847: Several successful experiments have been recently made in France on the etherization of bees, so as to be able to take their honey whilst they are in a state of inaction, without the necessity of destroying their lives. (p.4s)

Addenda
Early river travel on the Swan River Potential dangers which threatened the loss of fragile cargoes such as bee hives transported up river from Fremantle to Perth can be
322

chloroform was invented in 1831, refer Wikipedia.

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imagined from the following aquatic accounts to be found in a September 2004 report by the Heritage Council of Western Australia. Though river transport had improved by 1839 the following extracts are enlightening: Old Burswood Canal was constructed across the Burswood peninsula in 1831, to facilitate transport on the Swan River. It was augmented by dykes in 1834, and in 1839, was superseded by another channel, known as the Claisebrook Canal, on the northern side of the river. When the Swan River Colony was established in 1829, most land grants had river frontages. This not only gave the settlers access to water for domestic and agricultural use, but also access to transport because the lack of roads in the new colony meant that the rivers were the natural highways. The Swan River provided a transport route from the port at Fremantle to Perth, and on up through Guildford and the fertile Swan Valley area. The importance of river transport is illustrated by the fact that by January 1830, there were estimated to be 40 boats in the colony. 323 But boating on the Swan River was not without its hazards. Loss of property and drownings were common as the colonists lacked experience with boats and few could swim. Many boats were of poor construction and navigation was difficult in places due to low water levels, the worst being around the Heirisson Islands, below the Burswood peninsula. The Burswood peninsula was part of Henry Camfields grant Henry Camfield arrived in Western Australia on 12 October 1829, with his brother-in-law, William Henty, on the Caroline. In November 1829, Camfield wrote: Between Perth and my grant there is a mud flat of nearly one and a half mile in length. One which a boat must be tracked over even when empty. A flat boat only will carry goods...You must watch your opportunity to carry your things to Perth. 324 George Fletcher Moore expressed similar sentiments. The expense and labour of conveying goods up river, at present is very great; boats in summer must be unloaded and dragged

323

Nind, Michael. 'Sails and Oars on the Swan, 1829 to 1849' , Early Days, Vol. 8 Part 5, 1981, pp. 53-62. 324 Letter written by Henry Camfield, 18 November 1829, quoted in Nind, Michael, 'Henry Camfields Burrswood', Early Days, Vol 9, Part 5, 1987, pp. 63-78.

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over the flats ... Every settler should have a boat and know how to manage it. 325 An incident with refractory natives, 1838 I was amazed as I read the following, a sad episode in Australias colonial history. It was assumed in June 1838 that Welch would take up the vacant position of Keeper of the Jail, Fremantle, supervising and managing that institution. 326 However, the Perth Gazette, 11 August 1838, reported Welchs appointment as keeper of the Rottenest 327 [sic.] Institution for Refractory Natives. The institution has long been considered as highly essential, and it will no doubt produce a good effect. Welch must have been embarrassed, when, at the end of his first two weeks on the job, five native prisoners placed under his charge on Rottnest, contrived to make their escape - by what means remains at present unknown. One of the escapees, an old man named Helia, died on the run, either murdered or drowned. All five escaped still with their irons on, seemingly attached to both legs. This affair, of which we receive the first intelligence from a native, is calculated to bring us and our power of control or punishment into sad contempt; we can therefore but seriously regret the occurrence, and await the explanation of the manner in which the escape was effected, which, for the sake of all parties concerned, we hope will prove satisfactory. Perth Gazette, 25 August 1838. The Gazette provided an update in its 1 September issue. we have made some inquiry into the manner in which it [escape] was effected, and we are glad to learn that no blame can be attached to the parties under whose guard and control the natives were placed. It seems that on the evening of the night they got away they were all made fast together by passing a trace chain through their irons and locking the end with a handcuff: the chain was placed round a cypress tree. In order to disengage the chain from the tree, they set fire to it, and thus were, comparatively speaking, at large, the irons having been cut from one

325

Moore, G. F. Diary of Ten Years of an Early Settler in Western Australia , quoted in M. Ninds, 'Sails and Oars'. op cit, p. 54. 326 Perth Gazette, 16 June 1838 (p.4)

Meaning Rats nest in Dutch - named by Willem de Vlamingh in 1696 after the Quokka marsupials he found there and which he thought looked somewhat like giant rats.
327

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leg of each native by Mr. Welch as an act of humanity, on their arrival at the island. It has been remarked as surprising that the falling of the tree was not heard by any of the party; but the tree, although considered sufficiently large for security, could not make much noise, as it fell during a heavy storm of wind and rain which lasted during the night. It is supposed they were clear from the tree about two or three o'clock in the morning, and made their way immediately to the beach, where Mr. Thomson's boat was lying, and there with some of the iron-work, contrived to break the handcuff, which united the two ends of the chain. They all got into the boat and pushed off, trusting to the open sea - a most foolhardy and perilous adventure; indeed it was attended with so much danger, that those who are experienced boatmen would not ventured to have crossed from the island to the main in such a tempest as they must have encountered. One of the natives, an old man named Helia, was drowned ! Some reports have been circulated, founded on information derived from one of the party named Cogatt, that he was thrown overboard; we are inclined, however, not to credit this report, as this boy, since his recapture, has told Mr. Armstrong, the Interpreter, that the boat was capsized in the surf, and they all had a narrow escape of their lives, but the old man had not strength enough to reach the shore. On their landing, they made for the track of the Guildford road, where they were fallen in with by the native Weeip, commonly called "Governor Weeip," and some of his tribe. It was their intention to have kept the old man's death a secret, but Cogatt communicated it to Weeip, who instantly carne down to Perth and told, the Perth tribe, who are his nearest relatives. A plan was that night concerted by the natives of Perth to take the fugatives, and it was thought a good opportunity to enlist them in the cause; they were accordingly promised a reward if they brought them in. On Saturday morning they all started off, and in the course of the afternoon they were heard approaching towards Perth, reiterating their cries of exultation, which we soon found out were the yells of victory, - they having surprised the runaway party, and put to death an old offender named Goodap, to avenge the loss of their relative Helia. The whole of the party would have been sacrificed by this summary process of Aboriginal justice, had they not contrived to elude their pursuers. 142

The following are the names of the prisoners convicted at the last October, January, and July Quarter Sessions of the Peace, and who escaped from Rottnest: Buoyeen, for cutting, maiming, and wounding Charles Hokin, a lad eleven years of age, on the Canning River. Molly Dobbin and Tyoocan, for breaking open and entering the dwelling house of Mr. John Han-cock, at Belmont, and stealing a quantity of flour, &c. - These three natives still at large. Helia, the old man guilty of the murder of an aboriginal black woman in the streets of Perth. Drowned. Cogatt, stealing butter from Mr. Spice, at the head of the Swan River. Retaken. Goodap, stealing from Mr. Drummond on the Swan, and a known bad character. Speared (dead) by the natives. Notwithstanding these natives had so recently escaped from a place of confinement, on the first night after reaching the main land they robbed a garden at Bassindean, on the Swan, and the garden near the Cleikum Inn, adjoining the Guildford ferry, and had concerted plans for robbing other settlers. Their successful escape, it appears, would have emboldened them to perpetrate many more robberies, had not their career been thus timely checked by the assistance of the Perth tribe, who deemed they had their quarrel doubly just, in avenging their own cause, and acting as a constabulary force on our part. We can but regret the loss of life, although justly forfeited; but as a case involving the peace and protection of the colonists exposed to their outrages, we are bound to regard the whole of the proceedings connected with this affair as affording a serious but useful lesson to the aborigines, who would set at defiance our institutions for their correction or instruction. Cogatt was taken prisoner by George Syred at or near the farm of Mr. Spice, the scene of his former depredations. This person deserves some credit for his activity, and we hope a similar alacrity will be shown in apprehending Molly Dobbin, a notorious character, and his associates. It is remarkable, that although the natives made their escape on Wednesday night, and the circumstance was known at Perth on 143

Friday, communicated as we have stated, no intelligence was received from the island until Saturday afternoon, notwithstanding repeated signals had been made by Mr. Welch, - which were noticed by persons at Fremantle, but disregarded. This displays either gross inattention, or a want of proper consideration for the public, which remains to be explained. We have generally found the inhabitants of Fremantle ready to volunteer in a good cause. Why they withheld their usual good feeling on this occasion, is unaccountable. The foregoing account, which we believe to be strictly correct, exhibits the character of the aboriginal inhabitants of this territory in a more conspicuous light than we have ever had it brought under our observation - it affords a strange anomaly, sufficiently illustrating the impracticability of ruling or controlling them by the influence of British law. Here we have convicted felons, who, in the act of escaping, are said to have murdered one of their companions, - they are not at large twenty-four hours before they repeat their acts of depredation, - they are attacked by an injured tribe, which it would have been next to impossible to have turned from their purpose, if their purpose had been known to the proper authorities, and one of their number is killed. This is a medley of events which, by the strict application of British law if it could be applied - would involve the settlers in interminable broils and dissensions with her Majesty's subjects the blacks; we have no alternative therefore at present but to guard ourselves from their violence, and to protect our property, leaving the aborigines to settle their own matters of difference or hostility according to their established usage and their own code of laws, which have for their basis 'might is right'. Political spin, then as now, was alive and kicking.

Honey and Beeswax Imports, 1833 to 1846

Date 21 Dec.1833 9 Mar.1838 27 Feb.1844
329 330

Ship Brig Cornwallis

329

Master H.E. Henderson Back Burrell

From Cape of Good Hope Java London

Honey 1 case 2 cases 5 casks

Lady Stirling 330 Barque Cecelia

Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal, Sat. 5 Jan. 1833, p.1. Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal, Sat. 10 Mar. 1838, p.38.

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331

332

12 May 1846

Cumberland 333

G. Sinclair

Mauritius

6 cases

One indication of the self sufficiency of a region is the level of imports. Locally produced honey and beeswax, one would think, would be competitive, and if sufficient was being produced domestically, then imports would not be required. The list above cannot be considered exhaustive.

Dom Rosendo Salvado, Spanish bees to New Norcia, May 1869?

As part of my correspondence with Ben Oldroyd, Professor of Behavioural Genetics at Sydney University, Ben noted We have just done a genetic survey of the feral bees in WA. Some of them carry A. m. sicula mitochondria. This is the bee of Spain and France not England. The most likely source for the first introduction of the Spanish bee into Western Australia is Dom Rosendo Salvado or Dom Joseph Serra, Benedictine monks of the New Norcia monastery which was established in 1847. They may have brought a hive or hives of bees with them on one of their various entries into Western Australia, the first being in 1846. Given the departure point of London for their first trip, any bees they might have brought them would logically have been the so called English Black bees. Given Oldroyds findings, Spanish or French sourced bees may have made their way to Western Australia through the efforts of Rosendo Salvado. Extracted from the New Norcia Heritage Trail web site 336 Towards the end of the 19th century the mission was producing a variety of products including wine, olive oil, silk, soap and tobacco, while bees had been introduced to the Victoria Plains by Salvado early in the missions history. 337

331 332

Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal, Sat. 2 March 1844, p.2. Consignee Mr. I. Lukin, a passenger 333 Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal, Sat. 16 May 1846, p.2. 336 newnorcia.wa.edu.au/heritage_trail_14.htm 337 Unfortunately, no primary source documents were referenced to support this claim

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Salvado & Serras arrival in W.A., 1846

From a history 338 of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth In Rome Father Brady was consecrated Bishop of Perth. While in Europe, Bishop Brady recruited personnel for his mission. Twenty seven Missionaries accompanied him to Western Australia on the Elizabeth. The Elizabeth dropped anchor in Gage Road, opposite Fremantle, on 7 January 1846 after a voyage of 113 days. On 9 January the Missionaries sailed up the Swan River to Perth. Among the twenty eight missionaries were Bishop Dr. John Brady, Dom Joseph Serra, and Dom Rosendo Salvado, 339 the latter two being Benedictine priests. A catholic magistrate and sometime explorer, Captain John Scully, met Bishop Dr. John Brady and companions on their arrival at Fremantle and provided Salvado with a guide and a bullock cart to carry their belongings. Salvado and three others set out on foot from Perth for the Victoria Plains on the night of 16 Feb. 1846. They walked for 24 hours arriving at the small township of Guildford, spending a night at Samuel Moores house on the Upper Swan. From a web site 340 of The Benedictine Oblate It was on 18 February 1846 xvii that Serra and Salvado with some companions set off with a guide provided by a prominent settler. Their route led from Perth via Guildford along the Swan River to Toodyay, driving the bullocks across the Darling Range some forty miles. They pressed on to Bolgart another twenty miles north where they spent three days with friends, before heading off into the unknown bush. They were now a week away from Perth and were already physically and mentally weary. They pressed on through sand, scrub, endless plagues of flies and large ants. They eventually came across a tributary of the Moore River and their guide and bullocks left them to return to Bolgart.
338 339

perthcatholic.org.au/html/pro-cathedral.html From newnorcia.wa.edu.au/oblate_jun_aug_2003.htm Salvado was thirty two years old, when clad in the black habit of a Benedictine, he disembarked at Fremantle. He was short, well knit and robust, with dark hair and a thick black untrimmed beard. The eyes, large, expressive and powerful were more than striking, giving the impression of a strong determined nature. Nevertheless, his disposition was kind and he had a cheerful temperament. 340 newnorcia.wa.edu.au/oblate_jun_aug_2003.htm

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Salvado was experiencing for the first time the beauty and the terror of the Australian bush. The tributary had turned out to be only some mud puddles. The following day, they were led by an aborigine to some fresh water where they replenished their stocks. Extracted from the online Australian Dictionary of Biography (ADB) 342 Rosendo Salvado (1814-1900), Benedictine monk, missionary and author, was born on 1 March 1814 at Tuy, Spain Salvado and his Benedictine confrre, Serra, were assigned to the bishops missionary party. They sailed from London in the Elizabeth and landed at Fremantle in January 1846. With Serra, whose main associate he was, he wound his way along a hundred miles (161 km) of bush track to a spot in the Victoria Plains, where on 1 March 1846 he established a mission for the training of Aboriginals; it was first named Central as the centre of proposed outlying Aboriginal missions, and later New Norcia, after Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St Benedict.

Salvado in Europe 1849 to 1853

From the online ADB Sent to Europe in 1849 to raise funds he also pressed the case for New Norcias home rule. In August he was consecrated bishop of Port Victoria in the Northern Territory. The closing of the garrison settlement deprived him of subjects before he left Italy and, while he waited in Naples for new orders from Rome, Salvado wrote his Memorie storiche dell'Australia particolarmente della Missione Benedettina di Nuova Norcia (Rome, 1851); the first part was historical but the second and third dealt con amore with New Norcia and the Murara-Murara. 343 From the online Catholic Encyclopaedia As the mission was sinking heavily in debt, Dom Salvado was sent to Europe for funds. Salvado returned to Rome in 1849, arriving back in WA in 1853 with 37 artisan brothers and three priests, together with a substantial amount of money hed raised in Europe.

342 343

adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A020371b.htm Published in Spanish in 1853, French in 1854, but never in English. Via Google Book Search Ive established that Salvado makes no mention of bees, or abejas in Spanish.

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A statue of Bishop Rosendo Salvado, gifted by the Spanish Government in the early 1960s

In 1853 Salvado was sent back to Western Australia. He administered the see of Perth while Bishop Serra was absent in Europe. Four years later he 346 returned to New Norcia with renewed zeal to pursue his purposes for the mission of which he was named temporary administrator in 1859. But his prayer for home rule was not answered until 12 March 1867 when a papal decree gave Bishop Salvado of Port Victoria the additional title of Lord Abbot of New Norcia for life. (online ADB) Its possible that on Salvados return in 1853 he brought hives of bees with him, though its uncertain on which ship he traveled. From the web site 347 of the Museum of Western Australia: Juan Vencells, tailor/gardener, also known as John Bancells, arrived on the ship John Panter in company with Bishop Salvado on 14 August 1853 to work

346

This text is confusing: he appears to relate to Serra, not Salvado. From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosendo_Salvado returned to Australia in 1853 accompanied by a large number of priests and monks bound for the Australian Missions and especially for New Norcia. For four years he administered the Diocese of Perth during Bishop Serra's absence in Europe. He returned to New Norcia in 1857. 347 museum.wa.gov.au

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at the Benedictine Monastery 348 at New Norcia. Their voyage began from Cadiz, 349 Spain. The entry 350 for Isidro Oriol, carpenter / cabinetmaker provides another arrival with Salvado in 1853 on the John Panter, but listed as departing, not from Cadiz but from Barcelona. 351 Conflicting with this 352 Franciscus Pablo Ventura, stonecutter, arrived Fremantle with Bishop Salvado on 15 August 1853 353 aboard the Ferrolana. 354 355 Extending the confusion, from the web site Passenger ships arriving in Western Australia 1829 -89 the John Panter with 35 Benedictines aboard arrived Fremantle on 15 August 1853, not from Spain but from London, England! Salvado also busied himself collecting alms and recruiting skilled tradesmen for formation as brothers at the mission. He went first to Naples and then to Palermo Rome then he visited Lyons he called at Tuy for a stay of five days with his family, then went to London. There he made arrangements with his agent for shipping, then hurried on to Ireland He left for the port of Cadiz in Spain with the results of his campaign thirty-six artisan brothers, five priests, two catechists, and the substantial sum of 7,612/18/ - the party arrived in Fremantle on 15 August 1853. (Russo, pp.69-70)

348

Additional notes from the web site: Left mission without taking vows. A tailor, but worked as a gardener. Owned Perth lots, 1865 & 1866. Leased 100 acres at Koonarup Brook. Married Catherine Walsh & had 6 children. Bancell Brook & Bancell Road named after him. 349 One of Spains biggest naval ports.
350

registration.museum.wa.gov.au/search_viewlisting.asp?PID=51463&PN=7& SearchKey=O&SearchType=2 351 Barcelona is the main sea port of Spain

352

museum.wa.gov.au/welcomewalls/search_viewlisting.asp?PID=59973&PN=1 5&SearchKey=V&SearchType=2 353 Russo, p.70, agrees with this date, port of departure being Cadiz . He left for the port of Cadiz in Spain with the results of his campaign thirty-six artisan brothers, five priests, two catechists, and the substantial sum of 7,612/18/- 354 For confirmation refer web site members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/shipping/ 355 It was on the Ferrolana that Serra arrived in Fremantle on 29 Dec. 1849 from Cadiz with 39 other Benedictines.

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The November 2003 newsletter web site 356 of The Benedictine Oblate, 357 St Gregorys Chapter, Perth, in its chapter on Salvado and the Founding of New Norcia, states regarding Salvados return to WA in 1853: news arrived that the settlement at Port Victoria had been abandoned and Salvados appointment there was cancelled. Salvado received 28 novices and Serra a further eleven, who all embarked with Serra on the Spanish ship Ferrolana, 358 359 for Western Australia. Prior to his own departure Salvado spent time with Abbot Casaretto at Subiaco, Italy and obtained six places for novices to be trained for New Norcia from the monastic college which had been set up there. The waters remain a little muddied regarding which ship Salvado travelled on and his port of embarkation, however the weight of evidence appears to support La Ferrolana from Cadiz.

Salvados May 1867 visit to Spain, back in Fremantle, May 1869

Also from the November 2003 newsletter web site of The Benedictine Oblate, St Gregorys Chapter, Perth: After another visit to Rome in March 1867, the Pope decreed that New Norcia should become a Prefecture Apostolic and Abbey Nullius with its own territory independent of the diocese of Perth and that Salvado should be its Abbot for life. In May, 1867, Salvado journeyed once more to Spain. He went to Madrid. He visited his native Tuy (Russo, p.96) It was the 4th November, 1868, when Salvado arrived in London. he had thirty356 357

newnorcia.wa.edu.au/oblate_sep_nov_2003.htm An oblate is a Benedictine, as much or as little as one wants to be. From newnorcia.wa.edu.au/oblates.htm An oblate novice is a person, other than a Benedictine monk or nun, who has been enrolled in a public ceremony in which a commitment is made to persevere in living by the Rule for a year. This is the first step in a life-long process of learning and growing towards God. Final oblation, which occurs after twelve months, is not a terminus but a milepost on this journey. 358 Ferrolana is a region in Spain. The port of El Ferrol is on the Ferrol Inlet. 359 Web site members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/shipping/ states the ship La Ferrolana arrived in Fremantle from Cadiz on 29 Dec. 1849 with 40 passengers all Benedictines. Web site Passenger ships to WA 1829 to 1849 brandis.com.au/gendata/1829_49.html supports this - it states the ship La Ferrolana arrived in WA Dec. 1849 with 40 passengers.

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three new missionaries from Spain, and he gathered them in London. They set sail on 3rd February, 1869, for Western Australia. (Russo, p.106) The ship docked in Fremantle on 21st May 1869. (Russo, p.107) This two year excursion does not seem to have accommodated any bee acquisition activities in Spain, for their potential journey to WA was interrupted by Salvados three month London residency.

Salvados Sept. 1869 visit to Rome

In September, 1869, Salvado was at sea again, heading for the Eternal City to attend the Vatican Council. (Russo, p.108) Salvados visit to Rome in September 1869 360 resulted in the introduction of coffee and coconut to Western Australia, so it would have been in character for him to have previously considered the addition of bees to New Norcias agricultural array. Salvado was en route to Italy by way of the port of Galle, Sri Lanka, Aden, Suez, by train to Alexandria, thence by steamer to Marseille and finally by another ship to Rome, arriving on 26 December. During a stopover in Ceylon in October, Salvado had organised the shipping of coconut and coffee plants packed within a purpose built box, to Albany, Western Australia, by P&O steamer.

Conclusions
After my research efforts to trace Salvados and Serras comings and goings between W.A. and Europe, in order to reveal opportunities for either of them to have sourced bees on one of their trips, in July 2008 I discovered the following confirmation that Salvado had brought Spanish bees to New Norcia. In George Russos 1980 Lord Abbot of the Wilderness: The Life and Times of Bishop Salvado: 361 Bees were introduced in the late sixties, but they soon left their hives for the forest trees. Collecting this wild honey then became a favourite pastime with the natives. (p.88) In the chapter on New Norcia in the 1880s: Salvado, returning from one of his trips to Spain, brought some bees with him. He wrote with humour of his efforts to keep them alive in his cabin during the long voyage. (p.233) No
360

geocities.com/tdcastros/Historyserver/papers/coffee1.htm Refer New Norcia's Studies Journal (Perth, Western Australia), 10, 2002, pp. 57-63 (La aclimatizacin del arbusto del caf y el cocotero en Western Australia en 1869 segn ua carta de Rosendo Salvado a Venancio Garrido). 361 Russo, George (1980) Lord Abbot of the Wilderness: The Life and Times of Bishop Salvado. Polding Press.

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specific return voyage was identified. Russo then quoted the Enquirer for 21 Jan. 1881 In 1881 a newspaper reported that three gallons of honey were taken from the bees in the Victoria Plains district, and that the forest was full of bees. Again buried somewhere within an archive is one of Salvados letters containing the deeper tale of the bees voyage to Western Australia. To whom would Salvado write with humour? Its possible but not logical he would have been writing to someone in Fremantle, Perth or New Norcia, for once arrived he could tell them in person. Its more likely he was writing in a relaxed manner, either in his diary, or to someone in Europe. He had much occasion to write to the Propagation of the Faith in Rome, but these communications were necessarily of an official nature. It must, I feel, have been someone familiar and comfortable to him. Assuming Russo came across this letter or diary entry during his research forays, it stands to reason it would have been held within an accessible archive. In which archive then could it still reside? Once re-discovered and translated it will confirm the bees arrival and hopefully, reveal more of the story of their voyage. Russo lists Salvados various diaries, most of which must be excluded based on their dates; however several in Spanish run between 1844 and 1900. Given Russos late sixties clue, coupled with Salvados journeying, diary entries made on his voyage from London 362 to Fremantle between 3 February and 21 May 1869 are one possible location. Russo did not specify in his books bibliography where these diaries were held, but the two most likely locations are either the New Norcia Archives (NNA) or the Archives of the Catholic Archdiocese of Perth (ACAP), with my best guess being the former. Correspondence files also exist within ACAP, so Section 2 (18631872) is another possible source. Also within NNA are Miscellaneous Letters Section F, 1869-1874 and Letters Special Section C-H, 1859-1889. These elements, therefore, within NNA will be the targets of my research inquiries. Russo listed no European archives.

362

Russo, p.106. Salvado arrived in London from Spain on 4 Nov. 1868. he had thirty-three new missionaries from Spain, and he gathered them in London.

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There is another possibility: The archives at New Norcia and Propaganda contain many files of his voluminous correspondence. Salvado was a prolific letter writer with a friend like Abbot Zelli from St. Pauls 363 in Rome he carried on a correspondence that lasted till his death. 364 (Russo. pp.51-52) Russo ended his chapter on Salvados time in Spain between 1867 and 1868 with: The Spanish interlude was over, and Salvado turned to England. (p.105) The next chapter opens with It was the 4th November, 1868, when Salvado arrived in London. If hed acquired bees in Spain, to have taken them with him from London to W.A. three months, he must first have brought them with him from Spain to London by ship, stored them, and then taken them on board for his departure in early February 1869. The bees had before them a voyage of three and a half months. Some of the New Norcia Archives have been microfilmed and are available for research at the Battye Library, Western Australia. I checked the catalogue entries but none fit my target documents. The only recourse to discover Salvados record of the bees passage is a personal research visit to New Norcia or to commission the Archivist to perform research on my behalf. Permission first needs to be obtained from the Abbot to access the private archives. My first target would undoubtedly be Salvados ship board diary.

Senor John Casellas beehouse, 1918

To continue the beekeeping heritage of New Norcia, mention should be made of the missions bee house. From the New Norcia Heritage Trail web site: Originally a single-storeyed wooden structure built by Senor John Casellas, the brickwork and second floor of this unique eight-sided apiary were completed by monks in the late 1930s. It is thought to be based on a design for apiaries popular throughout Europe in the 19th century, and was the work of Dom Urbane Gimenez, who also designed the New Norcia Hotel. Use of the beehouse declined in the second half of this century as salt from the
363 364

St. Pauls Outside-the Walls, Rome Russos footnote references Shenton/Salvado correspondence, 1870 1875; Weld/Salvado, 1869-75, Battye Archives. With my target years being the late 60s, the former can be ignored. Weld also can be eliminated as he was the Governor of W.A. from 1869 and Salvado had not met after his return to W.A. in 1869. (Russo, p.179)

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river gradually destroyed the orchard which once covered this area, forcing the bees to scatter. Then a flood in the early 1960s severely damaged the apiary and honey production ceased altogether. Public access to the Bee house is restricted until funds are available to complete the restoration of this unique building. From another site 365 originally built in 1918 as a single storey beehouse, the second storey addition was completed in 1938 to house a honey factory built by Senor John Casellas.

NORTHERN TERRITORY Three hives of bees for Erickson and Clopenburg, 1882
In the Northern Territory Times and Gazette for 15 April 1882 is the first recorded instance Ive found addressing the 19th century introduction of honey bees into the NT. Mr. V. V. Brown brought out in the steamer Catterthun three hives of bees for Erickson and Clopenburg. These enterprising men will have the credit of their introduction to the Northern Territory. Mr. Brown informs us that they required a great deal of attention on the voyage in supplying them with food; and that great essential, pure water, was indispensable to their preservation. (p.2) Its unclear whether the bees were blacks or Italians or hybrids. The bees approximate arrival is indicated in the Northern Territory Times and Gazette for 1 April 1882 which announced: The E and A Steamship Co.s new and powerful steam ship Catterthun of 3300 tons, Capt. J. Miller will leave Port Darwin for Hong Kong, on or about, Saturday 8th April. For freight or passage apply to V.V. Brown,
365

trails.heritage.wa.gov.au/ht_pdf/NewNorcia.pdf

154

Agent. (p.1) In the same issue of the NT Times The steamship Catterthun sailed on the 30th March, from Sydney for Hong Kong (p.2), stayed overnight in Townville on 4th April, 366 departing Cooktown for Port Darwin on 5th April. 367 The Brisbane Courier for 3rd April provided its ports of call: Townsville, Cooktown and Thursday Island, the ship passing by Moreton Bay at 11:40 am on 1st April. The voyage of no more than nine days was no marathon, but the heat, once north of Moreton Bay, was countered by Browns provision of water. The wreck of the Catterthun is now a popular scuba diving site. xviii

s.s. Catterthun 368

A hive of bees for Hodgson Downs Station, 1896

Another importation of honey bees was announced in the Northern Territory Times and Gazette for 30 October 1896: Mr. Shadforth, one of the passengers by s.s. Taiyuan, brought with him a hive of bees which, he intends to try and acclimatise on Hodgson Downs Station. The wonder is that attempts in this direction are not more frequent, as there seems no good reason why, with proper management, the busy bee should not do as well here as in any other part of the world. (p.2) Part of the ships progress can be found in the Brisbane Courier for 14 October 1896: Taiyuan, s., left Sydney on Monday [12th] for Hongkong, via ports. (p.3) Five days later on the 19th the Brisbane Courier reported Taiyuan, s., left Townsville on Saturday [17th] for Hongkong (p.3) Hodgson Downs Station near Katherine (some 320 klm SSE of Darwin) covers an area of 1,300 square miles, located in

366 367

Brisbane Courier, 5 April 1882, p.2 Northern Territory Times and Gazette for 8 April 1882, p.2 368 flotilla-australia.com/eanda.htm#catterthun-eanda

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Central Arnhem Land. Once landed in Port Darwin the bees undoubtedly faced a difficult overland journey. In the Northern Territory Times and Gazette for 13 May 1924: Harry Shadforth has been lifting breeders for the Northern Agency for their outback stations, for distribution in the vicinity of the various bores, and is well on his way to the Katherine. At stock work Harry is a master man. He combines, with a long experience, more than the ordinary amount of sober intelligence, and can be relied on to see a job through. As a horseman, he can still hold his own, and in the jargon of the bush, is a bonza jockey. (p.1)

s.s. Taiyuan 369

Bees for the Botanical Gardens, 1897

Another inwards shipment of bees was declared in the Northern Territory Times and Gazette for 5 March 1897: It is satisfactory to know that the bees introduced awhile back are fitting themselves very amiably to their new home in the extreme north. Instead however of locating them at Fanny Bay, Mr. Lawrie has made the hive over to Mr Nicholas Holtze, xix Curator of the Botanical Gardens, and with the gardens 370 at their command it is thought the bees should do much better than at the gaol. An expert in bee culture has settled the hive down in proper style, and they are said to be making themselves very much at home. We have no doubt the Curator will show the necessary amount of enthusiasm with regard to his new acquisition. (p.3)

369

Image from manlyquarantine.com/History_1909.htm

370

Some 21 klm from Port Darwin 156

VICTORIA Intense heat destroys hives, Heidelberg, Jan. 1848 Extracted fro the Port Phillip papers, this item appeared in the Maitland Mercury on 22 January 1848: The Weather. - Again we advert to the weather, and the late intense heat so recently experienced in this neighbourhood. A gentleman farmer (Mr. Herring) of Heidelberg, had the whole of his bees completely destroyed, from the circumstance of the honey being literally melted into absolute oil, and drowning nearly the whole of these invaluable insects - every stratagem was had recurrence to by his indefatigable house keeper in endeavouring to save a portion of the honey, by straining it through a bag, but unfortunately every effort proved fruitless. We find the above is not a solitary instance, for even J. H. H. Spencer, Esq., on the Merri Creek, lost three hives. We rather think the wooden hives are not so desirable as the old English straw hive so much in use at home. - Gazette, Jan. 10. An accompanying article stated: Hot Winds. - The thermometer in the coolest place that could be found, on Friday last, at Pascoevale, stood at 103, and at 7 p.m. was 100. The heat of the sun and the violent north sirocco, has very much injured the fruit and forest trees and bushes. The Moreton Bay Courier for 5 February 1848 commented: A great number of bees were destroyed in the neighbourhood of Melbourne; the heat having melted the wax and honey, and drowned the bees. (p.4) Spread of feral bees, Gippsland, 1857, 1860, 1863
An article appeared in The Argus on 24 Nov. 1857 (p.5d) 372 describing great swarms in the bush in Gippsland. The South Australian Advertiser for Thursday 4 October 1860 reported Australian Honey. The bees that are now becoming so numerous in Gipps Land and throughout the valley of the Upper Yarra, are not natives of Australia, but are swarms that have flown away from their owners, or the progeny of such. So great are their numbers in such

372

From the Ballarat Star, also in Sth Australian Advertiser, 4-10-1860, p.3

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localities, that abundance of excellent honey can be, and actually is collected, we are personally aware, by the residents. 373 (p.3) The Courier (Brisbane) for 5 February 1863 carried an article titled Wild Bees in Gipps Land, attributed to the Yeoman: Some idea may be formed as to the number of swarms of wild bees in some of the southwest parts of Gipps Land, from the circumstance that at one station the owner has 27 hives. This stock of bees, he informs us, has been accumulated solely by swarms settling down about the establishment, near to which there are no other human dwellings. It is little more than a quarter of a century 374 since English bees were first introduced by some residents around Melbourne, and as every beekeeper occasionally lost swarms, the forests in the Upper Yarra were soon stocked with them, from the localities in the immediate neighborhood of Melbourne, and from the forests on the Yarra and about Dandenong, the bees, as they multiplied, seem to have spread more towards Gipps Land than north or northeast towards the Goulburn River, for about Western Port and south-west Gipps Land we learn that in the forests, sheltered in hollow trees, they are so numerous that large quantities of honey are annually collected, and that some tons of it can be obtained by regular bee-hunters. (p.4) Under the title Bee Culture, the following lengthy report appeared in the Melbourne Argus for 1 June 1863, and repeated in the Courier (Brisbane) on 11 June: The collector of agricultural statistics fo r the district of South Bourke, in his report to the Registrar-General for 1862 says : The quantity of honey is this year remarkable for its increase. Every cottage now has honey and mead. Bees take to the bush, and I know a small farmer who in one day felled three trees full of bees and honey, which ho saved; and if more care was taken in constructing their apiaries, honey and bees could be turned to more profit than their clumsy management at present realizes: and the collector for Mornington writes as follows: Bee-keeping is worthy of recommendation as an increasingly profitable auxiliary to the farmer's
373

The article continued: There are several varieties of native bees, all without stings, and in many parts of tropical Australia they make delicious aromatic honey. These generally inhabit small dead or decaying trees, which, on the rivers Isaacs and Mackenzie, and along the coast north of the River Fitzroy, are often to be met with, felled by stone tomahawks, as the blacks are very fond of the honey, and look carefully for it. - Victoria Farmers Journal. 374 Giving an approximate year of 1836 or 1837.

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finances. Many persons in Mornington have, during the last season, disposed of quantities obtained from their own and wild hives in the forests, of from five hundred weight to two or three tons of honey saleable wholesale at from 3d. to 6d. a pound, with considerable quantities of wax at from ls. 6d. to 2s. per pound. The wonderfully prolific increase of the imported English bee, and its rapid diffusion throughout the country, has resulted in the fact that in any locality abounding in large old gum trees, and within one or two miles of permanent water supply, situate between the Yarra aud the Gipps Land Plains, the cavities in such trees are more or less densely occupied as hives, from some of which upwards of 150 lb. of honey have been frequently taken; and as swarms are seldom wholly destroyed when the hives are plundered, and each unmolested hive produces here an average of three fresh swarms per annum, the earliest of which often throw off one or two more the same season, and the forests and heathy downs abound almost throughout the year with honey-bearing flowers, there are few sources of income to the rural resident so easily obtainable, self supporting, profitable, and capable of rapid increase, at small outlay; in fact, there is every prospect of such prospective increase in the product of honey and wax in Victoria, as may not only supersede imports, but furnish a considerable surplus for exportation. Swarms removed from treehives to the ordinary boxes in common use, without adequate shelter from extremes of temperature, usually escape to the forest shades, and evince much sagacity of instinct in selection of cool and wellventilated hollows in the limbs or trunks of large old trees. Again, from the collector for Dalhousie, Anglesey, and Rodney, we have the following: Bees are another branch of industry peculiar to farmers here, and I know some farmers, and squatters too, that find a great advantage in rearing them. One person having seventy-live hives assured me that he considered them no inconsiderable part of his stock. (p.3)

Spread of feral bees, Melbourne, 1866

From the American Bee Journal for August 1866: When the European bee was first brought to Australia (about twenty-five years ago) it excited but little interest, as the mass of the people were actively engaged in what were then more profitable pursuits. But the extraordinary rapidity with which the bees multiplied in that mild 159

climate, filling the forests on the heights around Melbourne and in the interior with wild swarms, soon arrested the attention of the gold diggers, and led many of them to engage in bee culture, thereby replenishing their collapsed purses, and reviving their sunken spirits. (p.37)

QUEENSLAND
This section of my document is intended to give an appreciation of the growing prevalence of beekeeping in the 1840s through to the 1860s, not just within Queensland, but without the other colonies as well. By themselves, each insance has some interest value in and of itself, but together, they provide a demonstration of the growing impetus of the spread of bees throughout Queensland, in feral populations but mainly through organised early beekeeping activity. Steam ships played a major role through their ability to conveniently transport hives of bees, not just up and down the east coast, be it to New South Wales and Victoria, but also further afield to South Australia and Western Australia. I recently read about someones thwarted research efforts who lamented the paucity of information about the early spread of bees. The information is there, but buried in minor news stories spread throughout many regional newspapers. It is only as a result of the recent trend to digitise those early newspapers that information is just becoming available to the intrepid researcher. I also read the opinion of someone who declared, in blisfull ignorance, the view that commercial beekeeping had only gained eminence in the 1930s as a result of the availability of modern motor transport. How wrong that view was. In my books there is an example of a commercial apiary born in the 1840s in the Illawarra. I consider the 1880s to be the gold rush or heyday of Australian commercial beekeeping, particularly in the Maitland region and the northern rivers around the Clarence and the Richmomd. As well, the availability of rail transport in the 1880s also provided the facility for Blue Mountains and Sydney beekeepers to relocate to areas in the northern rivers region of NSW such as Woodford. The story of the spread of bees throughout the Australian continent is largely told by the end of the 1850s. Throughout the 1860s and 1870s the references to bees and beekeeping in city and regional newspapers are so prevalent Ive decided not to trespass their territory. The Melbourne based Argus newspaper is, I suspect, a goldmine for future 160

beekeeping research. I leave the years from the mid 1860s to the end of the 1870s to someone else. It may be that in 50 or 100 years time some other person, passionately interested in the history of Australian beekeeping, may take a specific look at that period. Digitisation of Australian newspapers should have made sufficient progress over the next 5 to 15 years to provide sufficient fodder for someone with a similar lust for beekeeping history as has consumed myself.

Moreton Bay, four inwards shipments of hives, 1848

Weatherhead (1986) identified 1851 as the earliest known date for bees being present at Moreton Bay. That year may now be pushed back to 1848. The Tamar, a steamer under master Allen, arrived on 16 July from Sydney. As part of its list of imports detailed in the Moreton Bay Courier for Saturday 22 July 1848 was 1 hive bees, Bigge. The Moreton Bay Courier for Saturday 7 October 1848 reported Bees. Mr. Powers of this town has lately received from Sydney a hive of fine, healthy bees. The season is just coming on for them to lay in their stores, and they are actively engaged in doing so. It is quite a pleasing contrast to see those industrious insects driving such a roaring trade while business is so dull with us. (p.3) The Shipping Intelligence Imports section of the Moreton Bay Courier for Saturday 14 October 1848 listed 1 hive bees, Pickering inbound from Sydney on the Elizabeth Jane, a schooner of 43 tons under master Sterricker. (p.2) The Elizabeth Jane arrived on 8 October, having left Sydney on 27 September, a voyage of 12 days. The Moreton Bay Courier for Saturday 2 December 1848 listed 1 bee-hive, Duncan as part of the inwards cargo of the Elizabeth Jane on 27 November after a 17 day voyage from Sydney. (p.2.) The Moreton Bay Courier for Saturday 12 January 1850 reported It must be pleasing to our readers to remark the steady progress of wealth in these districts. The riches of a nation consist of its productions, and, although trade may appear to be slack in the neighbourhood of the towns, it is cheering to observe that the producers - the bees of the hive - are in a state of activity, and are daily adding to the general stock. (p.2)

Before the Magistrates Bench, Dec. 1855

The Moreton Bay Courier for 15 December 1855 reported police cases before the bench. One involved: Esther Pritchard, by virtue of 161

a search warrant, mailed on the preceding day, was charged with stealing a quantity of honey, the property of Dr. Hobbs. It appeared from the Doctor's statement that on the evening of Monday last some wagons entered his garden, upset three hives, turning the bees adrift, and took away fifty or sixty pounds weight of honey. From information received he applied for a search warrant, and witnesses proved the taking by Esther Pritchard. She was committed for trial at the Circuit Court, to be held on the 21st of January next. At the same time Mary Pritchard, mother of the prisoner Esthor Pritchard, was sentenced to [?] months imprisonment in Brisbane Gaol, for stealing two ducks on the same evening, from Dr. Hobbs, who also made a complaint that his things [?] were gone, and were soon in the possession of Richard Pritchard, the husband and father, and they had somehow been made away with." (p.2) The Moreton Bay Courier for 26 January 1856 reported the outcome of Esthers pilfering. In the Brisbane District Court Esther Pritchard, 16 years of age, was charged with stealing 60 lbs, of honey, the property of Dr. Hobbs, Brisbane, on the 10th December. Dr. Hobus sworn - Resided in Eagle-street in December last. Had three hives of bees. Found the hives upset, missed theo honey, and got a search warrant. Constable Hoar searched prisoner's mothers house, and found the honey produced, which appeared to be clearer then; and took the girl in custody. John Ferguson - Lived next house; saw prisoner with other children in Dr. Hobb's Garden, taking honey from a box. Asked her who gave her authority to destroy other people's property when she replied that it was no business of his; it was not his property; and she took it away. The jury found her guilty, and she was sentenced to be imprisoned in Brisbane gaol for one week. (p.2)

hives of bees for auction, 1860-1861

Of the various auctions to be held on 12 May 1860, Charles Trundle offered 16 hives of bees at the Foresters' Arms, 4 p.m. 375 The Moreton Bay Courier, 23 March 1861, announced hives of bees were to be auctioned by A. Martin, at the City Auction Mart, along with

brandy in bond, the sailing boat Little Nell, household furniture, drapery, hay, white lead, boots, cross-cut saws, a chaff-cutter, flour and sundries.
375

Moreton Bay Courier, 12 May 1860, p.2

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One hive to Captain Cottier, Rockhampton, July 1860

In the Moreton Bay Courier for 26 July 1860, A.J. Hockings was listed as the shipper of a batch of goods for persons in Maryborough, Gladstone, and Rockhampton by this trip of the Tamar. 376 Hockings shipment included casks of trees, bags of potatoes, onions and oats, seeds, cases of fruit and 1 hive bees. (p.2) The Courier for 24 July listed the Tamar departing 23 July, Capt. Cottier. Amongs the manifest was that hive of bees, the consignee being W. Cottier, Rockhampton. From J.T.S.Birds 1904 The Early History of Rockhampton The first steamer to come to Rockhampton was the Tamar, Captain Cottier, which arrived early in 1860 Later on the Clarence was put on the line, Captain Cottier changing into her, whilst the Tamar was taken back to Sydney. Cottier changed into other steamers subsequently. (p.62) From J.G. Battler Pattisons contribution to The Sunday Mail, 27 April 1933, 377 titled 509 Trips all to Rockhampton, 227 in one vessel: The following letter from a correspondent of the Brisbane Courier, republished in the Capricornian of May 26, 1883 will be read with interest by the yet many residents of Rockhampton who remember the days when the only mode of travel to and from Rockhampton and the south was by steamer: - Of those persons who for some years past have been in the habit of travelling by the northern steamer of the A.S.N. Company there must be few who have not at one time or another been indebted for their safe and pleasant journeying to Captain W. Cottier, who from the twenty-nine years of service with the company, twenty-three of which he has passed in the northern trade is justly entitled to rank as commodore of the fleet. In the course of [an] interesting chat with the veteran a few days ago I learned from him that that was his 504th trip frm Brisbane to Rockhampton and that he had taken a steamer 1008 times into and out of Maryborough.

376
377

Refer flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm Both source and date are unsure from Rockhampton and District Historical Society newspaper cuttings file.

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Captain William Cottier, c1938

As may be supposed, many of the vessels which have been under his command have become things of the past. The old Clarence and the Lady Bowen have always been chiefly identified with his name whilst those who knew him when in charge of the Tamar, which was his first ship in these watersand which he took into Rockhampton ten times He made the largest number of trips in the Bowen, namely 227 into and 228 out of Rockhampton, in the Clarence 146, in the Leichhardt (his present ship) 39, in the old Williams 29, in the Queensland 13, and in other ships of the company as follows: Telegraph 8, Maria 2, Collaroy 9, Florence Irving 6, Yarra Yarra 5, Lady Young 5, Katoomba 5. I have troubled you with these few lines as I think it worthy of record we are fortunate in still having, hale and hearty in our midst a man like Cottier, who has rendered good service during twenty-three years to a very large proportion of our population by safely carrying them from port to port. His greatest reward is the knowledge that during that long period he has annually added to the number of those to whom, by his kindness and attention as an officer and frequently as a friend, he has endeared himself , and also earned the respect he deserves for that faithful service he has rendered to the company by whom he has for so long been employed. Another Battler Pattison article appeared in The Sunday Mail, 4 January 1938, this one titled Cottier, Old-Time Skipper. Pattison states 164

Cottier was altogether 30 years on the coast. The ladies of Rockhampton would always wait to travel with Cottier in the Bowen, so safe, you know, my dear. Capt. Cottier delivered hives of bees on several other occasions. The shipping news in the Courier (Brisbane, Qld.) for 29 July 1862, listed Capt. Cottier in command of the steamer Williams 378 on its departure for Rockhampton the previous day. On board were 5 boxes of bees for Smedley. The Courier (Brisbane, Qld.) for 24 March 1863 announced the steamer Clarence 379 for Rockhampton, having departed on the 23rd, Capt. Cottier, with 5 cases of bees for Neils. Another - on the Lady Bowen outbound for Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton on 3 September 1872, the manifest included a clanjamphry of supplies, in part, 2 horses and 1 case of plants for the Acclimatisation Society, and 1 hive bees, Carroll; for the last port of call. 380 Cottiers Tamar, a wooden paddle steamer, was built at Glasgow in 1833. In 1836 she was lengthened to reduce draught, becoming 200 gross tons & 130 net, being 124 ft. long by 16 ft. wide, a passenger capacity of 140 with cabin space for about 70. In 1860, under his command, she began a Queensland Government mail contract, the first ever awarded, and steamed from Brisbane to Rockhampton via Maryborough and Gladstone. 381 The Tamar ended her days xx wrecked in Cabbage Tree Bay, Norah Head, on 11 January 1873.

hives of bees for auction, March, 1861

In the Moreton Bay Courier for 23 March 1861, up for auction by Arthur Martin at the City Auction Mart were three hives of bees, along with boots, cross-cut saws, brandy, flour, a chaff-cutter, household furniture, drapery, hay, white lead and the sailing boat Little Nell. (p.2,3) The Courier for 14 and 16 March advertised 5
378

327 gross tons, 219 net. Lbd: 155' x 20'8" x 11'. Iron paddle passenger steamer, two funnels, built in Glasgow, Purchased by ASN Co October 1862 after they initially chartered her in June to continue their Brisbane Rockhampton run. Refer flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm#williams-asn 379 377 gross tons and Lbd: 176'9" x 23'2" x 10'8". Iron paddle steamer passenger capacity, built in Birkenhead. Wrecked 1st June 1872 off Port Macquarie. Refer http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm#clarence-asn 380 Brisbane Courier, 4 Sept. 1872, p.2 381 library.cqu.edu.au/resources/ebooks/abbay/1_0001-1071.pdf

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hives of bees for auction by Martin on the 16th. Were these a previous and separate lot or had only two been sold and three passed in for subsequent auction?

p.s Williams. Given the large number of people on board, awnings set and flags a flutter, she was likely photographed after commencing summer excursions on 9 Nov. 1872, Queenscliff and Sorrento on Port Phillip Bay.

New England district, 1861

Andrew Murray, station hand and bushman, commenced an expedition to the Mackay district of Queensland from Uralla, NSW, on 31 December 1859. Murrays diary describes his six month expedition with a party of 7 men and an aboriginal boy, led by John McCrossins, from his home near Uralla to Queensland, to take up new country for grazing purposes. Murrays diary entry for Sunday 19 February 1860 382 is useful for its declaration that the English bee had not yet reached the New England: Camped here in the afternoon. Duke discovered what he thought were bees going into a small pipe, near the top of a dead tree. He went up, thinking to get some honey. I may state that there were no native bees in New England and Duke had heard of them but had not seen them and the English bee did not reach that district as at this year. The New England blacks used to go over their boundaries into the Namoi and Tamworth districts after native honey and pipe clay. The tree, although high, was not big and Duke soon felled it with the tomahawk. Muldoon, whilst examining the supposed bees, had
382

The University of New England has transcripts of the diaries. See une.edu.au/heritage/collections/catm.php See also cqhistory.com/wiki/pmwiki.php/People/AndrewMurray

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ample proof of their stinging ability. One flew at and stung him near the eye, I have not forgotten his exclamation!! They were a small variety of hornet with a dark, honey like substance in their nest in a kind of comb. Suffice to say, one small taste of it would last one for a lifetime. I tasted it and suffered very much from its effects during the night. My trusty mate Cameron attended me, till I began to get better. A teaspoon of the substance would, I think, prove fatal. It had a sweetish honeylike taste. The previous day theyd been at Karanga Creek, situated about six miles from Jumbour. Camped on Jingi Creek, known also as Charlie's Creek, it empties into the Condamine. Murrays reminiscences of his second expedition may be found on a web site titled The Wiki of Central Queensland History 383 The arrival of the English bee was not far off: on the bank of the Upper Dawson River Sheep off camp at sunrise, grass better t han usual, country dry and sound. Passed "Burnda" station about 1/2 a mile from camp and 1/2 a mile from thence came to the crossing place of the Dawson. A good stream of water in its sandy bed. Sheep crossed well, country still passably good. Silver leafed iron bark, red gum, etc. Saw whilst shepherding, a solitary English bee, the first seen since leaving New England where they arrived in 1861. Like the station men, they have pushed out north 400 miles, since then I looked long, but failed to discover a nest. It was perhaps a solitary straggler, like the stock, the Australian drought kills the bees off every few years, when good years come, they spread out again only to meet the same fate over and over again.

Honey from bee trees, Gregory River, 1861

While exploring the web 384 in late 2006 I located an apparent 1863 reference on the establishment of honey bees in Australias forest systems. This historical reference appeared within a report prepared for the Australian beekeeping industry, titled The Economic Value and Environmental Impact of the Australian Beekeeping Industry 385 Relevant to my interest I extracted the following: The Australian honey bee had its origins in successful introductions in

383 384

cqhistory.com/wiki/pmwiki.php/People/AndresMurrayII honeybee.org.au/economics.htm 385 Authors Diana M H Gibbs, B Sc(Hons), M Env Stud and Ian F Muirhead, B Agr Sc, M Agr Sc, PhD, February 1998

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New South Wales in 1822 386 and Western Australia in 1866. 387 Over the last 170 years it has become naturalized - in all but perhaps the most arid areas - from Cape York to Tasmania and from the east to the west coast. By the mid-1800s, xxi honey bees were established in the forest systems of much of Australia (Laurie, 1863). 389 There is anecdotal evidence that by the late 1860s 390 settlers were augmenting diet and income by harvesting honey from feral honey bee colonies. Feral honey bees supplied the stock from which small apiaries were established, giving rise to the honey bee industry in Australia 391 (Briggs, personal communication). Around the same time I located another report referencing Laurie 1863, published in 1997 392 by the University of New England. It supplies As early as 1863, the spread of feral honeybees over much of Australia was apparent (Laurie, 1863) although there are no clear accounts of the rate of dispersion. With a little research I was able to push back the 1863 date to December 1861. Through the assistance of librarians at both Caloundra and Canberra and the resulting inter-library loan from the National Library of Australia, the actual source for the minimal attribution of Laurie 1863 was identified and the relevant extract obtained. Authored by J.S. Laurie, and published by Murley, Simpkin and Marshall in London, 1863, is Landsboroughs Exploration of Australia from Carpentaria to Melbourne, with special reference to the settlement of available country. From one web site 393 I learned that Landsboroughs expedition diary was published in 1862 as the Journal of Landsboroughs Expedition from Carpentaria in search of
386 387

I questioned the success of the 1822 introduction in my 2006 Volume III. Not stated where the year 1866 was sourced. 389 Refer web site honeybee.org.au/economics.htm 390 The anecdotal evidence is not accurate. I would push the late 1860s back to the 1830s for both Van Diemens Land and New South Wales. Refer my Volumes I, II and III. 391 This observation is partly true, but the commentator was unaware of the existence of commercial apiaries in the 1830s (eg., Clayton of Van Diemens Land and Alexander Berry of Coolangatta Estate) sourced from imported hives. See particularly my Volume III for details. 392 Honeybees reduce fitness in the pioneer shrub Melastoma affine (Melastomataceae) by Gross, C.L. & Mackay, D. 393 burkeandwills.net.au/Explorers/Relief%20Parties/landsborough.htm

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Burke and Wills. 394 The observations upon bees in those far northern forests actually took place in 1861, not 1863 as inferred by the reports authors. I dispute the conclusions drawn from Lauries 1863 personal observations. Such research, where merely apparent facts are utilised without even a cursory attempt at confirmation, is not recommended. I think because the year 1863 was illustrative enough for their purposes, in that it was over 100 years ago, and its precision, or lack thereof, give or take ten, twenty or even fifty or more years, being sufficient to their argument, was deployed with no further thought as to its historical accuracy, nor to those who might later rely upon the facts within their work. The following quote comes from Laurie (p.42), within a description of Landsboroughs search for water with Jemmy, one of the expeditioners: Our only halts were for the purpose of stalking a kangaroo, in which we were unsuccessful, and of procuring a honeycomb from a hollow tree.* The associated * footnote provides Wild honey is common in the bush: the pasturage is abundant and the bees find a convenient domicile in hollow trees. The English domestic bee is rapidly spreading over Australia and has already, in many places, particularly displaced 395 the indigenous one; for the simple reason, that the former yields a honey harvest twenty times in excess of that of the latter. The blacks are marvelously cunning in tracing the flight of the bee to his hive. Sometimes they adopt the expedient of catching one, and loading him with as much down as he can carry, so as to follow his homeward track with the greater ease. Be aware that the footnote was authored by Laurie and is not attributable to Landsboroughs observations, based on the contents of his journal, from which Lauries account was compiled. Laurie rewrote Landsboroughs journal, which reads like a surveyors note book, into a novel like narrative. The journal for Tuesday, 4 Dec.

394

Refer Project Gutenberg web site burkeandwills.net.au/Journals/Landsboroughs%20Journal/dec61.htm 395 In context, the verb displaced does not appear to mean the native bee was biologically displaced, but merely rendered secondary as a source of honey by honey searchers.

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1861, at camp number 14 on the Gregory River, 396 records he left camp in search of water around 8am. Later that day At 12.48 made a quarter of a mile south-west up the creek, and marked a tree in its bed. Fisherman 397 got some honey from a tree. not having found either water or grass since leaving Number 14 camp, we started to return at 5.5. We reached our honey delay tree in about two miles and threequarters. Jemmy, it seems, was determined to satisfy his appetite for honey, given Landsboroughs honey delay tree comment. Jemmy 398 located more honey on Monday 9 Dec. At 1.32 made two miles and a half east-north-east, chiefly over ridges of a character like those I have previously described, to a watercourse which I have named Burrows Creek; its course is easterly. At 1.52 made threequarters of a mile east-north-east to a tree from which Jemmy got some honey. I question whether Landsboroughs honeycomb was actually that of the European bee. Did he merely use the European term for what was named by the aborigine as sugar-bag, the honey of the native stingless bee. European settlement of northern Queensland was then only in its earliest days. If Jemmys honey was produced by feral European dark bees, how did they reach this distant north-west corner of Queensland by 1861? I doubt theyd managed to migrate north from New South Wales from Sydney or coastal settlements such as Newcastle 399 or Port Macquarie. Could they have radiated west and north from introduced domesticated hives from Moreton Bay, or Queenslands more northern settlements. But how many years would this have taken, given Landsboroughs honey delay tree was some 2200 kilometers from Brisbane and 1150 kilometers from Townsville. The closest settlement to Jemmys sweet diversion is Burketown on the Albert River, however it was not settled until 1865. From the Burke Shire Council Gulf history web site 400 Over the next three
396

From its origin in the Northern Territory, the Gregory River flows through Queensland's arid Gulf Savannah before joining with the Nicholson River and streaming into the Gulf of Carpentaria. Refer web site http://wildrivers.org.au/rivers/gulf/gregory_river 397 Fisherman was an aborigine 398 In the journal for MondayNov.25, Jemmy is described as the trooper, being a Native Mounted Trooper 399 Honey was exported from Newcastle to New Zealand in the early 1850s 400 burkeshirecouncil.com/gulf_history.htm

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years 401 the stations of Gregory Downs, Floraville, Beames Brook and others 402 were taken up in the Gulf. It was obvious that a town and port was needed in the Gulf. Towns and Company chartered a small vessel the Jacmel Packet 403 and on 12 June, 1865 it arrived off the mouth of the Albert River. The goods were eventually landed on the present site of Burketown. By September 1865 the population was about 40. Also from the Burke Shire Council Gulf history web site 404 The Albert River was central to the colonial settlement of the region. Expectations of its use were greater than the limitations on large vessels entering allowed, imposed by the bar at the river mouth and the channel depth. The new runs in the Gulf needed to be stocked, and in June 1865 the Jacmel Packet of 115 tons, listed as the first schooner to enter the Albert, laden with her ...wide assortment of cargo, including pigs, dogs, fowls, horses, and stores, drays and rations of rum and other spirits..., 405 arrived from Sydney. 406 Bees too may have been part of the cargo, but too late to explain honeycomb from European bees in 1861 in far north-west Queensland. If European honey bees were to reach such a remote corner of Queensland, then, rather their dispersal overland over great distances, they were probably brought up the coast by steam ship at the request of station owners. If the Jacmel Packet in 1865 could transport pigs, dogs, fowls and horses from Sydney to the remote Albert River in the Gulf, then small ships servicing other settlements such as Mackay,
401 402

in context, from May 1862 A list of the earliest Gulf stations provides Canobie and Sorghum Downs in 1864, Gregory Downs, Floraville, Beames Brook, Ifley, Donors Hill, Tempe Downs, Uralla, Milungera and Fort Bowen for 1865. 403 Despatched by Robert Towns 404 burkeshirecouncil.com/old_wharf.htm 405 This quote was attributed to McInnes, A (1985) The last Voyages of Firefly and Captain Kirby R.Hist.Soc. Q. p.279 of pp.264-282 406 Refer web site http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A060315b.htm With J. G. Macdonald and (Sir) John Robertson, Towns also took up and stocked stations on the Gulf of Carpentaria. They founded Burketown on the Albert River in 1865, dreaming of a flourishing port closer to the world markets than those of the older colonies. That year Towns & Co. dispatched the first vessel from Sydney to the Albert

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Bowen, Townsville or Cairns could equally have done the same with hives of bees.

Captain Robert Towns, c1873 407

An Immigrants view of Queensland, 1862

The Courier (Brisbane, Qld.) for 14 July 1862 carried a letter from a settler containing an immigrants view on Queensland. I have got a couple of sacks of flour, a cow, a couple of horses to ride, and eleven hives of bees. When I think of the state of Lancashire, I do feel for the dear old friends I have left behind. The misery at home this winter must have been awful, and the end of it, when will that be? I would recommend all who can to come out here. If could possibly raise the money and pay their own passage, when they arrived they would have thirty six acres of land given to them for nothing, and after they had been here two years they would get twelve acres more each. Ah, ye poor factory people of -, if you could but see how comfortable your old friends are out here, you would make haste to be with us. This I can tell you, that some of the persons who once worked at B-'s mill for a few shillings per week are now worth their hundreds of pounds. I know one who has got a thousand pounds in the bank, and in addition to this he has his farm and horses and cattle. Two others are proving themselves to be first rate men of business, and, unless I am greatly mistaken, are in a fair way for making their fortunes. There are some who have not done much, through bad speculations; but, thank God, we are far away from want and poverty - from relieving officers and poor-houses. Our hearts are not, as it were, pierced through to the very core by the sight of misery and distress on every hand. The great bulk of us live on our own farms or in our own houses, and I can literally sit under my own vine and fig tree with all the pride of an Englishman, and, I hope, with all the gratitude of a
407

State Lib NSW

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Christian. And, mind you, it is within the reach of all who have a mind to be industrious and sober. I am now in my seventh colonial year, and what I write is the calm, deliberate, and sober truth. You know me too well to believe that I would lead you or any one astray. To all that can come, I would say - Come. Be prepared to meet difficulties and to submit to a few temporary privations, and with a 'willing, strong right hand,' a sober character, and courage determined not to yield to obstacles that come across your path, and you will, you must, succeed in lifting yourself far higher in the social scale than you would ever think or dream of at home. I do from my heart pity the factory population of Lancashire."

An Ipswich swarm, 1863

In the Courier (Brisbane, Qld.) for 6 February 1863 Bees Swarming: On Tuesday morning a large flight of bees, apparently ready for swarming, might have been observed opposite this office, followed by two or three individuals with tinkling bells, endeavoring to get the little honey providers to assemble in globe, 408 so that they might be swept into a hive; but the last we saw of them would lead us to suppose that they turned a deaf ear to the charmer, charmed be never so wisely. (p.2)

German Settlers, 1863

Ive extracted the following from a lengthier article in the Courier (Brisbane) for 17 January 1863: The real worth of many things may be often enough talked about, and even widely known; yet, somehow, people don't care to trouble themselves about making use of them, and this is the case with bees. They thrive to a remarkable degree here, but the German settlers are nearly the only parties who seem to appreciate their value. The rich and ever-flowering vegetation in the scrubs, and the numerous varieties of nourishing gum-trees, wattles, &c., enable the little industrious workers to gather honey all the year round. I know a small farmer, who has over thirty hives; he sells the honey at sixpence per lb., and the wax he sells to people at less than one-half its value, and they use it with their tallow in making candles. Young

408

ie., to form a cluster

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hives he sells at 10s. each, and he has cleared from 25 to 30 a year by them for those last three years. 409

German shipping advertisement, 1890s 410

409

I found this web page very interesting: German Settlement in Queensland in the 19th Century: teachers.ash.org.au/dnutting/germanaustralia/e/queensland.htm 410 Borrowed from web page teachers.ash.org.au/dnutting/germanaustralia/e/beitrag19.htm Also, Google this Austalian pioneer settlers from Germany

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NEW ZEALAND William Brown, Auckland, Feb. 1840

I first became aware of William Brown of Auckland in 1995 after I visited octogenarian Chris Dawson in Rangiora. We had a shared interest in early Australasian beekeeping history. In 2007 I decided to revisit my collection of research papers and rediscovered one Dawson supplied document part of an unpublished manuscript by R.S. Walsh, 411 titled Historical Bee Strains in New Zealand. 412 I found therein In 1840 two hives of bees were imported from Sydney together with many varieties of fruit trees by William Brown of Browns Island, in Aucklands Hauraki Gulf. I decided to see if I could discover more. Firstly, I searched the library catalogue for Lincoln University but found no entries for R. S. Walsh. However, in the catalogue of the National Library of New Zealand I found a single entry for Robert Sylvan Walsh (1906-) titled Handbook of New Zealand nectar and pollen sources. 413 The books cover identifies him as :Apiculturist, Dept. of Agriculture, Auckland. Chris may have come into contact with Robert Walsh, given they both worked and/or lived in the vicinity of Christchurch and they had a shared interest in beekeeping and breeding queen bees. Next, I checked the catalogue of the National Library of New Zealand to see if anything was held on Brown I found hed written one of New Zealands earliest books, titled New Zealand and its aborigines: being an account of the aborigines, trade, and resources of the

411

A handwritten annotation indicates Walsh was a Lincoln University staff member c1970 412 The page numbering 25-27 suggests the three pages in my possession were part of a larger manuscript. 413 Published Upper Hutt, New Zealand Beekeepers Association, 1967, pp.56

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colony, and the advantages it now presents as a field for emigration and the investment of capital. 414 A few questions arose for me regarding Browns bees: did he personally bring them from Sydney? On what ship did they arrive and when? Maybe there were, I thought, some clues in his book. Brown was bee aware for he wrote, 415 under the section titled Rapid Increase in Bees: In addition to the main sources of revenue of the New Zealand settler, - though at first sight of trifling import, - it is proper to mention, as I am not aware of the circumstance having previously been brought before the public, that New Zealand, in an extraordinary degree, seems adapted for bees, and large exports of honey and wax may yet be expected from it. To give some idea of the rapidity of increase, I may mention that a friend of mine, in January 1844, received one hive from Sydney, which by the 20th of December following had increased to twelve swarms, all very vigorous, and being rapidly filled with honey, and additional swarms were expected before the end of the season. In another instance, one hive in ten months produced six swarms; and within the same period one of these also swarmed, thus converting the original hive into seven, within ten months. Two of these yielded twenty-six pounds of honey. In another case, a hive of seven months old swarmed, and a fortnight afterwards swarmed a second time. These instances are, of course, extreme cases, but it may fairly be expected that each hive will swarm at least seven times in the course of the year. The wild flowers afford excellent nourishment for the bees, and from the blossom of the flax plant, and the pohutukawa tree in particular, honey may, absolutely, be collected in pints, without the assistance of bees at all. Unfortunately, Brown made no mention of his two 1840 Sydney sourced hives; neither did Robert Walsh in his c1970 manuscript provide the source for his observation upon Browns two imported hives. In the process of advertising his disgust with the behaviour of the New Zealand Company and Government officers in inducing emigration to New Zealand, he provided one fact on his residence in Australia: I have been myself a victim of the grossly exaggerated and
414

published in London by Smith & Elder, 1845 (pp,320). A full copy of this book may be viewed at the Early New Zealand Books web site 415 page 199

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deceitful statements which were made use of to force emigration to South Australia, where I spent ten months of misery; and I have subsequently witnessed, in the case of others, similar sufferings in Port Phillip, Sydney, and even in New Zealand, in which last I have been since the foundation of the Colony. In this experience I have, therefore, seen too much misery to wish to induce one person to emigrate against his inclinations, far less have I any desire to excite extravagant hopes, or to exaggerate any advantages; but should I have been betrayed into error in this latter respect, let it rather be ascribed to the pleasure which I feel in making my first favourable statement regarding the Colony, than to any intention to deceive. (p.8)

Campbell and Brown in Australia, 1839-40

From a passenger list web site, 416 the barque Palmyra, some 400 tons, under the command of Captain P. Brown, left Greenock on 20th July 1839, arriving Port Adelaide 417 on Tuesday 29th October, carrying passengers intended for Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. William Brown and his wife had left Dundee aboard the three-masted barque Indus, under Captain W. Clark, 418 arriving Adelaide some nine months earlier on 17th January 1839. 419 At Adelaide William Brown and his wife joined the Palmyra and made friends with John Logan Campbell, the ships young surgeon. They parted at Sydney as the Browns were planning to relocate to New Zealand. Campbell remained to research sheep farming but was cured of this intention after an inland tour of New South Wales during a drought stricken

416 417

slsa.sa.gov.au/fh/passengerlists/1839Palmyra.htm Campbell is incorrectly listed as having disembarked at Adelaide. This cannot be correct as Campbell continued on to Sydney where he parted from his new friend, William Brown. 418 Parsons (1999), p.105 419 slsa.sa.gov.au/fh/passengerlists/1839Indus.htm

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summer. He left Australia in March 1840 New Zealand. 421

420

on the Lady Lilford for

From the online An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, 1966, 422 I located the biographical entry for Sir John Logan Campbell. At the age of 22 as opportunities for settlement were offering in Australia, he decided to emigrate there, and sailed in the Palmyra as ship's doctor on 3 July 1839, arriving in Australia later that year. After spending some time in the Bathurst and Lachlan districts, Campbell decided against settling in Australia, and sailed for New Zealand in the Lady Lilford, arriving at Coromandel on 13 April 1840. 423 424

420

Web site yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlists/ladylilford.html gives a departure date from Sydney of 5 March 1840, arriving Wellington 16 March, under Captain Kermath (Kermoth?) Source: The New Zealand Gazette, 2 May 1840; The Commercial Journal, 7 Mar 1840. It lists Dr. Campbell among eight other cabin passengers and 17 or 20 unlisted in steerage. Nicholson (1881) supports this with the Lady Lilfords stay in Sydney between 6 Jan. and 5 Mar. (p.231) 421 Refer Auckland City Council website states the Palmyra with Campbell aboard arrived at the Waitemata Harbour in New Zealand on New Years Day 1840. This is inconsistent with: (1) his reported departure on the Lady Lilford over two months later, and (2) from Poenamo, Campbell was still aboard the Palmyra in Sydney on 30 Dec. 1839. Another error, this passenger list web site infers Campbell bought land at One Tree Hill in 1848 the correct year was 1841. 422 teara.govt.nz 423 geocities.com Gives an arrival date of 13 April 1840 at Kororareka in the Bay of Islands. Sourced from Campbell, Sir John Logan., (1881) Poenamo Golden Press, in association with Whitcombe & Tombs Ltd. Interestingly, this site lists, sourced from Poenamo, an ex-convict named Abraham who stole Campbell's pigs, presumably from Browns Island; as well as the Dart, a 10 ton topsail schooner, which in Sept. and/or Dec. 1840 transported pigs to Browns Is. Campbell described the Dart, an undecked schooner, as a tub: The little tub Dart had her sails loose, all ready, waiting for the supercargo to go on board (p.289). Campbell subsequently relates he purchased 60 pigs. 424 Refer also The New Zealand Gazette, 2 May 1840; The Commercial Journal, 7 Mar 1840; these give a date of departure from Sydney 5 March 1840 arriving Wellington 16 March. On board was De. Campbell, in cabin. Refer also http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlists

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Lady Lilford, c1860 425

I also looked to the online Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (DNZB). 429 William Brown (1809-98) is described as Merchant, writer, newspaper proprietor, politician and provincial superintendent. William Brown was born probably in Dundee, Angus, Scotland, in 1809 or 1810. After studying law he was admitted as a Writer to the Signet. 430 He did not practice for long in his homeland. In 1839 he and his wife, Jessie Smith, settled in Adelaide waiting to buy what he considered to be overpriced land in a misgoverned colony. In disgust, in late 1839, he and his wife caught the Palmyra to Sydney, where Brown proposed to trans-ship for New Zealand. He arrived at the Bay of Islands on 2 February 1840. On the Palmyra he had made friends with John Logan Campbell, whom he met again, by chance, in Coromandel in April. The two Scots joined forces, and on 22 May 1840 bought Motukorea, or Browns Island, from Ngati Tama-Te-Ra. On 13 August they shifted to their island. When Auckland was proclaimed capital, as they had expected, they decided to become merchants there. Thus began a partnership which lasted for over three
425

http://images.slsa.sa.gov.au/mpcimg/12310/B12244.htm Mortlock Pictorial Collection, State Library of South Australia 429 www.dnzb.govt.nz 430 From the online Classic Encyclopaedia http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/Writers_To_The_Signet Writers to the Signet, Scotland - a society of law agents corresponding to solicitors in England.

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decades, though based on no more than an informal handshake on a shingle beach at Motukorea. Browns movements did permit him time to acquire some hives of bees in Sydney: - from his arrival in South Australia on 17th January 1839 and his residence there for some ten months - the arrival of his future business partner, John Logan Campbell in Port Adelaide on 29th October 1839 431 Brown then joined him on the Palmyra for Sydney - the Palmyras arrival at Port Phillip 432 on 24th November 1839 its departure for Sydney ten days later on 4th December 433 - its arrival in Sydney on 14th December 434 435 436 - and Browns arrival in NZ on 2nd February 1840. 437 Given the average voyage time across the Tasman was then around seven days 438 Brown had, from his arrival until around 26th January (the deduced date of his departure from Sydney), some six weeks in Sydney 439 to locate and purchase some hives. Had this occurred then from Walshs observation that Brown imported two hives from Sydney, it could be inferred he accompanied them to NZ in late January 1840. For Walsh, apparently a Lincoln University academic, to make his statement regarding
431

Parsons, Ronald (1999) Migrant Ships for South Australia, 1836-1866. Gould Books, Gumeracha. (p.129) quotes The Register, 2 Nov. 1839 432 From the Migrant Ships Arriving in Victoria 1837-1862 web site members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/shipping/mig-vic.htm 433 Syme, Marten A. (1984) Shipping Arrivals and Departures, Victorian Ports, Vol. 1, 1798-1847. Roebuck, Melbourne. (p.40) 434 The Palmyra remained in Sydney until 24th January 1840. Nicholson, Ian Hawkins (1963, 1964, 1977, 1981) Shipping Arrivals and Departures, Sydney, 1826-40. Roebuck, Canberra. (p.230) 435 from Campbells 1881 Poenamo, p.38, he remained on the docked Palmyra for two weeks until 30th December 1839: The kind captain allowed me to remain on board as long as I was in Sydney. The last day but one in the year of 1839 I shook hands with him and started in the mail-cart for Bathurst over the Blue Mountains. I was off to connections away beyond the Bathurst Plains, away to the Lachlan River, to initiate myself into the mysteries of runs, maiden ewes, wethers, and stock in general, to feel my way towards my new path in life, and determine my future career. The full version of the book may be found at enzb.auckland.ac.nz 436 from Nicholson (1981) the Palmyra remained in Sydney until 24th Jan. 1840. Its possible Brown re-boarded the Palmyra for his voyage to NZ. 437 online Dictionary of New Zealand Biography 438 freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~nzbound/tasman_migration.htm 439 Say from 15th Dec. 1839 to 25th or 26th Jan. 1840

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Browns bees, must have had access to some original historical document. Unfortunately, whatever he found remains to be discovered.

Campbell and Brown in NZ, 1840-41

Here he was met by William Webster, an American trader, and by William Brown whom he had first met on the Palmyra. Brown purchased the island of Motukorea, where on 13 August 1840 he and Campbell took up residence, remaining there until after the founding of the capital. Quick to see possibilities in the new capital, they decided to set up as merchants and commission agents; on 21 December 1840, therefore, they came to town, pitched their tent near the beach at Commercial Bay and began business. In due course they built business premises in Shortland Crescent, and in O'Connell Street built Acacia Cottage 440

The three masted barque Palmyra 441 442 443

440 441

An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, 1966 slsa.sa.gov.au/fh/passengerlists/1839Palmyra-ship.jpg 442 Image believed to be from Campbell, J. L (1881) Poenamo, sketches of the early days of New Zealand, romance and reality of Antipodean life in the infancy of a new colony, Williams and Norgate, London 443 An image (photo-mechanical print) by Cuthbert Charles Clarke (1818-63) of a fully rigged, three-masted sailing ship (sailing in the moonlight, with the moonlight reflected on the water) from the Alexander Turnbull Library is believed to be that of the Palmyra, c1852. Catalogued as PUBL-0194-037

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When Campbell relocated from Motu korea to the site of the new capital aboard the Dart, along with his tent: The inventory of effects had not been an arduous task; for the senior, wise in his generation, and in the knowledge of the supreme greenness of his junior partner, had deemed that all that was necessary for him in the establishing the name of the firm was a couple of three-legged pots, a quart tin pot, and a pannikin, which, by a figure of speech, might be said to represent the hardware department; the soft goods department was as yet only represented by the contents of the junior's personal effects in his sea-chest; and as to the provision department - well, there was a little tea and sugar to the good, with some kits of potatoes and a few junks of corned pork. The stock-in-trade of a general merchant in the days which I depict in a newly-formed settlement was of the character graphically summed up in the old phrase, "from a needle to an anchor." 444 There was no mention of bees.

Motu korea Browns Island, 1840

A NZ Government web site 448 states Brown and his partner John Logan Campbell bought Motukorea (Browns Island) in 1840 for pig breeding, and built a house on the island. A web site 449 addressing the Hauraki Gulf describes Browns Island as A low volcanic hill of 60 hectares at the mouth of the Tamaki River. Named Motukorea (island of the pied oystercatcher bird) by Maori The failure or success of Browns bees on their island purchase, Motukorea, remains unknown. I found no evidence of the presence of bees in Campbells interesting account 450 of their first tour of the island. Whilst our open-air toilet was being performed, the Maories were launching the canoe for us into deep water, the tide having left it high and dry on the beach. As we took our places in the canoe, Tartar - for the good old Kanini had given us the hound as a parting gift scrambled in, and wished to make one of the party; but as he might, by jumping on the side, make the canoe rather unsteady for safe paddling, we dispensed with his company and made him jump out again. Seeing that the canoe skirted inshore, he scampered along the beach in close attendance. In the course of a couple of hours we had
444 448

Poenamo (1881), p.330 doc.govt.nz/templates/page.aspx?id=34249 449 eaglemagic.co.nz/hauraki_gulf.html 450 Poenamo, 1881

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made the complete circuit of our little sea-girt possession, and had explored every little bay. We sat down on a scoria stone with a keen relish for our breakfast. Pork and potatoes never tasted better--tea was hardly wanted to wash down the meal. A good wholesome appetite, whetted by our morning's paddle, had also a relish given to it by the knowledge of what our morning's excursion had disclosed to us, for we were enchanted with all we had seen along the shore of the island, and we were in full hope that our inland exploration would confirm our first impression that we had fallen on quite a little prize, and that our new and lonely home would excel our fondest hopes and expectations. (p.241) As we walked round the crater margin we could survey, lying at our feet, the whole of our little seagirt possession, and we were as proud of it as if it had been a small kingdom instead of a speck of an island of some hundred and fifty acres, for such proved to be its area. We were surprised and delighted to find that there was a good deal of level land, for when passing the island it looked as if there were little save the crater-hill arising from the water. We now saw, however, that fine rich land lay all around the base of the hill, and quite a long level flat stretched away from one end towards the mainland. Altogether it was a lovely place - pretty little bays were inclosed [sic.] by picturesque headlands, all having some distinctive peculiarity. Then there arose from the level land near the base of the crater several little sugarloaf hills covered with rich brushwood. These hills could only have been formed by some immense shower of ashes vomited forth by the volcano, which, coming down vertically, had concentrated on one spot, forming these small pyramids. One thing afforded us immense satisfaction - we saw a small pool of water in the centre of the level land. Old Kanini had told us of a spring on the eastern shore, but had not said anything about water in the centre of the island. The landscape from all points of view appeared to us as lovely then as it does now, and when you return with me to that far-off land, my children, you shall one day stand on the same spot and feast your own eyes on the landscape. We saw Orakei Bay and behind the bay arose Mount Remuera, from which we had first seen and coveted Motu Korea, and now, behold! we stood on Mount Motu Korea the owners of the soil, and 183

our hopes were realised that we should pitch our tent on its shore and abide the wished-for event - the foundation of the capital of the colony by the Crown of Britain. Descending from our high estate, we began exploring all the bays from the land point of inspection, having already done so by water, so as to determine the best locality in which to raise the roof-tree of our future home. We finally fixed upon a spot with a snug little beach, protected on each side by a reef - very necessary for our canoe, for it was the most valuable of all our worldly possessions. From this spot, too, the mainland could be soonest reached, so we determined that here we would have our whare built - provided we succeeded in procuring water, for which we should be obliged to sink a well. Sunset saw two great landed proprietors monarchs of all they surveyed - And that same day that Motu Korea was born to them, the day that they walked from sunrise to sunset over their own broad acres, that day saw those great lords of the soil for the first time in their lives acting as their own cooks and getting their own dinner! And in after-life they actually boasted of having arrived at this menial degradation! (p.246-9) So we discounted our new situation to the following conclusion: That the capital taihoa question had faded away towards the end of the year; that we must be up and doing, and not taihoa-ing 451 and letting the fern grow under our feet; that the only one thing we could do was to stock our island with the only edible animal that existed in the land, and which, of course, would be in demand as soon as there was a capital and citizens to inhabit it, who would require supplies of daily food. So we determined to convert the island into a pig-station - make a pigrun of it; and in due course of time we might look forward to being able to paddle our own canoe, with our own reared pigs, to a capital market, somewhere, we hoped, in sight of our own island. We told Pama, on his return to Waiou, to send a message to a certain Pakeha who owned a small undecked schooner to find his way to Motu Korea, as we wanted him on a pig-purchasing expedition; and so away went Pama.
451

no hurry New Zealand usage, used to tell somebody to slow down, wait, or be patient for a short while to delay action or work until another day

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Our mansion was now approaching completion, and only wanted the second coat of raupo lining, when one day a canoe arrived with a message that the Ngatitais 452 must put in an appearance somewhere or other at a "tangi." 453 This summons was imperative; the rapidity with which our friends bundled their traps and themselves into their canoe was enough to make any one believe they had for ever forsworn taihoa, and expunged the word from their language. They made such precipitate tracks that we could only get one word out of them when we anxiously demanded when they would be back to finish their work, and that one word, what; could it be but Taihoa? And that taihoa remained taihoa for evermore. They never came back to finish the house, and it never was finished. Strange events happened that caused us never to require that that house should be finished, and it never was either by us or any one else. (p.284-6) Had Browns bees survived on Motu korea I wonder if they were subsequently transferred from their island to the grounds of the new cottage above the new capitals shores?

Acacia Cottage, Auckland, June 1841

Among the various papers presented at a meeting of the Royal Society of New Zealand 454 held on 2nd November 1891 was a Note to accompany a Specimen of Kauri Timber taken from a Cottage erected more than Fifty Years ago 455 delivered by John Logan Campbell. The accompanying piece of kauri timber was this day the 24th October, 1891 in my presence and in the presence of the Curator of the Auckland Museum, taken from the front wall of a cottage standing on the business premises of Brown, Campbell, and Co., Shortland Street, and was then and there handed over to the Curator. The cargo of timber from which the cottage was built was purchased by me in February, 1841, at the sawpits in Whangaroa and Tutukaka Harbours, and was put on board the schooner Black Joke, which I had chartered to bring it to Auckland. It was all carried up from the beach in Commercial Bay by myself and partner, William Brown.
452 453

Ngati: A new Zealand Maori clan or tribe New Zealand usage, a Maori funeral ceremony and the feast that accompanies it 454 Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand 18681961, Volume 24, 1891, pp.706-7 455 natlib.govt.nz/volume/rsnz_24/rsnz_24_00_005160.html

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We became the purchasers of the allotment on which the cottage stands at the first Government land-sale, which took place on the 19th and 20th April, 1841. The cottage was first occupied on the 24th June of the same year. In case of accident by fire consuming the house, this piece of weatherboard has been removed, and is now presented to the Museum to testify to the durability of heart of kauri after fifty years and four months' exposure to sun, wind, and rain. The cottage is still in a perfectly sound condition, and is occupied by the firm's storeman and family. Such was Campbells description of the birth of Acacia Cottage, 456 Auckland's oldest wooden house, sited at the foot of One Tree Hill. From DNZB Just before Christmas 1840 Brown dropped Campbell, as junior partner, with a tent and a few stores, on the southern shore of the Waitemata Harbour. Two months later the Browns followed. At the first Crown land sale, on 19 April 1841, the partners bought an allotment in Shortland Crescent, and built Acacia Cottage, the Browns' home. On the street frontage a store was erected. The firm of Brown and Campbell soon prospered, with the partners acting as auctioneers, shipping agents, importers, and (most remunerative) traders with the Maori. 457 Brown was an acute observer He was also a talented businessman. Yet Brown, a short, dark, bespectacled man, seemed not particularly distinguished. Early impressions deceived. He exemplified, said one fellow pioneer, the old adage that 'quiet waters run deep'. He possessed a surprising range of interests and enthusiasms Ambitious and sanguine by nature, he was a dashing speculator. He was also a politician to his fingertips. The title page of Browns New Zealand and its aborigines identified Brown as Lately a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand. Was he, at least in the early days of 1840, the first beekeeper in Auckland? Whether Browns bees prospered or not, bees were certainly firmly established in Auckland by 1846. The following advertisement 458

456 457

View a picture at beds-n-leisure.com/Auckland.htm Stone, R. C. J. 'Brown, William 1809/1810? - 1898'. Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, updated 22 June 2007 URL: http://www.dnzb.govt.nz/ 458 My thanks to Chris Dawson of Rangiora, 25 klm north of Christchurch, who in 1995 provided me with the hand written extract. It was not until

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appeared in The New Zealand Journal for June 6 & 14, 1846: To be let or sold The beautiful villa, situated near Epsom, the property of J. Scott, Shortland Street. The ground contains 3 acres, substantially fenced in with new palings, & consists of a superior clover paddock in front of the house a garden & well stocked orchard in the rear and a 3 acre field, newly sewn with grass & clover. The dwelling house consists of 4 spacious rooms & a handsome verandah front stabling for 4 horses, a well of water, and 16 double beehives, with every other requisite for a gentlemans family.459 Even in 1852 the spread of honeybees continued through the expansion of European settlement. In the Lyttelton Times for 17 January 1852 Our readers will be glad to notice the first (we believe) importation of bees into the settlement. The Mary brings 2 hives from Nelson, Mr Cookson 460 being in possession of one & Mr S Fisher of the other. 461 Lyttelton, formerly called Port Cooper and Port Victoria, the original settlement in the district, is a port town on the north shore of Lyttleton Harbour, some 12 km by road from Christchurch, approximately midway down the eastern coast of the South Island. It was officially proclaimed a port in August 1849. 462

George Graham, bees from Hobart to Auckland, 1841

The following extract from the Beekeeping Notes section of the New Zealand Farmer for October 1885 appeared in my Volume I. I made no comment upon it at the time but the results of some August 2007 research detailed below has added some value. Mr George Graham, in a letter to his son, states that the first bees that came to New
August 2007 that I found an appropriate use for his research effort. Thank you and Vale Chris! 459 From Wikipedia Epsom is a suburb of Auckland, NZ. It is located in the centre of the Auckland isthmus between Mt Eden and One Tree Hill. 460 The Lyttleton Times, Sat. 20 Sept. 1851 (col.b), displays an advertisement for Messrs. Cookson, Bowler, & Co., beg to intimate that they have commenced business in Lyttleton as Merchants, Custom-House and General Commission Agents. Their current place of business was The Esplanade opposite the Custom-House. 461 Thanks again to Chris Dawson, Rangiora, for locating this newspaper item. Chris attributed its identification to Early Shipping Days, 1850-1859. (Christchurch newspaper articles). 462 Extracted from web site en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyttelton,_New_Zealand

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Zealand were brought at his request from Hobart in 1841, not 1840. The bees did very well. A swarm from the hive settled near Government House. Mr Cleghorn took it, and it did very well. The vessels name in which the bees (two swarms) came was The Sisters; captains name, Clark. One swarm died, but the other one, as above mentioned, did well. Mr. Graham gave Bishop Selwyn the swarms as they multiplied. The cost of the two swarms was 5. From the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, an entry on his son William Australia Graham (1841-1916) states George Graham (18121901) was a government official and later a member of Parliament 463 and elsewhere 464 described as a prominent Auckland entrepreneur and politician and a member of Governor William Hobson's military staff, MHR for Newton (1861-69), and negotiator for peace with Waikato Maori on behalf of Governor George Grey in the late 1860s.An Auckland City Art Gallery web site 465 gives a description of a portrait 466 of Catherine Graham identified her as the granddaughter of George Graham of the Royal Engineers who came to Auckland with Captain Hobson. A web site 467 of the Garden History Society states George Graham had been stationed at Auckland from 1840 to 1848 as a member of the Ordnance. 468 Grahams cased red linen diary of sixty-two pages (1837-1852) is held by the Auckland Institute and Museum, a copy of which is also held by the Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington. 469 From the catalogue

463

dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb 465 aucklandartgallery.govt.nz 466 Lent by Miss Catherine Graham, oil by an early artist, Slade Crosby 467 links.jstor.org 468 Regarding Grahams civil engineering work, in Auckland Extracts, Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 14 November 1846 (p.1) October 3. Public Works. - Several large and substantial buildings have been erected under the superintendence of George Graham Esq., of the Engineer Department, which, by the durability and neatness of their construction, add materially to the appearance of the settlement. Of another structure, in the Daily Southern Cross, 9 September 1848 (p.2) Altogether the structure reflects the greatest credit upon the artisans, and upon the able management of Mr. George Graham, under whose directions it was built. 469 See tapuhi.natlib.govt.nz
464

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entry (qMS-0869) Graham records some aspects of his life in Australia where he was until 1840 when he came to Auckland, NZ. Includes mostly financial records with some personal remarks summarizing quarterly events during the year or whole years, or describing particular experiences, such as when Graham went to London in 1850 or the birth of his son, Robert, in 1850. He describes a great deal of property transactions. I wonder if Graham made any diary note regarding his purchase of two hives?

Government House, Auckland, c1842-43 Alexander Turnbull Library 471

From the Daily Southern Cross for 6 December 1861, 472 in a report of an agricultural meeting, being part of the Auckland Cattle Show Mr. [George] Graham had taken a great interest in agriculture, and was among those who had introduced some new things into the colony. [He] then went on to state that he had first imported bees into this country; Thomas Cleghorn was one of New Zealands early founders, 473 474 an early settler in Auckland. Cleghorn arrived in New Zealand on 24 May
Also held in the library is a photocopy of a photograph of Graham, taken about 1880. 471 See a colour image at timeframes.natlib.govt.nz 472 Volume XVII, Issue 1458, Page 6. 473 shadowsoftime.co.nz/settlersb.html Jan. 1840 to Dec. 1845 474 Some Cleghorn family births, deaths and marriages are listed at

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1841 at Port Nicholson on board the 356 ton ship Jane under Captain William Stobo. The Jane sailed from London on 28 November 1840 via Rio 476 477 de Janeiro. From the Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal

Society of New Zealand 1868-1961, Vol. 18, 1885 478 Of our English trees, oak claims precedence. The oaks in the Government House grounds are the oldest in the Provincial District. The acorns were sent from Sydney, and sown by Mr. Cleghorn, Superintendent of Public Works, in the Government Gardens in 1841 or 1842. Evidence of his work as a horticulturist can be found in the Advertisements section of the Daily Southern Cross, 12 July 1850: 479 FRUIT TREES FOR SALE. The Subscriber has for Sale a quantity of very superior apple trees, all grafted, and growing at his Farm, Tamaki; also, pears, plums, peaches, cherries, vines, figs; - Orders left at Mr. Mears, Shortland-street, will be attended to. THOS. CLEGHORN, Clifton Farm, Tamaki, July 11, 1850 Cleghorns death notice and obituary 480 appeared in The New Zealander for 7 January 1854. The notice states he was a native of
nzgenealogy.rootschat.net/aucknorth.html
476

powditch.plus.com/FamilyTrees/html/notes.html

Thomas Davis Cleghorn, and his brother William, and their father, Thomas Cleghorn arrived in New Zealand on 24 May 1841 (Port Nicholson) on board the 356 ton ship Jane. (Captain: William Stobo. Surgeon: Joseph Beard. Sailed London 28 Nov 1840; Arrived Port Nicholson 24 May 1841, via Rio de Janeiro) Also on board were, Archibald Cleghorn; Ellen Cleghorn; Jeannette Cleghorn and Jessy Cleghorn, although there were 3 others surnamed Clighorn (Cleghorn) who were said to have been 'brothers and sister of Thomas' (Source; Karen McNabb, Oamaru, NZ, (letter 1.1.1990), quoting from "Arrivals in Port Nicholson to end of 1855. Ships = Passengers, Vol.1, A-K (Wellington Provincial Historical Committee, 1940) 477 In the Shipping Intelligence Arrived section of the New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 29 May 1841 (p.2) May 24, barque Jane, 356 tons, Capt. Stobo, from, London; having left the Downs, on the 30th of November, and Rio Janeiro on the 6th of March; merchandize and passengers. Mr. Clighorn, [sic.] sister, two sons and two brothers, 478 (p.312) rsnz.natlib.govt.nz/volume/rsnz_18/rsnz_18_00_003160.html 479 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 317, 12 July 1850, Page 1. 480 Deaths from the NZ Herald and other papers, from 1845 to 1860. pearlspad.net.nz/IndexToDeathsNZPapers.htm I could not locate this obituary using the paperspast web site.

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Scotland, late of Auckland, hed died suddenly at Honolulu on 24 September 1853 The deceased arrived in New Zealand under high recommendations, was appointed by the Colonial Government there, to form a garden for the reception and cultivation of fruits, vegetables and plants, and superintendent of roads and other public works, which duties he performed successfully and satisfactorily. Having from a previous visit a high opinion of the climate and agricultural capabilities of these islands, he returned to Honolulu in 1851, 481 in the hope that the Kings Government would afford him some encouragement to form an establishment for the introduction and culture of seeds, vegetables, and fruits adapted to the climate and soil. But he received no encouragement to carry out that plan, and; therefore latterly, he betook himself to commerce, whereby he was enabled to support himself and family. The deceased was exemplary in all the relations of life, [and] as universally regretted. 482 A book review by John P. Adam on the web site 483 of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, lists Cleghorn, among others, as one of Auckland's first private and public gardeners. (Nine years previously, in his spouses death notice, Janet was described as a truly excellent lady of most unaffected exemplary piety. 484)

An obituary also appeared in the Daily Southern Cross, 6 Jan. 1854, p.2 DIED. Very suddenly, in Honolulu, Sept. 24th, Mr. Thomas Cleghorn, a native. of Scotland, aged 54 years. The deceased left his native land about ten years since, and emigrated to Auckland, New Zealand, where he occupied offices of trust and responsibility under the British Government. He visited these islands originally hoping to engage in his favourite professional employment, as a scientific gardener. Sufficient encouragement not being offered, he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He was much esteemed as an intelligent, upright, and Christian man. 481 The Sisters departed Auckland on 13 Mar. 1851, Mr, Mrs and Master Cleghorn amongst its passengers, for Honolulu. New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 513, 15 March 1851, Page 2 482 The obituary was sourced from the Polynesian, 1 Oct. 1853. 483 rnzih.org.nz/Book_Reviews/GardensEmpireOriginsPlants.htm 484 The New Zealander, 28th June 1845 she died 24th June 1845.

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I thought about the short phrase not 1840: it suggests thered been previous (inaccurate and/or incomplete?) correspondence on the matter, to which Grahams son supplied the above in clarification. Various web sites 485 486 487 sighted confirmed The Sisters, a 130 ton brigantine under Captain Hugh Clarks command, plied regularly across the Tasman between Nelson / Port Nicholson and Hobart, at least between Dec. 1842 and Oct. 1851, 488 carrying merchandise and passengers. For example, the New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser 489 for Friday 9 December 1842 490 listed the arrival on 6 December of the Brigantine Sisters, 130 tons, Clark, from Hobart Town, via Nelson with general cargo and passengers. The issue for Tuesday 20 December 1842 listed the departure of The Sisters on 18 December under Captain Clark, for Sydney via Auckland and Bay of Islands. 491 The Sisters, Hobart registered, was totally wrecked at Turanganui, Poverty Bay on 16 April 1852, fortunately with no lives lost 492

485 486

slsa.sa.gov.au/fh/passengerlists/1845Palmyra.htm geocities.com/heartland/Park/7572/arrvauck.txt 487 freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~nzbound/auckland.htm 488 Hobart Town to Otago (30 Oct 1851) The Otago Witness, 1st Nov. 1851 489 published bi-weekly in Wellington from 2 August 1842 and continued for one year only until 3 August 1843 490 See also The New Zealand Colonist, 9 Dec 1842, Hobart Town to Wellington (6 Dec 1842) via Nelson under Captain Clark. Found on yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlists.html 491 freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~nzbound/portnic.htm 492 members.tripod.com/~L_Alfano/anz7.txt See also http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlists.html Otago Witness, 19 June 1852: It is with sincere regret we have to record the total loss of the brig Sisters, Captain Clarke, at Turanganui, in Poverty Bay, on the afternoon of Good Friday. Captain Clarke was about to proceed to Ahuriri, and was on the point of getting under weigh when he was suddenly caught by a violent south-east gale, and in spite of every exertion he could use to save the vessel, was driven by the gale on the rocks. The long boat was launched, and all, except three hands who remained on board, got to shore. Capt. Clarke then prepared to return; but the long boat was half filled from the sea breaking over her, and he was obliged to make a signal to those on board to leave the vessel, which they safely accomplished in the jolly boat. The Sisters shortly afterwards went to pieces, and her cargo on board was entirely lost.

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To me theres more to the New Zealand Farmer beekeeping note than the simple facts provided. Its clear George Graham collected and housed the swarms. On their receipt Bishop Selwyn, who did not relocate to Auckland until November 1844, 493 no doubt passed them onto none other than William Charles Cotton. Grahams purchase of the original hives appears to have been more the provision of a public good rather than being purely entrepreneurial.

Mrs Eliza Hobson, Bay of Islands, 1840 Mrs. Williams diary, March 1840
Archdeacon Henry Williams biographer, 494 Hugh Carleton, wrote in 1877 The following are extracts from Mrs. Williams journal; serving as a record of dates, to maintain connexion, [sic] and to chronicle some names among the founders of the Colony. To new comers, these things may seem trifling; but not so to the remnant of our patriarchs. General interest is not regarded in this memoir. Compiled, in the first instance, for the family, if it interest the natives and the old settlers, the object is attained. I found one entry for 1840 of interest:- March 28. We heard of the bees brought down by the Governor. The natives called them biting flies. Then follows a bracketed comment by Carleton These bees have long since filled the country, large quantities of wild honey being taken out of the bush. (pp.28-29) The bees were not Governor Hobsons but belonged to his wife 495 Eliza, but neither of the Hobsons accompanied the bees from New South Wales. Eliza voyaged to the Bay of Islands from Sydney, on HMS Buffalo xxii which left Sydney 497 on 5th April 1840, arriving at the Bay of Islands on the 16th April. Amongst others on board were Major Bunbury, soldiers of the 80th Regiment and Elizas children. Elizas two straw hives of bees, wrapped in blankets and overseen by

493 494

William Charles Cottons diary, 17 Nov. 1844 Carleton, Hugh (1877) The Life of Henry Williams, Archdeacon of Waimate Vol. II, Reed, Wellington. 495 Refer William Masons 1882 letter to Isaac Hopkins which is detailed further on. 497 Scholefield, Guy (1934), Captain William Hobson, First Governor of New Zealand Oxford University Press, (p.111). Refer also The Commercial Journal, 8 Apr 1840

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the Governors gardener, Mr McElwaine, had arrived previously at the Bay of islands on 17th March 1840 aboard the Westminster.

Captain William Hobson 500

Governor Hobson had preceded his wife, children and the bees to New Zealand, having arrived 501 at Kororareka, Bay of Islands, on the Herald under Captain Nias 502 on 29th January 1840. Its unclear whether Mrs Hobson was a hands on beekeeper or left such tasks to her gardener.

Rev. Richard Taylor, Waimate, Dec. 1840

Within the following two extracts from my Volume I its clear the bees were Lady Hobsons. Hopkins (1886) stated Dieffenbach, 503 in his Travels in New Zealand, mentions having seen (in December, 1840) a hive of bees, thriving remarkably well, with the Rev. Richard Taylor at Waimate, but says the bees had been introduced
500 501

Viewable at timeframes.natlib.govt.nz From the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, http://www.dnzb.govt.nz Before departing for NZ, Hobson and his family spent three weeks in Sydney from 24th Dec. 1839. Hobson left his family in Sydney, sailing on 19 th Jan.) 502 Scholefield (1934), p.81 503 p.143. From dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb - the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, Dieffenbach sailed aboard the Tory in May 1839 along with William Wakefield and Edward Jerningham Wakefield. Dieffenbach returned to England in October 1841. His book, Travels in New Zealand was published in London in 1843.

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into New Zealand from New South Wales. This may be an error. It is not improbable that the hives referred to may have been stocked with some of Lady Hobsons bees, but it is also quite possible that they may have been brought from New South Wales Taylors hive might originally have been one of Elizas, as the Hobsons did not relocate to Auckland until February 1841. In 1882 Isaac Hopkins stated in his New Zealand Bee Manual, following correspondence from a reader, William Mason Shortly after the first edition was published ... I received a letter from a gentleman calling my attention to the fact that the first bees arrived in the ship Westminster in the early part of 1840 These bees belonged to Lady Hobson, wife of the first Governor, and were watched over on board the vessel by Mr. McElwaine, the Governors gardener. They were landed in the Bay of Islands. Mason could speak with authority for in 1840 he was a thirty year old eye witness hed voyaged to New Zealand aboard the same ship as the bees. My inquiry 504 to the Auckland War Memorial Museum in April 2008 bore fruit a quick response from Manuscripts Librarian, Martin Collett, who supplied relevant extracts from Rev. Taylor s diary 505 dated December 1840. Thank you for your enquiry of 27 April regarding Reverend Richard Taylor's beekeeping activities around 1840 (Ref. MS 302). I have reviewed Taylor's journal entries for the year 1840 and found just the one reference to bees made on 15 December 1840 (p. 345 in original journal; p. 221 in typescript copy). This concurs with Dieffenbach's observations made about this time.

504

My question to the Librarian, Auckland Museum, as follows: Im interested in Rev Taylors activities as a beekeeper c1840 at Waimate. Dieffenbach, in his Travels in New Zealand, mentions having seen, in December, 1840, a hive of bees, thriving remarkably well with the Rev. Richard Taylor at Waimate. Specifically regarding Vol.2 of his diary held at Ms302, are you aware of any diarised activities of Taylors beekeeping or observations about bees around this time? 505 Ref. MS 302, , vol. 2, 1838 - 1844, typescript pp. 220-1

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Rev. Richard Taylor 506 "10. Dr Dieffenbach returned to the bay. 12th. I went down to Paihia to preach for Mr Williams. 13. We had a good congregation in which was Mr Busby. 14. I accompanied Mr Shortland and the Dr to Waiomio beyond the Kawakawa the lime rocks here rise in Isolated Masses to the height of nearly 100 ft. We returned about six. 15. I set off home 507 taking a hive of bees with me. I nearly got bogged in passing the Wawaroa. 508 "
506 507

Image located on rosarosam.com/articles/waimate/roses_for_waimate.htm From Wikipedia: Waimate North is a small settlement in Northland, New Zealand. It is situated between Kerikeri and Lake Omapere, west of the Bay of Islands. Also: The Waimate Mission established one of the earliest settlements in NZ, at Waimate North in the Bay of Islands. From Web site www.nram.govt.nz Richard Taylor was appointed a missionary for NZ by the CMS and the family set sail on the Prince Regent, arriving in Sydney in June 1836. They were detained in Australia for 3 years before arriving at the Bay of Islands in Sept 1839. Taylor spent the next 4 years at Waimate North in charge of the Mission School before being transferred to Wanganui in 1843 508 From the Birkenhead Historical Society web site Legend has it that the name "Birkenhead" was given to this area by an early Auckland agent, auctioneer and broker, Samuel Cochrane, who registered the name in the Auckland Office of Ridings and Dowden on 23 June 1863 as that

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William Mason (1810-97), Isaac Hopkins correspondent

From the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography William Hobson, before leaving Sydney to take up his lieutenant governorship in New Zealand, offered [William] Mason the position of superintendent of public works under Felton Mathew Mason arrived at the Bay of Islands on 17 March 1840. He was a member of the founding party which arrived at the site of Auckland on 16 September 1840. From an Auckland City Council local history web site, 511 is confirmation of the Westminsters arrival Felton Mathew sailed to New Zealand on the Herald in January 1840. His wife followed on the Westminster, arriving in the Bay of Islands on the 17 March 1840. Rev. Richard Taylor made it clear his hive (progeny of Eliza Hobsons ?) failed. In The Past and Present of New Zealand (1868) he wrote Captain Hobson 512 brought the first hive of bees to the island, but they did not increase. (p.292) 513 514 xxiii Given Taylors visit to Paihia on 12
of a proposed subdivision. Prior to this the Birkenhead area was generally known as the "North Shore of the Waitemata River" and present-day Chelsea was known by its Maori name of Wawaroa. 511 Refer web site aucklandlibrary.co.nz/heritage/localhistory/ 512 This should read Lady rather than Captain. 513 Ive often thought whether a single, geographically isolated hive, imported from England, could survive and successfully reproduce after arrival in Australia or New Zealand. To this end I wrote to Ben Oldroyd, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney. His reply explains the likelihood of success of such a hive, subject to some limitations. Refer Appendix 1 on page 373 for Bens explanation.

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December 1840, it seems possible he acquired there one of the hives originally belonging to Mrs Hobson.

Henry and Marianne Williams house and beehives at Paihia. 517

514

Taylor, Reverend Richard (1868) The Past and Present of New Zealand with its Prospects for the Future, William Macintosh, London 517 This image of a sketch by Henry Williams appears in The Early Journals of Henry Williams. Note the bee hive shelter running to the right below window level. The editor suggests the drawing was made soon after Sept. 1830, however, given the extensive bee shelter in the view, it could only have been done after March 1840 when Eliza Hobsons bees (of which Rev. Taylor said they did not increase) were introduced into the Bay of Islands, or, more likely, after August 1843 when James Busby returned from Sydney with hives for himself and Cotton. These would have provided the source of the row of bee hives to be seen under the bee shelter. Mrs Gittos recalled in 1897 that Cotton brought some bees to the Bay of Islands, and lib erated them in the garden of Mrs (Archdeacon) Williams at the mission station at Paihia ... (BBJ, 4 Feb. 1897, p.43) Pasted into one of Cottons journals is a letter from Rev Henry Williams dated Paihia, 13 October 1845 ... We began the present season with 6 hives and have already had 7 swarms this month in addition 3 swarms from 2 of Mrs Busbys hives. So we have a show of nearly 20 hives at Paihia. The source of the Williams drawing was not identified. Refer nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/RogEarl-fig-RogEarlP007a.html Typescripts of Henry Williams letters held at the Auckland Museum Library might contain references to Mrs. Williams beekeeping.

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Marianne Williams (1793-1879), a lady beekeeper, Paihia Mission Station

One Sunday in late October 1847, in order to welcome the recent arrival of emigrants aboard the Sir Robert Sale and the Minerva, 522 a celebratory feast followed by a thanksgiving chapel service was held at St Johns College, Auckland, overseen by the Bishop. A letter from the pen of a resident signed M.A.M. colourfully described the gathering. On landing on the shores of the creek beside a flower garden run wild, a mile below the permanent College buildings, the letters author recalled: The joy and surprise of another was at the sight of a College bee-hive. ' And there do be bees!' she exclaimed, ' the Lord bless the bees; and sure I was sorry to leave my bees behind me ! and now bless them - there do be bees here.' This speech was made not in an irreverent way, so I have no scruple in repeating her exact words; her heart was gladdened by the promise of a swarm as soon as she should have a bee-hive to put them in. In this way bees have been already distributed far and wide through New Zealand. (p.142) After the service, again upon temporary tables set out under cover of Cottons gifted tent, capable of accommodating 300 people, tea was provided. About four o'clock we all returned to the valley, and found tea laid out in the tent: 300 buns, a contribution from a friend, were very popular, specially when cut in half, with butter spread both thick and wide, and a stratum of honey deposited above. The Bishop, in his grace before meat, made an allusion to the land flowing with milk and honey, at which they had arrived. The honey was a present from the bee-mistress at the Paihia Mission station; the milk, a contribution from all the farmers round about, who sent it by gallons as their quota to the entertainment. (p.144) The Paihian bee-mistress can have been none other than Marianne Williams.
522

The Minerva arrived Auckland 8 Oct. 1847, the Sir Robert Sale 11 Oct. 1847

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Taylor returned to his present era Mr. Cotton, the Bishop of New Zealand's chaplain, was more successful, and from his hive both islands are now well stocked. They have increased to such an extent, as to have become wild and fill the forest, so that the bee may be said to be already more established in New Zealand than it is even in England, where it requires much care to preserve it through the winter, whereas from the mildness of the New Zealand climate it is quite as much at home in its forest mansion, as in its artificial ones, and actually for several years honey was far more reasonable in New Zealand than in England. At present it is not so much prized or attended to as formerly, otherwise honey and wax would form no inconsiderable article of export. (pp.292-293) 523 Ernest Dieffenbachs 524 document on his travels in New Zealand was published in 1843 wherein he commented upon its geography, geology, botany and natural history: The cryptogamous plants, ferns, jungermanmas, and mosses, bear in New Zealand rather an undue proportion to the phanerogomous -- a circumstance which is unfavourable to the rearing of bees. I am not aware that there is any native bee in New Zealand, but in certain seasons the European bee would find a great quantity of honey and wax in the Phormium tenax. Bees have been introduced into New Zealand from New South Wales: my excellent friend, the Rev. Richard Taylor, at Waimate, had a hive, and they were thriving remarkably well; but in that neighbourhood many European plants had been introduced. (p.143) 525 In 1859 A. S. Thomson stated 526 Honey-bees were introduced in 1840 at the Bay of Islands, and numerous wild hives are now scattered over the country north of the Waikato river. (p.158)

523 524

See nzetc.org for the digitized version of this book Dieffenbach, Ernest (1843) Travels in New Zealand :with contributions to the geography, geology, botany, and natural history of that country, London, Murray 525 The same details were provided in Wells, B (1878) The History of Taranaki, Chapter VII, The Adventures of Doctor Dieffenbach in Taranaki 526 Thomson, Arthur S. (1859) The story of New Zealand: past and presentsavage and civilized, London, John Murray (in the Chapter titled Food and Husbandry: Introduced Food)

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HMS Buffalo in 1836, State Library of South Australia

In the Otago Witness, 24 December 1896, 527 there is a copy of a letter titled The Introduction of Bees into New Zealand. Addressed to The Editor and dated Dunedin, December 17, the letter was written by someone using the pseudonym of Apiary. Sir, - In Dr Hocken's very interesting article on The Governors of New Zealand, which is published in the Christmas number of the Witness, 528 he mentions that the honey bee was first introduced to the colony by Mr James Busby (Resident Agent) about 1842 from Sydney, 529 where they had been acclimatized since 1822. Hopkins in his Australasian Bee Manual narrates that the first bees were introduced early in 1840 by Lady Hobson, 530 wife of the first Governor, and were landed at the Bay of Islands from the ship Westminster. Mr William Mason, who at the date mentioned was Government Architect and Inspector of Public Works, told him that he distinctly recollected seeing the bees on board the ship, and that they were in straw hives which were wrapped in
527 528

Otago Witness, Issue 2234, 24 December 1896, Page 40. Otago Witness, Issue 2233, 17 December 1896, Page 5. 529 The correct date is 3 August 1843. See William Charles Cotton, Grand Bee Master of New Zealand, 1842 to 1847 , p.43. The Witness article states In February, 1840, he was superseded by the establishment of British Government under Governor Hobson, Shortly afterwards he revisited Sydney with his family. After residing there a year or two he returned to New Zealand and became permanently a settler at the Bay of Islands. He brought with him on this occasion the first hive of honey bees introduced into New Zealand. 530 Lady Hobsons gardener, Mr McElwaine, arrived at the Bay of Islands aboard the Westminster on 17 March 1840. Lady Hobson arrived later aboard HMS Buffalo on 16 April. Refer Bibliography for Hoplins editions.

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blankets. Dieffenbach, in his Travels in New Zealand," mentions having seen in December 1840 a hive of bees thriving remarkably well with the Rev. Richard Taylor, at Waimate (Auckland). 531 It is, therefore, probable that the first bees were landed in this colony on or about January 30, 1840, - the date of Governor Hobson's arrival. The Mr William Mason referred to is our well-known citizen, and is now residing at the Grand Hotel. 532

James Busby, some biographical notes

A footnote to the chapter titled Mr. James Busby, British Resident in Elders 1932 Samuel Marsdens Sixth New Zealand Journal, 533 incorrectly infers Busby brought bees to New Zealand c1840. However, the biographical entry on him is of interest. xxiv Busby reached the Bay of Islands in H.M.S. Imogene on May 5th 1833, landing on May 17th under a salute of seven guns, while the Maoris added their haka of welcome, and fixed his residence at Waitangi, a short distance to the south of the missionary settlement at Paihia. He was placed upon the Civil Establishment of New South Wales, being wholly under the direction of the Governor of that Colony. His appointment represented the action of the Government in response to such representations as those made to the authorities by Marsden with regard to the state of New Zealand affairs. It was hoped that the Resident would "repress acts of fraud and aggression practised by British subjects against the natives, and, by acquiring a beneficial influence over the various chiefs, protect the lives and properties of British subjects engaged in fair trade with the natives." (pp.501-2) 534 The inscription reads:
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
531

I think this Auckland qualification is in error, for the Waimate mission station that Taylor resided at from Sept. 1839 until 1843 was located at the Bay of Islands. Refer web site www.nram.govt.nz 532 From web site http://www.visit-dunedin.co.nz/historic_buildings.html The Southern Cross Hotel, High Street, Dunedin. Originally the Grand Hotel, this early corner portion of the Southern Cross is a reminder of the opulent years of the late 19th century. it was completed in 1883. 533 Elder, J (1942) The Letters and Journals of Samuel Marsden, 1765-1838 (Ch. VII. Marsdens Sixth New Zealand Journal) Dunedin, Coulls Somerville Wilkie & A.H. Reed 534 James Busbys grave (no. 13,335, square 86) is located at West Norwood Cemetery, in the London Borough of Lambeth. See also www.fownc.org

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JAMES BUSBY HIS MAJESTYS BRITISH RESIDENT IN NEW ZEALAND, 1833 1840 WHO DIED AT ANERLEY ON JULY 15TH 1871, AGED 72 HE DRAFTED THE TREATY OF WAITANGI HE INTRODUCED THE VINE INTO AUSTRALIA AND THEIR WORKS DO FOLLOW THEM

James Busby in 1832

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James Busbys grave

Mr. John Carne Bidwill, 1842, an update

My first investigation of the connection between J. C. Bidwill and the c1840 introduction of bees was in 1995 when I visited Chris Dawson at Rangiora. He was then aged 87, his delightful wife just a few years older. At my relatively youthful age of 44 I cheekily observed he obviously preferred the company of older women. He accepted my friendly jest with good humour. Chris had been gathering research material on our common interest for some 30 years. Among the many treasures in his possession was a copy of some pages from a book supplied to him in 1973 by the staff at the Nelson Provincial Museum. 537 The pages unfortunately bore no reference to books title. A short entry simply stated ... The first bees actually landed alive at Wellington xxv were brought from Sydney, by
537

museumnp.org.nz

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Mr. John Carne Bidwill, in the same year. (pp.170-175). 538 The year in focus was 1842. The phrase actually landed alive may suggest there had been previous attempts, or it might have just been a dash of literary embellishment. Thirty-five years later, my research efforts in June 2008 utilizing the Google Book Search facility resulted in my identification of Chris unidentified document. This was Edward Jerningham Wakefields 1849 The Hand-book for New Zealand: consisting of the most recent information, compiled for the use of intending colonists. The full quote being: Even in the insect world, colonization has conferred benefits on New Zealand. The English Colonists have introduced Bees, as though to remind themselves of the process by which they have swarmed from their parent hive. The earliest attempt to introduce bees from England was made by Mrs. Wills, in May, 1842; but this first colony died on the passage. Shortly afterwards, a healthy hive, sent by Mrs. Allom, of London, arrived safely, and was established at Nelson. The first bees actually landed alive at Wellington were brought from Sydney, by Mr. John Carne Bidwill, in the same year. The progeny of this and other parent stocks has increased in an almost incredible degree; and the progress of this incredible insect, as compared with its natural history in England, is one of the most remarkable proofs of the beauty of the New Zealand climate. The Reverend W. Cotton, who accompanied Bishop Selwyn to New Zealand, in 1841, as his chaplain, was an accomplished and enthusiastic bee-master before his departure from England; and he has recently published in the local newspapers a series of Essays on the Management of Bees, which should be perused by every emigrant. While they give the most interesting account of the progress of bees in New Zealand, they are full of useful observation and good advice; and the language in which they are couched is touchingly simple, and

538

This quotation was reflected in the Nelson based newspaper The Colonist. Its issue for 5 June 1894 carried the following I ntroduction of Bees. - The first bees were sent to Nelson by Mrs Allom of London, and the first bees landed at Wellington were sent by Mr J. C. Bidwill, of Sydney. From these our present supply of bees has been obtained. (p.3)

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adapted to the most homely understanding. We shall only here extract a few of the most striking points: - 539 (p.171-4) In my 1999 Volume II a little background on Bidwill is provided, including skeletal reports of his visits to New Zealand in 1840 and 1844. With the arrival of the year 2007 and rejuvenated interest in my research, I continued searching the web for evidence of a visit to Wellington by J. C. Bidwill in 1842. The 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand 540 states regarding Johns brother, Charles Robert Bidwill left for Sydney, arriving early in 1841. He spent the next two years learning sheep farming and in March 1843 sailed for New Zealand in the schooner Posthumous. 541 With him he brought 1600 sheep and some horses. A number of sheep died on the voyage and there were further losses at Nelson, the first landfall. The flock was put ashore on Fifeshire Island where, owing to a shortage of fresh water, many sheep drank salt water. Some of the survivors were sold disadvantageously, but the balance, probably under 400, landed at Wellington and were depastured on A. Ludlam's farm in the Hutt Valley. So, nothing new on 1842. Enlightenment still eluded me after locating more background: On one web site He had also visited Wellington on business in August, 1840 542 In The Streets of My City: Wellington, New Zealand by F.L. Irvine-Smith (1948): John Carne Bidwill (1815-53) visited New

539

Here follows a lengthy extract fom one of Cottons articles, beginning with Get a swarm from a friend early in the season The full text may be found using Google Book Search 540 teara.govt.nz/1966/B/BidwillCharlesRobert/BidwillCharlesRobert/en 541 Web site ualberta.ca/~cbidwell/cmb/bidwilnz.htm identifies a source for this report: In March 1843, again on the advice of his brother, CRB sailed for Wellington (then known as Port Nicholson), New Zealand. The newspaper Nelson Examiner states, "The Posthumous, 9 days from Sydney with 1600 sheep intended for Port Nicholson, arrived in Nelson in March 1843. It is interesting to note that the greater portion of her cargo is the property of Mr. C.R. Bidwill. (p.1)
542

http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:3ngVe4zCp0EJ:www.landcareresearch. co.nz/research/biosystematics/plants/documents/Godley2003MonroD.pdf+joh n+carne+bidwill+wellington&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=6&gl=au

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Zealand in 1839 and 1840 543 and in 1841 published Rambles in New Zealand. 544 An article on Plant Acclimatisation in New Zealand in the Otago Witness, 19 July 1900, mentioned Bidwill: Hooker 545 records in his Handbook of the New Zealand Flora I am informed that the late Mr Bidwill habitually scattered Australian seeds during his extensive travels in New Zealand. If this be true, it is remarkable how few Australian plants have naturalised themselves in the islands, considering both this circumstance and the extensive commerce between these countries. (p.8) Though engaged in mercantile pursuits in Sydney, he was an ardent botanist, and to a large extent instrumental in founding the Sydney Botanical Gardens. (p.69) From a web site 546 on J. D. Hooker, Bidwill Arrived Sydney, 1838. Collected in North Island, NZ, in late 1830s and took plants back to Kew. Returned to Sydney 1844, director of Sydney Botanic Garden (184748). Sent to NZ by a commercial company in 1839, visited Bay of Islands, Roturua, & Taupo. From the above the possibility of a visit by JCB to New Zealand in 1842 now looked bleak: hed visited New Zealand in 1839 and 1840 and returned from England to Sydney in 1844. The preface to his book was dated 25 August 1840. It was published in London in 1841, so its likely hed been there at that time to support its publication. Theres no record Bidwill returned to New Zealand in 1842 apart from the unidentified page sourced from the Nelson Provincial Museum by Chris Dawson in 1973. I revisited the web site on J.D. Hooker wherein it states Bidwill returned to England in February 1841. This is supported by the Bidwill entry in the Online Australian Dictionary of Biography 547 In February 1841, having established a reputation as a botanist, he
543

The online Australian Dictionary of Biography states he reached the Bay of Islands in February 1839, visited Rotorua and Taupo, explored the spurs of Tongariro and collected botanical specimens which included some new discoveries. He was recalled to Sydney in April, but returned to Port Nicholson in 1840; 544 Found on web site ualberta.ca/~cbidwell/cmb/bidwilnz.htm 545 Joseph Dalton Hooker, Part II, publ. London, 1867. Refer page 757 546 jdhooker.org.uk/collectors2.htm 547 adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A010092b.htm

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sailed for England with a letter from King to Sir William Hooker at Kew. He took his plant collections, including seeds and seedlings of the Bunya pine, which Hooker in 1843 named Araucaria bidwillii. He returned to Sydney in 1844. The Bright Sparcs 548 biographical entry states JCB was at Kew, England, between 1841 and 1844. Apparently inconsistent with these is the entry in the online Wikipedia encyclopaedia 549 About the year 1842 he met Joseph Dalton Hooker who, in his Introductory Essay to the Flora of Tasmania (1859), mentions that Bidwill accompanied him in my excursions round Port Jackson and impressed me deeply with the extent of his knowledge and fertile talents. The Australian National Botanic Gardens biographical entry for JCB 550 states, in part First arrived in Sydney, New South Wales, in September 1838. Visited New Zealand (Bay of Plenty and central North Island) from 5 February until April 1839, and again in 1840, and Moreton Bay, Queensland, in 1841, before returning to England in 1843. 551 He returned to Sydney in 1844, traveling from there to New Zealand in the same year and Tahiti in 1845. So, is it possible he did not depart the antipodes until 1843, thus making a visit to New Zealand some time in 1842 a possibility. By chance I stumbled on a possibly related clue on the web: towards the end of Louis E. Wards (1929) Early Wellington, a timeline of events is provided. One entry for 1842 (p.376) states October, Bees first brought to Wellington, New Zealand Journal, 1/10/42 552 and
548 549

asap.unimelb.edu.au/bsparcs/biogs/P000227b.htm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Carne_Bidwill 550 anbg.gov.au/biography/bidwill-john.html 551 The New Zealand Encyclopaedia, 1966, on web site http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/B/BidwillJohnCarne/BidwillJohnCarne/en states Bidwill returned to England in the second half of 1843, presumably in connection with family business interests, but left again for Australia on the Arachne, this time with his sister Mary. Web site http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/au1844.htm identifies ships to Australia in 1844, extracted from the Sydney Shipping Gazette for 1844, lists the Arachne, barque, 319 tons, Capt. Pearce, departed London 1 Dec. 1843, arrived Sydney 23 March 1844. Also among the passengers was Bidwills sister, listed as Miss Bidwill. 552 This contains Mrs Alloms letter

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25/9/47. 553 Both my target year of 1842 and target city of Wellington had surfaced. It appears the only holdings of the New Zealand Journal reside in the British Library, so in July 2007 I emailed them requesting copies of the two articles, page numbers unknown. A prompt reply revealed a minimum charge of 13.50, reasonable copyright conditions, and should I request them to proceed a quote for the work would be provided. I said go. Also documented in Wards 1929 Early Wellington, JCBs brother Charles made a voyage to New Zealand in 1842 when On the 13th of May a brother of Mr. John Carne Bidwill [ie., Charles Robert Bidwill, 1820-84] brought down a ship-load of sheep, cattle and horses from Sydney. 554 Had the Bidwill-bee connection actually been achieved, not by John but by his brother Charles? More web 555 searching and within the Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 80, 1952, a report titled A Revision of the Genus Dracophyllum: Supplement by W. R. B. Oliver, is the observation that J. C. Bidwill collected a specimen of Dracophyllum subulatum near the Rangitaiki River 556 (not far from the present township of Galatea), in January 1842. Contrary to all previous indications, for the first time I had evidence that J. C. Bidwill was in New Zealand in 1842. From the Dictionary of Australian Biography (1949), 557 John Carne Bidwill (1815-53) was a botanist, educated in England for a commercial life but developed an interest in science, and in

553 554

nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WarEarl-t1-body-d21-d2.html nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WarEarl-t1-body-d10-d6.html Extracted from Early Wellington by Louis E Ward 555 Page 7 on web site rsnz.natlib.govt.nz/volume/rsnz_80/rsnz_80_01_001060.html 556 From Wikipedia, the Rangitaiki River is the longest river in the Bay of Plenty region in New Zealands North Island. 557 Dictionary Australian Biography, Angus and Robertson, 1949, Serle, Percival. Originally sourced from J. H. Maiden, The Sydney Botanic Gardens Biographical Notes, No. VIII; The Gentleman's Magazine, 1853, II, p. 209. See gutenberg.net.au/dictbiog/0-dict-biogBe-Bo.html

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particular, botany. He arrived at Sydney in September 1838, 558 intending to take up land, though he had also some connection with a firm of Sydney merchants. Finding there would be delay in obtaining land, he went in a schooner to New Zealand, arrived at the Bay of Islands on 5 February 1839, and during the next two months made a long journey into the interior of the north island collecting botanical and other scientific specimens. An account of this journey, Rambles in New Zealand, was published in London in 1841. He tells us that "these rambles were abruptly put an end to by the increasing business of the mercantile firm at Sydney with which I am connected" (Rambles, p. 88), but he returned to New Zealand in 1840 and spent some time at Port Nicholson and its neighbourhood. About the year 1842 he met Joseph Dalton Hooker who, in his Introductory Essay to the Flora of Tasmania, mentions that Bidwill accompanied him "in my excursions round Port Jackson and impressed me deeply with the extent of his knowledge and fertile talents". On 1 September 1847 he became temporary government botanist and director of the botanic gardens, Sydney, until the newly-appointed director, Charles Moore, arrived in Australia and took up his duties in January 1848. Bidwill was then appointed commissioner of crown lands and chairman of the bench of magistrates for the district of Wide Bay in what is now Queensland. In 1851, while marking out a new road to the Moreton Bay district, he became separated from his companions and was lost without food for eight days. He eventually succeeded in cutting a way through the scrub with a pocket hook, but never properly recovered from his privations, and died on 16 March 1853 at Tinana, Wide Bay, at the early age of 38. He discovered the Bunya Bunya tree (Araucaria Bidwilli), of which he took a young
558

stated by Bidwill, page 1, Rambles in NZ. Arrived at the Bay of islands from Sydney on a schooner, 5 Feb. 1839. Dated entries run through to 5 April 1839. Towards the end of his book (page 88 of 93 pages) he states These rambles were abruptly put an end to by the increasing business of the mercantile firm at Sydney with which I am connected; and my time and attention became occupied in other pursuits. But soon after my return to Sydney it was determined that I should go again to New Zealand on commercial business, and having resided for some time at Port Nicholson and its neighbourhood, I am, at this time, (August 1840,) enabled to add many further particulars respecting the country from my own continued personal observation. Refer enzb.auckland.ac.nz

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living plant to England in 1843, the Dammara or Queensland kauri pine (Dammara robusta), and the Nymphae gigantea. 559 After his death in 1853 at the age of 38, John Carne Bidwill was buried in the botanical garden he created, of which reportedly only one fruit tree, a Lychee, remains. His 560 lone grave is located on a rise, adjoining a sugar cane paddock, to the south of the junction of Tinana Creek and the Mary River adjacent to Cran Road, Maryborough. The Lychee tree, thought to be a specimen from Bidwills lower garden, survives approximately 30 metres to the west of the grave near the bank of Tinana Creek. Conservation work was carried out on the gabled sandstone headstone in 1988.

The headstone and adjacent Lychee tree are the last surviving evidence of the residence and gardens that Bidwill created during the period of 1849-52 during his appointment as Crown Lands Commissioner in the Wide Bay district. Bidwill chose to establish his living quarters six kilometres downstream from the original village of Wide Bay and named the creek junctioning with the Mary River at this location, Tinana. He also established a large botanical garden for the growing of specimen plants on the property. Bidwill himself was an active and prolific collector and grower of botanical specimens, as well as hybridiser of flowering plants. Specimens collected by him during travels in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific are kept in the Kew Gardens collection.
559

The giant water lilly, a free-floating aquatic plant, lives suspended in the water and absorbs all its nourishment through fine roots. 560 Refer web site epa.qld.gov.au

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As the Crown Lands commissioner his duties included administration of the licences issued for Crown Lands, but also acting as Police Magistrate, Harbour Master, and registrar for Births, Deaths and Marriages. Bidwill was first and foremost a talented Botanist, and Natural-Historian. He is believed to have introduced certain fruits, such as the mango, into Australia. Bidwill took specimen examples of the Bunya Bunya pine (Araucaria Bidwillii) to London in 1843, a seedling of which was bought by Kew Gardens. John Bidwill returned to New Zealand in 1840 with his brother to build up the family business, and to continue his explorations and expand his botanical collection. Specimens from this period are kept at the Hooker Herbarium, Kew Gardens. Bidwill returned to Sydney in 1841 and worked with Jospeh Hooker, son of the eminent Botanist. Colonial Secretary Mcleay also requested during this period that Bidwill undertake the collection of native fruits for study. In furtherance of family business John Bidwill travelled to Moreton Bay in 1841, and began exploring to the north. He climbed the Glass House Mountains, and described a jasmine found on Mount Beerwah.

Dr. Pompellier & Mr. Cotter, May 1843

The following 561 extract from Walter Brodies 1845 Remarks on the past and present state of New Zealand: its government, capabilities, and prospects, sets the scene for his subsequent reference to the introduction of bees: Vegetables of every description, and in the northern parts of the island, where the Missionaries first established themselves in 1812, every European fruit, may be had at a very moderate price. At the Bay of Islands there are 180 different sorts of grape vines. The gooseberry and currant do not thrive very well at them, as it is rather too warm; but further south they grow most luxuriantly. Settlers going out need never trouble themselves in taking out seeds, as they will find every seed that is in England in New Zealand; those seeds which we have not got can be obtained in New South Wales, which is ten days passage. New South Wales is to New Zealand, what England used to be to New South Wales, when that Colony was first formed fifty-seven years ago; what New South
561

Brodie, Walter (1845) Remarks on the past and present state of New Zealand: its government, capabilities, and prospects. London, Whittaker &Co.

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Wales wanted then, she was obliged to send to England for; but what we want, which is very little (except money), we have only to send to New South Wales for. Many people in this country suppose that we have hardly any thing at all in New Zealand; but I here assure them that we have not only all the necessaries in great abundance, but also a large share of its luxuries and sources of enjoyment. It was many years before we could get flowers to seed, especially clover, at the Bay of Islands, and we only succeeded when Dr. Pompelier (the Roman Catholic Bishop) introduced bees, 562 which, by assisting in the impregnation of the different plants, were of considerable use in the Colony. It would appear that bees and emigrants ought to follow each other in forming new settlements, as much for utility as for their honey. The flax-flower, so abundant there, yields a larger quantity of honey than any other; and Mr. Cotter 563 [sic] (Chaplain to the Bishop, Dr. Selwyn) had a hive of bees sent him from New South Wales, which in one year increased twelvefold. I may here mention, what I have often found of the greatest use in traveling, that the saccharine matter obtained from a couple of flaxplants, furnishes an agreeable mode of quenching thirst. In alluding to this suggestion of Dr. Pompelier, I cannot refrain from offering my testimony to the lively and active interest manifested both by him and our own Bishop, Dr. Selwyn, in every thing calculated to promote the interests of the Colony, and the comfort and welfare of the settlers. They are both excellent men, and their exertions will be productive of great good. (pp.121-2)

The quantity of honey yielded is amazing 1843-47

From Chambers's Papers for the People, 1852, Colonization has introduced also besides some insects not particularly valuable, others extremely useful to the settlers; among the most important are bees. In New Zealand the months make little difference to this valuable insect. The bee-keeper is often overwhelmed by the multitude of swarms. The land may indeed be one day overstocked, but such is not yet the case, and the quantity of honey yielded is amazing. A single swarm was, in the summer of 1843-44, placed in a good situation, near an extensive flowery tract of woodland. In September 1844, it yielded 30
562 563

See my Vol. II for more on Pompallier I obtained this text from a digitized book on the web. Either a mistake in the original text or of the digitization process, Cotter should read Cotton.

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lbs. of honey; in 1845, 205 lbs.; in 1846, 721 lbs.; and in 1847, 1211, lbs.: or altogether, 2167 lbs. in four years. Hollow trees are very numerous in the woods: these are quickly occupied by the industrious little colonists whose industry is so beneficial to the country. (p.150)

Nuisance bees, enthusiastic honey-eaters & and a pains-taking industrious clergyman, 1857
Charles Hursthouse jun. came to New Zealand on the Thomas Sparks in 1843. He returned to England c1849 but visited NZ again in 1854 aboard the Joseph Fletcher. From the New Zealand National Register of Archives and Manuscripts web site 564 On separate return visits to England he published An Account of the Settlement of New Plymouth in 1849 and New Zealand, the Britain of the South in 1857. His 1857 comments on Cotton indicate the then strength of the latters beekeeping legacy. In the Chapter titled Agriculture and Horticulture, Hursthouse commented unsympathetically on bees and their protagonists: Most English flowering plants become larger in New Zealand, blossom more profusely, and lose none of their beauty or fragrance. Alluding to flowers, I may remark that bees bid fair to become a considerable nuisance in New Zealand. A pains-taking, industrious clergyman, 565 who seems to have believed in bees, actually wrote, and then published a book on New Zealand bees; 566 and some enthusiastic honey-eaters have gravely set down honey as a New Zealand export. If bees and honey could be exported together, once for all, the country, I think, would be well quit of both; but in deference to popular opinion and the prejudices of my readers, I must admit that the bee statistics of New Zealand border on what Mr. Nott 567 and enthusiastic bee-fanciers would term, prodigious -- one hive is said to have produced, in the course of four years, nearly one ton of honey!
564 565

nram.govt.nz/record.php?holderid=73&id=5944&parent=ncindex The commentator is clearly being sarcastic, his references to painstaking as in sting effected, and industrious, both imply attributes of the bee upon the clergyman 566 I read the word actually as if it is italicized - Hursthouse is astounded that someone would bother to believe in and then write about bees. This is obviously a reference to William Charles Cotton, who in 1848 published his Manual for New Zealand Bee Keepers. 567 Nott should read Nutt, the proponent of the collateral hive.

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Charles Wilson Hursthouse, 568 bee skeptic

The insect waxes strong and vigorous on the wild-flax and the garden flowers; and numerous swarms go off, independent, into the bush. Coopers bee-hunter 569 might have made his fortune in the NewZealand forests; and lumps of honey-comb in every second babys fist, tureens of limpid honey, and a diabolical compound, called metheglin, 570 said to have been consumed largely by the Saxons, and which probably accounted for their overthrow at Hastings, are cloying proofs of the power and progress of that insect pest which strangely enough has been fixed on as the type of industry -- industry carrying a sting! (pp.364-5)

A Race of Sorts: William Charles Cotton & Mrs. Allom, Dec. 1841
In the British Bee Journal for January for January 21st, February 4th and 11th 1897, 575 copies were published of articles that had previously appeared in 1896 issues of the New Zealand Farmer, Bee and Poultry Journal. 576 They addressed competing dates for the first introduction of honey bees into New Zealand. Subjects included Lady Hobson,

568 569

nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/name-100143.html Oak Openings, or The Bee-Hunter by James Fenimore Cooper, 1848. A plain text copy may be downloaded from gutenberg.org/dirs/etext03/kpnng10.txt 570 A form of mead, an alcoholic drink made from honey 575 21st Jan. p. 22-23; 4th Feb. pp.42-43; 11th Feb. pp.57-58. 576 The contributor was one J.W. Rogers of St. Albans

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Mrs. Allom, Mrs. Williams, Rev. Chas. Cotton, 577 and the ship Clifford. Correspondents included Mrs. M. Gittos, 578 A. E. Hobbs of Palmerston North, and a Mr. John Herman Cook of Makara, Wellington. The driver for these conversations was Isaac Hopkins, editor of the bee department of the New Zealand Farmer. Hopkins had investigated this topic within the March, April and October 1896 579 issues. He incorporated the intelligence thus won into editions of his Australasian Bee Manual. In December 2008 my request to New Zealands Alexander Turnbull Library produced the relevant copies of the NZ Farmer. So, here I am some 112 years later continuing the search. Accompanying any adventurous initiative such as: the invention of the electric incandescent lamp, 580 telephone, 581 radio, 582 first manned, powered and heavier-than-air flight, 583 attempts to reach the North Pole 584 and the South Pole 585 or the ascent of Everest 586 - the first one to succeed often had a competitor or competitors close at heel or followed in the footsteps of others. And thus it was for Mrs. Allom. Believing there were no honey bees in New Zealand, she
577

It was then accepted that Cotton brought bees to NZ from England: It was subsequently understood that Mrs. Alloms bees landed a few days before Mr. Cottons. p.42, BBJ, 4 Feb. 1897. 578 Hopkins obtained some of his information first hand. About for or five years ago Mrs. Gittos, wife of the Rev. W. Gittos, native missionary, and daughter of the late Rev. John Hobbs, one of then earliest native missionaries, while visiting one of our apiaries in Waikato, told me of the first bees she had BBJ, p.42, 11 Feb. 1897. Mrs. Gittos related the story of Miss Bumbys bees at Hokianga in 1839 on pp.42-43. What became of those bees is a question I cannot answer. My own ideas are as follows: I distinctly remember seeing them 579 other issues may have been involved 580 1809 Davy, 1820 De la Rue, 1835 Lindsay, 1850 Shepard, 1854 Globel, 1875 Woodward 7 Evans, 1878 Swan, 1879 Edison. Dates from Wikipedia 581 Gray and Bell, 1876 582 1894 Bose, 1895 Popov, 1896 Tesla and Marconi 583 1890 Ader and Wright 1903 Refer http://www.idsia.ch/~juergen/planetruth.html 584 1827, 1871, 1879, 1895, 1897, 1900, 1909, by aeroplane 1948 and 1952 and by the submarine USS Nautilus 1958 585 1911 Amundsen & 1912 Scott 586 1924, 1953 Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay

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moved to rectify their absence. She, however, declined just one throw of the dice. The risks against success seemed great in any effort to dispatch a hive of bees from England to New Zealand, either to the Bay of Islands in the far north of the North Island, to Wellington on the southern tip of the North Island, or Nelson in the north of the South Island. Mrs. Allom therefore chose to send two hives, one aboard the Clifford, the other aboard the London about a month later. In mid-December 1841 a strange race of sorts was afoot in which neither of the participants was aware of the other. Both wanted to be the first to introduce the honey bee to New Zealand. Cottons target was the North Island, Alloms the South. After the event ran its course one contestant sought to validate their own success after demonstrating the others failure. The second contestant, most painfully aware of his own thwarted plans, sought to secure bees from friends made during his layover in Sydney. There was also a wild card entrant, Dr. Peter Imlay of Twofold Bay who operated his cattle business on the south coast of New South Wales. Unaware of the others activities he unwittingly beat them both, in Mrs. Alloms case by eighteen days days. 587

Thames River, London

14th December 1841 According to his plan, William Charles Cotton had sourced up to four common straw hives of bees, which were to have been securely wrapped within a mantle of dairy-cheese cloth, and subsequently packed above ice on a rack, insulated with well dried cinders around and above, all located inside a felt lined hogshead. Conflicting versions of what next occurred must be accommodated in the story about to unfold. One has it thus: the hives were loaded ex-hogshead aboard the Tomatin somewhere on the Thames in the vicinity of London by Cotton prior to the ship proceeding into the Channel and thence to Plymouth to embark Bishop Selwyn, Cotton and the rest of the missionary party for New Zealand. Another version states that contrary to plan the hives had been carelessly and insecurely packed within the hogshead.
587

The Brilliant arrived in Wellington on 30 April 1842, after leaving her previous port of Nelson on 23 April. The Clifford reached Wellington on 3rd May then Nelson on May 11th.

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Selwyn was yet to be consecrated Bishop of New Zealand in London after which Cotton and Selwyn, and possibly others of the missionary party, proceeded on their way to Plymouth via Exeter. Due to contrary winds 588 in the Channel the Tomatin was forced to return to port and did not reach the Selwyn party for another twelve days. Alloms version relates that once the Tomatin made the English Channel, the rolling of the ship combined with the loose packing of the hogsheads contents resulted in the destruction and jettisoning of Cottons bees.

Bagsters method of wrapping a hive to travel a hundred miles with perfect safety, The Management of Bees, 1834 (p.54) xxvi

Cotton had recently completed a labour of love, a beekeeping book titled My Bee Book. Consigned to his publisher, the final chapter contained his detailed plans to be the first to take bees to New Zealand. Its concluding expectation that the Bees will be put into a deep and long sleep; though I hope not an eternal one was not to be fulfilled. Cotton and missionary party eventually sailed into the Channel from Plymouth headed for New Zealand, his books prophesy magnifying the loss of his bees. The missionaries reached Sydney on 14 April 1842, subsequently completing the delayed Sydney Auckland leg of their voyage on 30 May 1842. Departure of the Tomatin A letter from Edward Coleridge, under the heading Embarkation of the Bishop of New Zealand, appeared in The Christian Remembrancer for January - June 1842. Coleridge addressed the departure of the Tomatin and its complement. Immediately after the morning service at St. Andrews Church on that day, we repaired to
588

From Arthur Smiths WCC A Turbulent Life (2006), p.32

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the bishops lodgings; whence, after a short delay, he set out, accompanied by a few of his most intimate friends, in the barge of the Caledonia for the Tomatin, while the greater part of his followers, with the luggage, sailed from the Barbican 589 in the Trinity-house 590 Cutter. We passed two or three hours on board; but the wind being adverse, and there being no chance of sailing, we came off again to shore. The rest of the day was passed in cheerful, yet serious, conversation, and we ended, as usual, with prayer; our number now being very much diminished by the loss of those who were on board, and of those friends who had been obliged to return to their several homes. On Friday we again went on board soon after breakfast, taking Mrs. Selwyn and her child with us; but the wind still being adverse, and Mrs. S. not being well, it was thought advisable to bring her ashore again, until the signal should be made for sailing. The bishop remained on board, where Divine service was duly performed on Christmas-day. The bishop came on shore for an hour on that same evening, and returned again to the ship to sleep. The wind having come round to the N.N.W. during the night, we were summoned by nine oclock on Sunday morning to go on board. This we did without any delay. At 11 oclock Divine service was performed, and the Sacrament of the Lords Supper announced for the following Sabbath. At half-past twelve we embraced each other fervently, as those who did not expect to see each other again in this world, and descended into the boat amid the prayers and affectionate good wishes of many on board; and in a moment the vessel, with her goodly freight, was on her way. The bishop, Mrs. Selwyn, Whytehead, Cotton, and others, all dear to us, remained on the poop waving their hands to us, and exchanging with us short prayers for Gods blessing each on the other. Our last words were, God bless you; Floreat Etona; 591 Floreat Ecclesia ! 592 To which they all responded by a cheer of heartfelt acquiescence. And then I felt the full force of those words of St. Luke, Acts xxi.6, which the bishop had a
589

From Wikipedia The Barbican is the name now given to the western and northern sides of the old harbour area of Plymouth. 590 Trinity House is the General Lighthouse Authority. 591 Eton College motto May Eton Flourish. 592 May the Church Flourish

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few moments before inscribed in my Bible, When we had taken leave of another, we took ship, and they returned home again. (pp.271-272)

The Tomatin leaving Plymouth, Dec. 1841 593

18 December 1841 Mrs Mary Ann Allom, having decided to send bees to New Zealand so that honey would be available as a substitute for expensive and hard to obtain butter, and having taken and implemented advice from prominent apiarian George Neighbour, is ready to send the first of two hives to the new colony. A common straw hive packed within a box constructed of wood and perforated zinc, complete with an innovative feeding system, and a supply of honey, has been loaded on board the Clifford at Gravesend on the Thames, London. The bees successfully made their landfall five months later on the South Island at Nelson and were ready to be released on or soon after 11 May 1842.

th

593

National Library of Australia, AJCP reel M1098 - entry 18.11.a. Smith (2006, p.33) attributes this image to Selwyn College, Cambridge. A pencil sketch, probably by Caroline Palmer, titled A Parting Cheer, Revd. Coleridge and friends returning to the shore as the Tomatin prepares to leave Plymouth harbour.

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Mrs. Allom
Correspondence to the Royal Society of Arts, 1845 My discovery of the possible fate of Cottons bees began while I was searching the catalogue of the Alexander Turnbull Library in August 2007, wherein I came across an item regarding a Royal Society of Arts microfilm 595 described as: 19 May 1845: silver medal awarded to Mrs T. Allom for introduction of bees to New Zealand. 596 I contacted the Library and was ably assisted by Merryn McAulay, Library Assistant, Manuscripts. Merryn, who had previously been of great assistance on other of my enquiries, responded I have consulted the inventory for this item and identified two parts that relate to bees and the establishment of the honey industry in New Zealand. I have copied these two descriptions for you below. The second was as follows: Mary Allom. Introduction of bees to New Zealand. Read 30 April 1845. Includes 3 letters from Mary Allom to F. Whishaw, March-April 1845 on cultivation of bees and failure of W. Cotton to take bees to New Zealand. 597 I paid my modest fee and copies duly arrived. The handwriting, though faint at times, with some words illegible, could be read sufficiently to make them a valuable addition to the Cotton and Allom stories, thanks to the latters communications with the Society of Arts in 1845. The Societys records show the sending of a letter to Mrs Allom on 22 May 1845 Informing her that the Society has voted her their Silver Isis Medal for the introduction of Bees to New Zealand. In a personal communication with Sophia Cawthorne, RSA, she supplied I have checked our catalogue but unfortunately we do not hold any letters from Mary Ann Allom. This seems to be typical of this period when little general correspondence appears to have been kept. I have however checked the Ledger of letters sent and received 1844-1853 (PR.GE/119/41/9) which records the receipt of a letter
595 596

Catalogued as Micro-MS-Coll-20-1828 Full description being 1844-1845 Select pages: 11-13 Agriculture, 19 May 1845: silver medal awarded to Mrs T. Allom for introduction of bees to New Zealand. 597 Full description being 1844-1845 select pages: 624-643 Mary Allom. Introduction of bees to New Zealand. Read 30 April 1845. Includes 3 letters from Mary Allom to F. Whishaw, March-April 1845 on cultivation of bees and failure of W. Cotton to take bees to New Zealand. Catalogued Micro MS-0898

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from a Mrs T Allom on 26th April 1845. A response is recorded as being sent from the Society on 28th June and is recorded as follows: Mrs T Allom, 14 Hart St Bloomsbury, Dear Madam, I have to acknowledge the receipt of your handsome present of lithographic views in New Zealand. It will be most gratifying to one to be able to state the name of the artist but I believe he has an objection to his name being brought forward in connection with works of this kind. The book will be laid before the Society of their next general meeting after which I shall have the pleasure to return you the thanks of the Society for this valuable present FW The signature FW refers to Francis Whishaw, Secretary to the Society of Arts. I suspect the lithographs were the work of Mrs Alloms husband, Thomas. The subject matter were probably original drawings by Charles Heaphy. From Una Platts (1980) Nineteenth Century New Zealand Artists: A Guide & Handbook: Thomas Allom (1804-72) made plates for New Zealand Co. lithographs from Charles Heaphys watercolours. From web site nzetc.org: Charles Heaphy (1820-81) was a Draughtsman, artist, surveyor, explorer, soldier, public servant. From the New Zealand Dictionary of Biography: Heaphys most enduring legacy is the body of topographical watercolours, portrait studies, charts and coastal profiles which he produced, mainly in the service of the New Zealand Company, during his early years in New Zealand. His depictions of company sites and settlements remain fresh and vivid, reflecting the eye of a young enthusiast firmly based in the English tradition of accurate draftsmanship. His unforgettable, distinctly impressionistic Mt. Egmont, from the southward has become in a sense a national icon. The following advertisement appeared in the New Zealand Journal for 6 August 1842 (p.168): VIEWS RECENTLY TAKEN IN NEW ZEALAND Just published, on a scale of 21 by 14 inches, price 2s 6d tinted; and so beautifully coloured after nature. A VIEW OF NELSON HAVEN, IN TASMAN'S GULF, including part of the site of the intended Town of Nelson. Also, and [?] with the above, A VIEW OF THE TOWN OF WELLINGTON, looking towards the South East, and comprising onethird of the water frontage. 222

"These splendid views are exquisitely drawn on stone, by J. [sic.] Allom, from the original paintings made in November last, by C. Heaphy, draftsman to the New Zealand Company, and convey a most faithful and complete idea of the general scenery of this very beautiful and interesting country." London Review Self Nomination for an award, 1845 Particularly in the latter half of the 19th century, the accepted truth about Cottons initiative was that he had, in fact, succeeded. This belief was naturally based on the plan in his well received My Bee Book published in 1842 and also within the widely circulated London Quarterly Review 599 for December 1842. It published, in December 1842, a lengthy review of bee books, Cottons prominently included, lauding his plan to take bees to New Zealand. Mrs. Allom was aware of Cottons book and therefore his plan, and may too have read the book review, both having appeared within a year of her initiative. Also, her association with George Neighbour, noted apiarian of the time, would have placed her close to contemporary beekeeping events. Mrs. Alloms self nomination for the award of a prize necessarily needed to document Cottons failure in order to substantiate her claim to be the first to successfully send bees to New Zealand. 600 Given her almost obsession with matters New Zealand, her sources of information on the distant colony were no doubt extensive. She had impeccable connections with the New Zealand Company. But from whom did Mrs Allom gain her intelligence on the fate of Cottons bees? The captain of the Tomatin, George McPherson, may have been a prime source on his return to London some time after the Tomatins departure from Calcutta for that port on 26 November 1843. xxvii Other potential sources include Mrs. Alloms well placed correspondents in NZ - her son Albert, and particularly, Miss Emily Wakefield. 601 Rather than passively, or accidentally, receive news of Cottons
599

The London edition of The Honey-bee and Bee-books in the Quarterly Review runs to 54 pages. 600 This overlooks the private and unpubliscised efforts of Mary Anna Bumbys apparent success in 1839. 601 See sample letter from Miss Emily Wakefield to Mrs. Allom, in Ward, Louis E. (1929) Early Wellington. Refer web site nzetc.org

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efforts, and given Mary Alloms make it happen approach, I strongly suspect her letters to NZ actively sought news of Cottons success. Bishop Selwyn must have known the fate of Cottons bees. Given the detail in her letter to the Society of 12 March 1845, she must have found someone who believed they knew. Mrs. Alloms version is presented here, documented less than four years after the event. The brief contribution by Amy Storr (Allom), provided some fifty-four years later, is consistent with her mothers account likely passed directly from mother to daughter. Her letters to the Society of Arts sought recognition in the form of an award, possibly a Silver Isis medal, presented by H.R.H. Prince Albert, at the Societys Annual Meeting in their Great Room in the Adelphi. Francis Whishaw, as Secretary to the Society of Arts, handled the Societys correspondence. Alloms letters were dated March 8th, March 12th and April 29th 1845. One notation indicates one document was Read 30 April 1845. Another, presumably penned by Whishaw and dated 29 April, reads Diagrams and models perfectly understood. The Glasgow Herald 602 for Monday 19 May 1845, reported At a recent meeting of the London Society of Arts, the Secretary read a paper by Mrs. T. Allom, On the Introduction of Bees to New Zealand. Mrs. Alloms approach was confident. In her letter of 8 March 1845 Having a son in the colony I have taken a great interest in all that relates to it. I may here tell you I was the first person who sent bees from this country and have lately received a piece of bees-wax, the product of the first hives sent me by Colonel Wakefield to convince me they were thriving well since they have been there One of the documents reviewed by Whishaw at the time included diagrams of Rotchs version of Nutts collateral hive, apparently the hive style selected for use once the voyage was completed. Some annotations survive but the diagrams themselves didnt. They are not amongst the manuscripts held at the National Library of NZ, nor by the Society of Arts. Under the component list Mrs. Allom wrote: Mr George Neighbour of High Holborn, was the person who assisted me
602

Glasgow Herald, published Glasgow, Scotland. Issue no. 4414. The remainder of the article gave a description of Rotchs hive, with the background of her desire to provide a butter substitute honey for the settlers, including her son.

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in preparing the bees which were forwarded to New Zealand. Will [?] Graylever [?], 603 joiner of Bloomsbury [?] made the small model. Messrs. Neighbour and Sons 604 assistance is corroborated in the 1865 first edition of Alfred Neighbours The Apiary; or Bees, Bee-Hives, and Bee-Culture. 605 Alfred recalled Upwards of twenty years ago, we sent a Nutts hive stocked with bees to New Zealand. We then adopted the plan of fixing the hive in a meat safe, 606 so that the bees could fly about a little, and also cleanse the hive of their dead, for bees are very attentive to sanitary arrangements;

George Neighbours son, Alfred Neighbour 607 608

In retrospect, Mary Ann can be proclaimed the first Aotearoaphile, 613 a woman fascinated by matters New Zealand. The North Wales

603

? denotes an illegible or questionable word; xxx? indicates my guess of the word in question; [xxx] provides a word to make better sense of any illegibility and its surrounding words; 604 Geo. Neighbour and Sons had stores at 127 High Holborn, London and 149 Regent Street 605 See text at http://www.culturaapicola.com.ar/wiki/index.php/The_apiary 606 p.214. Meat safes were made of perforated zinc sheets. This description is consistent with Mrs. Alloms specification. 607 Cowan, T. W. & Carr, W.B. (1891) The late Mr. Alfred Neighbour, British Bee Journal, XIX: 1-2. 608 Gene Kritskys article on Alfred Neighbour appeared in the American Bee Journal, 1004, Vol.144, pp.867-869 613 Aotearoa being the Maori name for their island home

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Chronicle for Tuesday 12 December 1843 reported 614 Mrs. Allom was the first to propose sending bees out to Cook's Straits; a more zealous Anglo New-Zealander than this lady cannot be. 615 xxviii She identified herself in her letter to the New Zealand Journal 616 for 1 October 1842 as a constant reader of jour interesting Journal who shall be most ready at all times to offer any information, feeling naturally an interest in all connected with the colony. The Editor duly recognised her interests We are much obliged to Mrs. Allom for her very interesting letter. We well remember her zealous exertions to be useful to the colony, towards which she ranks as a distinguished benefactress. Commenting specifically towards her apiarian initiative By this time, we hope the colonies swarm with the offspring of her protges. Let her excellent example stimulate others. 617 Others found her efforts equally laudatory - In the New Zealand Journal for 26 November 1842 and simply signed W: 618 Well done, Mrs. Allom; what might not a few more like you do ? Another commented This letter must be a subject of frequent reference, as a proof what an individual can do. 619

614

Attributed to the New Zealand Journal. I subsequently identified this as No.102, p.305, 25 Nov. 1843 615 The same article appeared fifteen years later in The Preston Guardian for Saturday 20 November 1858. Published Preston, England. Issue 2412. The remainder of the article: The bees she forwarded by the Clifford were sent to Nelson, as a fear was entertained that, if they had been placed at Wellington, the high wind might have prevented them, when out, from returning to their hives; but this, fortunately, is not the case. Colonel Wakefield has received bees from Sydney; in April last he had five swarms; he uses Nutts collateral hives, but what is very remarkable is that since bees were established at Wellington, clover seeds all over the settlement, which it did not before. Can any experienced apiarist explain whether this can be attributed to the bees. 616 No. 71, 1 October 1842, pp.236-237. See also NZJ, No. 75, 26 Nov. 1842, p.277, wherein part of Alloms letter, published 1 Oct., was revisited regarding her dispatch of seeds to NZ. Among the seeds was a quantity of quickset for the hedges, so much desired in a letter from a Colonist. Well done, Mrs Allom. What might not a few more like you do? 617 (pp.237-238). 618 (p.277). Obviously one of the Wakefields 619 Footnote, New Zealand Journal, (p.293) 10 Dec. 1842

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From Stevens (1972) The London Journal of Edward Jerningham Wakefield, Not all those concerned with New Zealand approved of Mrs. Alloms [intelligence gathering] efforts, however, H.S. Chapman 620 found her thirst for news monstrous, and described her taste for political intrigue as prurient On the other hand, John George Cooke 621 thought her in 1850 a delightful woman (p.112) Unlike Cotton, Mrs Allom was not out of pocket. Also from her 1 October 1842 letter to the New Zealand Journal, 622 under the heading Bees for New Zealand Mr. Soames [sic.] 623 expressed himself satisfied with what I had done, and requested I would inform him what the expense had been, that he would not allow me to be at any expense, after the trouble I had been at; he begged I would send the whole account to the Company, which they would most willingly pay for; this I need not tell you was instantly done, giving me all the credit for the project. Mary Ann was a determined woman. She wrote to the Society 624 I may notice the encouragement I met with from Mr Somes, 625 the Governor of the New Zealand Company, who as soon as he heard what I was doing sent for me and gave me a carte blanche to do what I
620

From the online Australian Dictionary of Biography, Henry Samuel Chapman (1803-1881) Judge, colonial secretary, attorney-general In London between 1840 and 1843 he founded and edited the New Zealand Journal 621 In 1842 a resident of Port Nicholson. Refer: New Zealand Company (1843) Letters from Settlers & Labouring Emigrants in the New Zealand Company's Settlements of Wellington, Nelson, & New Plymouth: From February, 1842, to January, 1843. (p.161) 622 Id originally thought the NZJ was a NZ publication, possibly published in Wellington. Library holdings in NZ seemed non-existent, so after many search variations I located:- The New Zealand Journal, Nos. I. to XIV., (A London Newspaper, exclusively devoted to New Zealand, published once a fortnight,) 366, Strand. located in the Contents list for Issue No. XVII and in the bibliography of a journal article, digitized by Google within the Dublin Review, Vol. IX, August & November, 1840. (p.190) The British Library holds copies no. 1 331, between 8 Feb.1840 and 6 Nov. 1852 623 Should read Somes 624 She called her story of events her Annals - a chronological record of the events, or, a descriptive account or record; a history. 625 Lord Durham, Joseph Somes. Painted between 1830 and 1845. View portrait at timeframes.natlib.govt.nz

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considered was best to carry out my project and was pleased to thank me for the trouble I had been at. I need not say this was a fresh stimulus to exertion for Mr Somes is not a man to approve of anything where a doubt exists of its utility. I enquired if there were any bees in the [South?] 626 Island and learnt there were not, the idea then first presented itself to me to send some out some [butter, but] honey is a very good substitute. 627 I talked the matter over with some friends who agreed with me it was very desirable, but tried to dissuade me, stating the uncertainty and the great danger of their being neglected on the voyage, but still I was not concerned although I was frequently laughed at for my warm advocacy of the project. 628 I really believe the opposition I met with only induced [?] me the more determined not to be diverted from what I considered would, if successful, prove a great blessing to the settlers my thoughts were led to picture the use the introduction of bees would be in the colony I accordingly procured two hives one of which I sent off on board the Clifford in Dec 1841 and the other in the London about 3 weeks after. I had the pleasure of taking them myself down to Gravesend in company with some friends who were assembled at the embarkation
626

? denotes an illegible or questionable word; xxx? indicates my guess of the word in question; [xxx] provides a word to make better sense of any illegibility and its surrounding words; 627 in 1841 at which time I learned from papers published in the colony that provisions were very dear, butter particularly being priced 5/- [5 shillings] to 5/6? p.lb [per pound] A letter dated 11 Feb. 1842 and published in Early Wellington gives the following: The price of Ki Ki (bread) is 8d. for 2 lbs., butter 2/6, fresh butter 4/- or 5/- per lb., cheese 2/6, beef and mutton 1/-, pork 7d., beer 1/- quart, gin, wine and rum 6d. a quartern, bacon 1/7, Refer web page nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/tei-WarEarl-t1-body-d5.html [Note: a quartern is a quarter of a weight or measure one fourth of a pint.] 628 One detractor wrote to the Editor of the New Zealand Journal. The letter was published in its No. 74, 12 November 1842, p.273). Though verbose, it contended Mrs. Alloms initiative would fail. Unfortunately, the letter was published, almost to the day, six months after the successful arrival of her hive at Nelson. Refer Appendix IV. Yet another detractor wrote to the New Zealand Journal, 24 Dec 1842, No. 77, p.307 the great humidity of the climate of New Zealand must ever be a bar, I think, to the introduction of bees into New Zealand for a century to come. Refer Appendix V

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of the daughter of Col Wakefield, the Companys principal agent, and being most fortunate in meeting with the Revd Mr Saxton, 629 who, with his wife and family kindly took charge of my tiny colony of emigrants and promised to take upon himself the office of feeding them on the voyage, which promise he most faithfully performed, but on its arrival at Wellington high winds prevailing, a doubt existed as to the aspect being perfectly congenial to them, it was sent on to Nelson to the lamented Capt Wakefield the other I sent in the London also arrived but from anxiety to give them liberty they destroyed themselves in escaping from the hive by crushing and pulling each other to pieces.

Joseph Somes

Of the Clifford bees I sent one of Nutts Improved Hives and also two or three common straw cottage hives in case of their swarming immediately on their arrival and also a one half hundred 631 of honey to be used with water as feed for them on their voyage. The feeding of the bees afforded a great source of amusement to the passengers as from the construction of the feeder they could [see the bees] taking their food without the apprehension of being stung. I may here remark that the bees were fed twice a week

629

Mrs. Alloms letter to the New Zealand Journal, 1 Oct. 1842, identified Rev. Saxton as a relative of Mr. Somes 631 a hundred-weight being 112 pounds weight, half a hundred therefore is 56 pounds

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Since their arrival attention has been called to the subject and hives have been sent for from Sydney and the bees are thriving well. I have lately received a piece of bees wax from Wellington which I [sent] for the purpose of placing in the collection of the Society of Arts. I give an extract from Col. Wakefields letter in sending the wax to me. That you may see I have done something towards following your advice about bees I send you some beeswax, the produce of my hives which are thriving well. I also send you two New Zealand journals containing notice [?] of these bees and the annexed sketches will show the method I took of packing them for their long passage. 632 In Mrs. Alloms letter to the New Zealand Journal for 1 October 1842 You are aware that my son formed one of the ten cadets who sailed last year, in the Brougham, for Wellington, Port Nicholson. I had not more than a fortnights notice of his appointment the y arrived after an extraordinarily short passage of three months and a fortnight. After he had gone, I began to reflect upon the many things he would feel at a loss for when he arrived, one amongst the many, butter; this I thought might be remedied by substituting honey, when I found there was no bees, at least honey-bees, in New Zealand. I accordingly determined that I would send some if possible; but many friends attempted to dissuade me, thinking it could not be accomplished; but I still persevered, and after some little trouble procured a hive and bees from Kensington, and this in December. I had them removed to my house at Hart-street, Bloomsbury, and sent for a person 633 who had long made the rearing of bees his study, and in my presence remove a small portion of the cement which is generally placed round the straw hive to keep them secure from vermin. We soon found they were uncommonly healthy, and quietly captured them. Then came the consideration how they should be
632

From this last I perceive Wakefield had prepared a hive for shipping to another of the New Zealand Companys settlements. These included New Plymouth on the west coast of the North Island and Nelson in the central north of the South Island. Bishop Selwyn recorded on 3 Nov. 1842 - the population of New Plymouth was some 900 persons, and Nelson, 2100. In comparison Wellington then had 2500, Auckland 1800, Port Nicholson 700, Kororareka 300. Refer Selwyns letters on web page anglicanhistory.org/usa/gwdoane/selwyn.html 633 George Neighbour

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packed for a long voyage; and I at last determined upon placing the whole within a wooden case, the top to be of perforated zinc, and room left for them to get exercise, but without getting out to annoy any one, should they by possibility swarm on the voyage; and we invented a glass feeder, so that any of the persons who chose might enjoy the sight of their feeding on the passage, and accordingly sent one half hundred of honey for their food, with several extra hives, called Improved Nutts hives. These I conveyed safely on board the ship Clifford, on the 18th or 19th of December, but entrusted to the care of the Reverend Mr. Saxon, [sic.] a relation of Mr. Soames [sic.]

Nutts Collateral Hive, from Les abeilles et l'apiculture (1855) 634

The ship London Also in Mrs. Alloms letter of 1 October 1842 to the New Zealand Journal In January I sent out a second hive by the London, with a greater quantity of extra hives, which sailed on, I believe, the first of that month. The London, 700 tons, commanded by Capt. Attwood, sailed from Gravesend, in January, 637 1842, with 55 married couples, 14 single men, 13 single women, 24 children under
634

See another Nutt hive in Gene Kritskys article in American Bee Journal 143: 719-721 637 Web site members.iinet.net.au/~perthdps/shipping/mig-nz1.htm provides a departure date from London of 2 Jan. 1842, arriving Port Nicholson, Wellington, on 1 May 1842.

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fourteen, and 15 under seven. 15 deaths 638 and one birth occurred on board. One birth occurred on shore, after landing. (p.106) Listed among the passengers was a Mrs Margaret Wills. Like the Clifford, the London sailed from Gravesend. Edward Jerningham Wakefield was an eyewitness. In his chapter 639 titled Pheasants and Bees in Wellington within Adventure in New Zealand, from 1839 to 1844 (1845), Wakefield observed:- On the 1st of May, the London arrived at Wellington for the second time from England, with a cargo of immigrants and passengers. Mrs. Wills , who was a passenger in the London, deserves the thanks of the colony for having brought the first pheasants to New Zealand. A cock and three hens were landed in safety, and I was fortunate enough to have them placed under my charge by Mrs. Wills. A hive of bees, also belonging to this lady, had unfortunately died on the passage. (pp.196-197) An erroneous report appeared in The Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener and Country Gentleman for 10 December 1842 Mr A. Perry states that some which Mrs. Wills had taken had arrived alive and well. (p.293) Mrs. Allom recorded in her 1845 Annals, supplied to the Society of Arts in 1845: the other [hive] I sent in the London also arrived but from anxiety to give them liberty they destroyed themselves in escaping from the hive by crushing and pulling each other to pieces. The fateful hive of bees was likely in care for Colonel Wakefield in
638

One deceased was aged 36 years. The other fourteen were aged between 5 months and 2 years of age. 639 Wakefield, Edward Jerningham (1845) Adventure in New Zealand, from 1839 to 1844, with some account of the islands. Vol. II. (Chapter VIII) London, John Murray. Also repeated in Louis E. Wards (1929) Early Wellington. Text may be viewed at nzetc.org Also repeated in Porirua: and They Who Settled It by Elsdon Best (18561931). This book was serialized in the Canterbury Times, commencing 4 March 1914. Also repeated in Thomsons (1922) The Naturalisation of Animals & Plants in New Zealand. (p.111) An events timeline appears towards the end of Wakefields book. One entry for 1842 states October, Bees first brought to Wellington, New Zealand Journal, 1/10/42 and 25/9/47. (p.376) Refer web site nzetc.org. There may be more details within the New Zealand Journal between 1842 and 1847. The British Library holds numbers 1-331, 8 Feb. 1840 - 6 Nov. 1852

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Wellington. However, by March 1843 both Colonel Wakefield and Mrs. Wills possessed some hives. The Wellington newspaper, the New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser for 28 March 1843 We are glad to be able to say that Colonel Wakefield and Mrs. Wills already possess some hives. The ship Clifford The Clifford sailed with 148 passengers from London, Gravesend, on 18 December 1841, the month before the London was to sail. As an added precaution to hedge against unknown dangers to the hives at sea, a chaperone for each hive was appointed, along with a bee feeding regimen. The Clifford, a barque of 460 tons under Captain Joseph Sharp, arrived at Nelson on 11 May 1842. The Cliffords bee hive custodian was Charles Saxton. In May 2007 I extracted the following from a genealogy web site: [Revd.] Charles Waring Saxtons first wife Mary gave birth to a son Clifford during the voyage to Nelson. Mary died just 3 months after arriving in Nelson On 20 May 1843 640 Charles left Nelson with son Clifford on the Essex for England then became a school headmaster in Newport, Shropshire. 641 Elsdon Best commented in 1914 On May 3, 1842, a vessel from England bound to Nelson ran ashore near Ward Island. By this ship a hive of bees, sent by Mrs Allom, 642 643 of London, was carried safely to Nelson. They were the first to reach that place. On a web page 644 covering the Cliffords visit to Wellington and Nelson in May 1842, I found extracts from a Cook family letter about emigrants John Cook (Johan Koch), his wife and four children, who arrived at Wellington aboard the Clifford in May 1842: The Clifford got on the shoal off
640

The year on the web site as at 30 July 2007 shows 1842, however this is in error as confirmed by personal correspondence with Joanna Broad, a Saxton family descendant. 641 freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ourstuff/Clifford.htm#SAXTON 642 More details may be found in my Vols. I & II . See also freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ourstuff/Clifford.htm#SAXTON freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ourstuff/Clifford.htm#Miss%20Lucy 643 Some confused the facts, in this case getting it doubly wrong. In Laings 1927 Natural History of Canterbury Mrs. Allum, [sic.] in 1842, arrived in Nelson with the first ... (p.296), although the first error could simply have been a typesetting mistake. 644 freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ourstuff/Clifford.htm

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Ward Island (Wellington Harbour) and from thence went to Nelson, her final port. The Cook family left the Clifford in Wellington in boats on the 5th May 1842 and landed on the beach under Akawie Pa (Cotterville Tce). 645

Edward Jerningham Wakefield 646 arrived in NZ in 1839 aboard the Tory as secretary to his uncle, Colonel Wakefield.

From the Research Centre of the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington, I located copies of relevant sections of the New Zealand Farmer for January, February, March and October 1896. Isaac Hopkins had received, subsequent to the publication of the February issue, a fascinating letter from John Herman Cook of Makara, Wellington: I was six years and four months old when my parents with their four children emigrated from England on the Clifford, so I think my memory should not be relied on for record. Yet I remember my home in England, prominent incidents of the voyage from it to Wellington, the appearance of the vessel, and what she carried on deck, such as a cow, pigs, poultry, amidships, and one or more hives on the poop; 653 there were several quite show days to see the bees by invitation to the children below the poop, and some days when a few of the older children would be invited up, and once my sister, about nine years old, being persuaded by two girls in their teens, to go with
645

homepages.ihug.co.nz/~teecee/table_of_arrivals_and_departures_.htm gives arrival date in Wellington of 3 May 1842 and Nelson eight days later on 11 May. 646 nzetc.org/tm/scholarly/name-209546.html 653 From Wikipedia: a poop deck is a deck that constitutes the roof of a cabin built in the aft (rear) part of the superstructure of a ship.

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them up on one side of our deck to the poop, across it and down the steps on the opposite side, and if spoken to, to ask permission to look at the bees, for which, poor child, she was indebted to me, I think, for a scolding. I remember being taken on to the poop once, and not being willing to go a second time, to see the bees. I cant remember the shape of the hive, but on looking through a piece of glass perpendicular to a dark background I saw dimly what I was told was a bee and to look! look! there is another! I saw it. I had never seen bees before. This is my personal knowledge of the bees. I was reading about six years ago out of your manual to amuse and interest my father who was old and feeble when he said you know bees came out with us. He could not tell where they were landed. I feel sure, nor can I. I remain, yours truly, John Herman Cook 654 It was opportune that Mrs. Allom chose the Wakefield expedition for the first of her consignments, the Alloms being family friends of the Wakefields. From Philip Temples 2002 A Sort of Conscience, The Wakefields 655 The Alloms had been close friends of the Wakefields since the 1830s and their house at 14 Hart Street, Bloomsbury had become a home away from home for EGW. 656 It was here that he retreated after [Capt.] Arthurs death 657 Mary Ann [Allom] had become a zealous Anglo-New Zealander, supplying Edward in Blois with the news and material 658 that he used in bombarding politicians and the press. she remained a loyal and zealous supporter of the Wakefields. She had a practical interest in the settlement of New Zealand: in 1842, she sent out with Emily [daughter of Col. William

654 655

New Zealand Farmer, April 1896, p.129 Auckland University Press, 2002, p.388 656 Edward Gibbon Wakefield 657 Arthur was executed by Te Rangihaeata on 17 June 1843, by a strike(s) to the forehead, with a greenstone mere (axe) as utu (NZ Maori for recompense or revenge) in kind for the death of his wife and other women in the affray. For a searing account of the confrontation, see Philip Temple, pp.319-322. 658 Philip Temple (2002, p.473) describes Mrs Allom as father Edwards indispensable correspondent J.L. Campbell in Poenamo (1881, p.179) described the mere as a highlyprized small hand-weapon of war made from the green stone, used in close combat

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Hayward Wakefield 659] the first hive of bees to be successfully established in Nelson. In the New Zealand Journal for November 25, 1842: The bees forwarded by Mrs Allom by the Clifford were sent to Nelson, as a fear was entertained that, if they had been placed at Wellington, the high wind might have prevented them, when out, from returning to their hives; but this, fortunately, is not the case. (p.305) From Captain Barrys (1903) Glimpses of the Australian Colonies and New Zealand, Albert James Allom was a cadet on the survey staff of the New Zealand Land Settlement Company in the affairs of which Mr Edward Gibbon Wakefield, a close personal friend of the Allom family, played so important a part (p.187). Representative of the family friendship, when Albert returned to England in 1848 during the next three years he resided for the most part with Mr Edward Gibbon Wakefield acting as his private secretary, in preparation for the projected Canterbury Settlement. Another confirmation of the family links can be found in the journal 660 of J. W. Saxton, Rev. Charles Saxtons brother, dated London, 17 December 1841 Miss Wakefield came on board with a party of friends. One of them, a Mrs Allom, explained to me an ingeniously contrived hive of bees which was going to New Zealand in the charge of Charles who had not yet arrived on board. In a footnote of an article 661 titled On the Geographical Relations of the New Zealand Fauna in the Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand 1868-1961, Volume 5, 1872, is to be found Mr. W. T. L. Travers informs me that the honey-bee was introduced into Nelson in 1842, and that wild bees were common in 1850 (pp.246-7). The entry in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography 662 for William Thomas Locke Travers (1819-1903) 663 describes him as a lawyer, magistrate, politician, explorer, naturalist, and photographer.

659 660

WHW died 19 Sept. 1848 at the age of 47 Thanks to Andrew Mathesons 1982 article in the New Zealand Beekeeper, December 1982 (p.13) 661 rsnz.natlib.govt.nz/volume/rsnz_05/rsnz_05_00_001770.html 662 dnzb.govt.nz 663 William, his wife Jane and their two children embarked on the Kelso bound for Nelson, New Zealand, where they arrived on 4 November 1849.

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The brothers Imlay, April 1842 Though only one of the two Allom hives reached its destination alive, Mrs. Alloms generous and successful technical solution was preempted in April 1842 by Dr. Imlay 664 of Twofold Bay in New South Wales. After a ten day voyage on the barque Brilliant. Dr. Imlay delivered stock from southern New South Wales to Captain Wakefield, leader of the Nelson settlement. 665 Also on board as supercargo was the gift of a hive of bees. The Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 8 October 1842 reported When Dr. Imlay visited Nelson in April last, he brought with him, as a present to Captain Wakefield, a hive of bees. ... By April 1843 he had five swarms in Nutt collateral hives.

An advertisement for Imlays stock in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 30 July 1842 (p.81)

A copy of a dispatch from Capt. Arthur Wakefield, R.N., dated Nelson, 10th November 1842, appeared in the New Zealand Journal for 15 April 1843 I take the opportunity of informing you t hat I have had two swarms of bees this season from a hive I received from Twofold Bay, and there is every prospect of their doing well in this still climate. They load house heavily, apparently from the Manuka flower, and the three hives are now in a flourishing state. I have, &c, Arthur Wakefield. (pp.86-87) In the same issue of the New Zealand Journal The Nelson Examiner states, that when Dr. Imlay visited
664 665

Refer the chapter on Dr. Imlay in Vol. I of The Immigrant Bees The Wellington typesetter for the New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser (in creating a variation of the article which appeared in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 8 October 1842, and which referenced Captain Wakefields Imlay gifted hive) made an unfortunate transcription error, for in its version of the Honey and Wax article which appeared on 28 March 1843, the phrase intended to read In New Zealan d the honey-bee was not known till lately has omitted the word not. As well, the Nelson footnote referencing Captain Wakefield and Dr. Imlay has been omitted.

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Nelson in April last, he brought, as a present to Captain Wakefield, a hive of bees. ... The vessels from the Australian continent will most likely bring us some hives after the coming swarming season; at least it is to be hoped so. If there must be luxuries, let them be 'home made'. (p.93) A subsequent report in the New Zealand Journal for 16 September 1843 gave a short extract from a subscribers letter Accounts have been received from Nelson of bees thriving there. The Canadian built 666 Brilliant of 138 tons had 3 masts and a quarter deck, was Barque rigged and 103 feet long. Prior to Dr. Imlays charter, the Brilliant sailed from Glasgow on 28 December 1840 for Auckland. After a mishap and a change of Captain on the southern Irish coast at Cork, she again set out for Manukau Harbour, Auckland, under Captain David Ritchie. Via Sierra Leone, Cape Town, Melbourne and Hobart, the Brilliant eventually completed her voyage some ten months later on 27 October 1841 with a depleted passenger list of twenty-seven immigrants from Scotland. 667 Ive not been able to trace any other movements of the Brilliant over the six months to April 1842. The Brilliant was definitely in New Zealand waters in April 1842. Within a table headed List of Vessels which have arrived at Nelson Haven from November 1, 1841, to July 1, 1842, Inclusive, published in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 9 July 1842, 668

666

Some passengers disembarked at Australia. The description of the ship & her crew is in the records of the British Registry. 138 Tons. Built at St John in the Province of New Brunswick and launched on the 6th June 1840. She had 3 masts and a quarter deck, was Barque rigged and was 103 ft long, and had an armour figurehead. A John LAMONT, Merchant of Greenock, was the sole owner. Sailed Glasgow December 28th 1840 - arrived Auckland (Manukau Harbour) October 27th 1841. The Brilliant, Captain David Ritchie, arrived in the Manukau from the Clyde 29th Oct. 1841 There were 27 Immigrants from Scotland in all - 16 Men, 8 Women, & 3 Children. Refer web site freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ourstuff/Brilliant.htm 667 For more comprehensive details of the ships problems en route, refer web site freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ourstuff/SettlementofCornwallis.htm 668 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume I, Issue 18, 9 July 1842, Page 72.

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one entry for April 1842 lists the barque Brilliant of 450 tons 669 under Ritchie, Master, with a cargo of cattle. The Shipping Intelligence - Sailed section of the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 30 April 1842, 670 reported the sailing, from Nelson, on April 23, of the Brilliant, [Capt.] Ritchie, for Port Nicholson; passenger, E. J. Wakefield, Esq. The New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 30 April 1842, 671 in its Shipping Intelligence - Arrived section, reported April 29 The barque Brilliant, brig Skerne, and a schooner, were working in. The Spectator for 4 May 1842 672 reported the arrival on 30 April of the Brilliant, 380, Ritchie, from Twofold Bay via Nelson. Passengers - Dr. Imlay and E. J. Wakefield. On 7 May 1842 the 673 Spectator listed the Brilliant in port. Additional confirmation of Imlays visit aboard the Brilliant is provided by the Nelson Examiner for 23 April 1842: The barque Brilliant, Captain Ritchie, arrived here on Monday morning last, from Twofold Bay, in ten days. Dr. Imlay, by whom she was chartered, arrived in her. Her cargo was stock from his well-known herds and flocks, consisting of 30 milch cows, 80 heifers, 17 bullocks, 4 bulls, 4 horses, 100 ewes, and 50 wethers. Universal admiration was expressed at the fine condition in which they were landed. Mr. Revans, of Port Nicholson, who was here on her arrival, purchased the whole It is Mr. Revans's intention to have a large dairy establishment here; The Brilliant sails to-day. (p.26) The Foreign and Colonial Quarterly Review for January / April 1843, reported several news items from Port Nelson. The second of these states A large importation of live stock had taken place principally from Twofold Bay: the speculation turned out exceedingly profitable, Dr.
669

There is a discrepancy between the Brilliants tonnage of 450 as reported in the Nelson Examiner and the ships specification of 138 tons from the web page freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ourstuff/Brilliant.htm 670 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume I, Issue I, 30 April 1842, Page 30. 671 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume 30, Issue 137, 30 April 1842, Page 2. 672 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume III, Issue 138, 4 May 1842, Page 2. 673 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume 07, Issue 139, 7 May 1842, Page 2, Shipping Intelligence Arrived section.

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Imlay, the importer, having sold his entire cargo at good prices on the day of his arrival to Mr. Revans, the proprietor of the The Wellington Gazette, who has a farm in the neighbourhood of Nelson. (p.362) On board from Twofold Bay, southern New South Wales, was a bee hive, intended as a gift for Captain Wakefield at Nelson. Ironically, Mrs. Alloms hive of bees aboard the Clifford was not to reach New Zealand until 3 May 1842, when the ship visited Wellington before continuing on to Nelson, there to unload immigrants, cargo and bees eight days later. 674 The same issue of the Spectator 675 reported Arrived. May 3, ship Clifford, 528, Sharp, from London, with emigrants for Nelson. The Sailed section listed May 5 ship Clifford, Sharp, for Nelson, with emigrants and original cargo. Three days later the Brilliant headed home as reported in the New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 11 May 1842, 676 Sailed. May 8, barque Brilliant, Ritchie, for Twofold Bay. Passenger - Dr. Imlay.

An 1840s pencil drawing (18 x 48.7 cm) of Twofold Bay by J. H. Goldfinch, National Library of Australia collection

Which Dr. Imlay might have obtained a hive of bees as a gift for Wakefield? There were three Imlay brothers - Peter, George and Alexander, all of whom were surgeons, each arriving in Australia between 1829 and 1833.

674

Rev. Saxtons decision to return resulted in an auction of his effects Captain Wakefield purchased the Nutt collateral hive. 675 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume 07, Issue 139, 7 May 1842, Page 2 676 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume 11, Issue 140, 11 May 1842, Page 2.

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Dr. George Imlay arrived in Sydney as surgeon superintendent of convicts in the Roslyn Castle in February 1833 and joined Alexander on the staff of the Sydney Infirmary. The online Australian Dictionary of Biography 677 states he was a grazier and whaler operating in Van Diemens Land and New South Wales between 1835 and 1846. He managed the whaling operations in Twofold Bay at Eden. Died 26 December 1846, by his own hand, near Brago in the Twofold Bay district. 678 Dr. Alexander Imlay, an army surgeon, arrived in Sydney in December 1829 in the Elizabeth and was appointed to the colonys medical staff in March 1830. From 1834 to 1845 he operated out of Van Diemens Land trading in cattle and salted provisions between Twofold Bay and Van Diemens Land. Died at Twofold Bay, 31 March 1847, aged 47. 679 Dr. Peter Imlay was a naval surgeon who reached Hobart Town in the Greenock in February 1830. From around 1834 he made his home at Twofold Bay, joined by his brother George in 1835. Peter opened up trade with New Zealand where he had acquired land at New Plymouth. 680

From the online Australian Dictionary of Biography:- In 1832 Alexander toured the south coast and the County of Argyle with Governor Bourke and next year was holding 1280 acres (518 ha) on the Breadalbane plains. In that year Peter also called at Twofold Bay, where he was impressed by the possibilities of shore-based whaling and stock-raising. He soon made his home at Twofold Bay and in 1835 was joined by George. Alexander went to Hobart in January 1833 and thereafter was chiefly responsible for the brothers' Van Diemen's Land properties. In 1834 he [began to] build up trade in
677

Refer also Wellings, H.P. (1967) 'Imlay, George (1794? - 1846)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 2, Melbourne University Press. Also Wellings, H. P. (1931) The Brothers Imlay: Pioneers of the Eden district, Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Australian Historical Society 17(4): 209214.
678 679
680

Maitland Mercury, 13 Jan. 1847, p.3 Maitland Mercury, 12 May 1847, p.3

Located on the central west coast of the North Island in the Taranaki district.

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cattle and salted provisions between Twofold Bay and Van Diemens Land. In January 1838 Alexander took 120 cows to Adelaide by sea from Twofold Bay. The Imlay brothers biggest interests were in the Bega district, where George and Peter controlled the pastoral and whaling activities. Peter also opened up trade with New Zealand where he had acquired land at New Plymouth. Although he and his brothers held 1500 square miles of the colonys best land, their fortunes declined disastrously. By the end of 1844 they had surrendered to their creditors all their land except four runs totaling 37,400 acres round Bega and Cobargo. A year later all the brothers Van Diemens Land properties were offered for sale as Alexander was going to join his brothers at Bega. Peter migrated to New Zealand in 1851 and in 1857 settled at Wanganui, whence he controlled trading interests in the south-west Pacific. He died there on 8 March 1881.

Above: Cattle Bay, Eden, Mount Imlay in the distance, photographed by Charles Eden Wellings, c1910-1912, National Library of Australia collection

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Given the pointers above and particularly the New Zealand connection, Peter Imlay appears to be the most likely candidate. And the port of exit for Imlay on the Brilliant was probably from Eden which sits on Snug Cove, Twofold Bay. From the NSW Waterways web site 681 The Imlay brothers established whaling ventures and pastoral runs in both the Twofold Bay area and Van Diemens Land. From Cattle Bay near Snug Cove surplus cattle were sent to the southern colony, which was at times in dire need of extra food supplies. Extracted fron the abc.net.au web site The Imlays 682 were the first Europeans to settle on Kameruka 683 in the 1830s. While George Imlay managed the whaling operations in Twofold Bay at Eden, Peter had two ships carpenters build a house by the river between the current sites of Candelo and Kameruka and began breeding horses, sheep and cattle.

Peter Imlay Pictured in later years, he lived to approx. 84 years of age. Peter Imlay was around 45 years old when he took a hive of bees to Nelson in 1842.

681 682

waterways.nsw.gov.au/eden.html abc.net.au/rn/hindsight/galleries/2007/1843166/peter_imlay.htm 683 A village 13 miles (21 km) south west of Bega

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Ive summarized the following from a Sydney Morning Herald web site: 684 Bega on Twofold Bay is a rich dairying district on the NSW far south coast some 270 road miles (428 km) south of Sydney, situated in the heart of a rich and fertile valley where the Bega and Brogo Rivers meet. Squatters fleeing drought around Braidwood moved into the Bega Valley in the late 1820s. The Imlay brothers took up vast holdings the following decade with Peter Imlay establishing the Biggah run in 1839. The spelling of the town had settled into its modern form by the late 1840s when cattle, sheep, corn, fruit and vegetables were all apparently flourishing in the district. The state of the roads around Bega were atrocious at this time. This, together with the lack of a rail service and the difficulty of getting to and from the port at Merimbula meant that the Sydney markets were difficult to access. From Elsdon Bests (1914) Porirua: And They Who Settled It: Colonel 686 Wakefield has received bees from Sydney, in April last 687 he had five swarms. xxix Since bees were established at Wellington clover seeds all over the settlement, which it did not do before. Bees were introduced at the Bay of Islands in 1840. From Edward Jerningham Wakefields (1845) Adventure in New Zealand, On the 3rd [May], a large vessel 689 bound for Nelson called in, having to land some passengers here. The Rev. Mr. Saxton, a clergyman of the Established Church, with his family, was among the passengers for Nelson; and Colonel Wakefield's daughter had come to join him, under Mrs. Saxtons charge. While at Pitone, I saw the vessel run aground just outside Ward Island. Galloping round to the
684

smh.com.au/news/New-SouthWales/Bega/2005/02/17/1108500192667.html 686 Reference to Wakefield as Colonel might have been confused with Captain Wakefields receipt of a hive of bees at Nelson from Dr. Imlay in April last. 687 A variation of the article in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 8 October 1842, which referenced Captain Wakefield s Imlay gifted hive, was selectively reproduced in the New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser for 28 March 1843. It understandably omitted the reference to Nelsons Captain Wakefield with the following local substitution: We are glad to be able to say that Colonel Wakefield and Mrs. Wills already possess some hives. 689 This was the Clifford

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town, I got several boats to put off to her assistance, and jumped into one myself. On reaching the ship, we found she was lying very harmlessly with her keel on a soft shingly beach, and would come off with the next tide. They had rashly stood too close in to the eastern shore in beating in. Thirty or forty boats were collected round the vessel, and the captain was terribly alarmed lest he should have to pay them all for their services. He thought he had to do with Deal boatmen, who would claim salvage; but the greater part of the flotilla was manned by private individuals, the best men in the settlement having eagerly jumped into the boats on the first alarm, and pulled about five miles to offer their assistance if required. By this ship a hive of bees, sent by Mrs. Allom of London, was carried in safety to Nelson. These were the first ever sent to that settlement. (p.197) While browsing the Alexander Turnbull Library online catalogue I located an entry for John Waring Saxtons 690 diary fragments 691 (22 leaves) written on board the Clifford. The catalogue description states: The journal begins with the Saxton family boarding the Clifford for Nelson and describes the first few years of their settler experiences. I emailed the library asking whether there were any descriptions within the diary of events surrounding the carriage of the bee hive during the voyage? Librarian Merryn McAulay 692 replied shed located a relevant diary entry for 3 June 1843: xxx Went to sale of Charles effects, Captain Wakefield bought the hive and found a thermometer 694 inside which I think Charles was not aware of. Mr Ottorson bought the Cellaret and Mr Sweet the Bookcase. Though the hive was intended as a gift to the lamented Capt Wakefield, Saxtons possession of the hive on arrival in Nelson appears to have translated into ownership. Charles had arranged a sale of his excess belongings which occurred after his departure from Nelson on 20
690

A self portrait painted about 1830 of John Waring Saxton (1808-66) may be found on tpo.tepapa.govt.nz/ViewTopicExhibitDetail.asp?TopicFileID=0x000a4d26# 691 John Waring Saxton, 1807-1849, Diary Fragments, 1842, transcribed by Marsha Donaldson, Upper Hutt, 1991. The fragments appear to date from circa 11th January 1842 to 5th May 1842 with gaps in many places. They describe Saxton's experiences and observations on the journey. MS-Papers4417 692 jo_broad_nz@yahoo.com 694 The presence of a thermometer confirms the hive as a Nutts collateral.

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May 1843. Captain Wakefield added his June 1843 purchase to Imlays gifted hive of April 1842. The April 1842 Imlay voyage was not an isolated instance. There is clear evidence of frequent trips by the Imlays and / or their ship to New Zealand. In the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 16 July 1842, 695 the Shipping Intelligence section reported July 12, barque Brilliant, 450, Ritchie, from Twofold Bay, with cattle and sheep. On 30 July the Chronicle 696 listed the Brilliant SAILED. July 26th for Twofold Bay. Passenger, Mr. Stobo. Around October the Brilliant was again to head for Wellington - The New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 28 September 1842 697 stated The Brilliant, after replacing her lost masts at Sydney, proceeds to Twofold Bay to embark stock for this port. A decade later, in the Daily Southern Cross for 23 September 1851, 698 there is an advertisement for the auction of livestock of the late Mr Geddes: The dairy stock in this lot will be found particularly well worth attention, having been selected with the greatest care from the young stock imported from Twofold Bay, and consigned to Mr. Geddes by Mr. Imlay, from whose herds the best bred Cattle in this district have been derived. Additionally, I located some background on the trading activities of the Imlay brothers between Twofold Bay and New Zealand in a report headed Cattle and Other Stock. In the New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator for 7 May 1842: 699 We have been informed that the Drs. Imlay, of Twofold Bay, have divided their stock, and agreed each to ship to particular places to avoid interfering with each others markets. Thus, in relation to New Zealand, one of these gentlemen is to ship stock to Auckland and its neighbourhood;
695

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume I, Issue I, 16 July 1842, Page 74. 696 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume I, Issue I, 30 July 1842, Page 82. 697 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume III, Issue 180, 28 September 1842, Page 2. 698 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 442, 23 September 1851, P.1, col.1 699 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, Volume 07, Issue 139, 7 May 1842, Page 2.

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another to the Company's Principal Settlement and its natural dependencies; and the third to the Second Settlement. In connection with this arrangement, the Brilliant has already landed about one hundred and thirty head at Nelson, and forty head here. These cattle have been landed in excellent order, arising from the remarkable advantages which Twofold Bay presents as a place from which to ship cattle. The cattle shipped from Sydney are brought hundreds of miles, and, of course, very commonly arrive there in an exhausted state, requiring attention for some time before they would be in a condition fit for shipment; this would be attended with a material expense, which prices would not justify, and which could not be given but at the risk of destroying the trade. At Twofold Bay the cattle are in the neighbourhood, and have good pasturage to the port; they are, therefore, put on board in the best possible condition, and, if the passage is tolerably fortunate, arrive at their destination nearly in the condition in which they were shipped. With respect to price, it may be remarked, among the numerous places to which the Drs. Imlay ship, Sydney is included, it may be concluded therefore, that they can supply us on better terms than shippers from any other part of New South Wales. Respecting breed, we may observe that we entertained the idea that the Drs. Imlay were celebrated rather for immense herds than for breed, but the cattle brought to New Zealand establishes their claim equally to quality as to quantity. We were pleased to see that Dr. Imlay was determined to give the settlers the fullest benefit of his visit. Having obtained a considerable sum of money from the settlement, he began to enquire whether he could get supplies for his stations from Wellington, and we have had the pleasure of seeing goods shipping in the Brilliant for Twofold Bay. Dr. Imlay was astonished to find the progress already made at Port Nicholson, and is generally so well satisfied with his trip to the New Zealand Company's Settlements, that we may confidently state that the settlers will henceforward be abundantly supplied with an excellent breed of stock on the most moderate terms.

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The brothers Wakefield, 1842 There were various Wakefield family members involved with the New Zealand Company. 700 Edward Gibbon Wakefield (1796-1862), the driving force behind much of the early colonization of South Australia and later, New Zealand. He did not reach New Zealand until February 1853 when he arrived at Port Lyttelton, Christchurch. (Edward) Jerningham Wakefield (1820-79), Edward Gibbons only son, accompanied his uncle William on the Tory in May 1839 as acting secretary; returned to England in 1844. In 1850, faced with bankruptcy, he again sailed for New Zealand this time with the advance party for the Canterbury Settlement. Daniel Bell Wakefield (1798-1858) was a notable judge in New Zealand during the mid-19th century. Capt Arthur Wakefield (1799-1843) appointed by his brother Edward to lead the new settlement at Nelson. Arrived on the Whitby in February 1842. Killed by Maoris in the Wairau Affray on 17 June 1843. Colonel William Hayward Wakefield (1801-48), under the auspices of the New Zealand Company, was the leader of the first colonizing expedition to New Zealand and a founder of Wellington. He reached Port Nicholson on the Tory in August 1839. His daughter Emily Wakefield, aged 16 when she arrived on the Clifford in early 1842.

From part of a letter 701 to The New Zealand Journal for 1 October 1842, Mrs. Allom explained why, following her sixteen year old sons departure for Port Nicholson, Wellington, in the Brougham on 9 February 1842, she was motivated to ship two hives of bees to New Zealand, one in December 1841 followed by another in January 1842.
700 701

Refer Wikipedia for lengthier details on the Wakefield brothers See the full contents in The Immigrant Bees, Volume I. In tandem with Wards (1929) reference to Mrs. Alloms letter to the New Zealand Journal, 1 October 1842, he also cited another number of the NZ Journal for 25 Sept. 1847. Presumably this edition also referenced the Allom bees.

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In the first 702 of these, the bees within their straw hive were enclosed in a wooden case bearing a lid of perforated zinc, supplemented within by a glass topped feeder, and as bee food, a supply of honey; together with several empty Nutts improved hives. The second shipment was accompanied by a greater quantity of extra hives. And her reason - having seen her son Albert 703 recently sail for Port Nicholson, Wellington, she began to reflect upon the many things he would feel at a loss for when he arrived, one among the many, butter; this I thought might be remedied by substituting honey, when I found there was no bees, at least honeybees, in New Zealand, I accordingly determined that I would send some if possible; In December 1841 Mrs. Allom was likely ignorant of the Bumby initiated presence of honey bees since 1839 at Hokianga on the west coast of the North Island 704 when she shipped her first consignment to the South Island, the target of the Wakefield New Zealand Company operations. It was probably through her family friend Edward Gibbon Wakefield she became aware of their lack in the south. This was rectified in April 1842 with Dr. Peter Imlays gift to Captain Wakefield. At a time of sparse settlement and poor communications, its not surprising there was ignorance of such domestic events. Hokianga is located in the Far North District of the North Island, 25 kilometers west of Kaikohe. The estuary extends inland for 30 kilometers from the Tasman Sea. It is navigable for small craft for much of its length, although there is a bar across the mouth. 705 Paihia and Keri Keri on the Bay of Islands lay a similar distance to
702

Technical details for the shipping of this hive are to be found in Volume I of The Immigrant Bees. 703 Albert James Allom (1825-1909). His sister was Amy G. Storr (Allom) 704 Mary Anna Bumby had introduced a hive there from England in 1839 (refer my Vol. .I). I had thought there was a possibility Mary sourced her bees from New South Wales or Hobart towards the end of her journey. I studied her diary which ends with her arrival at Hobart. Notwithstanding, the Gittos testimony revealed to Isaac Hopkins clearly identifies the bees being from England. Mary Bumbys diary is catalogued at MS-0411-0416. Journal of voyage to New Zealand on the `James', 1838, describes ship life, ending at Hobart; Refer web page http://tapuhi.natlib.govt.nz/cgibin/spydus/NAV/ARCHIVESNR/OPHDR/2/18617 705 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokianga

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the east of Kaikohe. In William Charles Cottons time Hokianga was distinctly remote. Assuming Mary Anna Bumbys bees were thriving at Mangungu from March 1839, Cotton, too, was unlikely to have known they were there. However he would have known, through the Rev. Richard Taylor at Waimate, had Eliza Hobsons hives failed. In Volume 1 of The Immigrant Bees I included details from Mrs Gittos' letter which Hopkins reproduced, partly, in the 4th edition of his 1904 Australasian Bee Manual. 706 The full text of her letter appeared in the New Zealand Farmer for October 1896, a copy of which I obtained from the National Library of New Zealand in January 2009. Mrs Gittos stated: What became of those bees is a question I cannot answer. My own ideas are as follows:- I distinctly remember them working on the clover in our orchard, and in the following spring I used to watch them busy on the peach blossoms, proving that they survived the first winter. They either swarmed away into the forest behind the station, or, what I think more likely, they succumbed to the ravages of the black beetle the bees greatest enemy in this country. I think if they had lived they would certainly have increased and we should have found them in the bush.

Wesleyan Mission Station, Hokianga, 1838 707

The question of whether the bees actually came from England or were sourced during a stopover in Hobart Town may now be resolved in
706 707

His 3rd edition appeared eighteen years previously in 1886. By permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mtauranga o Aotearoa. Reference: 1/2-005432; F teara.govt.nz/Places/Northland/Northland/6/ENZ-Resources/Standard/3/en

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favour of an English source. Mrs Gittos continued Some years later on I was writing to a gentleman friend in Tasmania I was anxious to know if he remembered their first Sunday in New Zealand and his taking us little children (I was nearly nine years old) to see the bees from England. He replied that he distinctly remembered bees having come in their ship, but what became of them he could not tell, as he removed from that station to another field of labour, and the same thing having happened to our parents, we lost sight of our little new friends, not, however, before we tasted for the first time in our lives real honey in the comb, which Miss Bumby kindly sent to us, knowing our interest in her bees.

Wesleyan Mission House, Mangungu, overlooking Hokianga Harbour

I was speaking to a lady a few days since who was the daughter of a missionary, and who came from England as far as Tasmania in the ship James, and she instantly said, Oh yes, there were certainly bees on board, and they were taken on to New Zealand. The Rev. Ironside, of Hobart, and Mrs Padman, of Adelaide, are the gentleman and lady whom I have quoted, and they are, I believe, the only two survivors of that party.

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William Charles Cotton, on leaving Eton. From a portrait by Margaret Carpenter, 1832

The Silver Isis Medal In August 1843, when an anxious William Charles Cotton received two hives of bees via James Busby at the Bay of Islands, he must not have been aware of Captain Wakefields April 1842 Imlay hive, nor Charles Saxtons May 1842 hive at Nelson later purchased by Captain Wakefield in June 1843. The Royal Society of Arts was founded in 1754 as the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce Its founders spoke of the need to embolden enterprise, enlarge science, refine art, improve our manufactures and extend our commerce, but also of the need to alleviate poverty and secure full employment. In its early years the Society offered prizes which it called "premiums" for people who could successfully achieve one of a number of published challenges. The Society offered premiums for a very wide range of challenges including devising new forms of machinery and agricultural improvements. 711 From the Societys own web site The RSA has awarded medals throughout its history to outstanding achievers who have been
711

Sourced from Wikipedia online. Refer web page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Society_of_Arts

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innovators in the liberal arts and sciences and contributed to progressive social change. Until the mid 19th century prizes, known as premium awards, were introduced to help stimulate industry. These took the form of medals and financial rewards, given for new inventions, design and artistic merit. 712 The minutes of the Committee of Agriculture for 19 May 1845 record Took into consideration a communication from Mrs T Allom The Chairman considered that Mrs Alloms example would in all probability lead to the introduction of Bees into other parts of the world where they might be of great service. Resolved. That the introduction of Bees into New Zealand by Mrs Allom is deserving of great credit, and the mode in which it was accomplished is extremely simple and efficacious 713 and worthy of commendation to the Society. To recommend to the Society to present their Silver Isis medal to Mrs Allom and to refer her communication to the Committee for publication. Two days later the recommendation was confirmed. 714

712 713

thersa.org/about-us/history-and-archive/medals A good word, one not usby in my active vocabulary. It means capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy. 714 Pers. comm.. from Susan Bennett, Archivist, RSA, 29 April 1996

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The Liverpool Mercury for Friday, 25 July 1845 reported Prince Albert has presented a silver medal to Mrs. Allom, the lady of the well-known artist and architect, for her successful introduction of bees into New Zealand. Appropriately and incorrectly reported in The New Zealand Observer and Free Lance for 28 December 1895 in its Tit Bits and Twaddle column: Bees were first introduced to New Zealand in the year 1845. They were sent ont by Mrs Thomas Allom, of Kent, in charge of Miss Wakefield. Now we want to know what philanthropist introduced fleas and sweetbriars 715 to this suffering country ? (p.11) An 1849 novel inspired by Mrs Alloms efforts Douglas William Jerrold (1803-1857) was an English dramatist and writer. One of his works, a novel, written in 1849, is titled A Man Made of Money. Its apparent he used Mrs Alloms prior efforts as the basis of an episode in his book. His imagination adds colourful background to what it might have been like aboard the Clifford and

715

Rosa rubiginosa, a species of wild rose native to Europe and western Asia, aka the Eurasian rose. Has prickly stems and fragrant leaves and bright pink flowers followed by scarlet hips.

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the London on their departure for New Zealand in December 1841 and January 1842.

Douglas William Jerrold

In Jerrolds book the Halcyon was a ship bound for the antipodes a magnificent vessel, lying in the docks in all the seeming confusion of outfit. We therefore speed our way to the frigate-built ship, Halcyon, Captain Goodbody, commander. One minute, reader, and arm-in-arm we stand upon the deck. Some dozen folks with gay, dull, earnest, careless, hopeful, wearied looks, spy about the ship, their future abiding-place upon the deep for many a day. Some dozen, with different feelings, shown in different motions, enter cabins, dip below, emerge on deck, and weave their way among packages and casks, merchandise and food, lying in labyrinth about. The ship is in most seemly confusion. The landsman thinks it impossible she can be all taut upon the wave in a week. Her yards are all so up and down; and her rigging in such a tangle, such disorder; like a wench's locks after a mad game at romps. Nevertheless, Captain Goodbody's word is as true as oak. On the appointed day, the skies permitting, the frigatebuilt Halcyon, with her white wings spread, will drop down the Thames - down to the illimitable sea. She carries a glorious freightage to the Antipodes; English hearts and English sinews. Hope and strength to conquer and control the waste, taming it to usefulness and beauty. She carries in her the seed of English cities; with English laws to crown them free. She carries with her the strong, deep, earnest music of the English tongue; a music 255

soon to be universal as the winds of heaven. What should fancy do in a London Dock ? All is so hard, material, positive. Yet there, amid the tangled ropes, fancy will behold - clustered like birds - poets and philosophers, history men and story men, annalists and legalists, English all, bound for the other side of the world, to rejoice it with their voices. For here are passengers, crossing from the wharf to the deck; good folks journeyed from Primrose Place to inspect their sometime house upon the wave. Carraways and Basil have, on former visits, inspected every nook and corner of the Halcyon, and therefore tread the deck with an assured manner, as though they already felt themselves at home. And Bessy, with happy face, and sparkling eyes, looks vivaciously around, as though she was truly surprised by the excellent accommodations, the comforts and conveniences, manifest at a glance. Poor Mrs. Carraways tries to smile, but shudders at the dirt and confusion; and then, casting a hopeless look at the tangled ropes, fairly sighs in despair at the dreadful untidiness about her. "A magnificent vessel, my dear," says Carraways. "Her first voyage, too." "Very pretty, indeed, Gilbert," falters the wife. "Beautiful, isn't she, mamma !" cries Bessy, exulting in the positive loveliness of the craft. (pp.194-5) Bessy, the heroine of this episode, emulates Mrs Alloms efforts to introduce the honey bee to New Zealand: Bessy had resolved upon carrying with her to her new country, a very swarm of illustrious strangers: constant, untiring labourers that should fill the air with sweetest music - music that should murmur of her English home - still winning from the fields the most delicious gains. It appeared that this order of labourers - wonderful workers; at once singers, chemists and masons, - we mean, in a word, the honey-bee - had not yet travelled to the Antipodes. 716 Honey-bees had yet to cross the ocean to a new world. Though his great progenitors - the Adam and Eve bees - had sung and worked in the roses of Eden - none of their million million descendants, to the time of a certain lady - and let the name of the
716

This note added by the books editor, Jerrolds brother: The earliest attempt to introduce bees from England was made by Mrs. Wills, in May 1842; but this first colony died on the passage. Shortly afterwards, a healthy hive sent by Mrs. Allom, of London, arrived safely, and was established at Nelson. Handbook for New Zealand. By Edward Jerningham Wakefield, p.171, 1848

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benefactress shine like a star in future Antipodean history - had touched upon the other side of the Pacific. The flowers and blossoms of ages had budded and fallen, and not a bee had drunk of their honey-cups. - This, become known to Bessy, she determined to carry with her a swarm of colonists to her new home: to people the waste with millions of workers; the toiling, happy bond-folk - (pity there should be any other !) - of imperial man. And the bees were of the old Jogtrot 717 stock. Of the family that had worked in the gardens and orchards of Marigolds; descendants in right regal descent of the same line that had sung and worked about Bessy's childhood; that had awakened her infant thought, had engaged her youthful care. We believe that Robert Topps had been Bessy's silent agent in the work; and with consummate skill and secresy [sic.] had conveyed away a hive of the old household from their native village, taking them to nurse at a certain gardeners some three or four miles distant from Primrose Place. And thither, to learn how fared the little ones, wended Bessy and her father. The old man, though doubtful of the prosperity of the scheme, nevertheless entered into it with all the cordiality of his nature. There's always a sure comfort about attempting good; delight if you succeed, and consolation if you fail. With this creed, Carraways listened with pleasure to the plan of Bessy, who had kept the scheme a secret from her mother and Basil. Won't they be surprised, when they see them aboard the ship, cried Bessy, glowing with pleasure. (And by the way, in the course of the two past paragraphs, Bessy and her father have reached the gardener's, and are now in front of the very hive; close to the swarm of insect colonists, the pilgrim bees, the emigrant honey-makers.) "Won't they be surprised ! repeated Bessy. Well, I doubt," said Carraways, smiling down upon the hive, "I doubt, if Queen Dido yes, I think it was Dido - carried with her more useful colonists; and I take it, say what they will, few so innocent." Bessy looked inquiringly. - "I don't think you know much of Queen Dido, my dear; and to say the truth, my school knowledge with the lady was at the best a nodding acquaintance. But, if you can only preserve them ! " and the old gentleman folded his hands thoughtfully. "Oh, I have no fear of that. I am certain, dear father - I feel so sure of it - they will arrive with us all safe and well. - "And then, my love," - said the old
717

Jogtrot Lodge, a location within the novel

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man - "you will not have lived in vain. No, my child, you will have done your share in the great human work - have obeyed the behest that lays it as a solemn task on all to share with all the good that, for some wise end, was only meted to a few. Only land the bees safe; let the swarm be but well upon the wing; let them once set to work, making honey - the new manna in the wilderness - where honey was never made before, - why do this, Bessy, and you are greater than any of the men Queens that ever lived - greater than any of the topping masculine ladies out of place in petticoats. Catherine and Christina and such folks - hm ! very great no doubt, - but their memory is not exactly kept in honey. And Queen Elizabeth - yes, an extraordinary virgin - but what a small stinging insect in a stomacher xxxi - how useless to the world is Queen Elizabeth against Queen Bee !" I am sure they will live," repeated Bessy; "and 'twill be such nice employment, during the voyage, to take care of them. And then, in a little time when they swarm and swarm" Why then, my dear - yes, I see it all" - and the old man, with a thoughtful smile, and as though dallying with a fancy, continued - "I see it all, and can prophesy. In some hundred years or so, when men think it the true glory to build up, not to destroy; when work, not slaughter, is the noble thing; when, in a word, the eagles of war shall be scouted as carrion fowl, and the bees of the garden shall be the honoured type of human wisdom, why, then, Bessy, - then, my child - that is some hundred years to come - in the city that will then nourish, I predict that the people will raise a statue to the memory of the woman who gave to the Antipodes the household glory of the honey-bee." Oh, father !" cried Bessy. "If the bees prosper, why you and Basil shall in the new country take a bee for your crest; by the way, not at all bad emigrant heraldry," laughed the old man. "Let me see; a bee or on a thistle proper. And the motto, 'Honey from suffering ! ' A good Christian legend," said Carraways. "And then, in a hundred years, as I predict, a statue" - "A statue !" and Bessy laughed. "Well," said the father with a gentle seriousness; "I'm getting old, Bessy. But I feel 'tis good - very good - to gain hope for the world, even as we gain years. It makes the sweeter sunset for our human day." And now anticipating awhile, we have only to say that at the proper season the hive was tenderly conveyed on board the Halcyon, there to await the cares of its coming mistress. (pp.214-216) Rotchs version of Nutts Collateral Hive 258

One Allom letter marked Read April 20, 1845 by Francis Whishaw is headed B Rotch Esq, Improved Collateral Box Bee Hive. This appears to have been the style of the spare hive she dispatched aboard the Clifford. Under the heading Reference is a list of component descriptions marked as follows: A BB CC D E a common hive Breeding Boxes (?) bottom and ends of hive with/and the top and front of perforated zinc the feeder, the tube of which descends through the top of (?) floating stage in feeder for bees to rest on while feeding

In an 1846 book titled The Year-Book of Facts in Science and Art 719 under the title Improved Bee Hives 720 is the following description: Mrs. Allom, wishing to convey some Bees to New Zealand, devised the following contrivance:- a large oblong box of wood, having its top and also front of perforated zinc, containing in the centre a common straw hive, which answers as the pavilion, and has an entrance in front; on either side is a wooden breeding box communicating with the pavilion; on the top of the case is a circular zinc feeding-trough, furnished with a cylindrical passage from the interior of the case, through which the bees pass to a perforated zinc floating stage above the hive, on which they rest while feeding; the feeding trough is filled with liquid honey, through a funnel-shaped opening on the side a glass top enabling the apiarian to inspect the insect while feeding. During the voyage, the bees were fed twice a week with two-thirds of honey and one-third of water: they arrived safely.

719

subtitled: Exhibiting the most important discoveries and improvements of the past year in mechanics and the useful arts; natural philosophy; electricity; chemistry; zoology and botany; geology and mineralogy; meteorology and astronomy. Timbs, John; Vincent, Charles W; Mason, James (1846) The Year-book of Facts in Science and Art. David Bogue, Fleet Street, London. Simpkin, Marshall & Co. 720 pp.107-108

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A version of the Nutts Collateral hive, complete with supers

Mr. Rotch has described to the Society of Arts, his Collateral Box Hive, the principal object of which is to secure the apiarian from the attacks of the bees. In general form, the hive is similar to that of Mr. Nutt; but, by the introduction of perforated zinc slides between the pavilion and the side compartments, the manager is able to remove the collateral box without the bees escaping; the ventilation is rendered complete moreover, every part may be inspected through glass windows, which are covered (when required) by hanging shutters, for the purpose of fumigation, without displacing any of the compartments; a gauze bag is suspended under each, the bottom of which is formed of perforated zinc. Francis Whishaw, Secretary, Royal Society of Arts F. Whishaw, to whom Mrs Allom addressed her letters, was Francis Whishaw, a civil engineer with specialist skills in telegraphy. Between 1845 and 1848 he left his employment at the Society of Arts to join the Electric Telegraph Company to manage their correspondence or message department. 721 From a family history web site: Francis Whishaw (1804 - 1856) became a Civil Engineer and wrote The Railways of Great Britain and Ireland, published in 1842, a monumental work containing an exhaustive general and technical account of nearly all the railways open or under construction at that

721

Details extracted from web site distantwriting.co.uk/noncompetitors.aspx

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time. As Secretary to the Society of the Arts, Francis was also one of the prime movers behind shaping the Great Exhibition 722 of 1851. Extracted from The Crystal Palace and the Great Exhibition (2004): 723 Railway engineer, Francis Whishaw, was appointed the first professional secretary of the Society of Arts in 1843. He was succeeded in 1845 In 1844, as Secretary for the Society of Arts, he was encouraged by foreign examples to take preliminary steps towards what he planned to call a Grand Annual Exhibition of Manufactures He started off by promoting two exhibitions of paintings and useful inventions, in the winter of 1844-45. This idea was taken up by the Council of the Society in May 1845

Cottons Plan
The relevant part of Cottons design appears in his My Bee Book: The diagram is a vertical section of an old hogshead, which I have had fresh coopered, and the joints properly fitted. The bottom has a pipe and tap to carry off the leakage, and is filled with broken crocks, that the drainage may be most perfect. From the supporting illustration the hogshead was capable of holding at least three hives, possibly four. The ice sat upon the broken crocks and above both a wooden frame, which is fixed firmly across the inside of the hogshead, about an inch above the ice. The Bees will be moved from their bottom boards on some cold November day, and securely tied, each in a square cloth of dairy canvas. The Hives will then be placed on the top of this frame, and well dried cinders, from which the moisture has been all baked out, will be poured in from above, till the hogshead is quite filled. By these means light and heat will be both excluded, and the Bees will be put into a deep and long sleep; though I hope not an eternal one.

722 723

turtlebunbury.com/history/history_family/hist_family_whishaw.html#1851 Hobhouse, Hermione (2004) The Crystal Palace and the Great Exhibition. (pp.3-4)

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The demise of Cottons bees

Background The handwriting of one Allom letter was particularly difficult to unravel but it contributes to the solution of a puzzle that has mystified many regarding the fate of Cottons hogshead 724 and the bees packed within. The following three paragraphs from William Charles Cotton, Grand Bee Master of New Zealand, 1842 to 1847, which I published in 1997, express explanations known to me at that time. Volume one of Cottons journals covers the voyage from Plymouth to Sydney between 26 December 1841 and 14 April 1842. The cargo of bees aboard the Tomatin receives no mention. Apart from some bouts of sea sickness in the early stages of the voyage and a few squalls, the passengers could safely be said to have had a pleasant voyage. On one occasion some of his books tumbling upon him from a shelf. I could find no mention in his journals of any storms serious enough to overly trouble the ship or crew. On 16 February they experienced a sudden drop in temperature and a squall. Later on Cotton also mentions a taste of rough weather and another squall. The December 1858 issue of The Cottage Gardener Country Gentlemans Companion and Poultry Chronicle carried an article by T. W. Woodbury under the pseudonym of The Devonshire Beekeeper. It reported that the Tomatin sailors believed the bad weather they
724

a large cask for liquids, eg., beer or wine, some 54 gallons by volume

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encountered was caused by the bees presence on board. Being a superstitious lot the sailors threw the bees overboard, to Cottons dismay. From a newspaper scrapbook held at the Hocken Library, Dunedin, is a letter from Amy G. Storr, 725 daughter of Mrs Thomas (Mary Ann) Allom, dated October 1895. It apparently appeared in the Hawkes Bay Herald if the editors attribution of H.B.H can be taken as a guide. 726 727 The date of publication is also unknown but its likely to have been late December 1895. The last statement in her letter concerned the Rev. Mr. Cotton I believe that an attempt was made about the year 1842 ... to take out bees, but owing to a severe storm in the Channel they were thrown overboard at Plymouth. Why Amy Storr decided to write to the Hawkes Bay Herald at that time is unknown, however the Editors note provides a contemporary family link with Hawkes Bay Mrs Allom was the mother of Mr A. J. Allom, late of the Thames, 728 but now of Tasmania. Three grandsons and a grand-daughter remain in the colony, two being in Hawkes Bay. Perhaps there had been an earlier discussion in the newspaper on the introduction of bees, and being advised by her relatives, decided to address the matter. This research avenue can be followed once searchable copies of the newspaper 729 become available. Was Amy Storr restating Woodburys thirty-seven year old report or recalling part of the story as told to her by her mother. I think the latter makes more sense. There is a Woodbury 730 Neighbour 725

See Appendix III for the full text of Amys letter, Hawkes Bay Herald, 7 Dec. 1895. It must have been this letter that sparked Isaac Hopkins renewed research on the first bees into NZ. His investigations were published in the New Zealand Farmer for Feb., Mar., Apr., and Oct. 1896. Subsequent articles appeared in the British Bee Journal for Jan. & Feb. 1897 726 The National Library of New Zealands Papers Past digitization project, as of July 2008, had not made available text scanable copies of the Hawkes Bay Herald, published between 1857 and 1900, however, image copies can be viewed. 727 Rev. Taylors letter of 9 Dec. 1895 which addressed Mrs. Alloms letter, appeared in the Hawkes Bay Herald of 10 Dec. 1895, p.4a. 728 Coromandel Peninsula, North Island NZ 729 Issues exist between 1857 and 1900 730 Thomas White Woodbury (1818-1871), was a journalist and beekeeper. From the 1850 he dedicated himself exclusively to the beekeeping He

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Cotton link, through which Woodbury may have learned some of the Cotton / Tomatin story. From H. Malcolm Frasers History of Beekeeping in Britain (1958) According to [Alfred] Neighbour 731 (1878), the first Carniolan bees were imported into England in 1870 by the Reverend W. C. Cotton; it seems that Neighbour housed them. The Neighbour - Woodbury relationship had already been in place for some years also from Fraser Alfred Neighbour and Woodbury received Italian queens from Hermann of Switzerland at the same time [in] 1859. In deference to George Neighbours advice during 1841, consistent across Woodburys and Storrs reports are the themes of bad weather / a severe storm and the bees, as a result, having been thrown overboard. Superstitious sailors and the myth of success Its unknown where Woodburys superstitious sailors embellishment originated. Woodbury, falsely believing in 1858 that Cotton was deceased, 732 divulged the story within the latters obituary, relating the facts as he understood them. However, his contention that the voyage out was so remarkably stormy and protracted is not supported within the pages of Cottons journal. 733 Woodbury related: It will be remembered that the lamented author anticipated being the first to introduce the honey-bee into the colony, and entered very fully
developed the self named Woodbury hive which was recommended and sold by Neighbour and Sons. Refer following web page. Google babel fish to get a translation engine - Spanish to English. culturaapicola.com.ar/wiki/index.php/Woodbury 731 Alfred was George Neighbours son. From Fraser (1958) George Neighbour established his business in Holborn about 1814 (p.71). Born in 1784, George would have been some 57 years old when assisting Mrs Allom in 1841. Georges son Alfred, born 1825, then at age 16 would likely have been working with his father on the Allom project. 732 It was not until 7 March 1865 that Woodbury retracted his obituary in The Journal of Horticulture. 733 However fair the voyage as a whole, the onset of seasickness for some was not surprising. From Wards 1842 book on the settlement of Nelson: Extract from the letter of a passenger (unconnected with the New Zealand mission) on board the Tomatin, lat. 3 N., long. 20 N., and dated January 20, 1842. Never shall I forget the first Sunday that we assembled, after the days of sickness and of suffering. We were running near Lisbon, and the air was as balmy as a June day. The bishop himself writes thus, We are all well, and have had a delightful passage to this point of our voyage. (p.39)

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into the various contrivances he intended to adopt, with the view of preserving his little favourites during their voyage to the Antipodes. It now appears, that, if successful, and this may, perhaps, in some measure have consoled him for his failure; the circumstances of which were rather singular, and are not, I believe generally known. It seems the voyage out was so remarkably stormy and protracted, that the sailors, with the usual superstition of their class, insisted that some sinister influence was the cause of the adverse weather elements. This sinister influence was ascribed to the presence of the poor bees, and so strong was the belief, that ultimately the hives were taken forcible possession of, and all thrown overboard, to the indescribable grief and disappointment of their amiable and enthusiastic owner. These particulars, with which I have only recently become acquainted, may possibly be as interesting to others as they were to A Devonshire Beekeeper. Despite this version, the myth of Cottons success has persisted across 165 years, from the year of his arrival in New Zealand and into the 21st Century. 734 In the British Bee Journal for July 1879 735 We regret that we are called upon to announce the death of Rev William
734

Some more examples between 1842 and 2007: The London Quarterly Review, Vol. LXXI, Dec. 1842 March 1843. Nature (1874) Nature Publishing Group Mr. Cotton had taken bees out to New Zealand by keeping them at a low temperature, and consequently in a dormant condition, by means of ice. ... (p.156) The Edinburgh Review, Smith, Sydney et. al. (1886) immigration into New Zealand of Cotton of Christchurch and his swarm of bees (p.408) Annual Report / NZ Dept. of Agriculture (1906) in 1842 the Rev. W. Cotton brought bees with him - (p.434) NZ Official Yearbook (1918) NZ Dept. of Statistics [in 1842] Rev. W. Cotton brought some es] [bwith him ... (p.585) Atkins, Edward Laurence & Grout, Roy A. (1975) Dadant & Sons WC Cotton took the first consignment to New Zealand (from England) in 1842. (p.10) Preston, Claire (2006) Bee. Reaktion Books: William Cotton, the lively nineteenth-century English apiarist who sent the first honeybees to New Zealand, was a major voice in the Never Kill a Bee movement (p.84) Transactions of the Lancashire and Cheshire Antiquarian Society (2007) He took with him four hives of bees that he hoped would proliferate in the colony's mild climate. (p.161) 735 Vol 7, No. 75.

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Charles Cotton who died on the 22nd June, aged sixty-six. In 1841 Mr Cotton embarked on board the Tomatin on the 26th of December of that year. Mr Cotton was accompanied by his bees, and many marvelous stories are told of his mastery over his favourites on ship-board. 736 Hopkins quoted a similar passage in his 1886 3rd edition of The Australasian Bee Manual, referencing the British Bee Journal for 1 Jan. 1880. 737 In 1841 Mr. Cotton took with him four stocks of bees and many marvelous stories are told of his mastery over his favourites on ship board. He was very successful in the introduction of the cultivation of bee-keeping in his adopted country (pp.8-9) He prefaced this extract with regard to Mr. Cottons success, I quote the following from the BBJ . In support of his belief Hopkins may have equally quoted the American Bee Journal for October 1874 Whoever has read Cotton's My Bee Book ... will remember the interesting account which he gives at the end of the book of the manner in which he packed two hives of bees to take with him to the Pacific Island of NZ. His success was remarkable, when the great distance is considered - a voyage of five months. The Rev. Richard Taylor, of NZ, while on a visit to England, reports that 'bees were introduced into NZ before Rev. Mr. Cotton's arrival, but the chief supply is derived from his stock ... (p.228) The many marvelous stories observation may have been pure invention, literary licence. 738 On the surface it appears to be a simple confirmation of Cottons acknowledged skill in handling bees.
736

Obituary by Wm. Carr. The same phrase appears in the American Bee Journal for 1880 (Vol.16, p.20) Mr. Cotton took with him four colonies of bees, and many marvelous stories are told of his mastery over his favorites on ship-board. He was very successful in the introduction of the cultivation of bee-keeping in his adopted country; and in 1848 he produced his Manual ... Without embellishment, this was also repeated by Hopkins in his 1882 The Illustrated New Zealand Bee Manual. Mr. Cotton took with him of bees; and many marvelous 737 See also American Bee Journal, 1 Jan. 1880, p.12 738 Then again, there may have been marvelous stories but no one ever captured them in print. In the British Bee Journal, 4 February 1893 Dozens of quaint stories have been related about the renowned cleric and author, his dog, his parrot, and his bees. Vicar Cotton was a great bee master (pp.4243)

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However, the inference that he handled the bees on ship board does not make sense, and is entirely inconsistent with his design to take bees to New Zealand. Cotton had planned to ship his bees aboard the Tomatin, chilled and sealed within a hogshead where no direct contact 739 with them was desirable or possible. Only on arrival and following the unearthing of the hives and release of the bees could the result of his experiment be measured. In addition, none of the so called marvelous stories, to my knowledge, have ever been revealed. Mrs. Alloms letter of 12 March 1845 In March and April 1845 Mrs Allom penned two documents accounting for the fate of Cottons bees, one being a letter to Francis Whishaw, Secretary to the Society of Arts, the other a supporting documentation she called her Annals. I found it difficult and sometimes impossible to decipher some of her handwriting. There is, however, enough legibility to express her understanding of the loss of Cottons bees, on or about 26 December 1841. 14 Hart Street Bloomsbury, March 12th 1845 Dear Sir, I have according to my promise sent you a [full ?] account of the method and sketches illustrating the same [?] of how the bees were packed which I sent to New Zealand, the first which were successfully packed. You are aware that the Revd Mr Cotton who went out with the Bishop, spent a large sum of money in procuring hives and every thing which would facilitate the transit and ensure the thriving of the bees on their arrival, but from mismanagement in the [?] he [?] packing them, he found to his mistification on the arrival of the ship at Plymouth, when she put in to take on board the Bishop and his party, that from the stern of the ship, the poor bees had been destroyed [?] they [had?] been packed up in [the] hogshead without care and filled up with ice and ashes. The rolling of the ship down from London had acted like a churn and made the whole a mash. This was afterward taken [?] to mean [?] by some persons who saw [?] the whole thrown over the ships side in Plymouth Sound before the ship proceeded in her passage. Soon after this [the ?] received a book called My Bee Book written by Mr Cotton which gave him great credit for his having been the first
739

Visible condensation at the top of the ventilation tubes may have indicated that all was well below.

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to take out bees to New Zealand [but] of course the [?] was [well?] aware of the failure of the [?] The two Annals which I have inclosed [sic.] I shall be glad to have back when you have done with them as they belong to my [?] 740 Yours very truly, Mary Ann Allom A carelessly packed hogshead, mashed hives thrown overboard in Plymouth Sound Her letter appears to assume Cotton was not in London, there to source and securely pack his bees, organize their loading on the Tomatin, nor to accompany then south down the Channel to join the missionary party in Plymouth. Its possible his clerical responsibilities prevented him from personally preparing the hives for their long voyage and this task had been delegated to person/s unknown. Upon the delayed arrival 741 of the Tomatin at Plymouth he discovered, to his shock, the sorry tale of their loss. Its clear Cottons plans were well founded but possibly due to lack of care by others anonymous, and no matter how securely the hogshead was lashed on board once under way, the rolling of the ship caused the hogsheads loose contents to self-destruct within. Before the ships arrival at Plymouth someone on board had assessed the damage as irretrievable and dumped the hives overboard, apparently in the absence of the hogshead. Cottons journal commences on embarkation from Plymouth, presumably after the loss of his bees. The anonymous action of clearing the crushed hives overboard was anything but a response to the superstitious beliefs of sailors. Contrary to Cottons hopes, the

740

Mrs Alloms husband, Thomas Allom (1804-72), was an artist and architect. Its likely he drew the diagrams. Refer artcyclopedia.com/artists/allom_thomas.html Refer also en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Allom 741 From William Charles Cotton MA, 1813-1879, Priest, Missionary and Bee Master, a Turbulent Life In mid December 1841 the Tomatin set out from London but met with contrary winds in the Channel and had to return to port. The Bishops party, which was to embark at Plymouth, had to wait twelve days for the ship to arrive.

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bees achieved their eternal sleep, perishing prematurely in the waters of Plymouth Sound. 742 The briefer description from her Annals adds: Amongst the persons who accompanied the first Bishop of New Zealand in the colony [?] was a gentleman who devoted much time and expense in the study and culture of bees and who had prepared a great quantity of bees to take with him and also a specimen of every kind of honey that could be procured but unfortunately, from the manner in which they had been packed and the rolling of the vessel on the way through the Channel to embark the Bishop at Plymouth, this gentleman had the mistification [sic.] of finding the whole of his bees destroyed and seeing them thrown into the Sound. The phrase and seeing them in her version infers he actually witnessed the event, rather than that hed discovered what had occurred after the event. However, Cotton could not have accompanied his bees on their voyage from London to Plymouth for he accompanied Selwyn during his overland journey from London to their point of embarkation. Mrs. Allom notes tragically that within the pages of My Bee Book, Cotton gave himself credit for being the first to take bees to New Zealand, but became painfully aware of the failure of his project. My 1997 743 evaluation that There can be no doubt Cotton had bees on board from Plymouth must now be questioned. Inexplicably, there remains Cottons letter dated 30 December 1841, with the Tomatin in its fourth day at sea outbound from Plymouth. Cotton wrote home Becalmed for the first time since leaving Plymouth. All well - Mrs Selwyn, Bishop and Willie - dogs and bees and self. His father had a stern history of criticism upon his sons overspending. Even Bishop Selwyn, as part of the missionary partys preparations, criticised Cotton for unnecessary expenditure. How could Cotton inform his family of the waste of considerable funds upon his bees, even though their loss was somewhat beyond his control. I think considerable trepidation regarding his fathers negative response could have made him avoid the truth so soon into his mission.
742

Plymouth Sound is a body of water sited between the English Channel and the mouth of the River Plym. East-west the Sound mouth is some 3 nautical miles wide and its north south line almost the same distance. Plymouth dock at the head of the Sound was the ships point of departure 743 William Charles Cotton, Grand Bee Master of New Zealand, 1842 to 1847

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By inference, Cotton subsequently admitted the failure of his initial bee venture. This was reiterated in a letter to My Dear Arthur, my brother and my Godson dated 21 April 1843, almost a year after his arrival in New Zealand: I hope to have some bees sent over to me from friends in Sydney, where they prosper, as I wrote to you before, most wonderfully. ... The seed which was sent to me last year grew capitally, but does not seed, as there are no bees - indeed this seems the fate of most English seeds. Word of the failure of his project became known to at least one other person outside Cottons immediate family. From the Memoir of Jane Pennington, editor H.J.E wrote In 1841, she writes a short note We have had our feelings much tried of late, in losing our friend and pastor, Mr. Selwyn, now Bishop of New Zealand, and Mr. Cotton, who was his assistant Curate, and with whom we were very intimate. Her bees were first given to her by Mr. Cotton, who tried to take a hive of them out to New Zealand I can barely imagine Cottons consternation, shock and despair at the catastrophe in Plymouth Sound. He didnt record the traumatic event in his diary nor ever explained publicly what had happened to his bees at Plymouth. It was likely too disastrous a topic to dwell upon or sully a diary intended to be a positive record of his adventure to come. His diaries were eventually posted home for his family to read and, I expect, to prove to his father he was making a success of himself. Such a disaster and waste of funds could not, would not, be documented for home consumption so soon after his departure. Well, thats the story according to Mrs. Allom, but I dont believe, as a whole, that it hangs together. Firstly, and in common with other versions, no source was named. Secondly, and more importantly, the only way to determine that the hogsheads contents had been destroyed was to have removed the hives and inspected them. Without Cotton on board there was no one with either incentive or ability to determine the bees state. Thirdly, there is a credible and differing version of events. Common to all versions is that the bees were thrown overboard. Cotton, like all other passengers waiting to embark, had to be ferried to the Tomatin which was moored some way out in the Sound. All their heavy stores and livestock must have been loaded in London, with only passengers and personal luggage waiting in Plymouth. Only upon Cottons transfer from the cutter could he 270

have discovered what happened to his bees. Does this version hold true? If the hives had been simply placed on deck in London, where was his hogshead? Could cinders and ice be easily procured at short notice in Plymouth? Had he pre-arranged their supply? A competing explanation - sailors stung by the bees ! One item from the 1897 reminiscences of Sir George Grove xxxii provides another explanation on the bee happenings between London and Plymouth. Grove recalled a very interesting person named Cotton. Charles Graves, Groves biographer, added Cotton had been Bishop Selwyns chaplain in New Zealand, and who appeared in Sydenham towards the end of the Crimean War. 745 Grove: Cotton was an enthusiast about bees, and had not only written a very interesting volume My Bee Book, but while at Oxford had kept two hives of bees in his rooms, allowing them to go out by a hole in the top of the window. He made his appearance in Sydenham 746 quite casually, coming straight from the Crimea 747 with a very large bag and a large knapsack or bundle across his shoulders containing a photographic apparatus and various other impedimenta.
748

He introduced himself at the parsonage, where the Rev. Charles English was always hospitable. Besides, his father Mr. William Cotton, was Governor of the Bank of England, a very good Churchman, and renowned for his charities to the Church, so that his name was an open sesame to any parson. Cottons request was a very modest one (if he had kept to it) that he might be allowed to take a photograph of the chancel 749 of Englishs church from the lawn of the parsonage. I shall only be a few minutes over it, and I can assure you I shall make a beautiful picture of it. By all manner of means, said English. However, it ended in Cottons residing there for, I think, the next fortnight
745 746

the Crimean War ran from October 1853 - February 1856 St Bartholomews 747 Also known as the Crimean Peninsula. 748 Possibly Cottons camping gear and tent, for hed camped at Therapia, Turkey, in June 1855, as a guest of the Chief Secretary to the British Embassy in Constantinople, having pitched his tent outside his hosts summer residence. (Smith, 2006) 749 The Chancel was completed in 1857 and consecrated in August 1858.

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His story of some circumstances attending his voyage to New Zealand was very interesting. He went out, I think, in a sailing ship with the bishop. Cotton's intention was to take a hive or two of bees with him to introduce them to New Zealand, but as he and the bishop were to go by railway to Falmouth xxxiii and meet the ship there, he contented himself with depositing the hives on deck, and giving the sailors strict directions not to knock them about, assuring them that if left alone they would molest nobody. When they got on board the ship at Falmouth, [sic.] 751 they found that the hives had been jostled and the bees had got out and stung some of the sailors, upon which they were promptly thrown overboard. Never mind, said Cotton, there will be no difficulty, we will get some more bees at Falmouth, and we will take them out in ice, which was very creditable to his ingenuity, 752 and completely answered the purpose. The result of the experiment, however, was very curious. The native bees of New Zealand were stingless, and were soon exterminated by the English intruders; and not only the bees, for there was a bird called the bee-eater which subsisted on these stingless bees, and attempting to make a prey of the English variety, was also exterminated. 753 This, at any rate, was Mr. Cottons version. 754 (pp.54-55) From the above it appears a hogshead played no part in the sequence of events up to the Tomatins arrival at Plymouth. Did Cotton have access to the original hogshead as planned, awaiting its packing in
751 752

Should read Plymouth More ignorance of Cottons method is reflected here for ice always formed part of his plan. 753 The story of the extermination of bee-eater and native bees is not supported. The Rainbow bee-eater (Merops ornatus) of Australia, eastern Indonesia, New Guinea and the Solomons eats honey bees without ill effect. From the Birds in Backyards web site birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=174 Rainbow Bee-eaters eat insects, mainly catching bees and wasps, as well as dragonflies, beetles, butterflies and moths. They catch flying insects on the wing and carry them back to a perch to beat them against it before swallowing them. Bees and wasps are rubbed against the perch to remove the stings and venom glands. The Te Ara Encyclopaedia of New Zealand explores its many species of native bees and wasps. Refer teara.govt.nz 754 Could this suggest another version was known to Grove?

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Plymouth or was he able to secure another hogshead for the ice and a new batch of bees at Plymouth in the three days available before their departure for New Zealand? 755

Sir George Grove

Another remembrance of Cottons bees occurs some fifty-seven years later in Arthur Duke Coleridges 1898 Eton in the Forties. We were told at Eton that the sailors who accompanied the Bishop and the missionary to New Zealand were not over-civil to the bees on their transportation voyage, and that they would have shipped the hives overboard, queens and all, had they known how to catch the inhabitants without sharing the fate of the indignant gentleman commoner of Christ Church. (p.315) This version has the hives being mishandled by sailors rather than the weather and suggests the escape of some bees with Cotton suffering some stings. Many contradictions 757 remain concerning the fate of the bees. Taking all into account Ive come to the following conclusion: On arrival of the bees at Plymouth and Cottons horrified discovery of their sorry state, he attempted to rescue the situation by first inspecting the hives contents. As a result he was stung along with some sailors. The only politic solution to prevent further damage was
755

Approximately three days: from The Missionary Register for MDCCCXLII, On the 23rd of December, the Bishop embarked at Plymouth, on board the Tomatin; but the wind detained the vessel till Sunday the 26th, when she sailed with a fair breeze. 757 Inexplicably, there remains Cottons letter dated 30 December 1841, with the Tomatin in its fourth day at sea outbound from Plymouth. Cotton wrote home Becalmed for the first time since leaving Plymouth. All well - Mrs Selwyn, Bishop and Willie - dogs and bees and self.

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that the hives be jettisoned, unfortunately, I suspect, by Cottons own hand! When did Cotton visit Sydenham and relate his story to the Curate? The church of St. Bartholomews, Upper Sydenham, was completed in 1832. The Rev Charles English MA, the second Curate-in-Charge, enlarged the Church by building the Chancel and the Vicar's Vestry. It was completed in 1857 and dedicated on 9 August 1858. 758 George Grove also lived in Upper Sydenham, 759 so probably received the bees tale through Cottons sometime host, Rev. English. The Crimean War ran from March 1854 to February 1856. 760 From Arthur Smiths 2006 biography, Cotton had set out on a Continental tour early in 1855, and by June of that year was in Constantinople, (now Istanbul, Turkey) capital of the Ottoman Empire. Smith thereafter places Cotton as a preacher at Woodford Bridge, England, in 1855, then at St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol, from December 1855 to May 1857. In the summer of 1857 he set off on another Continental tour, during which he visited Avignon and Paris where he dabbled in tent camping and photography. By my reckoning Cotton must have visited the chancel during its construction, his visit to Sydenham most likely having occurred during the second half of the year 1855 before he again left for the Continent. Misinformation, ignorance and intensive research Misinformation also existed. A letter to Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-communication for literary men, artists, antiquaries, genealogists, etc. for Saturday 8 December 1855, under the heading Bees in New Zealand, asked: That enthusiastic apiarian, Mr. William Cotton, of Christ Church, Oxford, stated it to be his intention, some twelve years ago (see his Bee Book, London, 1842), to take bees with him from England to New Zealand, where they were not to be found. Can any of your readers inform me, and all who feel interested in the question, whether Mr. Cotton effected his purpose; and, if so,
758 759

Church history extracted from http://barts.sydenham.org.uk/old/ kentvillages.com/Sydenham/gentry.shtml. Listed as Sydenham gentry in Melvilles 1858 Directory. Sydenham was also the home of the Crystal Palace. 760 The combatants were the Russian empire opposed by France, the United Kingdom, the kingdom of Sardinia and the Ottoman Empire. Refer en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crimean_War

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what has been its result ? Will Honeycomb. Part of the published response provides, if not an evasive answer on Taylors part, then one that simply ignores what happened to Cottons bees on the Tomatin: The Rev. Richard Taylor, F.G.S., of New Zealand, at present in England, has kindly furnished the following reply to Will Honeycombs query: Bees were introduced into New Zealand before Mr. Cottons arrival; but the chief supply is derived from his stock. They are now very abundant and widely spread; in fact, the swarms which have escaped have completely stocked the woods. Ignorance of Cottons proposed method is reflected in the following report in the New Zealand Journal for Saturday 13 May 1843 Mrs. Alloms bees, we believe, reached Wellington in safety. Those taken out by the Rev. W. Cotton were destroyed from want of air; having been unfortunately packed in a hogshead. (p.114b) Ive chanced upon many other references to Cottons reputed success, all undoubtedly based on his indelible plans in My Bee Book. 761 This account from an 1859 book on pets 762 incorrectly accepts Cottons success, padding the tale with a ridiculous observation: This is one of the many cases in which the fancy of the individual has brought about a public good. When Cotton went out as chaplain to the Bishop of New Zealand he took with him several swarms of bees, and succeeded, in spite of the opposition of the sailors, who voted his bees a bore, in bringing one or more hives safe to their destination.
761

The American Bee Journal (1874) Mr. Cotton accompanied the first Bishop of New Zealand in his missionary work, but he found time to introduce his pet bees among the islands of the Pacific, ... (p.228) Carr, William. (1880) Introduction or Early History of Bees and Honey . Our late friend Rev. W.C. Cotton published his first work on bees in 1838, "Short and Simple letters to Cottagers," of which 24,000 were distributed; and his enlarged work, "My Bee Book," in 1842, before he took the bees out to New Zealand, which so benefited the colony ... (p.155) In Oceana; or, England and Her Colonies (1887) Cotton went to New Zealand with Bishop Selwyn, and took his bees with him, and they have multiplied in this marvelous manner. (p.233). This also appeared in Longmans Magazine, 1886 (p.661) A 20th Century example - The Hive and the Honey Bee (1975) WC Cotton took the first consignment to New Zealand (from England) in 1842. (p.10) 762 Leigh (1859)

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Isaac Hopkins was keenly interested in details concerning the first introduction of honey bees into New Zealand. He wrote to the New Zealand Farmer, Bee and Poultry Journal It may not seem to be a matter of very great moment who first introduced them, but accuracy in recording events in the history of a country is more desirable and important. Probably no one has made more enquiries, or been in a better position for obtaining facts connected with this matter than myself, therefore I can speak with some confidence. 763 764 In articles documenting his intensive and valuable research on the subject 765 in that journal for February, March, April and October 1896, his clear assumption was that Cotton had succeeded as planned. He was, however, aware of Mistress Amy Storrs claim that I believe that an attempt was made about the year 1842 by the Rev. Cotton to take out bees, but owing to a severe storm in the Channel they were thrown overboard at Plymouth. 766 Hopkins placed no belief in this assertion, trusting the report in the British Bee Journal for January 1880: Mr Cotton took with him four stocks of bees; and many marvelous stories are told of his mastery over his favourites on ship board. Hopkins stated in the March number I am quite satisfied that there is no room to doubt that the Rev. Mr Cotton brought bees to New Zealand, and that they arrived before those of Mrs. Allom. In the April number hed revised the timing: correspondence resulted in our being able to fix the dates when both Mrs. Alloms and the Rev. Wm. Cottons bees arrived. It was subsequently understood that Mrs Alloms bees landed a few days before Mr. Cottons. 767 Hopkins then quoted George T. Chapmans circa 1868 book How to
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Fifteen years previously, in 1881, Mr. A. J. Allom was a near neighbour to Hopkins - the latter was thus able to view the original document written on vellum received with the silver Isis medal. 764 Hopkins research was triggered by Amy Storrs letter to the Hawkes Bay Herald in October 1895. From indications in the New Zealand Farmer, March 1896, it also appeared in an issue of the New Zealand Graphic, issue date as yet unknown. 765 Hopkins became aware of Lady Hobsons 1840 and Mary Bumbys 1839 introductions subsequent to the publication of his 1881 Australasian Bee Manual. 766 March 1896, p.96 767 October 1896, p.340. Actual date for arrival at Nelson was 11th May 1842

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Manage the Honey Bee in New Zealand. Its opening paragraph quoted Rev. R. Taylors response to Notes and Queries for 8 December 1855 768 which gave Cottons arrival in Auckland as 29 May 1842. 769 The actual arrival date was actually one day later, the 30th.

Cotton: some additional biographical background

Subsequent to my 1997 book William Charles Cotton, grand beemaster of New Zealand, 1842 to 1847 and Arthur Smiths 2006 William Charles Cotton MA, 1813-1879, priest, missionary and bee master, additional biographical material has come to hand.

I know that bee well

The Hobart Town Courier for Friday 10 October 1834 carried the following anecdote: A gentleman, residing at Bury St. Edmund's, could do with impunity anything he liked with his bees; he knew every one of them; could distinguish each bee from its fellow, as a shepherd is said to individualise his sheep by the physiognomy of each; and, if he wanted to show a particular bee to a friend, he would have the hive to which it belonged turned into a cloth, roll the insects about with his hands, like so many peas, and unharmed select from them the one required! This feat he has often been seen to perform. (p.3) The story was sourced from the Mirror. 770 A longer version appeared eight years later In John Lawrences 1842 book A practical treatise on breeding, rearing, and fattening, all kinds of domestic poultry under the page title Curious Hive Anecdotes, it was prefixed by: It has been observed, that bees are endowed with the faculty of knowing the persons familiar to them,
768

Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-communication for literary men, artists, antiquaries, genealogists, etc. Vol.XII, July Dec. 1855. George Bell, London 769 New Zealand Farmer, March 1896, p.96 770 This was likely The mirror of literature, amusement and instruction , published by J. Limbird, London. The issues for 1833 and 1834 would have comprised volumes 21 to 24, each volume addressing a six month period, eg., Jan. to June. The publications subtitle in 1828: Containing Original Essays; Historical Narratives; Biographical Memoirs; Sketches of Society; Topographical Descriptions; Novels and Tales; Anecdotes; Select Extracts from New and Expensive Works, Etc. Ive found evidence via Google that The Mirror was published to at least the year 1844. Identification of the actual issue which carried the article on the apiarian gentleman might assist in determining whether Cotton was the target.

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which, indeed, seems sufficiently obvious from their power of distinguishing, individually, their own kind, and their friends from their enemies. [and] will scarcely ever attack keepers who have been acknowledged by them, and who take care constantly to approach them quietly, and without roughness or cause of agitation. It appears, however, to be an ascertained fact, that there are persons who, probably from the peculiar scent of their perspiration, are either pleasing and attractive, or disgusting to the olfactory nerves of bees. Thence it has occasionally happened, that a swarm of bees shall have alighted upon the human head and face, and the patient being of the favoured class, not the slightest injury has been sustained; on the contrary, it has often occurred, that persons have been stung dangerously, and as it would seem revengefully, by these insects. It is perhaps the same with respect to strangers visiting an apiary. In my experience a beekeeper already known to his bees who acted erratically and clumsily in attending the hive, would certainly be stung. Lawrences introduction to A practical treatise was appended with: The following almost miraculous story appeared in a late provincial newspaper: That bees may be tamed, so as not to hurt persons to whom they are accustomed, I have by many instances heard exemplified, but most remarkably by the following account. A gentleman residing at Bury St. Edmonds (whose name surely ought to have been given) could do with impunity anything he liked with his bees; followed by the identical text from the Hobart Town Courier of 10 October 1834. Lawrences version continued: I must own, I should decline being a spectator of such a fact. The unaccountable fact, however, as above stated, known from antiquity, is indisputable, that bees will sting, even to death, some persons - the majority - whilst they select their favourites, whom they leave unhurt. My late wife belonged to this favoured class, having had, in approaching the hives, her head and face covered with bees, without receiving the slightest injury or inconvenience, beyond the tickling of the insects; but she offered no opposition, standing perfectly still until her dangerous visitors took their leave, which occurred in less than five minutes. (p.289) Given my experiences as a hobbyist beekeeper for fourteen years and my wide reading on the subject, I think there is just enough truth in the related tale sufficient to make the whole believable to anyone not 278

knowledgeable with the habits of bees. Its absurd to suggest anyone could possess the ability to select a specific bee from the many thousands within a hive as if each and every one was known by sight. The assertion that he knew every one of them, and could distinguish each from its fellow, as a shepherd is said to individualize his sheep is ridiculous. Given the continual birth and death churn within a hive, where a bee lives for around 40 days during summer (approximately half of which is spent in the field during sunlight hours), a beekeeper professing to know all his bees would have to continually reacquaint himself with the coming and passing of each of a hives inhabit ants, amounting to a standing population of as many as 35,000 or more during summer. Not even a person endowed with a photographic memory would be able to individually recognize the members within a single comb glass sided observation hive. I reject the supposition that bees know their master, however there is another subjective perspective. Cotton: no Bee-keeper can be successful [unless he] desires to become the familiar friend of his Bees. He loses the high pleasure of feeling that his Bees know hi m, and confide in him; and is enabled to do fearlessly and promptly whatever they require. (My Bee Book, p.liv) Could Cotton have been Lawrences mysterious gentleman? I cannot prove it was him but he is the most eminent candidate. Of Lawrencess several editions the first to contain any reference to bees was his 4th of 1822 771. Cotton was then aged 9. Im unaware if the reference to the Bury St. Edmund's gentleman appeared in any of the four editions between the 4th of 1822 and the 7th of 1834. In an attempt to equate Cotton with the anonymous gentleman I traced the formers movements using the scant but best information available. William Charles Cotton attended Eton College between 1827 and 1832 and in March of that final year at age 19 matriculated to Christ Church, Oxford. 772 During his undergraduate years William Charles in 1833 helped to found the Oxford Apiarian Society, xxxiv taking on the office of Secretary. 773 At the time of the 1834 Hobart Town
771

British Bee Books, a bibliography 1500 1976 states the first three editions have no bee material. 772 Smith, Arthur, R (2006) William Charles Cotton MA 1813-1879, priest, missionary and bee master. Countyvise, Birkenhead. (pp.9-12) 773 Smith (2006), (p.18)

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Courier report Cotton was 21 years old, then studying and residing at Oxford where he gained his BA in 1836. At the time of Lawrences 8th edition of 1842 Cotton was aged 29, having arrived in New Zealand at the end of May that year. Though Lawrence declared his disappointment at the hidden identity of the gentleman residing at Bury St. Edmunds, Cottons abilities were consistent with the anonymous apiarian. William Cotton was well known for his ability to literally handle bees and could demonstrate the equivalent of being able to roll the insects about with his hands, like so many peas. From William Beaments 1881 774 An Account of the Ancient Town of Frodsham, in Cheshire: ... any one who, like the writer, has seen the vicar wholly unprotected turn a full hive of bees upside down, handle the inmates at his pleasure, select the queen from the rest, hold her up to the admiration of her subjects, and then restore her to them, without sustaining a hurt or a sting, would almost have believed that they knew their historian, and would not injure him. (p.258) In My Bee Book I could tell one [a drone] by the touch, for I can put my hands into a parcel of Bees, and pull out the drones with my eyes shut. I said in my first Letter, If you want to catch any of the Bees, make a bold sweep at them with your hand, as though there was no such thing as a sting in the world. I have so caught three or four at a time. I can appeal to swarms of my friends who have seen me among my Bees, whether I cannot do stranger things than this. (pp.liv-lv) A whimsical tale of Cottons innovative handling of an unjust accusation may be found in Francis Doyles 1886 Reminiscences and Opinions of Sir Francis Hastings Doyle, 1813-1885: At Christ Church, not in my time, but a year or two afterwards, Cotton, one of our distinguished Eton men, a Newcastle scholar, thought proper to adapt the rural economy of the Fourth Georgic 775 to Peckwater, 776 the
774

Beament, William (1881) An Account of the Ancient Town of Frodsham, in Cheshire. Percival Pearse. (pp.258-9) Also republished by Reed books, 2008. 775 From Wikipedia: Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro) 70BC to 19BC, was a classical Roman poet, better known by the Anglicised form of his name as Virgil or Vergil. His three major works are the Bucolics (or Eclogues), the Georgics and the Aeneid 776 From Wikipedia: The Peckwater Quadrangle (known as "Peck" to undergraduates) is one of the quadrangles of Christ Church, Oxford, England.

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subdivision of Christ Church where he lived. He devoted himself assiduously to bees, and troubled his contemporaries (so they said at least) with continual buzzings and an occasional sting. In these cases he always denied stoutly that his bees were in fault, and once when Dean Gaisford, 777 having sent for him, told him plainly that his bees must be sent away because a gentleman commoner had just been stung in Tom Quad, 778 he replied instantly: Mr. Dean, I assure you that you are doing us a great injustice. I know that bee well; he is not mine at all, but belongs to Mr. Bigg of Merton. 779 There was some humour in the assumption that every member of the House would feel aggrieved by the Deans frivolous accusation, but the gentlemanly character and inoffensiveness of Cottons favourites must be made known and vindicated. Could a Christ Church bee with an Eton pedigree, trained within the sacred precincts of the House, so far forget his noble origin as to sting a well-affected Tuft? Perish the thought! Whereas the stinging proclivities of Biggs bees was a matter of common knowledge to Cotton and his friends. (p.155) 780 Merton College was located within Oxford. Cottons assertion that he knew that bee well is pure invention, an imaginative and playful falsehood likely to be believed by those ignorant of bees. It also demonstrates a mischievous but likeable sense of humour. Beament (1881) recalled of Cotton the vicar possessed a vein of innocent humour (p.258)

The buildings, including the Library, date from the eighteenth century. They are built in the then-fashionable Classical style. First floor rooms in this quad have traditionally been particularly sought after by undergraduate members of the college due to their size, oak paneling and high ceilings. 777 From Wikipedia: Thomas Gaisford (1779-1855) was an English classical scholar he entered the University of Oxford in 1797, becoming successively student and tutor of Christ Church. From 1831 until his death, he was dean of Christ Church. 778 From Wikipedia: The Great Quadrangle more popularly kno wn as Tom Quad, is one of the quadrangles of Christ Church, Oxford. It is the largest college quad in Oxford, measuring 264 by 261 feet. 779 From My Bee Book, p.330, Mr. Bigge, of Merton College was listed as one of the founding members of the Oxford Apiarian Society. 780 also to be found in Arthur Duke Coleridges Eton in the Forties, 1898, p.315, R. Bentley and Son.

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Peckwater Quadrangle, Christ Church, Oxford

Thomas Gaisford, Dean of Christ Church, 1831-55

Cotton indeed kept bees in his rooms. In the summer of 1836 In my rooms at Christ Church, I had two stocks of Bees, which worked through a sort of cuniculus 782 in the window sill into the open air; one was in a leaf Hive, the other in an observatory Hive (or, rather in an octagon box, with three glass windows in the back, as they never worked up into the observatory leaves). 783 At an unspecified time and place Cotton invited bees at large to feed within his rooms. I was living in a town where I knew some few Bees were kept, and I chanced to have some coarse comb, from which the honey had drained; so, instead of being greedy, and squeezing out all I could get, I determined to give a feed all round to such Bees as chose to accept my invitation to dinner. This invitation I gave by opening the window, and setting the honey on the sill. In about half an hour some foragers found it out; they helped themselves, and carried back the good news
782

Wiktionary defines it as a burrow or low underground passage, as in a rabbits (English: coney, cony, cunny, bunny) burrow. 783 My Bee Book, p.325

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to their sisters in the Hive. In the course of the morning my room literally swarmed with Bees, and I need not tell you, as they are grateful creatures, that they did not meddle with me, but, as I sat at my books, repaid me for my treat with their sweet music. In the afternoon they were satisfied, at least for the day, and dropped off, one by one, without committing any excess. 784 Cotton was a talented storyteller. Most of his tales were true but some not so. Belonging to the former, Cotton related in My Bee Book I myself was once blowing into a glass, to drive the bees out when, in drawing my breath in sharply, I swallowed a bee. I prepared myself for a run to the doctor's, had I felt its sting in my throat, or lower down in my inside pocket; 785 but the bee passed so rapidly down that he had not time to sting; when he got to his journey's end, no doubt not a little surprised at the path he had travelled, he resigned himself to his fate, like a good bee, and did not revenge himself by stinging me. (p.97)

a bodyguard of them used to attend him to lecture and chapel

James Anthony Froudes Oceana, or England and her colonies 786 provides what can only be an exagerated remembrance of Cotton. Froude was a contemporary of Cottons at Oxford - the latter was there from 1832 until 1838, Froude attended between 1836 and 1840. The year before the publication of Oceana, Froude was engaged upon a tour of Australia and New Zealand. While at Cambridge, NZ, ...We had been directed to the least tumultuous of the Cambridge hotels. We

784 785

My Bee Book, p.276 From Cottons 1837 A Short & Simple Letter to Cottagers letter the second, on the natural theology of bees They have two stomachs, like cows; in the first stomach, the cow and the Bee, when they are feeding, put the one grass, and the other honey: if the Bee wants to make wax, she shifts some honey into her second stomach, which is a regular Inside Pocket, just like that into which men put their breakfasts and their dinners. (p.10) 786 Froude, James Anthony (1886) Oceana, or England and her colonies (pp.262-262). Quotation also found in Coe, Charles Clement (1895) Nature Versus Natural Selection: An Essay on Organic Evolution. Swan Sonnenschein, London. (p.51.); also in Longmans Magazine, 1886 (p.661)

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found a table dhote laid out there for forty people at least, some going up and some returning. 788

James Anthony Froude

The food was tolerable; we found, for one thing, New Zealand honey especially excellent, taken from the nests of wild bees, which are now in millions all over the colony. They are the offspring of two or three hives, which were once kept, when I was at Oxford, 789 in the rooms of Cotton, of Christ Church, between whom and his bees there was such strong attachment that a bodyguard of them used to attend him to lecture and chapel. A variation on this appeared in Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science and Arts in 1893 It is told that he was accustomed to keep them in his sitting-room, and they had become so attached and familiar with his person, that a squad of them
788

The partial quotation I found via Google Book Search. At this point the quote has the words in London ten years before. The preceding words I acquired from a 1985 reproduction of Froudes book (p.130) which omits the London phrase, so there may be more of relevance in the original. The 1985 version is titled Travellers Tales of Early Australia & New Zealand, Oceana, the tempestuous voyage of J. A. Froude, 1884 & 1885 , edited by Geoffrey Blainey. Publ. Methuen Haynes, North Ryde. 789 Re Froude - from Wikipedia Beginning in 1836, he was educated at Oriel College, Oxford, then the centre of the ecclesiastical revival now called the Oxford Movement. Cotton and Froude would have come into contact through their joint interest in the Oxford Movement which sought to demonstrate that the Church of England was a direct descendant of the Church established by the Apostles.

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used to attend him at lectures and chapel. Cotton went to New Zealand with Bishop Selwyn, and took his bees with him, and they have multiplied in this marvelous manner. (p.262) Where could the zany addenda of a squad and a bodyguard have originated? Its fiction is obvious to any skilled beekeeper. Under the page heading bees are my bodyguard, the following tale was originally published in Captain John Gabriel Stedmans 1796 790 Expedition to Surinam: Being the Narrative of a Five Years Expedition Against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam in Guiana, on the Wild Coast of South America, from the Year 1772 to 1777, Elucidating that Country and Describing Its Productions, with an Account of Indians of Guiana and Negroes of Guinea. On the 16th I was visited by a neighbouring gentleman, whom I conducted up my ladder; but he had no sooner entered my aerial dwelling than he leaped down from the top to the ground, roaring like a madman with agony and pain, after which he instantly plunged his head into the river; but, looking up, I soon discovered the cause of his distress to be an immense nest of wild bees, or Wassee Wassee, in the thatch, directly above my head, as I stood within my door, when I immediately took to my heels, as he had done, and ordered them to be destroyed by my slaves without delay. A tar mop was now brought, and the devastation just going to commence, when an old negro stepped up, and offered to receive any punishment I should decree, if even one of these bees should sting me in person. Massa, said he, they would have stung you long ere now had you been a stranger to them; but they, being your tenants, that is, gradually allowed to build upon your premises, they assuredly know both you and yours, and will never hurt either you or them.

790

From Wikipedia: John Gabriel Stedman (1744 1797) was a distinguished British - Dutch soldier and noted author. He was born in the Netherlands His years in Surinam (South America) were characterized by encounters with African slaves and colonial planters as well as the exotic local flora and fauna.

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Stedman in Surinam 791

I instantly assented to the proposition, and, tying the old man to a tree, ordered my boy Quaco to ascend the ladder quite naked, which he did, and was not stung. I then ventured to follow; and declare, upon my honour, that even after shaking the nest, which made the inhabitants buzz about my ears, not a single one attempted to sting me. I next released the old negro, and rewarded him with a gallon of rum and four shillings for the discovery. The swarm of bees I since kept unhurt, as my body guard, and they have made many overseers take a desperate leap for my amusement, as I generally sent them [ie., the overseere] up my ladder on some frivolous message, when I wished to punish them for injustice and cruelty, which was not seldom. (p.205) Cotton reproduced this story in his My Bee Book of 1841, correctly attributing it to Captain Stedman. 792 The assertion that bees know
791

From Wikipedia: Stedman stands over a slave after the capture of Gado Saby, from the frontispiece of his Narrative of a Five Years Expedition against the Revolted Negroes of Surinam (1796) 792 The popularity of Stedmans adventures persisted as evidenced by the repeated publication of this engaging story over the next 165 years. eg., The European Magazine, and London Review, 1797; Rev. John Adams The Flowers of Modern Travels: Being Elegant, Entertaining, and Instructive Extracts Selected from the Works of the Most Celebrated Travellers, 1816; in The Friend, 1839; Charles Knights Penny Magazine of the Society for the

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their master may have appealed to William. A talented story teller himself he would have appreciated the yarn, at the same time realising the so called bodyguard bees were not consciously protecting their master, but simply stinging anyone that came too close to the hive. Others, in recollection of the contents of My Bee Book, may have years later incorrectly interpreted the experience and applied it to William Charles.

About daylight he used to crow like a cock

From James Beresford Atlays (1903) Sir Henry Wentworth Acland a memoir, Aclands biograpger stated Cotton was distinguished among his fellows by overflowing animal spirits and an inexhaustible fund of humour. Atlay notes at this point in a footnote: Once on a visit to Holnicote [Aclands much-beloved holiday home on the borders of Exmoor] his room was near that of the houseke eper, Mrs. Fletcher. About daylight he used to crow like a cock, and this so exasperated the old lady that she declared to Leopold Acland, 793 whose guest he was, that none of his brothers had ever brought such a riotous-like gentleman to Sir Thomass house before.

as if he had in a previous state of existence been a queen bee himself

The following account from an 1859 book on pets 794 all but attributes Cotton having bee like qualities: I refer to bees, in which many take great pleasure and interest, like Cotton, who has written an amusing little pamphlet about them called the Conservative Bee Keeper, and he seems to know the inmost thoughts, politics and arrangements of his bees as well as if he had in a previous state of existence been a queen bee himself. The October 1874 issue of the American Bee Journal referred to Cottons bees as his pets. The Rev. Mr. Cotton accompanied the first Bishop of New Zealand in his missionary work, but he found time to introduce his pet bees among the islands of the Pacific (p.228) 795

Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, 1844; James F. Robinsons British beefarming, its profits and pleasures, 1880; and the republication of Stedmans book by the Folio Society in 1963. 793 Leopold, Henrys younger brother 794 Leigh (1859) 795 The article was provided by a D. C. Millett of Holmesburg, Pa.

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A small box would throw a swarm in a very short time, and this again would swarm
In a letter to Isaac Hopkins, published in the New Zealand Farmer, October 1896, Mrs Gittos recalled, as a child of 9 years of age, not only having seen Mary Bumbys bees at Mangungu but tasting honey from the hive which sat adjacent the Wesleyan mission station in late 1839 / early 1840. Mrs Gittos also recalled the Rev. Mr. Cotton who had liberated some bees in the garden of Mrs (Archdeacon) Williams at the mission station at Paihia. They were in small wooden hives with a small window at back and sides, and bars in the roof, to which the bees fastened the combs. Among other wonderful things Mr Cotton had an observatory hive. It had but one comb and glass on front and back. This was to observe the habits of the queen, and very closely she was watched by many eager little eyes. There were also bell glasses in which the bees worked, to our great delight. They increased marvelously, the plan then being to increase the number of colonies. A small box would throw a swarm in a very short time, and this again would swarm, and so they increased and multiplied greatly. (p.340) Not only the propitious Australian and northern New Zealand climate bade well facilitated the production of swarms - the consciencious use of small hives met Cottons design. In Langstroths 1857 A Practical Treatise on the Hive and Honey-bee: A good stock, even in our climate, sometimes sends out three or more swarms, and in the tropical climates, of which the bee is probably a native, they increase with astonishing rapidity. The footnote added At Sydney, in Australia, a single colony is stated to have multiplied to 300 in three years. (p.55)

Mr. Cotton may claim the honours of an Aristaeus in NZ

The New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 796 for 13 February 1847 reported It is with great gratification that we present our readers with the first of a series of papers containing practical directions for the management of bees, from the pen of the Rev. W. Cotton. Mr. Cotton may claim the honours of an Aristaeus 797 in New
796 797

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , 13 Feb. 1847, P. 2 Aristaios (or Aristaeus) was the rustic god of shepherds and cheesemaking, bee-keeping, honey, honey-mead, olive growing, medicinal herbs

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Zealand, in connection with this his favourite pursuit. He has taught the settlers at Auckland, the Bay of Islands, and other places at the North, the practical management of bees, so that they have multiplied exceedingly, and are very generally distributed among the settlers; and instead of hybernating, as in England, they are found to work all the year round. But not satisfied with imparting his advice and assistance to his fellow-countrymen, in the true spirit of a philanthropist, Mr. Cotton is anxious to teach the Natives also the practical management of bees. They are now the owners of several hives, and are found to apprehend the subject readily, and evince great anxiety to become beemasters, both in the Northern and the Southern Districts. In his recent visit to this district, Mr. Cotton brought with him two hives from Auckland, which were taken to Otaki for the purpose of teaching the Natives the management of them, and they have proved apt scholars under his tuition: they have taken the swarms themselves, and manufacture straw hives equal in every respect to the model with which they have been furnished. 798 Cotton also gave directions in the manufacture of wooden hives. From the advertisements section of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, 799 17 March 1847:

He was never without a plurality of dogs

Several cameos of Cotton in his later years were provided in William Beaments (1881) An Account of the Ancient Town of Frodsham in
and the Etesian winds which eased the scorching heat of midsummer. His name was derived from the Greek word aristos, "most excellent" or "most useful." Refer web site http://www.theoi.com/Georgikos/Aristaios.html 798 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , Volume III, Issue 161, 13 February 1847, Page 2. 799 17 March 1847, Page 1

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Cheshire. Except when prevented by sickness or the return of his New Zealand malady, the vicar, who had always one or more curates, never spared himself, but always took his share of the duty, whether in the desk or in the pulpit. Self-sacrifice and good feeling were parts of the vicars character, which made him at all times ready to lend a helping hand to the deserving poor; to the young he was kind and gentle, and while he loved to see them learn, he would at proper times relax and not only promote their games, but play with them himself. But he had other objects besides his flock to share his kindness, and these were the four footed and winged creatures. He was never without a plurality of dogs, and one of these, named Gip, became the pseudo author of a number of clever papers contributed to the Field and other journals, descriptive of a tour which the dog and his master had made together; his fondness for animals and bees left him some love to spare for flowers, a beautiful branch of creation; and every year when his roses and tulips were in full blow, it was announced that they would be at home on the afternoon of a day named, and on these occasions the visitors partook of an al fresco tea, in the vicarage garden. (pp.256-259)

Mr. Cotton had the swarm sent to his own apiary 1871
As late as 1874, five years before his death, Cotton continued to practice his beekeeping. In his obituary of Cotton published in the American Bee Journal for 1 January 1880, Wm Carr wrote: Mr. Cotton, to the end of his life, retained his love for the fascinating study of his youth. He took a great interest in the establishment of the British Bee-Keepers' Association, became one of its first Vice Presidents, and was one of the judges at its first show. Carr wrote of Cottons honest, burly, English form in his quaint blouse at the first show of the British Bee-Keepers' Association at the Crystal Palace in 1874. Alfred Neighbour in his 1878 The Apiary, or, Bees, Beehives, and Bee Culture: Being a Familiar Account of the Habits of Bees and the Most Improved Methods of Management, recalled Cotton had acquired a Carniolan queen from Austria, and left the hive in the care of the Neighbour apiary in Hampstead where they did very well, working a capital super in the first year. (It was Alfreds father George who had prepared Mrs. Alloms hive for its voyage to New Zealand in 1841.) The hive swarmed sometime in 1871 and Cotton requested the swarm with its original queen be sent to his apiary at Frodsham. (pp.45,78) 290

My Bee Book, a book review, Dec. 1842

My Bee Book was reviewed 800 801 in December 1842 along with eight other contemporary bee books 802 published between 1838 and 1842. Within its thirty pages the reviewer 803 said of Cottons book his book is now set forth in one of the most elegant volumes that ever graced a library table. This is partly tempered by Mr. Cottons book, though not quite as successful as we could wish, is very far indeed from partaking of the worst defects of books of this class. Indeed he has so nearly reached the point at which he has aimed, that we feel continually annoyed that he just falls short of it. It is, however, want of clearness and method great faults certainly in a didactic 804 work of which we have chiefly to complain in his Short and Simple Letters; but taking the work as it comes to us in its present form, with its exquisite woodcuts, perfection of dress, prelude of mottoes list of bee-books appendices reprints - extracts , &c, we hardly know of a book of the kind that has pleased us more. 805 xxxv Professing no sort of arrangement, it is the perfection of a scrapbook for the gentleman or lady bee-keeper. xxxvi The great interest, however, in Mr. Cottons work lies in the conclusion. He is one of that noble crew that have gone out in the first missionary enterprise that has left the shores of England, worthy of the Church and the country that sent them. The good ship Tomatin sailed from Plymouth for New Zealand on the 26th December, 1841,
800 801

The London Quarterly Review, Vol. LXXI, Dec. 1842 March 1843. The review of bee books likely appeared in other publications, one of which was: Agnew, John Holmes (1843) The Eclectic Magazine of Foreign Literature, Science, and Art. Leavitt, Trow & Co. Google Book Search will discover a full text version. 802 Being those of Edward Bevan, James Duncan, Samuel Bagster, Francois Huber, John Payne, Thomas Nutt, Robert Huish and Richard Smith 803 Fraser (1958, p.72) attributes the review to Rev. Thomas James. Web page darwinonline.org.uk/content/frameset?viewtype=text&itemID=F800&pageseq=1 identifies another article by James - Bees and Flowers, also published in the Quarterly Review 804 Didactic: intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment 805 T. W. Woodbury wrote in The Journal of Horticulture, Dec. 1858 My Bee Book astonished the apiarian world by the profuseness and beauty of its illustrations.

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St. Stephens day, with a goodly fellowship of emigrants, school masters, deacons and priests, with a Bishop at their head. There are among the crew of that gallant vessel and not the least of that number, the chief Shepherd himself, and our author Bee-master to cross half a world of ocean to an island unfrequented and barbarous But the connection all this has with our present subject, that in the same ship with this glorious company, Mr. Cotton has taken out with him four stocks of bees: he is carrying out the first bees which have ever visited those islands. Cottons book soon reached the antipodes. The Sydney Morning Herald, 18 December 1845, carried an advertisement from W. Ford, George-street, for New Books, just arrived ex Hamlet among which were Huber on bees, Cottons Bee Book and Cottons letter to cottagers. (p.1)

Memoir of Jane Pennington, 1856

From the Memoir of Jane Pennington, editor H.J.E wrote In 1841, she writes a short note after some months of illness, when, she says, she had been unable to write, and sometimes to read a letter: We have had our feelings much tried of late, in losing our friend and pastor, Mr. Selwyn, now Bishop of New Zealand, and Mr. Cotton, who was his assistant Curate, and with whom we were very intimate. Pray for those who are on the eve of leaving their dear native land, and for those who are left behind. Her bees were first given to her by Mr. Cotton, who tried to take a hive of them out to New Zealand: he wrote a book on their management, and Jane acquainted herself with their habits, and looked after them most lovingly. They did well at first, better than in later years, and the virgin honey-combs, as they were produced, were sent with delight as presents to many of her honored friends. Once a swarm took refuge in a neighbour's garden, and as her servant Ben did not trace it out at once, the good man hived it for himself, refusing positively to give it up. When Jane found she had really lost her bees, she sent the man a present of her book, in order that he might know how to manage them. (pp.63-64)

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Francoir Hubers Observations on the natural history of bees, published London, Thomas Tegg, 1841

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An 1881 report of Cotton in Melbourne?

I located the following snippet via Google Book Search in The British Almanac of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge for the year [1881]. Unfortunately, the full text was not available. I searched the net unsuccessfully for an 1881 copy, having located editions for the years both preceding and following, so I must wait with patience an opportunity to locate a copy of the full text of this article. The available text reads ... rapid strides in apiculture in New Zealand. There are many causes for this, the chief of which is, that the people are more given to commerce than agricultural pursuits, hence it has been much neglected, for bees were introduced to South Australia 806 many years before Mr. Cotton sailed with his living freight with Dr. Selwyn. When the party called at Melbourne on their way to the new diocese Mr. Cotton, seeing a colony of bees busy at work wished to show his friends and shipmates ... skill in their management, but on taking the hive up, he found that the hot climate had made them much more fierce than his Oxford bees, and he was severely stung. (p.134) My understanding is that the Tomatin sailed direct to Sydney from Plymouth, so this mention of a visit to Melbourne is an anomaly.

The Rise & Fall of an 1840s Cross-Tasman Trade in Bees

There is suggestive evidence that a short lived, west to east trade in bees existed in the early 1840s between Sydney, New South Wales and Wellington / Nelson, New Zealand. The Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 8 October 1842 807 reported When Dr. Imlay visited Nelson in April last, he brought with him, as a present to Captain Wakefield, a hive of bees. ... The vessels from the Australian continent will most likely bring us some hives after the coming swarming season; at least it is to be hoped so. If there must be luxuries, let them be home made. No potential source beekeepers or apiaries in Australia were identified.

806

Elsewhere in my book I note the introduction of a hive into South Australia in 1838 from Van Diemens Land. 807 8 October 1842, Page 122. This report was repeated in the Nelson News section of the New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 26 October 1842, Page 3.

294

Supporting the Imlay gift of a hive of bees, an article titled Honey and Wax also mentioned the introduction of bees by Mrs. Allom. xxxvii Attributed to the London published Gardeners Gazette 809 (presumably dated late 1842), it was re-published in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 810 for 11 March 1843. A contemporary footnote in the latter stated The only bees at present in this settlement are in the possession of Captain Wakefield, and were sent by Dr. Imlay, from Twofold Bay, early last winter. 811

Sydney hives of bees for sale, September 1842

In the New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator for 24 September 1842 812 there appeared the following advertisement. It also appeared in many subsequent editions eg., 17 December 1842. 813 No clue was provided regarding the identity of the Sydney supplier. Bees for Sale Expected from Sydney, by first arrival, a few hives of bees; orders will also be taken for the importation of bees to the extent of from twenty to thirty hives. For price, apply at the Gazette Office. September 20, 1842. The New Zealand Journal for 25 June 1843 reported We are glad to find that the agitation commenced at home by Mrs. Allom and other
809

The Gardeners' Gazette : a weekly journal of horticulture, agriculture and general news, published London by Mr. Glenny 810 Volume II, Issue 53, 11 March 1843, Page 211. The article was padded with some twenty year old historical content: In the Sydney Gazette, of October 18, 1823, it is stated that, during the three weeks previous, 'three swarms of young bees had been produced from two hives, the property of Mr. D. Wentworth, purchased by him from Captain Wallace, of the Isabella, and placed on his estate, at Homebush, near Parramatta. The fragrant shrubs and flowers of Australasia are thus proved to be peculiarly congenial to the increase of this insect; and we trust that, in a few years, we shall be able to add honey and wax to the other numerous productions of our colony. 811 Our southern Winter being June July August, it is a liberal but possibly acceptable interpretation that this was the same event as occurred in April last, the middle month of our Autumn season. 812 Volume III, Page 4, Advertisements. 813 Volume III, Issue 203, Page 4

295

friends of the colony, has been productive of good effect; for we are informed that hives of bees are daily expected from Sydney, and that orders will be taken at the Gazette office for the importation of bees to the extent of from twenty to thirty hives. (No.64, p.63)

One hive to Nelson from Sydney, January 1844

One possible Nelson consignee for a single New South Wales hive is known. The Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 814 for 18 May 1844 listed goods aboard the Dawson from Sydney including 1,050 sheep, 7 horses, 2 gigs, 2 cases saddlery, 8 tons hay, 27 bags grain, 1 bale woolpacks, 1 hive bees, 2 cases green fruit, 2 cases plants, all to the order of one E. W. Stafford. 815

One hive from Sydney, January 1844

Rather than Hursthouses cynical observations on enthusiastic honey-eaters, bee-fanciers, a pains-taking industrious clergyman and diabolical compounds, William Browns 1845 positive comments on the Rapid Increase of Bees provide a refreshing contrast. Brown refers to an unnamed beekeeper, 816 who, from the clues provided, I can tentatively identify: In addition to the main sources of revenue of the New Zealand settler, -- though at first sight of trifling import, -- it is proper to mention, as I am not aware of the circumstance having previously been brought before the public, that New Zealand, in an extraordinary degree, seems adapted for bees, and large exports of honey and wax may yet be expected from it. To give some idea of the rapidity of increase, I may mention that a friend of mine, in January 1844, received one hive from Sydney, which by the 20th of December following had increased to twelve swarms, all very vigorous, and being rapidly filled with honey, and additional swarms were expected before the end of the season. In another instance, one hive in ten months produced six swarms; and within the same period one of these also swarmed, thus converting the original hive into seven, within ten months. Two of these yielded twenty-six pounds of honey. In another case, a hive of seven months old swarmed, and a fortnight afterwards swarmed a second time. These instances are, of course, extreme cases, but it may fairly be
814 815

Volume III, Issue 115, Page 42 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 18 May 1844, Page 42 816 This could be none other than William Charles Cotton

296

expected that each hive will swarm at least seven times in the course of the year. The wild flowers afford excellent nourishment for the bees, and from the blossom of the flax plant, and the pohutukawa tree in particular, honey may, absolutely, be collected in pints, without the assistance of bees at all. (p.100)

William Colenso (1811-99) 817

This unnamed beekeeper could not have been William Charles Cotton, for he received his two hives of bees from James Busby in August 1843. It may have been William Colenso 818 who moved to Hawkes Bay on 30 December 1844. 819 Colenso wrote to the Hawkes Bay Herald in December 1895 820 When I came to Hawkes Bay, on my second visit, to reside in 1844, I brought my hive of bees with me. That special hive was made in the Bay of Islands for me, containing a swarm from the bees of my esteemed friend Mr James Busby, of Waitangi

817

From web site http://www.jdhooker.org.uk/collectors2.htm#Bidwill Colenso was ordained as a deacon in 1844 and sent to the mission station in Hawkes Bay. 818 A portrait of William Colenso may be found at tpo.tepapa.govt.nz/ViewTopicExhibitDetail.asp?TopicFileID=0x000a4464& Language=English&dumbyparam=search 819 Refer teara.govt.nz/1966/C/ColensoWilliam/ColensoWilliam/en 820 Refer WCC The Grand Bee Master of NZ

297

Nelson, Wellington and Taranaki sourced swarms available, 1844 & 1847
As early as 1844 there was opportunity to source bees from areas within New Zealand rather than ship them from New South Wales. In March of that year at Richmond, some 13 klm south of Nelson, there was a limited supply of home grown swarms. The New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator for 3 April 1844 821 reported: A Productive Hive. - Mrs. Woodhouse, of Airly Banks, near Richmond, has a hive of bees which has produced this year three swarms, and what is still more remarkable, the first of these swarms has also produced three other swarms, all of which appear healthy. By late 1847 at Taranaki in the west of the North Island, swarms were reported in large numbers. The New Zealander, 16 February 1848, 822 published an item titled Taranaki. Extracts from a letter dated 27 Dec 1847. Mainly discussing matters agricultural, the letter stated, in part: Though live stock of all kinds is rapidly on the increase, prices are high, and all are in demand. Bees thrive here surprisingly. Two years ago there was only one hive of them in the district; this year they tend towards a hundred, and numbers of swarms, as in America, are taking to the woods, and, as there, the harbingers, we hope, of civilization.

English honey imports, 1841

Within a large array of goods ex Lady Nugent available from William Lyons Port Nicholson store at Taranaki place, Te Aro Pah, one could purchase some best English honey. The Lady Nugent, a barque of 600 tons, 823 sailed from Gravesend on 21 October 1840, 824

821 822

3 April 1844, Page 3. New Zealander, 16 February 1848, Page 3. 823 From web page globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/measurement.htm The word "ton" comes from the English "tun" meaning cask or barrel. To the English, it meant a wine barrel with a capacity of about 252 gallons. When Parliament imposed duties on the wine entering England in these barrels, the duty imposed on each tun eventually led to the use of tunnage in describing a ships capacity to carry such barrels. The original use of tun meant a barrel of a particular size, the space that such a barrel would occupy, and a ships capacity to carry a given number of such barrels. Tun was originally a figure for space - not weight. By law, Parliament fixed the tun at 252 gallons. this

298

arriving Port Nicholson on 17 March 1841, 825 after a six day stopover in Hobart to take on drinking water. William Lyons new store on the corner of Willis street and Lambton Quay had on sale Fine English honey in July 1841 826 amongst the many fresh arrivals, ex the Mary, Katherine Stewart Forbes, and Harrington. The Katherine Stewart Forbes, a barque of 457 tons, was out of London, having arrived Wellington on 11 June. 827 The Harrington, a brigantine of 120 tons out of Portsmouth, arrived Wellington on 15 June. 828 On 22nd May the Mary was advertised as due for arrival from Liverpool via Sydney. 829

New South Wales honey, 1843, 1844 & 1846

The Guide, a brigantine of 147 tons out of Sydney under master Adams, arrived in Nelson on 5th June 1843 with general cargo. 830 Amongst the imports were three kegs of honey. Its possible that mead as well as honey was imported from New South Wales from 1844, for I found in the Colonial Intelligence section of the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 26 October 1844: 831 We are glad to perceive that in addition to the staple exports of the colony, our Australian brethren are directing their efforts to the production of a variety of articles which cannot fail to find ready markets. Wines, spirits, mead, rosewater, oils, gelatine, preserved fruits, pickles, silk, tobacco, soap, spermaceti, honey, extract of mimosa, castor oil, and glue, are now manufactured in New South Wales. Advertised 832 for auction at Mr. Fitzherberts Mart, Wellington , on 27 March 1844 were 3 kegs honey ex Star of China. Under master

fixed tun weighed an average of 2,240 pounds , the latter being equ al to an imperial ton in weight, with a volume of 252 gallons. 824 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 20 March 1841, Page 2. 825 See also freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ourstuff/LadyNugent.htm New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 20 March 1841, Page 2. 826 Ibid. Volume 24, Issue 67, 24 July 1841, Page 1. 827 Ibid. Volume II, Issue 61, 12 June 1841, Page 2. 828 Ibid. Volume 19, Issue 62, 19 June 1841, Page 2. 829 Ibid. Volume 22, Issue 58, 22 May 1841, Page 2. 830 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 10 June 1843, Page 262. 831 Ibid. Volume III, Issue 138, 26 October 1844, Page 1. 832 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 27 March 1844, P. 2

299

Ward, this Sydney owned vessel was a regular cross Tasman trader.
833

In the Shipping Intelligence: Inwards-Foreign section of the New Zealander of 2 May 1846, the schooner Mazeppa under master Milne was reported having arrived Auckland from Sydney via the Bay of Islands the previous day. 834 Part of its cargo consigned by W. Northwood contained one jar of honey 835 as well as pepper, drapery, pipes, soap, castor oil, pearl barley and leather. The Scotia, a brigantine of 68 tons, arrived in Wellington from Sydney on 27 July 1846. 836 837 On board amidst a lengthy cargo list were 12 baskets [of] honey. 838 In June and July 1846 honey in jars ex Terror was for sale by James Macky in Queen street, Auckland . 839 The brigantine Terror was a regular voyager between Sydney and Auckland, carrying mixed cargo with room for two passengers. The New Zealander for 20 June 1846 840 described her as This regular Auckland and Sydney packet, Capt. [William] Dunning And another - on 29 August 1846 aboard the barque Coaxer, master Renney, 317 tons, 12 casks honey was imported into Wellington from Sydney. 841 Depending on the size of the cask, each could

833 834

Ibid. Volume V, Issue 338, 3 April 1844, Page 1. New Zealander, Volume I, Issue 48, 2 May 1846, Page 2. 835 New Zealander, Volume I, Issue 48, 2 May 1846, Page 2. 836 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , 29 July 1846, P.2. 837 Ibid. Volume II, Issue 104, 29 July 1846, Page 2. 838 Ibid. Volume II, Issue 103, 25 July 1846, Page 2. 839 New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 58, 11 July 1846, Page 1. 840 New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 55, 20 June 1846, Page 2. 841 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , 2 Sep. 1846, Page 2.

300

contain up to 450 lbs 842 of honey, making this a sizeable cargo of potentially 2.4 imperial tons.

Van Diemens Land honey, 1844 & 1846

The Sisters, a 130 ton brigantine, seems to have concentrated on voyages between Sydney, 843 Hobart Town, 844 Launceston 845 and the New Zealand ports of Nelson, 846 Port Nicholson 847 and Auckland. In March 1844 she sailed from Van Diemens Land. At Wellington, Mr Fitzherbert had received instructions to sell by auction, at the stores of Messrs. Waitt and Tyser, the cargo of The Sisters. This included oats, barley, preserved fruits, apples and one keg of honey, 848 all from its VDL port of departure. The fine fast sailing schooner Sir John Franklin made regular journeys between New Zealand ports and Launceston in 1844. Of 52 tons under master C. Campbell, this well known schooner, as part of its manifest, brought into Nelson via Wellington 2 kegs of honey on 11 May 1844. 849

842

900 lbs honey aboard the Sylph was contained within 2 casks. Refer Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1698, 29 December 1862, Page 3; Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1689, 19 December 1862, P.3 843 New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, 7 April 1843, P. 2 844 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 10 January 1844, Page 2. 845 Ibid. Volume IV, Issue 239, 22 April 1843, Page 2. 846 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 18 March 1843, Page 214. 847 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 1 April 1843, Page 2. 848 Ibid. Volume IV, Issue 331, 9 March 1844, Page 1. 849 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 11 May 1844, Page 38.

301

Later, in October of 1844, the Sir John Franklin again had honey amongst its cargo list. 850 Also on board was 49 tons V.D.L. flour, another indicator that the honey also came from Van Diemens Land . In October 1845 the Sydney price for honey, in the comb, was 8 pence per pound, with bees wax 1 shilling and sixpence per pound. 851 In context, beef was 1 pence per pound, mutton 1 pence, veal and pork at 3 pence per pound. 852

In December 1846 at the Auckland stores of Brown & Campbell, one keg of Van Diemans land honey 853 was for sale.

Other imported honey, 1846

Advertised in the New Zealander on 15August 1846, from the cargoes of late shipping arrivals, 1 Cwt. 854 [of] new honey 855 was for auction at Mr. Harts the Mart, Auckland, at 11 oclock Monday next. Honey was for auction ex late arrivals, at 1 oclock on 19 th September in Wellington by James Smith & Co. 856

Domestic Bee produce at Agricultural Shows, 1845 & 1849

The Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 1 June 1844, 857 advertised the Nelson Agricultural and Horticultural Show for the ensuing season of 1844-5. Of the many prizes offered one was for
850 851

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 26 Oct. 1844, Page 1. This price translates to 8 8s per cwt. The Colonial Magazine and Commercial Maritime Journal listed Beeswax, per cwt. 7 10s to 8. 852 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , 11 Oct. 1845, P. 3 853 New Zealander, 26 December 1846, Page 1. 854 112 pounds weight, 1/20th of an imperial ton. 855 New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 63, 15 August 1846, Page 1. 856 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , 19 Sep. 1846, P.2 857 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 1 June 1844, P.49.

302

best specimen of honey. The value of prizes for the Autumn Horticultural Show was advertised in the Chronicle, 22 March 1845. 858 To be held on 2nd April, the honey prize was worth three shillings. Three days after the show the prize winners were detailed in the Chronicle for 5 April 1845. 859 Mr Sweet won prizes for best breeding sow, finest beans, assortment of potherbs, melon first prize, best assortment of seeds second prize, and best sample of honey. The Auckland newspaper the New Zealander for 7 March 1849 860 reported Mr Parris won one prize each for best honey and wax displayed, as well as the prize for best specimen sow, at the long promised exhibition of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society, held on 6 March at Mr. Robertsons Rope Walk, Mechanic's Bay. Mr Parris was not the only honey exhibitor. Part of the extensive show coverage included: Notwithstanding a wet, threatening morning, the attendance was both numerous and select, His Excellency the Governor and Lady Grey, and almost all the elite of Auckland being present. The band of the 58th enlivening the scene with many choice pieces of music. Considering that the Society is in the first stage of infancy, the display of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and live stock was most creditable; far surpassing our expectations. The apples, peaches, and melons deserve especial mention, many of the former were exceedingly beautiful. The best specimen, however - those grown by Captain Porter - lost the prize in consequence of their arriving too late. The same fate attended the finest sample of honey we ever saw in any quarter of the world. There were thirty pounds in this box, which was brought by Mr. -----------, from Coromandel Harbour. It was clear, full, and rich.

Wellington newspaper The New Zealand Spectator 861 for 22 December 1849 reported a Mr. Ross who won, the previous day, one
858 859

Ibid. Volume IV, Issue 159, 22 March 1845, Page 9. Ibid. Volume IV, Issue 161, 5 April 1845, Page 19. 860 New Zealander, Volume 4, Issue 289, 7 March 1849, Page 2. 861 The New Zealand Spectator was the first Wellington newspaper to last for any length of time. It began weekly publication in October 1844, several

303

of two cottagers prizes for his Glass of Honey at the "the second exhibition, this season" of the Horticultural Society, held at the Britannia Saloon, Lambton Quay. An extra prize was also awarded to Mr. Ross for a glass 862 of honey in the comb, with the bees at work in their chrystal (sic.) prison. 863 864

Beekeeping books and bell hives for sale, 1847-1848

By the middle 1840s it appears a west to east trade in bees became unnecessary due to the ever increasing availability of domestic sourced hives. Beekeepers across the Tasman became a market for books on beekeeping. In the advertisements section of the New Zealander for 17 November 1847, 865 there appeared this notice:
NEW BOOKS RECEIVED EX MAUKIN AND ON SALE BY THE UNDERSIGNED

Amongst the many and varied titles available from John Williamson, Bookseller and Stationer, was Huish on the Natural History and general management of Bees The Maukin, a 106 ton Brig, built in 1845, typically journeyed between Auckland and Port Jackson, New South Wales, carrying both goods and passengers. The following appeared in the advertisements section of the Daily Southern Cross, 20 November 1847: 866

weeks after the demise of the New Zealand Gazette, Wellingtons and New Zealands first newspaper. 862 In the Advertisements section of the New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 154, 20 November 1847, Page 1, within an auction of household goods, there was offered Bees and Bell Hive. Whatever the style of hive, (wooden box, straw skep or Nutts collateral hive, among others) an inverted bell jar was placed above a hole in the top of the hive so that the bees would store honey in new comb untainted by darkened brood comb. Also appeared in the Daily Southern Cross for the same date. 863 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , 22 Dec.1849, P. 2 864 The chrystal prison would have been a bell jar used to capture clean honeycomb. 865 17 November 1847, Page 4, col.1 866 Daily Southern Cross, 20 November 1847, Page 1

304

Bagster on Bees, amongst many other titles, was offered for auction in the Advertisements section of the Daily Southern Cross 867 in June 1848. The banner read BOOKS. CONNELL & RIDINGS, WILL SELL BY AUCTION, at 11 o'clock, on Monday next, the 5th inst., at their Mart, Queen-street, A LARGE Collection of New BOOKS, now landing, ex Deborah

Bees Wax sought by H.M. Ships, 1847-1848

In the advertisements section of the New Zealander, 868 13 February 1847:H.M.S. Castor, Auckland, Feb. 12, 1847. Tenders will be received Captain [Charles] Graham, on board the Castor, till 7 p.m., on Saturday, the 13th inst., for supplying H. M. Ships at New Zealand, with such quantities of the undermentioned Stores, as may be required Canvass, No. 1. to No. 8., Rope H. L., from 4 inch to 3/4 inch, Pitch, Tar, Junk, Twine and Worsted, Bees Wax, Sail and Bolt Rope, Needles and Palms, Blocks of sizes, Flat and Bolt Iron, Nails from 2d. to 40d., Oars, Leather. The Stores must be all of such good quality, as shall be approved by Naval Surveying Officers. Similarly, amongst a long list of required supplies including beeswax, J.B. Maxwell, Captain and Senior Officer of H.M.S. Dido, advertised
867 868

3 June 1848, Page 1, col.3 The New Zealander, 13 February 1847, Page 1.

305

for tenders from parties willing to supply any of the undermentioned Stores, for Her Majesty's Service in the New Zealander, 18 September 1847. 869 Other supplies including beeswax were also sought in July 1848. 870 H.M.S. Sloop Racehorse advertised in April 1848 871

Bees Wax a potential export, 1848

Under the heading The New Zealand Advancement Society in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle dated 4 November 1848, 872 an article discusses the export potential of various industries including flax, cured, fish, minerals and furniture wood, finalized by: Wax will presently be produced in great abundance; swarm after swarm of bees are now beginning to take to the bush, where they find in the flower of the manuka food which they are partial to.

Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1849

Vessel 30 June 21 July 2 Nov 16 Nov Dart, 13.5 tons 873 Dart 874 Vivid, 26 tons 875 876 Milford, schooner, 5 tons 877 Master R. Hardiman R. Hardiman W. Butler Wm. Jones From Hokianga Auckland Mangohia / Mongohia Wangaroa To Auckland Hokianga Auckland Auckland 1 keg 1 keg 2 boxes 40 lbs.

The table above shows three small shipments (assuming 1 keg is not a significant volume) of honey into Auckland, one each from Hokianga, Mangohia and Wangaroa. One outwards cargo of honey was made to Hokianga could this have been the same consignment, but returned to sender? From the following year Hokianga became a consistent
869 870

New Zealander, 18 September 1847, Page 1. New Zealander, 12 July 1848, Page 2. 871 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, 22 April 1848, P. 2 872 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 4 Nov. 1848, Page 143. 873 Daily Southern Cross, 6 July 1849, Page 2 874 Daily Southern Cross, 24 July 1849, Page 2 875 New Zealander, 7 November 1849, Page 2 876 Daily Southern Cross, 6 November 1849, Page 2 877 Daily Southern Cross, 20 November 1849, Page 2

306

source of honey for the Auckland market. What became of Mangohia / Mongohia ? A Google search produced one hit only, that for the Vivids manifest as reported in the Daily Southern Cross for 6 November 1849.

Increasing Domestic Honey Self Sufficiency

The year 1850 signals an increase in domestic honey shipments, supplemented by imported supplies from Sydney and Hobart. Data has been extracted from the Papers Past 878 web site as at the end of June 2008. As the searchable digitized text does not cover the whole collection, the data Ive presented must be seen as a subset. Note the weighty 4 cwt. and 14 cwt. cargoes for September and November.

Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1850

Vessel
22 Jan 13 Mar Naiad, 21.5t
879

Master W. Monro J. Nicholson

From Hokianga Russell, 5 Apr, via Wangaroa Russell via Wangaroa Hokianga Taranaki, 11th Russell Ahipara Russell 1 keg 110 lbs., 6 lbs. beeswax 80 lbs. Honey & wax, (no qty spec.) 1 jar 1 box 4 cwt. (504 lbs.) 14 cwt. (N.Zlndr) / 1

Yankee Notion, 10t 880 Milford, 5t 881 Nancy, 22t 882 William and James, 15t 883 Children, 30t 884 Naiad, 21t
885

2 May 16 May 17 May 1 Aug 9 Sept 25 Nov

Jones Hardiman Newnham Williams W. Monro Alexander Jones

Children, 30t 886

887

878 879

Refer Appendix II for the searchable issues within Papers Past. Daily Southern Cross, Volume V, Issue 269, 25 January 1850, Page 2 880 Daily Southern Cross, Volume V, Issue 283, 15 March 1850, Page 2 881 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 297, 3 May 1850, Page 2 882 New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 427, 18 May 1850, Page 2 883 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 302, 21 May 1850, Page 2 884 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 323, 2 August 1850, Page 2 885 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 334, 10 September 1850, Page 2 886 Daily Southern Cross, Volume V, Issue 356, 26 November 1850, Page 2 887 New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 482, 27 November 1850, Page 2

307

keg (DlySthCross) 24 Dec Children, 30t 888 A. Jones Russell 1 keg

Hokianga and Russell from the far north dominate the sources of supply. The dual reports of the Childrens Russell sourced cargo of 25 November gives a useful conversion: 1 keg being 14 cwt. (1568 lbs. / 1.43 imperial tons). Ahipara on the west coast, far north, has entered the market with produce of almost ton.

Foreign Honey into Auckland, 1850

1 July Vessel Moa, 236t 889 Isabella, 99t 890 Master Norris From Sydney, 15th 1 cask & 16 bags sugar, order 1 cask (= 4 cwt. 891 , 1 ton = 20 cwt.), T. Lewis 2 jars 2 kegs 2 casks 895 (ie., 8 cwt.) 5 kegs. W.S. Grahame

5 July

Gedge

16 Sept 8 Oct 14 Oct 23 Oct

Oliver Cromwell, ship, 478t 892 Emma, brig, 135t

893

Alexander H. T. Fox Smale Norris

Hobart Town, 13th June Sydney Sydney Sydney, 5th Sydney

Monarch, 315t
894

Moa, 236t 896

Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1851

1851 897
888 889

Vessel

Master

From

Daily Southern Cross, Volume V, Issue 365, 27 December 1850, Page 3 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 314, 2 July 1850, Page 3 890 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 316, 9 July 1850, Page 2 891 A cask holds 450 lbs of honey, being just over 4 cwt. 892 New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 462, 18 September 1850, Page 2 893 New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 468, 9 October 1850, Page 2 894 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 344, 15 October 1850, Page 2 895 Part of an order, along with 29 bags sugar, 10 tubs butter, 50 bags flour. A bakers lot ? 896 Daily Southern Cross, Volume V, Issue 347, 25 October 1850, Page 2 897 Honey attracted a duty of 1d. per lb. Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume X, Issue 490, 26 July 1851, Page 93

308

14 April 6 May 9 June 26 Aug 27 Aug 15 Sep

Elizabeth, 50t
898

A. Murray J. Gillies W. Stroud A. Jones W. Stroud William Monro W. Monro

Monganui Coromandel Hokianga Russell Hokianga, Ahipara Hokianga

10 gal. 9 boxes 9 cases 1 cwt. beeswax 5 casks 8 cases, 1 box, 1 case beeswax 1 cask, 6 cases, 2 packages 2 boxes

Fairy, 16t 899 Nancy, 22t

901
900

Children, 30t Nancy, 22t 902 Naiad, 21.5t

903

15 Dec

Naiad, 21t 904

Hokianga

18 Dec

Napi, 17t 905

906

James Tuatari

Russell

Hokianga and Russell again top the sources of supply. Monganui, also from the far north, has entered the market. One schooner master received praise for his skill, hard work and timeliness. The smart little cutter Napi, which has. for the last four or five years, been sailed so skillfully, perseveringly, and punctually between Auckland and the Bay of Islands, has recently passed from the possession of her native owner, James Tautari, to that of Captain Thomas Stewart. By sheer perseverance and untiring industry, Tuatari was first enabled to acquire the Napi. His integrity and punctuality in her command won for him golden opinion from all sorts of people, with whom both the craft and the skipper became especial favourites. Tautari has only relinquished the Napi for a more capacious and
898 899

Daily Southern Cross, Volume V, Issue 396, 15 April 1851, Page 2 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 528, 7 May 1851, Page 2 900 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 539, 14 June 1851, Page 2 901 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 435, 29 August 1851, Page 2 902 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 561, 30 August 1851, Page 2 903 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 567, 20 September 1851, Page 2 904 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 592, 17 December 1851, Page 2 905 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 593, 20 December 1851, Page 2 906 Daily Southern Cross, Volume X, Issue 588, 15 February 1853, Page 2.

309

convenient vessel, the Herald. In his new craft, which is eight tons larger than the Napi, we wish him every success; we hate no doubt he will strain every nerve to command it. It affords us infinite pleasure to be able to pay this just tribute to a native Commander so well known and so generally respected as James Tuatari. 907

Foreign Honey into Auckland, 1851

31 May Vessel Alexander, ship, 398t 908 Master Thomas Long From Sydney 20 casks, W. Hughes

At 450 lbs. per cask, this Sydney sourced cargo amounts to a considerable four imperial tons weight, and at 6d per lb. gives a significant wholesale value of 225.

Exports from Auckland, 1851

1851
909

Vessel Helen S. Page, 226t

910

Master Church

To San Francisco (arr. 20 May), from Tahiti to SF in 44 days Honolulu 5 kegs

22 Feb

13 Mar

Sisters, 130t
911 912

H. Clark

4 kegs, part of an extensive cargo from Hobart Town

The first honey bees did not reach California until 1853 913 so an opportunity for cross Pacific honey shipments was available. Given the increasing ability of NZ domestic honey output to meet internal demand, its understandable Sydney honey producers sought alternate markets. The California Gold Rush 914 of 1848-1855 would have
907 908

Daily Southern Cross, Volume X, Issue 588, 15 February 1853, Page 2 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 536, 4 June 1851, Page 2 909 Honey attracted a duty of 1d. per lb. Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume X, Issue 490, 26 July 1851, Page 93 910 Daily Southern Cross, Volume V, Issue 382, 25 February 1851, Page 2 911 New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 513, 15 March 1851, Page 2 912 Daily Southern Cross, Volume V, Issue 387, 14 March 1851, Page 2 913 http://www.beesource.com/pov/wenner/bcmay1993.htm 914 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush

310

provided a ready market. Prices were high compared to 8d. per lb. in Sydney. San Francisco prices current 915 at 1 Feb. 1850 stated honey was US$10 per dozen bottles (as reported in the Sydney Morning Herald, March 25). San Francisco Prices Current 916 at 11 May 1850, from the Polynesian, stated honey was $2 to $3 per lb.

Home Grown hives for sale, 1852, 1856

Under the Shipping List - Entered Inwards section for 29 March 1852 in the Daily Southern Cross 917 for 30 March 1852, the 20 ton Mary Ann 918 from Russell carried 2 horses, 10 boxes bees. These were described simply as Imports rather than the alternative qualified classification of Foreign Imports. By 1856 bees were offered for sale in Dunedin but fetched a premium. D. Bower of Andersons Bay advertised for sale some very superior swarms in the Otago Witness 919 for 16 February 1856. 920 BEES The Undersigned has for Sale some very superior Swarms, from 30s. to 35s. Each party can have them delivered in the town. D. BOWER, Andersons Bay. This For Sale notice appeared in the advertisements section of the Taranaki Herald for 8 March 1856: 921

915 916

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 930, 27 May 1856, Page 3 Daily Southern Cross, Volume VI, Issue 292, 16 April 1850, Page 3 917 Volume VII, Issue 496, 30 March 1852, Page 2. The Southern Cross began as a weekly paper in Auckland on 22 April 1843. In 1862 it became the first daily newspaper in Auckland 918 The schooner Mary Ann of 35 tons with Mackenzie as captain was listed in the Shipping Intelligence section of the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 6 June 1846. (Volume V, Issue 222, Page 53). 919 The Otago Witness began in Dunedin in January 1851 as a four page, fortnightly newspaper. It became a weekly in August that year. 920 Issue 220, 16 February 1856, Page 3, col. 1 921 Taranaki Herald, Volume IV, Issue 188, 8 March 1856, Page 2

311

Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1852-1854

1852 15 Mar 16 Aug 17 Sep 1853 14 Feb 1854 7 Mar 20 April 8 May 25 May Vessel Waterwitch, brig, 10t 922 Elizabeth, sch., 43t 923 Nancy, 22t
924

Master W. Jones Rakena R. Hardiman

To Wangaroa Hokianga Hokianga 1 keg, 4 boxes 4 packages 1 cask

Brothers, 22t 925 Calliope, 14t 926 Diana, 22t

927

Shepherd

Wangaroa

10 cwt. (ie., ton weight) 70 calabashes (bottle gourds) 6 gal. 2 packages 200 lbs.

Weki Hunt Hardiman Dent

Ngunguru Wangaruru Hokianga Wangarei

Dauntless, 22t 928 Emily, 10t

929

922 923

Daily Southern Cross, Volume VII, Issue 492, 16 March 1852, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume IX, Issue 536, 17 August 1852, Page 3 924 New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 671, 18 September 1852, Page 2 925 Daily Southern Cross, Volume X, Issue 588, 15 February 1853, Page 2 926 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XI, Issue 699, 10 March 1854, Page 2 927 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XI, Issue 711, 21 April 1854, Page 2 928 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XI, Issue 716, 9 May 1854, Page 2 929 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XI, Issue 721, 26 May 1854, Page 2

312

23 Sep 10 Oct

Naiad, 22t
930

Waters Alex Mclean

Hokianga Hokianga

1 cwt. 1 jar

13 Oct

Sabrina, 309t 931 barque Exert, 50t 932

Laurie

Wangaroa

1 barrel

Domestic Honey into Auckland, Wellington & Lyttelton, 1855

10 Mar 23 Apr 1 May 10 May Vessel Bonnie Doon, barque, 216t 933 Cordelia, 22t 934 Dauntless, 20t 935 Nelson, S.S., 215t
936

Master Stephenson Bristow Hardiman Martin

17 May 4 June 16 July 20 July 4 Aug 19 Oct 27 Nov

Vivid, 25t 937 Waterwitch, 10t

938

Hitching Jones Walters Cleland Gibson Lewington Jones

From / To Auckland to Wton East Coast Hokianga, New Plymouth, (Southern Settlements) Monganui Wangaroa Kaipara Kawhia New Plym. Russell Whangaroa

1 cask 2 kegs 2 casks 8 kegs

1 cask 50 lbs 2 kegs 8 casks 1 keg ton 1 cask

Naiad, 22t 939 George, sch., 103t

940

Gem, 103t 941 Osprey, 47t 942 Waterwitch, 10t

943

930 931

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XI, Issue 756, 26 September 1854, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XI, Issue 761, 13 October 1854, Page 2 932 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XI, Issue 762, 17 October 1854, Page 2 933 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 804, 13 March 1855, Page 2 934 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 816, 24 April 1855, Page 2 935 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 819, 4 May 1855, Page 3 936 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 822, 15 May 1855, Page 3 937 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 823, 18 May 1855, Page 3 938 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 828, 5 June 1855, Page 2 939 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 840, 17 July 1855, Page 3 940 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 842, 24 July 1855, Page 2 941 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 846, 7 August 1855, Page 2 942 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 868, 23 October 1855, Page 3

313

22 Dec

Oceana, 42t 944

Wm. Stroud
946

Hokianga
945

3 cases

22 Dec

Content, brig, 148t 947

Robertson

Otago to Lyttelton 948

949

1 cask,
950

Carnegie

Foreign Exports, 1855

Vessel Master From

26 Feb

Sea Breeze, American barque, 311t

951

Newell

In Port of Auckland, 219 Jan. 952 953 954 In Bay of Islands harbour ?, 26 Jan. 955 to Melbourne

9 jars

943 944

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 879, 30 November 1855, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 886, 25 December 1855, Page 3 945 This Auckland schooner had a crew of four captain, mate, cook and able bodied seaman. Refer following web page. Gives captains name as Shond and Shoud in 1858; describes vessel as a schooner with an obviously incorrect tonnage of 376. http://mariners.records.nsw.gov.au/1858/02/034oce.htm 946 http://mariners.records.nsw.gov.au/1858/06/018oce.htm Gives masters name as William Stroud, 41 tons, June 1858, crew of 5 (includes 2 able bodied seamen) 947 Otago Witness, Issue 214, 29 December 1855, Page 2 948 Sailed 22 Dec. for Port Victoria, known today as Lyttelton. In the 1830s it was known as Port Cooper, and appears as Port Victoria on a map in 1849 (Encyclopaedia Britannica) 949 From Wikipedia - Otago is also the old name of the European settlement on the Otago Harbour in 1831. This region is in the south east of the South Island. Ltllelton is approximately at the midpoint of the east coast on the South Island. 950 A clearing out sale at Mr. M. Woods, Queen Street: NZ honey sold at 4 1/2d. / lb. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 947, 25 July 1856, P.2 951 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 801, 2 March 1855, Page 2 952 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 789, 19 January 1855, Page 2 953 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 784, 2 January 1855, Page 2 954 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 787, 12 January 1855, Page 1 955 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 791, 26 January 1855, Page 2

314

Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1856-58

1856 12 Apr Vessel Wonga Wonga, S.S., 78t 956 Wonga Wonga, S.S., 78t 957 Wonga Wonga, S.S., 78t 958 Rattler, 8t 959 Master Bowden From Monganui, Wangaroa, Wangarei Monganui, Wangaroa, Russell, Wangarei Monganui & other northern ports Coromandel 18 cases

18 May 10 Oct 1857 25 Mar

Bowden

6 cases

Bowden

1 cask

De Thierry
960

1 case

956

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 918, 15 April 1856, Page 2 s.s. Wonga Wonga, built 1854 J & G Thomson Govan, 444grt, 207.2ft x 25.3ft, Australasian Steam Navigation Company. Refer web page http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=6473 957 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 928, 20 May 1856, Page 2 958 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 970, 14 October 1856, Page 2 959 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIV, Issue 1017, 27 March 1857, Page 2

315

9 May 1858 15 Mar 25 May 16 July

964

Petrel, 25t 961

Day

Wangarei

2 cases (30 lbs.) 2 jars (30 lbs.) 50 lbs. 20 lbs. 2 casks (4 cwt.)

Petrel, 20t 962 Petrel, 20t 963 Phantom, 12t 965 Petrel, 20t 966

Robert Mair Robert Mair Young Carmichael

Wangarei Wangarei Coromandel Wangarei

18 Nov

S.S. Wonga Wonga

Foreign Honey Imports / Exports 1858-59

1858 14 Aug Vessel Kate Kearney, brig, 85 967 Master Dixon From / To Taranaki to Sydney, via Nelson 1 cask

960

De Thierry is given as the master in the Daily Southern Cross, 29 July 1856, Page 2. Also in other papers including Daily Southern Cross, 23 December 1856, Page 2 961 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIV, Issue 1030, 12 May 1857, Page 2 962 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XV, Issue 1118, 16 March 1858, Page 2 963 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XV, Issue 1139, 28 May 1858, Page 2 964 Honey sold from between 2d. to 6d. per lb. at Pritchard and Williams. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XV, Issue 1155, 23 July 1858, Page 2 965 Daily Southern Cross, 20 July 1858, Page 3 966 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XV, Issue 1189, 19 November 1858, P.2 967 Taranaki Herald, Volume VII, Issue 315, 14 August 1858, Page 2

316

23 Aug

Lion, 215 968

Aldred

Sydney to Otago (Port Chalmers ?)

2 jars

1859 3 Mar 29 Mar 9Aug

14 Aug 15 Dec

Harwood, ship, 462t 969 Ocean Queen, 120t 970 City of Melbourne, barque, 972 176t 973 Vessel not named 974 Tyne 975 91t 976

Forsayth McBurne y McLean

Auckland to London Sydney to Otago Sydney to Auckland

1 cask 1 case 971 1 cask

Carmicha el ? J. Riddle

Exported from Taranaki Hobarton to Auckland

1 cask, I.N. Watt 3 cases

Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1859

1859 22 Jan 14 Mar 30 Mar
968 969

Vessel Dove, 20t 977 Petrel, 20t 978 Dove, 21t 979

Master Jones Carmichael Jones

From Wangaroa Wangarei Wangaroa

5 cwt. 1 tin 20 lbs.

Otago Witness, Issue 352, 28 August 1858, Page 4 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1219, 4 March 1859, Page 2 970 Otago Witness, Issue 383, 2 April 1859, Page 1 971 Auckland prices, honey 8d. per lb., beeswax 1s. 6d. per lb. Retail 1s. & 2s. 6d. per lb. Daily Southern Cross, Vol.XVI, Issue 1216, 29 April 1859, p.2 972 The City of Melbourne, Captain Maclean, arrived in the Waitemata on Monday night, twenty days out from Sydney. During her voyage she has experienced most tempestuous weather, principally from the S.E. and S.W. The City of Melbourne was in the Bay of Islands for two days, leaving on Saturday last. We see that the barque is again laid op for Sydney. 973 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1243, 12 August 1859, Page 3 974 Taranaki Herald, Volume VII, Issue 341, 12 February 1859, Page 3 975 The schooner Tyne, Captain Riddle, arrived in harbour on Tuesday last, having left Hobart Town on the evening of the 29th ult. She experienced light and variable winds during the passage. The first land made was Cape Brett. 976 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1279, 16 December 1859, P.2 977 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1208, 25 January 1859, Page 3 978 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1204, 15 March 1859, Page 2 979 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1209, 1 April 1859, Page 3

317

26 Apr 2 May 20 May 7 June 13 June 16 July

Petrel, 20t 980 Petrel, 20t 981 Scotch Lass, 16t 982 Petrel, 20t 983 Victoria, 18t
984

Carmichael Carmichael Thorp Carmichael Lodge Muirhead

Wangarei Wangarei Wairoa Wangarei Hokianga Nelson to Port Cooper (Lyttelton) via Amuri 986 Lyttelton

56 lbs. 50 lbs. 30 lbs. 50 lbs. 120 lbs. 1 jar, Caverhill

Mary Thomson, brig/sch., 52t

985

27 Aug

White Swan. S.S. 987 198t

988

W.G. Cellum Hardiman OConnell

2 hogsheads
989

30 Aug 12 Sep

Dauntless, 20t 990 Isabella, 25

991

Hokianga Hokianga

120 lbs. 120 lbs.

980 981

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1216, 29 April 1859, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1217, 3 May 1859, Page 2 982 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1222, 24 May 1859, Page 2 983 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1227, 10 June 1859, Page 2 984 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1229, 17 June 1859, Page 2 985 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 16 July 1859, Page 2 986 From Wikipedia Amuri is a small settlement in north Canterbury, NZ 987 Built 1854 by William Simons & Co., Whiteinch, iron passenger-cargo steamer, did service on Adelaide Melbourne run, 145.4 ft x 22.1 ft, 322 gross tons, 130 passengers. While engaged in a mail service between Auckland and Wellington, was wrecked off Flat Point, Waiorongo Beach, New Zealand, 28/29 June 1862. See web page http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=8963 To give an idea of sailing times to Auckland: The White Swan, S.S., Capt. Cellum, arrived in harbour yesterday about 1 o'clock, 46 hours out from her last port, Ahuriri, and 5 days from Wellington, including detention. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1204, 15 March 1859, Page 2 988 Otago Witness, Issue 405, 3 September 1859, Page 2 989 Wholesale price beeswax 1s. 6d. per lb., honey 6d. per lb. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1273, 28 November 1859, Page 2 990 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1248, 2 September 1859, P.3 991 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1251, 13 September 1859, P.2

318

Domestic Honey Coastwise, 1860

1860 Ship Master To Auckland (unless qualified) Hokianga Wangarei Hokianga Coromandel Auckland to Coromandel Wangarei Wangarei Waitapu to Nelson 1000 Russell Mongonui Waitapu to Nelson Russell Whangaroa

7 Jan 12 Jan 16 Feb 24 Feb 29 Feb 5 Mar 14 Mar 17 Mar 22 Mar 27 Mar 28 Mar 3 Apr 14 Apr

Isabella, 26t
992

OConnell Carmichael OConnell Hohepa Hohepa Carmichael McLeod Eure Tuatari McGregor Eure G.S. Norris Hone Mika

150 lbs. 2 kegs 2 cases 2 boxes 1 jar 2 kegs 1 case 4 kegs 7 cwt. 10 cases 1 jar, Batchelor 80 lbs. 100 lbs.

Petrel, 20t 993 Isabella, 26t

994

Mata Winika, 15t 995 Mata Winika, 15t 996 Petrel, 20t 997 Janet, 25t 998 Necro-mancer, sch., 29t 999 St. Kilda, 63t
1001

Kiwi, 40t 1002 Necro-mancer, sch., 29t 1003 Annie Laurie, 35t 1004 Morning Star, 16t 1005

992 993

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1286, 10 January 1860, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1287, 13 January 1860, Page 2 994 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1297, 17 February 1860, P.2 995 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1300, 28 February 1860, P.2 996 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1273, 2 March 1860, Page 2 997 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1274, 6 March 1860, Page 2 998 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1277, 16 March 1860, Page 2 999 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 17 March 1860, Page 2 1000 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 17 March 1860, Page 2 1001 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1279, 23 March 1860, Page 2 1002 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1281, 30 March 1860, Page 2 1003 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 28 March 1860, Page 2 1004 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1283, 6 April 1860, Page 3

319

23 Apr 28 Apr 16 May 1 June 4 June 20 June 5 July 19 July 6 Aug 18 Aug

St. Kilda, 63t

1006

Tuatari R. Cork Carmichael Thorp Hone Maika Mundle

Russell Auckland to Otago Wangarei Wairoa Whaingaroa Wellington to Pt. Chalmers (Otago) Mongonui, Wangaroa Hokianga Wangarei Thames (Coromandel Peninsula) Wangaroa

200 lbs. 6 kegs 2 kegs 60 lbs. 189 lbs. 3 kegs

Comet, brig, 92t 1007 Petrel, 20t 1008 Scotch Lass, 16t 1009 Morning Star, 20t 1010 Snaresbrook, 459t 1011 Tui, 14t 1012 Isabella, 26t
1013

Kent McLean Doyle Ngakirikiri

2 cwt. 200 lbs. 40 lbs. 4 kegs

Water Witch, 6t 1014 George, 16t

1015

22 Sep

Morning Star, 20t 1016 Isabella, 26t

1017

Hoapi Maika McLean

4 Oct

Hokianga

2500 lbs. 186 lbs. beeswax 50 lbs.

1005 1006

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1294, 15 May 1860, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1288, 24 April 1860, Page 2 1007 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1290, 1 May 1860, Page 2 1008 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1295, 18 May 1860, Page 3 1009 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1300, 5 June 1860, Page 2 1010 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1300, 5 June 1860, Page 2 1011 Otago Witness, Issue 448, 30 June 1860, Page 4 1012 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1310, 6 July 1860, Page 2 1013 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1314, 20 July 1860, Page 2 1014 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1319, 7 August 1860, Page 2 1015 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1323, 21 August 1860, Page 2 1016 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1335, 25 September 1860, P.2

320

28 Nov 18 Dec

Morning Star, 20t 1018 Dart, 24t 1019

Hone Maika Webster

Wangarei Hokianga

1 keg 250 lbs.

Coromandel had been a relatively prolific producer of honey. The following may explain why honey was being sent there at this time. To the Editor of the Southern Cross. Sir, within the last few weeks, we have had several Native cases, five of which were fatal, within a very few hours, all belonging to one little village. Others were saved by the assistance of emetics, &c, and through the kind assistance of Mr. Stephenson, who lives near the Maori settlement of Matouri. 1020 1021 The symptoms resemble those arising from strychnine, and as far as Native testimony is to be relied upon, they state that the honey taken from the bush, or forest trees, produces the same effect as that which in this instance was taken from the boxes. This melancholy event has caused some little sensation, and, as is the custom with the Maori, every thing in the shape of honey, bees, or boxes, was forthwith burnt or destroyed; so that nothing remains for chemical examination. Any light you could throw upon this subject would be very gratefully acknowledged. Yours, &c, Pro Bono Publico. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIV, Issue 1007, 20 February 1857, Page 4 For a contemporary explanation I turned to the web site of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority: Toxic honey is produced as a result of bees feeding on tutu (Coriaria arborea) bushes. Tutu 1022 is a widely distributed native species found throughout New Zealand, particularly along stream banks and in regenerating native bush. The poison comes from the native tutu bush but Toxic honey is not produced by bees visiting the flowers of tutu to gather nectar or pollen, but rather when bees gather honeydew produced by the sap sucking vine hopper insect (Scolypopa sp) feeding on tutu plants.
1017 1018

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1338, 5 October 1860, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1354, 30 November 1860, P.3 1019 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1360, 21 December 1860, P.2 1020 has an alternate Maori spelling of Matauri 1021 See also American Bee Journal, re poisonous honey from the flowers of the wharangi, p.552 1022 Refer also teara.govt.nz/TheBush/NativePlantsAndFungi/PoisonousPlantsAndFungi/2/e n

321

The honeydew (a sweet exudate) produced from the tutu plant contains tutin, a member of the picrotoxin group. The toxin has no effect on bees and honeydew honey is chemically very similar to floral honey and cannot be distinguished by taste, sight or smell from other non-toxic honeys. The toxin cannot be degraded by any heating or processing of honey. The toxins are believed to be very stable, and poisoning cases have resulted from people eating honey that was several years old. While tutin, and its derivative, hyenanchin are extremely toxic to humans, only a few areas in New Zealand regularly produce toxic honey. These areas include the Coromandel Peninsula and Eastern Bay of Plenty (EBOP) and the Marlborough Sounds. To produce toxic honey, all of the following conditions are required: concentrations of numerous tutu bushes high numbers of vine hoppers hot dry weather to allow the honeydew to build up on the tutu (rain can wash it off) an absence of more attractive food sources for bees, usually caused by drought presence of honey bees (Apis mellifera) being managed for honey production. A number of people have been killed, incapacitated and hospitalised over the years from eating toxic honey. 1023 I found the following of interest Tutu wine packed a fair punch. In the early days of European settlement, two reverend gentlemen, Canon J. W. Stack and Bishop H. J. C. Harper, 1024 took a little drink of tutu wine. Stack later reported that they soon lost all feeling in their extremities and could hardly keep their balance. Their vision became impaired, and they felt they were being poisoned. But then the strange sensations passed, and feeling came back in their limbs. Maori made an alcoholic drink (tutu beer or tutu wine) and a pudding from the fruit of the tutu tree. They were careful to strain out the toxic

1023

nzfsa.govt.nz/animalproducts/publications/info-pamphlet/beeproducts/toxic-honey.htm 1024 Purchas H. T. (1909) Bishop Harper and the Canterbury Settlement. Christchurch, Wellington and Dunedin: Whitcombe and Tombs. Chapter VII. Travel and Its Incidents

322

seeds. Not so knowledgeable were four French sailors, who died in the mid-1830s after eating tutu berry pudding. 1025

Foreign Exports 1860-61

1860 2 Jan Vessel Tyne, sch., 91t
1026

Master J. Riddle

From / To Auckland to Hobart Town

1 June 1861 2 Jan

St. Kilda, 63t

1028

Joyce

Russell to London Auckland to Hobart Town

3 cases, part of orig. cargo (arrived 15 Dec. with 3 cases) 1027 1 cask, T.S. Forsaith

Tyne, sch., 91
1029

J. Riddle

Domestic Honey Shipments into Auckland, 1861

26 Feb 1 Mar 8 Mar 14 Mar 15 Mar 18 Mar 1 Apr Vessel St. Kilda, 63t 1030 Favourite, 15t 1031 St. Kilda, 63t 1032 St Kilda, 63t 1033 Dart, 24t 1034 Necromancer, sch., 18t 1035 St Kilda, 63t 1036 Master Tautari Browne Tautari Tautari Webster Eure Tautari From Russell Coromandel Russell Russell Hokianga Waitapu Russell 5 casks 6 boxes 10 cwt 1,112 lbs 896 lbs 1 case 1,120 lbs

1025

teara.govt.nz/TheBush/NativePlantsAndFungi/PoisonousPlantsAndFungi/2/e n 1026 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1284, 3 January 1860, Page 2 1027 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1279, 16 December 1859, P.2 1028 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1300, 5 June 1860, Page 2 1029 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1284, 3 January 1860, Page 2 1030 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1379, 1 March 1861, Page 2 1031 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1380, 5 March 1861, Page 2 1032 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1382, 12 March 1861, Page 2 1033 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1384, 19 March 1861, Page 2 1034 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1384, 19 March 1861, Page 2 1035 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 20 March 1861, Page 2 1036 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1389, 5 April 1861, Page 2

323

4 Apr 15 Apr 18 Apr 17 Apr 11 May 14 May 20 May 15 June 8 Jul 8 Jul 11 July

Vision, 19t 1037 Annie Laurie, 35t

1038

Yates Norris Joyce Webster Joyce Norris Joyce Joyce Carmichdel Webster Lewis

Russell Russell Russell Hokianga Russell Russell Russell Russell Wangarei Hokianga Auckland to Poverty Bay Russell Russell Mangawai Hokianga Hokianga Mongonui, Wangaroa

2 casks 1 ton 224 lbs 1 jar 2,240 lbs 600 lbs 300 lbs 14 cwt 1 ton 12 cwt 1 box

St Kilda, 63t 1039 Dart, 24t 1040 St. Kilda, 68t 1041 Annie Laurie, 35t
1042

St. Kilda, 63t 1043 St. Kilda, 63t 1044 Petrel, 20t 1045 Dart, 24t 1046 Planet, 30t 1047

17 July 13 Aug 13 Aug 5 Sep 14 Oct 1 Nov

St. Kilda, 63t 1048 Sylph, 50t 1049 Mary Ira, 16t 1050 Dart, 24t 1051 Vivid, 26t 1052 Morning Star, 20t
1053

Joyce Norris Seymour Webster Hardiman Hare Hongi

3 kegs 200 lbs 60 lbs 3 tons 400 lbs 500 lbs

1037 1038

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1389, 5 April 1861, Page 2 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1392, 16 April 1861, Page 3 1039 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1394, 23 April 1861, Page 2 1040 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1393, 19 April 1861, Page 3 1041 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1400, 14 May 1861, Page 2 1042 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1401, 17 May 1861, Page 2 1043 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1402, 21 May 1861, Page 2 1044 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1410, 18 June 1861, Page 3 1045 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1416, 9 July 1861, Page 3 1046 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1416, 9 July 1861, Page 3 1047 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1418, 16 July 1861, Page 3 1048 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1419, 19 July 1861, Page 3 1049 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1427, 16 August 1861, Page 2 1050 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1427, 16 August 1861, Page 2 1051 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1433, 6 September 1861, P.5 1052 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1444, 15 October 1861, P.3

324

25 Nov

Vivid, 20t 1054 1055

Hardiman

Hokianga

5 cwt, 80 lbs beeswax

From the Commercial Summary for Auckland dated 3 June 1861. Our foreign imports have not been large. From the neighbouring colonies we had considerable additions to our general stocks of goods. Coastwise the trade has begun to revive, though not to such an extent as could be wished. We trust, however, that with the advancing season confidence may become generally diffused. Coastwise we have had 12,675 bushels wheat, 1371, do. maize, 130 do. oats, 22 cwt onions, 100 bushels grass-seed, 9 tons potatoes, 2938 lbs. butter, 100 lbs. cheese, 582 bushels apples and pears (principally the former), 4260 lbs. honey, 112 lbs. and 1 box bees-wax, 10 cwt. melons, The Customs receipts for the month were 6029 9s 3d 1056 At 1d. per lb., honey contributed 17 15s to excise, barely 3 thousandths of 1% of the total.

Foreign Imports, 1861

14 Feb Vessel Kate, barque, 314t 1057 Master P. Jones From Sydney 1 keg

Domestic Honey into Auckland, 1862

15 Jan 18 Jan 20 Jan 27 Jan Vessel Vivid, 26t 1058 Annie Laurie, 25t
1059

Master Hardiman Murray Tautari Hancock

From Hokianga Mongonui Russell Bay of Plenty

1 ton 100 lbs 1 keg 40 lbs

Sea Breeze, 70t

1060

Keriti, 14t 1061

1053 1054

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1449, 5 November 1861, P.5 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1456, 29 November 1861, P.3 1055 Inwards port was Onehunga, on Manukau Harbour, Aucklands largest port in the 19th Century, now eclipsed by the main port at Waitemata Harbour 1056 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1406, 4 June 1861, Page 4 1057 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1375, 15 February 1861, P.2 1058 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1470, 17 January 1862, P.3 1059 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1471, 21 January 1862, P.3 1060 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1471, 21 January 1862, P.3 1061 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1473, 28 January 1862, P.3

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5 Mar 17 Mar 26 Mar 27 Mar 31 Mar 8 Apr 2 May 6 May 15 May

Morning Star, 18t 1062 Rebecca, 17t 1063 Vivid, 26t 1064 Morning Star, 18t 1065 Sea Breeze, 70t
1066

Hare Hongi Anderson Hardiman Hare Hongi Tuatari Tuatari Carougher Tuatari E Hardiman

not stated Bay of Plenty Hokianga Wangaroa Russell Russell Russell Russell Hokianga

2 casks 2 jars 2 jars 2 boxes 1 barrel 6 casks 1 barrel 2,016 lbs 12 jars (800 lbs) 1071 , 1 basket beeswax, 5 cwt. honey 3 cwt 1 keg 2 cwt 1 ton 2 casks

Sea Breeze, 70t

1067

Nymph, 19t 1068 Sea Breeze, 70t

1069

Vivid, 26t 1070

22 May 27 May 27 May 16 June 24

1062 1063

Sea Breeze, 70t

1072

Tuatari Hetaraka Abbs Norris Norris

Russell Opotiki Bay of Plenty Russell Russell

Susan, 10t 1073 Keriti, 14t 1074 Sylph, 70t 1075 Sylph, 70t 1076

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1484, 7 March 1862, Page 5 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1487, 18 March 1862, P.3 1064 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1490, 28 March 1862, P.3 1065 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1490, 28 March 1862, P.3 1066 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1492, 4 April 1862, Page 3 1067 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1494, 11 April 1862, Page 3 1068 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1501, 6 May 1862, Page 3 1069 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1502, 9 May 1862, Page 7 1070 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1504, 16 May 1862, Page 3 1071 Gives a conversion of 1 jar = 66 2/3 lbs 1072 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1508, 23 May 1862, Page 3 1073 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1512, 28 May 1862, Page 3 1074 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1512, 28 May 1862, Page 3 1075 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1529, 17 June 1862, Page 3

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June 8 July 16 July 29 July 1 Sept 6 Dec 18 Dec

Sylph, 70t 1077 Sylph, 70t 1078 Sylph, 70t 1079 Vivid, 26t 1080 Kiwi, 40t 1081 Sylph, 70t 1082
1083

G. S. Norris G. S. Norris G. S. Norris Hardiman McGregor G. S. Norris

Russell Russell Russell Hokianga Mongonui Russell, dep. 16th

2 casks 1 can 2 casks ton 1 keg 900 lbs / 2 casks

Passengers and cargo could travel in style. One honey courier was the Sea Breeze. From the Daily Southern Cross, 12 July 1861 1084 Launch. Yesterday morning, at full tide, the fore and-aft schooner, "Sea Breeze," was launched from the ship-building yard of Messrs. Beddoes and Co., North Shore. There were several gentlemen present. The launch was highly successful, the vessel gliding gracefully down the ways into the water. The "Sea Breeze" is 85 feet over all; and 120 tons builders' measurement, or about 70 tons register. She is a beautiful model, and is specially adapted for the passenger trade. The cabin accommodation is very superior, and expense has not been much considered in its fittings. The cabin is lined with veneer of mottled kauri, which is not unlike bird's eye maple, which seems to be well adapted for cabin panelling. The " Sea Breeze" is in part owned by Mr. Edmonds, and will be placed on the berth between this and the Bay of Islands, as a sister trader with the"St. Kilda." The builders deserve great credit for this craft, which fully sustains the reputation they made by the "Satellite," "Planet," and "Pole Star;" and we hope the "Sea Breeze" may be as fortunate as these vessels have hitherto been.

James Mackay, family, and a hive of bees, 1845

1076 1077

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1536, 25 June 1862, Page 3 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1549, 9 July 1862, Page 3 1078 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1556, 17 July 1862, Page 3 1079 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1567, 30 July 1862, Page 3 1080 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1596, 2 September 1862, P.3 1081 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1678, 6 December 1862, P.3 1082 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1698, 29 Dec. 1862, P.3 1083 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1689, 19 Dec. 1862, P.3 1084 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1417, 12 July 1861, Page 3

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James Mackay, a Scot, brought his family a wife, his six children and two nephews 1085 - to New Zealand. Their ship, the Slains Castle, a three-masted, 121 foot barque of 505 tons under Capt. Dawson, departed on 24 October 1844. 1086 The Mackay family arrived in Nelson on 26 January 1845 1087 after a 91 day journey.

The New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 1088 for 22 February 1845 1089 reported: The arrival of the Slains Castle on Sunday last, in the unprecedentedly [sic.] short space of 91 one days from port to port, has put us in possession of English news up to the 24th of October. One passenger, Mr Mackay, was likely to prove a valuable settler who intended to commence farming immediately ... [and] has brought out with him a Cheviot and two Merino rams, a Cheviot ewe, a Durham cow and bull-calf, a hive of bees, and several cases of valuable plants and fruit trees. He has also an iron punt for landing cargo, capable of carrying 15 tons. 1090 The bees and other stock must have had a relatively easy voyage for the passengers spoke "in terms of the highest praise of Captain Dawsons conduct, and of
1085

His family of eight children included six of his own as well as two nephews. See http://www.brandis.com.au/genealogy/surnames/sa2sm.html 1086 Web site gives 10 Oct. as the date of departure - this must be in error as Mackay was in possession of English newspaper(s) dated 24 Oct.. freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nzbound/1845sydneygazette.ht m Vessels laid on in London for these Colonies - from Hardy's Shipping List, September 30, 1844 1087 Departed 24 Oct. 1844. Shipping Arrivals and Departures Refer homepages.ihug.co.nz/~teecee/shipping_arrivals_and_departuresQZ.htm 1088 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , Volume I, Issue 20, 22 February 1845, Page 3. 1089 The paperspast web site must be in error in giving the newspapers date of February; it can only be January given the arrival date of the Slains Castle and the newspaper states they arrived Sunday [l]ast. Their January arrival is thus explained as their arrival also reported in the Nelson Examiner, 1 Feb. 1845 1090 This report was repeated in the Sydney Morning Herald, 22 March 1845, reproduced from the Nelson Examiner.

328

the passage as a short and pleasant one." Mackay established his farm at Whakapuaka. 1091 The New Zealand Te Papa web site 1092 presents a portrait 1093 of the Mackay family, one with a twist to its background tale: This painting 1094 shows a wealthy family by the name of MacKay gathered on the shores of their Scottish Highland home - Drumdruin in Sutherlandshire. They are surrounded by luggage, and are ready to immigrate across the world to New Zealand. The ship they have chartered to take them - the Slains Castle - sits on the water in the background. James MacKay Senior, the brother of the local laird, is the leader of this family group. He stands at the back. His wife, Anne is seated near him. Also in the painting are their six children - James Junior, Robert, Anne, 1095 Janet, Isabella, and Erica, and two of their nephews The family pictured commissioned the English artist William Allsworth to make this painting in 1844 to commemorate their emigration ... or so the usual story goes. In fact, it seems that this painting is not a faithful record of their departure, but rather the family's attempt to build a mythical history for themselves. There is no doubt that the family in the picture did arrive in Nelson, New Zealand, on the Slains Castle in 1844, 1096 calling themselves the MacKays. They were certainly very wealthy, and brought with them vast amounts of luggage. However some of the tartans worn by the family may be linked to the MacKay tartan, but most are completely unrecognizable. Of course this may be artistic licence - but there is more.

1091 1092

teara.govt.nz/1966/M/MackayJames/MackayJames/en

tpo.tepapa.govt.nz/ViewTopicExhibitDetail.asp?ExhibitID=0x000a4d3b&La nguage=English 1093 See also nla.gov.au/nla.pic-an8926588 And nla.gov.au/apps/cdview?pi=nla.pican8926588&fullrecord=yes&referercode=web And protocat.nla.gov.au/Record/53451 1094 Refer also: Hall, Terry. (1992). Mackay Family Treasure becomes a Museum Treasure, Dominion Sunday Times, 29 November. 1095 Beside her appears to be a skep bee hive 1096 1844 is in error, the actual year of arrival was 1845

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Documents have recently come to light that suggest that James MacKay Snr. was probably not the brother of a laird, or even a MacKay from the Scottish Highlands at all. Evidence suggests his real surname was Mackie, and he came from an Aberdeen merchant family. He spent most of his life in London, and all his children were born there. As for the Slains Castle - there is no record of it having ever sailed from Scotland. In 1844, when the 'MacKays' left, it sailed from Plymouth in England. And what of the family's claim that they had exclusively chartered the ship? The passenger list shows that there were a number of other passengers on board too, so it is unlikely that it had been hired exclusively for their use.

Mackay family portrait, a wider view is available on the Te Papa web site

To make the painting, the artist, William Allsworth, probably made individual portrait sketches of each family member in London, then united them all against a suitable Highland landscape. We will probably never know the full reason for the family's desire to weave this story around themselves. Perhaps, realizing they would have a clean slate in the new country, they simply could not resist giving themselves a noble lineage. And they probably exaggerated and 330

embellished their Scottish ties because at the time of their emigration, the Scottish Highlands were considered by the British to be very romantic and fashionable. Their mysterious origins aside, the MacKay family went on to become highly successful in New Zealand. They built a home for themselves at Nelson Haven (as the Port of Nelson was then known) and named it Drumdruin, after their supposed family estate in Scotland. James MacKay Senior became involved in politics and represented Nelson city in the first parliament (1855). While this painting is fascinating for the story it tells, it is also a valuable visual record of the type and amount of luggage that wealthy immigrants brought here. In the painting you can see sheep and cattle, a hive of bees, 1097 farm implements, and several cases containing fruit trees and plants. The MacKay family even brought a prefabricated home which took a week to load, and servants, including a shepherd and a blacksmith.

Valley of the Okouto River, Feb. 1848

From Thomas Dowells 1850 Farewell to the outward bound, addressed to members of the Church of England by one of her ministers, is a copy of a letter addressed to a Member of the New Zealand Company, dated Valley of the Okouto River, Feb. 1848: Dear Sir, I received your letter quite safe, and am much obliged to you for the information you gave me concerning the vine, which I shall endeavour to profit by. I am happy to inform you that we are all well at present, as I hope this will find you. We are getting on well with our garden now, as we have got about 400 fruit trees planted out besides gooseberries and currants, of which we have got an immense quantity. We have had a great many visitors this summer to see our place; Col. Wakefield was over here a few days ago, and was very much pleased at our proceedings. I have had very good success with my bees this season. From an old stock I have got nine fine swarms, and I hope to take up above one hundred weight of honey this season from two hives. We took up last year about fifty pounds of tine clear honey, the best that had been seen in New Zealand, which met with a ready market. W. Trotter.

1097

My search of the painting shows no evidence of a bee hive. Items bearing closest resemblance look like bird cages.

331

New Plymouth, 1848

Under the heading Life in New Zealand, a long letter written by William Battin appeared in Chamberss Edinburgh Journal for 1849. Battin had been in New Zealand for some six years, having emigrated from Romsey, Hampshire where hed been employed as a shepherd. The Editor commented The simple, unadorned narrative of New Zealand life, which the letter furnishes us with, will doubtless be interesting to our readers. Dated 30 April 1848, New Plymouth, Battin comments, in part: Bees are increasing fast; I have six stocks at present, and intend keeping forty standing stocks. Bees gather the whole year, and can take the honey at any time; they gather about 5 lbs. of honey a month throughout the year: honey and wax is about the same quality as that of Hampshire: honey is selling at 2s. per lb., and wax at 5s. (p.159)

Mr. Thorpes apiary, Thames River, 1849

The following extract 1098 1099 describing part of Governor Greys 1100 overland expedition from Auckland to Taranaki, covers more than reference to an apiary in 1849 - it provides an interesting description of a farm on the Thames River, with its grassy meadows, wheat and potato crops, cattle, dairy cows, rose hedges, garden and orchard, all of which provide context for Mr Thorpes extensive apiary: Friday, 7th. [December, 1849] -- Rose at four, and started for Te Kopu at a little before five having breakfasted on the beach, started with the young flood up the Thames. At first the water was very low (being spring tides), and we grounded several times on the mud banks, which caused considerable delay. The scenery on this part of the river is very pretty -- the course of the stream being tortuous, and the banks wooded nearly all the way up, especially the left or western bank -- and when you turn a bend in the river, and open up a fresh reach of from a quarter of a mile to a mile in length, the banks thickly wooded with trees of different shades of foliage, and the water
1098

Cooper, George Sisson (1851) Journal of an Expedition Overland from Auckland to Taranaki, by way of Rotorua, Taupo, and the West Coast: undertaken in the summer of 1849-50 / by His Excellency the Governor-inChief of New Zealand. Williamson and Wilson, Auckland. 1099 New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 453, 17 August 1850, Page 2 1100 A portrait of Sir George Grey may be found at tpo.tepapa.govt.nz

332

calm as glass and reflecting the clear blue sky of a beautiful day in the middle of summer, the effect is extremely picturesque and pleasing. We passed Mr. Thorpe's house at about four o'clock and encamped on an uninhabited spot about half a mile further on, called Ngoiatoke. Here we were most cruelly persecuted by mosquitoes and sand-flies, which appeared as if they were determined not to lose an opportunity, evidently so rare, of having a feast; While dinner was preparing, two of the party went on in the canoe to Opita, about three miles further up the river, to try and get some potatoes, in which, however, we were unsuccessful. We then returned to the camp just in time for dinner, which we enjoyed on the grass, after which we all walked to Mr. Thorpe's, who received us very kindly and showed us over his garden and orchard, which are spacious, and in very fair order; the latter contains a great number of fruit trees, which were all in bearing, but none of the fruit was ripe except some cherries, which looked very nice. Mr. Thorpe is a very enterprising and useful settler and one who deserves to be fortunate, as he seems likely to be. He possesses a splendid herd of cattle, amongst which are 25 cows regularly giving milk, and a number of fine bullocks literally rolling in fat, such in fact as would be almost invaluable in Auckland. Mr. Thorpe employs no servants, all the work being done by his own sons with the occasional assistance of some natives in the planting and harvest seasons; he has thirty or forty acres broken up and planted with potatoes, wheat, and a proportion of fine meadow grass. We were struck by the great number of bees - from forty to fifty hives -- all of which looked strong and healthy, and from the honey of which they make mead. We received an invitation to tea, and breakfast next morning, from which, however, we excused ourselves and Mr. Thorpe as we were taking leave of him, gave us a bottle of milk, for which, as it is a great treat in the bush, we were of course very grateful. The scenery about here is very pretty, and the effect greatly improved by beautiful hedges of the multiflora rose, all literally covered with a sheet of blossom, which enclose the paddocks, and nearly cover Mr. Thorpe's house. Clarke took a sketch of the place from the bank of the river. Having walked over the grounds, seeing and admiring all that was to be seen and admired, we took leave of Mr. Thorpe and 333

returned to camp to tea, after which we retired to our respective beds where each of us was in turn highly amused at the various contrivances of the others for setting at defiance our common enemies the mosquitoes, none of which contrivances, however, proved completely successful, as we were nearly devoured alive, even in spite of all the smoke we could manage by our joint efforts to raise in the tent. (pp.14-20) Circumstances had not been always propitious for Joshua Thorpe. In 1846 hed lost his bee hives following the destruction of his house and surrounds by fire. The following report appeared in the New Zealander for 19 December 1846. 1101 "FIRE. - It is our painful duty to record the serious and afflicting loss sustained by Mr. Joshua Thorpe, of the Thames, an old and much respected settler, well known to many of our readers. Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe had been in Auckland, and on returning, were alarmed by a report that their premises were destroyed. On turning the reach of the Waihou, that affords the first view of Mr. Thorpes picturesque farm, they found their worst apprehensions confirmed. Not a vestige of the dwelling-house remained, excepting the chimney, the defaced and blackened appearance of which, gave but too plain indications of the cause of the catastrophe. ... ... the heat (was) so intense, as to change the shape of the iron pots in the store-room, and scorch many of the trees at the distance of one hundred feet. Some pigs were burnt to death, and the fowls were singed before they could be driven from the roost. The cows bellowed, frantic with fear, in the stock-yard, and the heat and light brought the bees out of the hives. Altogether the scene was appalling, and the destruction most complete. ... At the 1859 Auckland Floral and Horticultural Show, Mr. J. Thorp [Thorpe?] was awarded the prize for Honey in comb. 1102

Isaac Cookson, Lyttelton, 1852

Within the Christchurch City Library web site 1103 I located the transcript and original images of the Burke Manuscript. 1104 On page

1101 1102

Volume 2, Issue 81, 19 December 1846, Page 2. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1206, 22 March 1859, Page 3 1103 library.christchurch.org.nz/Heritage/Digitised/Burke/Burke64.asp

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64 there is in part Acclimatisation. The first bees were brought from Nelson, by Mr T. J. (sic.) Cookson (Cookson, Bowler & Co.) of Heathcote Valley. The magnified view of the original manuscript makes it quite clear that Cooksons first initial is an I rather than T. Isaac Cookson is mentioned in the New Zealand Governments waimakariri web site: William Bowler, merchant and shipping agent. Arrived in Canterbury in 1852. Went into partnership with Isaac Cookson (1817-1870), their company became the largest agency business in Lyttelton. The entry for William Laird Whitby in the online Dictionary of New Zealand Biography states In 1860 he signed on as able-bodied seaman in Cookson, Bowler and Company's Lyttelton to Kaiapoi trading schooner Uira. 1105 It is possible Cookson utilised this 26 ton schooner to ship his hive of bees.

Bees plentiful & cheap & colonial collateral hives, 1856

Within his coverage 1106 of Agricultural and Rural Life - Occupations Connected with the Possession of Land , part of Edward Brown Fittons guide for intending emigrants includes the following, of interest here because, though the cold latitudes imposed harsh conditions on shipped poultry, they would have been beneficial to the sea transport of bees:- Of poultry, the common kind breed very fast and can be purchased every where; they are however very mischievous in gardens, unless properly enclosed. A number of fowls are always carried in the ships hen coops, and it might be worth
1104

Burke, William Ellison, manuscript, Christchurch City Library. Refer library.christchurch.org.nz/Heritage/Digitised/Burke/AboutBurkeManuscript. asp The manuscript is the work of William Ellison Burke, a bailiff at the Christchurch Court The period covered in depth is 1850s and 1860s - the settlement years of the colony. 1105 Of 26 tons built at Bay of Plenty in 1853, capsized off Akaroa Heads on 22nd March 1863. Master drowned but two were saved. Refer web site http://members.tripod.com/~L_Alfano/anz8.txt 1106 Chapter X: Fitton, Edward Brown (1856) New Zealand: its Present Condition, Prospects and Resources, being a description of the country and general mode of life among New Zealand colonists, for he information of intending emigrants. London, E. Stanford

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while to take a few birds of very good breeds on board; but care must be taken to protect them from the cold, as by the time they reach the cold latitudes they are generally weak, and suffer much from exposure to the weather. By far the greater number of game birds, such as partridges and pheasants, as well as some fine poultry at different times dispatched to New Zealand, have perished on their voyage out through the cold. A few fancy pigeons would also be a pleasing addition to a farmer's out of door live stock. Immediately following is this more relevant observation on one style of hive in use:- Bees are now plentiful in all parts of the country, and can be purchased cheaply; a few of the best English hives however would be valuable, as the best sorts would be much better made by an English manufacturer than a colonial carpenter. (pp.267-8)

William Swales letter to Charles Darwin, July 1858

Thanks to the Darwin Online project for the following: Charles Darwin had written to several people in New Zealand during the spring of 1858 to inquire about the fertilisation of clover and other Leguminosae by bees. 1107 One of Darwins respondents was nurseryman William Swale of Christchurch. His letter headed Christ Church, Province of Canterbury, was dated 13 July 1858. Swale opened: Your interesting communication reached me quite safe after a postal journey of 68 days. Even in the insect world colonisation has conferred a benefit in this Province. From enquiries which I have made from older Colonists than myself I find that there is not an indigenous Bee. The Bees which are here were introduced from the Province of Wellington in 1852 to this Province; and to Wellington from England in the year 1842. A related 1108 letter to Darwin from Robert Colgate, a surgeon, dated 25 June 1861, Hempsted House, Eastbourne: My dear Sir, I wrote as I promised you to my friend Mr. Boys 1109 in New Zealand and have just received a reply dated April 4th. I fear the little he has said will not be sufficient to be useful to you. 1110 He says: -``I cannot answer
1107 1108

Refer darwinproject.ac.uk/darwinletters/calendar/entry-2308.html darwinproject.ac.uk/darwinletters/calendar/entry-3197.html 1109 John Cowell Boys 1110 Darwin apparently mentioned to Colgate his interest in learning whether the introduction of European hive-bees had affected the pollination of clover

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your numerous queries with sufficient accuracy for a naturalist - that is to say with the positive assertions from actual observation that would be required - but I can tell you that bees have only reached as far up the country as Rangiora 1111 within the last twelve months, and that white clover did seed before bees were introduced, but red clover to the best of my belief did not - At all events the latter has become much more abundant during this last year. An extract of a letter 1112 to Darwin from Swale, dated 13 July 1858, was printed in The Gardeners' Chronicle, 13 Nov. 1858. Headed Hive-bees in New Zealand, it provides a window into one style of hive in use in New Zealand at that time: The hive bee was introduced into Wellington in 1842 and into Canterbury in 1852. In Christchurch, in the latter province, an old hive standing in a warm sheltered situation has this summer cast off six swarms during the short time of two months. English bee keepers would open their eyes with astonishment if they were out here to see the produce of a single hive. I have had the pleasure several times of partaking of the fruit of their industry, and most delicious it is. Bee keeping here is different to what it is in England. The perpetual succession of flowers, the fine warm summer, and mildness of the winter all tend to a great increase of the bees. Our management of them is very simple. We furnish them with small boxes 18 inches or 2 feet in length and a foot or 18 inches in depth, with a small aperture on the sunny side for ingress and egress. Inside the box we fit small rails across for them to commence building their combs. I find it fascinating that Darwin kept bees. His letter 1113 of 22 June 1858 to William Bernhard Tegetmeier, Secretary of the Apiarian Society of London, included a P.O. [postal order] for 18 shillings to cover the purchase of a Scotch Hive with bits of new comb.
and other leguminous flowers in New Zealand. Darwin had already received information from a nurseryman in Christchurch, William Swale, on this subject. 1111 A borough near Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand
1112

darwinonline.org.uk/content/frameset?itemID=A84&viewtype=image&pageseq=1
1113

darwinproject.ac.uk/darwinletters/calendar/entry-2289.html

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Shipping of Bee Hives and Bee Produce The 1860s

By the 1860s there was clear evidence that the shipping of bee hives and bee hive produce to domestic customers was becoming routine. Reports from early New Zealand newspapers reveal the following: The Daily Southern Cross for 21 May 1861 1114 reported the arrival at the Port of Auckland on 20 May of Capt. Frosts Schooner Flying Fish from the Bay of Plenty with two passengers and 1100 bushels wheat, 100 bushels maize, 6 tons kauri gum, 6 do potatoes, 5000 feet timber, 1 box bees wax. Aucklands first daily newspaper. the Southern Cross, 1115 for 16 May 1862 listed in its Entered Inwards Coastwise section for the Port of Onehunga: from Hokianga, the arrival, one day previously, of the 26 ton Vivid under Captain E Hardman. On board were various cases, packages, parcels, boxes, trunks and kegs, as well as 4 boilers, 2 oil cans 1 boat, sail, and gear, along with 3 jars jams (800 lbs.), 12 jars honey (800 lbs ), 1 basket bees wax (57 lbs.) 75 bushels wheat, 50 do. maize, 12 cwt bacon, 5 do. honey. A beekeeper or beekeepers had been busy at Hokianga in order to ship over half an imperial ton of honey. The same beekeeper may have been responsible for an earlier shipment of bees wax and honey, also from Hokianga in the far north of the North Island. The Daily Southern Cross for 29 November 1861 1116 reported the arrival of the Vivid, 20 tons, Captain Hardman, at the Port of Onehunga on 25 November. Aboard was 80 lbs. bees wax 1117 and 5 cwt honey, together with 10 head of cattle, 1 case jams and four passengers. It was only three years previously that bees wax was being imported from England. On 27 October 1858 1118 1119 the 714 ton Agra arrived at Port Chalmers from Gravesend under Captain Boyle. The
1114 1115

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1402, 21 May 1861, Page 2. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVIII, Issue 1504, 16 May 1862, Page 3. 1116 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1456, 29 November 1861, P.3. 1117 Bees wax was then worth around one shilling and sixpence per lb. wholesale. 1118 immigrantships.net/v2/1800v2/agra18581030.html 1119 Otago Witness, 30 October 1858, p.4.

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Advertisements section of the Otago Witness for 6 November 1858 1120 (and many subsequent issues) listed for sale, along with many other items from the Agras manifest, 1 Cask English Bees Wax. As well, imports of bee hive products were obtained at least a decade earlier from Sydney. In the Shipping Intelligence Arrivals section of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian for 6 October 1849, 1121 there is detailed the manifest of the Promise, a 446 ton barque out of Sydney, which arrived three days previously. Amongst its collection of boxes of tobacco, blankets, bales of calico and leather, boxes of soap, congou, 1122 bags of rice and coffee, casks of wine and port, salt, drapery, tea, salt, candles, both loaf and refined sugar, flour and oranges, there appears 1 case starch, 1 case honey and bees' wax, 3 chests tea", consigned by W. Bishop. Its possible the honey and bees wax was produced in Sydney, its equally possible either or both originated in England. Under Master George Hoseason, 1123 the Promise sailed from Liverpool for Sydney on 4 April 1849, arriving Port Jackson on 12 August 1849. It may have taken on Sydney sourced cargo for its onward New Zealand leg or retained some of its original manifest on departure from Sydney. An ON SALE notice appeared in the Advertisements section of the New Zealander for 29 May 1847: 1124 AT THE STORES OF THE UNDERSIGNED, Being Cargo of the Schooner Ebenezer, Norris, from Sydney. Given the array of goods on sale from W. S. Grahame, Fort street Auckland, some of them obviously of a foreign origin, the source of 1 Package of Bees Wax is indeterminate. Patent weighing machines, Cognac, Marzette's 1125 Ale and Porter, tea, vinegar, coffee, rice and American dried Apples jostled with such as
1120 1121

Otago Witness, Issue 362, 6 November 1858, Page 7. New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , Volume VI, Issue 436, 6 October 1849, Page 2. 1122 a grade of Chinese black tea 1123 mariners.records.nsw.gov.au/1849/08/280pro.htm 1124 New Zealander, Volume 2, Issue 104, 29 May 1847, Page 4. 1125 At this time John George Marzette traded as a ships chandler mainly supplying ships with wines, spirits and beer which were loaded on board free of duty. [he] acquired a warehouse in Backchurch Lane in the East end of London, where he bottled his various liquors. Besides supplying ships, he worked up an Export Trade to Australia mostly in bottled Bass and Guinness and his 'brands' achieved quite a reputation..

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Colonial soap, flour, biscuits, cheese, seed oats, maize, blankets and calico. In the Sydney Prices of Produce paragraph in the New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, 1126 11 October 1845, bees wax was listed at 1s 6d per lb., 1127 and for comparison, Honey, in the comb 8 pence per lb., with beef 1 pence per lb., mutton 1 pence per lb. and lard, 5 pence per lb. From the Commercial section of the Taranaki Herald, 29 July 1871: 1128 The European Mail notes the sale, in London, of 1 case New Zealand bees wax at 8 2s. 6d.; also that New Zealand yellowish honey sold at 2. Assuming bees wax was quoted by the hundred-weight (112 pounds), the per pound rate was just over 1 shilling and 5 pence, within one pence of its value in 1845. In 1859 the Daily Southern Cross, 25 October, Auckland Wholesale prices Current showed the value of bees wax held at 1s 6d lb. 1129 The Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 23 July 1863 reported 1 box bees, consigned by Selmes, from Lyttleton for Blenheim, via Picton, along with a lengthy manifest, aboard the steamer Lyttelton, cleared outwards on 21 July 1863. 1130 In the same newspaper for 26 November 1863 1131 identified the Lyttelton as a 79 ton paddle-steamer, then under Captain Whitwell. Also provided in this newspaper was the Lytteltons busy monthly schedule for December, addressing 13 voyages across the ports of Nelson, Blenheim, Picton and Havelock. 1132 All shippers were advised that cargo must be on the wharf two hours prior to departure and all freight prepaid. At the port of Oamaru on 6 November 1866 2 hives bees were imported from the North, consigned by Lemon at Akaroa, Per
1126

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian , Volume II, Issue 53, 11 October 1845, Page 3. 1127 lb. being the imperial notation for pound. 1128 Taranaki Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 1110, 29 July 1871, Page 2. 1129 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVI, Issue 1263, 25 October 1859, Page 3. 1130 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 23 July 1863, Page 2 1131 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 26 Nov. 1863, Page 2. 1132 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 26 November 1863, Page 2

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Wainui, from Lyttleton, 1133 as advised by the 9 November 1866 issue of the North Otago Times. On board from Lyttleton were 404 felloes, 1134 500 spokes, 6 dray poles, 4 bales of woolpacks, 50 sacks of flour and assorted cases and casks. Loaded at Akaroa were 1745 ft timber, 2 hives bees, Lemon; Also taken on board were bags of flour and bran. The Wainui had left Lyttelton on Saturday afternoon, 3rd inst., and arrived at Akaroa at 9 p.m. same day. Left at 3 p.m. on Sunday, the 4th, for Timaru. Experienced very severe weather on the way, with head winds, rendering her progress very slow. Reached Timaru on Monday, at 10 a.m.; and after discharging a large cargo, left for this port at 11 p.m., arriving here about 7.30 on the 6th ; left for Dunedin in the evening of same day, and is expected on her return on Sunday. The hive of bees, therefore, was on board for around 1 day 17 hours. The Wainui, then under Captain Gerhard Crone, 1135 was a schooner rigged steamer of 87 tons, 1136 carrying a crew of 13. On her voyage south to Dunedin, apart from 1 box and 1 case, she was simply laden with 20 tons of stone. Im unaware of the shipping cost for two hives from Akaroa to Oamaru, however, The Daily Southern Cross, 21 December 1866, 1137 Advertisements section, offered bees for sale at 4 shillings a box Apply Junction Hotel, Epsom. Amongst the lengthy manifest of the 89 ton steamer Charles Edwards, Captain Palmer, bound for Westport and subsequent ports on 3 August 1869, were 2 hives bees consigned by Biggs 1138 The lengthy manifest included other livestock 2 packages of fowls, 2 goats and 5 head of cattle. The Shipping Intelligence section of the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 17 November 1869 listed another box [of] bees from Biggs, shipped aboard the Charles Edwards under Captain Holmes on 16 November for the
1133 1134

North Otago Times, Volume VII, Issue 153, 9 November 1866, Page 2. The rim or a section of the rim of a wheel supported by spokes. Definition supplied by thefreedictionary.com/felloes 1135 homepages.paradise.net.nz/~dchamber/shipsw.htm#wainui 1136 homepages.paradise.net.nz/~dchamber/shipsw.htm#wainui2 1137 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXII, Issue 2935, 21 December 1866, P.1 1138 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 4 August 1869, Page 2 See Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 4 August 1869, Page 2

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West Coast. The Charles Edwards had entered port three days earlier from Taranaki and Manukau.

Welch, Joseph Sandell, 1841-1918 :Martins Bay, Otago. Steamer Charles Edwards snagged in Hollyford River, Feb. 1870. 1139

Sam Biggs makes an appearance in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 1140 on 30 March 1859 with his letter to the Editor: Sir - Taking a delight in the culture of Bees, I send you the result of my labour this season. I commenced with six old stocks or hives. They began swarming on the 5th of October, 1858, and finished on February 1st, 1859. From the commencement of swarming till ending, they threw out thirty swarms. The produce of honey is 300 lbs. of pure clear honey, 12 lbs. of wax, 12 gallons of comb washing, making excellent wine. I have seven stocks in reserve for another season. Much I could say upon the culture of bees but I am unwilling to trespass upon your time and space. I am, &c, Sam. Biggs, Surrey Cottage, Waimea-road. He appears again in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle on 4 February 1863, 1141 in the Local Intelligence section: Honey. We were, yesterday, shown a very beautiful piece of honey-comb that had been worked in a large glass by bees belonging to Mr. Biggs, of
1139

From the Drawings and Prints Collection of the Alexander Turnbull Library, Ref. no. A-120-013-2. Refer web site timeframes.natlib.govt.nz 1140 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 30 March 1859, Page 2. 1141 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 4 February 1863, P.2.

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the Waimea-road. It seemed so thoroughly perfect and beautiful a specimen as to deserve exhibition, and would, we doubt not, receive a prize if shown at the next meeting of the Agricultural Association.

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The 1870s
The Shipping Intelligence section of the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 26 February 1870 1147 listed the steamer Murray 1148 of 56 tons for the West Coast, 23 February, under Captain MGillivray. The Murrays extensive manifest included, as well as 1 hive bees consigned by Jones, 1149 other shippers had forwarded numerous cases of fruit, cases of eggs, kegs of butter, 1 coop of fowls, bags of potatoes, 138 sheep, 10 hogsheads of ale, 1 case of snuff, 8 tramway wheels, 2 castings, bags of chaff, a case of boots, 1 harmonium, 2 cases of cheese, a roll of leather and 2 horses. This may have been the same Jones who advertised in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 1150 on 13 August 1864: 1151 several hives of bees for sale, in first class boxes, available from E. F. Jones, Trafalgar Street. On 6 April 1870 the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 1152 reported in its extensive Shipping Intelligence section the arrival of the steamer Murray, again under Captain MGillivray from Westport &c on 4 April, returning the next day. Its list of Exports included kegs of butter, cases of cheese, casks of eggs, coils of wire, sundry cases, parcels, packages and trunks, cases of boots, trusses, packages of drapery, bags of oatmeal, 1 piano, onions, bran, firebricks, casks of beer, rope, hogsheads of ale, sashes, assorted produce and fruit, leather, straw, 4 coops of fowls, 64 sheep and 2 boxes bees, the last item consigned by Biggs. Biggs had previously shipped bees in August and November 1869.
1147 1148

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 26 February 1870, Page 2. Possibly the paddle steamer, built 1866 by T Wingate & Co., Glasgow. 137.3 ft long, 22.3 ft breadth. See clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=14489 1149 My assumption that the name supplied after each consigned item or group of items was that of the consignor can be demonstrated to be correct. The 2 castings attributed to Moutray were from Moutrays foundry, Bridge Street, Nelson, as mentioned in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 4 April 1871, Page 2 1150 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 13 August 1864, Page 4. 1151 Also on 11 and 16 August 1864, and subsequent issues 1152 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 6 April 1870, Page 2.

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Paddle steamer Murray 1153

Another voyage of the Murray was documented in the Exports section of the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 17 December 1870. 1154 The Murray, under Captain Palmer for the West Coast, with a projected departure of 20 December, listed 3 hives bees consigned by Pettit. Other cargo included hogsheads and quarter casks of ale, chaff, 50 lambs, numerous parcels and packages, castings, bags of malt and 8 coops of geese and fowls. The Murray again carried bees, 1 hive, consigned by Hale for the West Coast via Motueka under Captain Palmer on 9 May 1871. The Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle for 13 May 1871 1155 listed as part of her cargo of 1 case plants, 1 hive bees, 1 pkge seeds, Hale; accompanied by bags of flour, sacks of malt, cases of fruit, bags of potatoes and onions as well as eleven passengers.

1153

81 gross tons, 59 net. Lbd: 98'6" x 16'3" x 7'7". Iron steamship built at Rutherglen, Glasgow. arrived Australian waters December 1861 and advertised by the Byrnes from August 1862 to run a service between Rockhampton Queensland and Port Denison. Sold to New Zealand owners 1867, same that that she was re-engined. Sold about April 1904 to unknown others and recorded as converted into a hulk circa 1917. Refer full story on http://www.flotilla-australia.com/nsw-other.htm#murray-moruya 1154 Ibid. Volume XXIX, Issue 103, 17 December 1870, Page 2. 1155 Ibid. Volume XXX, Issue 4, 13 May 1871, Page 11.

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The Inter-Provincial Shipping section of the West Coast Times 1156 for 24 August 1871 reported The schooner Kaiuma cleared out at the Customs Lyttelton, on the 18 inst, with the following cargo for this port: 1157 26 tons flour, 60 bales chaff, 40 sack sharps, 20 do bran, 2 tons oatmeal, 3 do potatoes, 2 casks eggs, 6 bags feathers, 1 keg fat, 1 basket fish, 1 hive bees, 6 lank stones, 3 bags seeds, 60 kegs butter. At the port of Hokitika the West Coast Times 1158 for 4 September 1871 reported the Kaiumas arrival. The Kaiuma of 39 tons, captained by Francis Maule, was built at Kaiuma Bay, Marlborough, in 1866. 1159 Her life was eventful, with a crewman washed overboard in October 1871; 1160 reported wrecked on Kapiti Island in June 1876 She is ashore on the South end of the island, with a large hole in her bottom.; 1161 finally foundered at sea with seven lives lost, en route from Waitara to Onehunga in August 1878. 1162 As well as bee hive exporters Biggs, Jones, Hale and Pettit from Nelson, at least between August 1869 and May 1871 another beekeeper / shipper was active through the Port of Oamaru. In the North Otago Times for 6 December 1870, 1163 the 1867 Otago built 1164 iron steamer Wallace under Captain Edie, returned to Dunedin on 3 December after one day in port. She carried 1 hive of bees, Every; along with a case of plants, 75 bags of wheat, 9 casks of tallow and 60 bales of wool. Not only was bee produce shipped to various ports within New Zealand - overseas exports made their appearance. The Malay 1165 from Port Underwood for London was listed in the Exports section of
1156 1157

West Coast Times, Issue 1841, 24 August 1871, Page 2. Hokitika 1158 West Coast Times, Issue 1850, 4 September 1871, Page 2. 1159 members.tripod.com/~L_Alfano/anz4.txt 1160 freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~nzbound/deathsatsea.htm 1161 "WRECK of the SCHOONER KAIUMA AND KETCH ELIZA M'PHEE. Evening Post, 20 June 1876, Page 2 1162 members.tripod.com/~L_Alfano/anz4.txt Also refer homepages.paradise.net.nz/~dchamber/kaiuma.htm#sw2 1163 North Otago Times, 6 December 1870, Page 2. 1164 TRAINWEB.ORG/LOGGINGZ/BUILDERS_1.HTML 1165 Identified as a barque in Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 13 April 1872, Page 12.

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the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 1166 for 10 June 1871. Hadfield consigned 2 cases bees wax. The Daily Southern Cross for 7 December 1872 1167 reported in its Port of Auckland Cleared Outwards section, the ship City of Auckland for London, 756 tons, under Captain Ashby, projected departure 7 December. The Exports section listed, amongst the City o Aucklands detailed manifest, 1 case bees-wax, consigned by J. Reid.

City of Auckland 1168

A subsequent paragraph added: The ship City of Auckland hauled off from the wharf, and cleared outwards at the Customs yesterday for London with a very large and valuable cargo, and a full complement of passengers. This is, we understand, the last voyage that Captain Ashby makes to this port as commander of the City of Auckland, he having determined to retire from the profession in which he has been engaged so successfully for the last 27 years; of which time 14 years have been spent in the Auckland trade. In 1869 Captain Ashby determined to have a vessel built suitable in every way for the requirements of the port, and, for that purpose, he remained in England for nine months, and personally superintended the building of the fine ship which he is at the present day in command of.
1166 1167

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 10 June 1871, Page 9. Daily Southern Cross, 7 December 1872, P.2 1168 Image found on web site freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ralls/family/ralls/wreck/cityofau ckland.html

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The City of Auckland arrived here on her first voyage on the 29th of January 1870. Since that time Captain Ashby has made some very good passages both out and home again. From the time of his first arrival in Auckland up to the present day, Captain Ashby has made many friends; and we do not think, out of the very large number of passengers that he has safely conveyed to and from these shores, he has made one enemy. By all he is spoken of in the very highest terms of praise and gratitude, for the unflagging attention and care he has bestowed upon them during their journeying together. Not only has Captain Ashby endeared himself to his passengers, but also to all with whom he has been brought into contact in this place, and he will leave our shores to-day, bearing with him the good-will and best wishes for his future happiness of a very large number of the residents of this province. We understand that a steamer has been engaged to convey a large number of the friends of Captain and Mrs. Ashby and the passengers down the harbour, and the yachts of the Auckland Yacht Club will also accompany the good ship a short distance on her way.

Grand Exhibition, 1851

The Colonial Secretarys Department advertised extensively for His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor directs it to be notified for general information, that if any of the public are desirous of forwarding any samples or specimens of the natural or industrial products to the Grand Exhibition of Arts and Manufactures expected to take place, under the auspices of H.R.H. Prince Albert, in London, about June, 1851, the Local Government will undertake to transmit them for that purpose to the Right Honorable the Secretary for the Colonies, on condition of their having been first approved by a committee, for the appointment of which arrangements will be made at an early date. His Excellency deems it unnecessary to remind the colonists of the advantages to be derived from the favorable opportunity presented by the above exhibition for attracting the attention of the English public to the variety and value of the natural productions of the colony of New Zealand. Prizes of considerable amount are to be given for objects of superior excellence. The experience of the settlers will suggest what articles should be sent, and in what particular state; but it is of course desirable that they should be furnished, if possible, both in the raw material, and in every form of beauty or utility which colonial skill or industry can impart to 348

them. The following are some of the most obvious of the articles it would be advisable to transmit. Honey and beeswax were among the extensive list. All Samples should be sent in such quantities as will render them sufficiently large for their proper exhibition and examination, but not of such bulk as to be unnecessarily cumbersome. The articles must be delivered in Wellington free of expense, by the last day of September, 1850, directed to the Colonial Secretary, and endorsed Specimens or Articles for the Grand Exhibition of 1851. They will be exhibited in Wellington on a day to be named in a future notice; such as are considered by the Committee best worth sending will be transmitted to England, and the rest returned to the owner on application. By His Excellency's command, Alfred Domett, Colonial Secretary. The natives of the province were also invited to furnish specimens of native produce and manufacture.

NORFOLK ISLAND Captain Maconochie, 1840, 1845 and 1850 references

In my Volume 2 I revealed William Cottons 1844 reference to Captain Maconochies introduction of a hive of bees into Norfolk Island some little time ago. Maconochies introduction is corroborated within Keppel and Brookes 1853 A Visit to the Indian Archipelago, in H.M. Ship Maeander, Vol. II. In Singapore on 20 August 1849 Keppel received orders to proceed to Port Essington, 1169 Sydney 1170 and the Pacific (including Hobart, Port Nicholson, Auckland, Bay of Islands, the Friendly and Society Islands, Tahiti and Valparaiso, Chile). The voyage commenced on 24 September 1849. Amongst their meanderings they arrived at Norfolk Island on the 8 th May 1850. Keppel provides colourful descriptions of the island, its bird and fish life, land and seascape, buildings such as Government House, Commissariat, convict barracks, jail and surrounds. He commented on taking a ride over the island It is difficult to imagine a more beautiful or lovely spot. (p.248) Of bees on the island A hive of bees was introduced by Captain Maconochie in 1840; they have
1169

Where they were to remove the garrison and stores (p.135), departing there 1 Dec. 1849 (p.193) 1170 On second visit arrived Port Jackson 7 Feb. 1850 (p.211), departing 20 March. (p.235); again in Sydney 26 April (p.240);

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thriven well, and besides being in most of the officers gardens are now also wild in the bush. The quality of the honey is excellent. The pioneering Maconochie was also instrumental in attempting to establish cotton. The soil and climate of Norfolk Island are also adapted to the cultivation of cotton, perhaps more so than any other: the produce of two rods planted by Captain Machonochie on the west side of his garden was immense, and of superior texture. Tobacco and arrowroot have also been grown with considerable advantage. (p.245)

A bust 1171 of Alexander Maconochie (1787-1860) Landing a hive(s) of bees safely would have been a challenge Keppel recorded the wind heading us off, we stood on to Norfolk Island, which we made on the evening of the 7th, and stood off and on for the night. Early the following morning the Governor, Mr. Price, kindly sent a whale-boat off, as it was not advisable to attempt landing in our own boats, owing to the surf which appears to break on every part of the coast. A short pier forms a sort of breakwater; and a skilful helmsman, as he rushes in with the last roller, will turn the
1171

The bust was exhibited at the Royal Exhibition of 1849; it was destroyed during the World War II bombing of London. 350

boat so as to shoot into smooth water, where a tolerable landing, under the lee of the pier, may be effected. An unskilful helmsman generally manages to have his boat landed on the rocks, where, the moment she strikes, there are plenty of convicts ready to rescue the passengers, some of them without even a wetting: this was my case; but fatal accidents do occasionally happen. (p.241) Equally hazardous was Keppels departure from the island: In going on board we were not so fortunate in crossing the bar, - the boat, which was too deeply laden, got swamped. Owing, however, to arrangements ashore and the activity of the convicts, no lives were lost. (p.249) 1172 Under the paragraph heading Linnean Society I discovered the following in The Athenaeum, Journal of Literature, Science, and the Fine Arts, for the year 1845 (J. Francis, London). Just as I was about to close this volume, print it and send it off for copying and to be bound in mid December 2009, this little gem came forth via Googles Book Search facility. The last sentence is the key. It leaves no doubt that it was Maconochie himself who brought bees to Norfolk Island. Notes on the Natural History of Norfolk Island, by Capt. Maconochie, were read. (see endnote xxxviii for the full text.) A hive of bees, which the author took out, have prospered, but they have suffered from the wind. (p.123)

HAWAII Sandwich Islands, 1852

In Chambers Edinburgh Journal for 1852 Of American items, there is one worthy the notice of apiarians: some emigrants who sailed from Boston wished to convey a hive of bees to the Sandwich Islands, where the industrious insects have not as yet been introduced; all went well until the vessel readied the tropics, and there the heat was so great as to melt the wax of the combs, and consequently to destroy the bees. (p.351) This item was reflected in the Philadelphia based Valley Farmer for July 1852: Lazy Honey Bees. - The late news from Honolulu states the failure of an attempt to take a swarm of bees from Boston around the Cape to the Sandwich Islands. On entering the tropics the wax melted, and the bees perished. The introduction of honey bees into the Island has long been deemed a

1172

books.google.com.au/books?id=XXA2b_s1NAUC

351

matter of importance. (p.255) 1173 This item must have received wide coverage for it also appeared in the Maitland Mercury for 25 February 1852, naming the ship R. B. Forbes and the Agricultural Society has offered a premium of 10 dollars to the person who shall first introduce the honey bee into the islands.

Kona, Hawaii, 1863

The Daily Southern Cross, 11 May 1863, 1174 reproduced an article from the Polynesian: By the bark 'Yankee,' which arrived here last night from Honolulu, we (San Francisco Bulletin) have papers from that place to 19th February. The story was titled CIVIL WAR IN BEEDOM. Several years ago, the Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society, after several attempts,- succeeded in introducing a hive of honey bees into these islands from California. They did not succeed well in the neighborhood of Honolulu, on account of the high winds, and a swarm was sent to Kona, Hawaii. A. correspondent in that section writes us that for the first two years the bees increased wonderfully beyond anything heretofore recorded, but that during the past two years, he imagines they have discovered what an easy thing it is for them to get a living, and so relaxed their discipline, or else they have imbibed the dolce far niente 1175 which is said to result to mankind from living in a mild climate. At all events, they have latterly made but little honey; have frequent internecine quarrels; whole colonies skedaddle to the woods; and generally they disregard the ancient and honourable rules of bee craft. Our correspondent adds that the woods of Kona will ere long be full of bees, swarming in the hollow trees, and that it will not be worth any one's while to keep a hive domesticated.

1173

Likely the original source with identical wording in The New York Times, 16 Mar. 1852 1174 Daily Southern Cross, 11 May 1863, Page 4. 1175 carefree idleness

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Part III - The Italian or Ligurian, Apis ligustica

NEW SOUTH WALES

S. MacDonnell, Homebush, July 1881

Given the other Italian bee imports documented in this chapter as well as those in earlier volumes of my books, Im confident many other imports in the late 1870s and 1880s went largely unreported as Australian and New Zealand beekeepers responded independently to advertisements in American beekeeping publications. For example, in the New Zealand South Island newspaper, the Grey River Argus, for 4 November 1880, 1176 reported under the heading - Latest Australian News Sydney 28th October - Two gentlemen have ordered two hives of Ligurian bees from England, per steamer, as an experiment. Ive not uncovered further information on their exploits.
<<< S. Macdonnell

I discovered Macdonnells activities in January 2009, by coincidence, soon after online access was made available to American Bee Journals, 1861-1889, held by the E.F. Philips Beekeeping Collection at the Mann Library, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY. Across five issues of the ABJ between August 1881 and March 1882, the progress of a shipment of two hives of Italian bees from America to Australia was chronicled. The consignee was S. Macdonnell; the bees were sourced from Thomas C. Newman of Chicago, Illinois, in the midwestern United States. Their journey involved transfer, probably by horse drawn wagon, xxxix to the rail connection at Chicago, near Lake Michigan. The two hives of bees traveled by rail to San Francisco, and upon transfer to the steamer Zealandia, there followed a four week voyage to Sydney.
1176

Grey River Argus, Volume XXIII, Issue 3805, 4 November 1880, Page 2

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After collection from the ship, the hives were transferred by cab, travelling slowly, to Sydneys suburban rail connection, by steam train to Homebush, and then, I assume, by horse drawn vehicle to Macdonnells apiary. Under the banner Italian Bees in Australia, S. Macdonnells letter of 12th July to the Editor provided the following details to readers of the American Bee Journal of 24 August 1881. (p.267) The mail steamer City of Sydney left San Francisco on June 4, and arrived in Sydney harbour on the evening of July 1st. Upon presentation of the consignors letter received on the morning of the 3rd, Macdonnell gained possession of the two Langstroth hives from the shipping agents. By means of a cab traveling gently and the suburban railway, by noon the bees were on their stands on my ground at Homebush about 8 miles from Sydney. After removal of about a quart of dead bees from the portico of each hive, the bees were soon flying briskly on a bright and warm day. The bees departed Chicago at the end of May, around the middle of the northern hemispheres Spring. They arrived in Sydney in the middle of the antipodean Winter, thus enduring two almost back to back Winters. Despite having reference to the latest American beekeeping texts, Macdonnell felt at some loss on how to best foster the bees welfare following their long journey and faced with another Winter. I feel like one wandering in the dark in unknown parts, to whom a little practical advice exactly to the point would be as welcome as the light of day. As a minimum he decided to feed the bees some honey and syrup. Not having a tool handy to remove the frames without jarring, from the position they were fixed for traveling, I deferred the operation, and have since been prevented from inspecting on account of wet weather, during which I deemed it inadvisable to open the hives. The journals editor replied If it is possible for frequent flights, we would advise stimulating for immediate breeding as many of the bees are old and the colony will soon dwindle if new bees are not reared to take the place of the old ones. By that time the southern Spring was almost at hand. Another of Macdonnells reports appeared in the ABJ for 21 September 1881 which reproduced his letter of 8 August. (p.302) During transit, possibly on the rail section, some centre combs had 354

been damaged, I found in both hives the combs in the centre frames had been forced sidewise from their original frames in such a manner as to lead to the frame adjoining being attached to the comb intended for its neighbour. He transferred them without separation, and without the long-coveted satisfaction of the sight of an Italian queen. The number of bees in each colony is small. They fly briskly every day, a few returning with pollen. He planned to separate the combs when there was no danger of robbing. The Editor advised that excessively hot weather accompanied the bees shipping from Chicago, possibly explaining the comb damage. Of course the colonies were depleted of all the field-workers possible before shipping, and if they reached their distant destination with bees enough to cover three frames each, theyve done extremely well. That bees were now bringing in pollen was positive proof that breeding had commenced. Macdonnells subsequent letter of 8 September was reported in the ABJ for 26 October. (p.339) Hed separated the attached combs in one of the hives and found the number of bees to be very weak, as there were not more than sufficient to cover two combs. He gained no sight of the queen but a patch of sealed brood some one inch across had increased to about five inches a week later. He considered himself an apprentice hand not having united colonies before. Though worried about its weakness in terms of colony size, the encouraging growth in brood size caused him to deem it advisable to choose the lesser of two evils by leaving them alone. I have hopes of seeing both colonies in a position to work well when summer approaches. Although by no means strong, the second colony seemed better populated. Its damaged combs remained unseparated. Fearful of robbing, he manipulated both hives inside a bee proof chamber. His fourth letter dated 28 December 1881 reported his Italian bees were progressing well. (ABJ, 15 Feb. 1882, p.102) Having removed the black drones from his apiary he commenced producing Italian queen cells, supplying them to some 15 queenless black colonies. On examination this week found about 12 with yellow queens, some showing an admixture of black. The number of Italian drones which I shall be able to rear next season will, I trust, then give me a better chance of securing pure impregnation for a fresh batch of queens. Macdonnell had decided to establish an apiary of 100 colonies on a friends orange orchard at Parramatta. Insufficient bee fodder at 355

Homebush precluded the keeping of more than a small number of colonies, so it was to be reserved as a queen breeding station.
<<< Wilhelm Abram, Town and Country Journal, 24 Nov. 1883

Macdonnell had declined a business proposal from a lately arrived enterprising German beekeeper, a thorough master of the science. The German planned to run 400 colonies using Berlepsch hives. Macdonnell was to provide all the capital as well as an allowance of 8 per week, his estimates leaving but a pittance for myself. The matter, for the reason of cost, without adequate returns, has been abandoned by me. Given the description of his aspiring business partner, the German bee master 1177 can only have been Wilhelm Abram. I was much amused at his ingenious smoker, consisting of a deep-bowled pipe; the cap fitted with a muzzle, allowing the tobacco smoked to be puffed on to the bees, while the hands were free for operation. On 19 January 1882 Macdonnell penned his last letter on the shipment it appeared in the ABJ for 15 March 1882. (pp.168-169) I have been devoting my attention to queen rearing, expecting that this season, owing to the prevalence of black drones, I should get my queens cross-fertilised and that next year I should have none but Italian drones about my hive, which condition, combined with the absence of other bees in the vicinity, would give me a fair chance of having a second batch of queens from my imported stock purely fertilized, or rather, a certainty of having them purely fertilized if they met the drone offspring of their elder sisters. The interesting Dzierzon

1177

From my Vol. I: Hopkins (1886) states Mr. Abrams, a German beemaster, brought some colonies with him from Italy in 1883, settled in Parramatta, and having succeeded in rearing a pure race from his queens, started an apiary for the Italian Bee-Farming Company, of which he is the manager and Mr. McDonnell secretary. The Australian Bee Journal for 1886 reported his arrival was in 1882. See my Vol. I for more details.

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theory, which most bee-keepers have accepted as infallible, was, of course, the standard to which I attached my programme ... Of his stalled relationship with Abram, Macdonnell added I saw but little chance of his obtaining an opening, on account of the serious total of the expenditure necessary. I was, however, very loath to lose the services of a bee-keeper who had matriculated under the late Dathe, and on representing the matter to a few friends, I found no difficulty in forming a company of six, each subscribing 75, to give bee culture on a commercial scale a trial in this winterless land. Our capital of 450 ($2,250), under the management of Mr. Abram ... who is one of the capitalists, will enable us to operate on a sufficiently large scale to give the venture a fair test. Our company is styled 'The Italian Bee Company'. xl ... This company, for the present will supersede the Langstroth farm mentioned in my last. The following extract 1178 comes from a supplement to The English Mechanic and World of Science, dated 13 September 1889: The operations in bee culture going on in Parramatta, as described in the Town and Country Journal, are well deserving of being ranked as bee farming ... the operations are carried on after the most approved system of the German apiarians, which differ only in the form of the hive used ... Much attention was not paid to producing honey until the race of Italian bees should have been firmly established, and the result was that in the spring of last year there were about 50 colonies of gold-banded Italians actively at work. The company before this procured the fee simple of a piece of ground in Kissing Point-street, Parramatta, where operations are now conducted. Abram ... brought with him certificates of qualifications from no less authority than that of the celebrated Dathe. On his arrival in Sydney Mr. Abram placed himself in communication with Mr. S. Macdonnell of that city, an enthusiastic amateur bee-keeper. Mr. Macdonnell saw the opportunity which the advent of Mr. Abram gave to establish a bee farm on a commercial scale and conducted by a skilled apiarian, and conceived the novel idea of working it as a joint stock venture.
1178

Via Google Book Search I had but a small window into the full text of the article. The 1889 date may be in error for the edition of the English Mechanic was dated 1884. An edition dated 1884 states The bees at Parramatta are doing excellently well this season, as are also Italians recently received from Queensland.

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An otherwise unrecorded inwards shipment of Italian bees came to Macdonnells notice. A gentleman in Sydney received from California a colony of Italian bees. As soon as I heard thereof I placed myself in communication with the owner and inspected his bees. I found them in an American hive (square frames) literally crammed full of comb and bees, an immense swarm with a splendid queen. The frames had been misplaced and the comb generally was in very bad order. The hive was so full of bees that there was no alternative but to swarm. I transferred them, comb included, to a double story Langstroth hive, and ultimately divided them, setting my friend, who has now a strong attack of the bee-fever, on the road to rear a queen, in which he has succeeded, and he is consequently well pleased. Yet another anonymous shipment was identified in the English Mechanic and World of Science for 1884 The bees at Parramatta are doing excellently well this season, as are also Italians recently received from Queensland. (pp.536-7) 1179 With Abrams expertise at hand, Macdonnell, it seems, saw no further need to seek advice from those at the American Bee Journal. His final letter dated 1 September 1882 appeared in the ABJ for 18 October 1882 (p.660) He reported the receipt of another shipment aboard the steamer Zealandia, an assortment of six queens, in four frame nuclei from Alfred H. Newman, via San Francisco. He listed them as follows: No. 1. a homebred American Italian No. 2 and 3. prize queens No.4. a Syrian queen mated with an Italian drone No. 5 and 6. Imported Italians He'd ordered the queens in partnership with a friend and we were both pleased to find that the queens were all alive. There were very many dead bees and the remainder were much exhausted although the voyage was only of 36 days compared to 42 for the former shipment. Having won the toss, and guided by Abram's advice, Macdonnell chose queens numbers 1, 2 and 5. He united the surviving bees with three black colonies so far successfully.

1179

Snippet obtained via Google Book Search. There may be more relevant material in this hard to find volume.

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The reason for the high mortality became apparent upon Newman's comment: the nuclei were prepared by putting a partition, or division board, in the centre each of three 10-frame Langstroth hives; the entrances were entirely closed, but a thorough ventilation was provided, by tacking wire cloth over the entire hive; following this were three wooden strips nailed crosswise over the top of the hive, which left about one-half of its upper surface comparatively open; a cotton cloth, doubled several thicknesses, was then wet and tucked under one of the wooden cross strips. Instructions were tacked on each hive to wet this cloth frequently on the trip. Probably too much water was used in this operation, or the brood may have been chilled, and the bees being constantly in confinement, could not remove it, but left it to putrefy in the cells. WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Ligurians available commercially by 1898

Im unaware when the first Italian bees reached Western Australia, however they were certainly there by 1898. The West Australian, 24 October 1898: BEES BT POST - Mr Hugh McNeil, apiarist, Drakesbrook, and at the City Markets, has just received by parcel post from Sydney a consignment of valuable pure bred Italian queen bees. The bees are sent in small cages with the sides, except for the wire netting at the top, thickly covered with sugar, the sugar providing food for the bees during their journey. It is Mr McNeil's intention to have an apiary exhibit at the Royal Agricultural Society's show at Guildford tomorrow and Wednesday. McNeil advertised in the West Australian, 17 November 1898, and other issues: BEEKEKPING, one of the most profitable rural industries. - All information gratis. The McNeill Produce Co., Importers and Manufacturers of Beehives and Beekeepers' Supplies, 61 Perth Markets; Apiary at Drakesbrook. (p.8) QUEENSLAND

The first Ligurians an 1873 update

In November 2007 I saw an Ebay item for auction, a May 1873 American agricultural newspaper, the National Agriculturist and Bee

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Journal, 1180 published New York, May 1873 part of its description contained the item Bees in Australia. I emailed the seller and received the response it contained a letter from Angus Mackay. I made sure my last minute bid was of sufficient size to secure the item. The journals contents substantiate the ongoing quest to source Ligurian honeybees into Queensland in the 1870s. The relevant extract states Mr Carroll has sent to America for Italian bees, and we hope soon to have them in our stocks. But the risk of such a long voyage is great, and we may be disappointed. 1181 Mackay closed his letter to the Journal with a request for two subscriptions, presumably one each for himself and Carroll. Angus Mackay 1860s & 1870s Several circumstances came together to background Mackays custodianship of the first hive of Italian bees to reach Queensland in 1877. 1182 Firstly, several failures by Carroll to import Italian bees a reputed attempt from the USA in 1866, another from California, that in 1872, and yet another from Neighbour and Sons, London, in December 1873; Mackays ongoing interest in beekeeping as evidenced by his chapter The Honey Bee in Australia in his 1885 book The Elements of Australian Agriculture; In 1876 Mackay 1183 visited the USA and West Indies islands 1184 as Agricultural Commissioner for the Queensland

1180

(Vol. XIV, No. V, p.75a) This serendipitous find induced me to search for other instances of this journal. On the bookfinder.com website I found a single issue for sale - Jan. 1871 available from a US bookshop priced at AUD$80. From another bookseller I located 45 issues, from the first number published in Jan. 1869 through to Sept. 1872, mine for only AUD$800. 1181 The Brisbane Courier for Saturday 28 December 1872 reported Mr. Carroll has sent to America for Italian bees, and he hopes to be able to establish them in this country. (p.7) 1182 Despite contemporary reports by Mackay, its possible this attempt also failed, based upon Fullwoods later attempts to source Italian bees from Liverpool, England, a consignment he personally accompanied to Brisbane in 1880.

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Government. He attended the 1876 1185 United States Centennial Exposition 1186 in Philadelphia, the first major Worlds Fair to be held in the United States. 1187 His main task was to investigate sugar production methods. After his return to Australia via California he presented a nine page Report upon Sugar Factories, Etc. 1188 on his findings to the Queensland Parliament in 1877. From its Preface I endeavoured, whenever opportunity offered during the time I was Commissioner to America, to obtain all available information concerning the manufacture of sugar in the United States and the West India Islands. While in California Mackay obtained a hive of bees from Harbison of the Santa Clara Valley. He accompanied them aboard the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Companys City of New York 1189 via Honolulu 1190 and Sydney.

From The Mountains of California (1894) 1191 in the chapter titled The Bee-Pastures: According to Mr. J. T. Gordon, President of the Los Angeles County Bee-keepers Association Fifteen hives of Italian bees were introduced into Los Angeles County in 1855, and in 1876 they had increased to 500. The marked superiority claimed for them
1183

See also publish.csiro.au/paper/HR9900820055.htm which advertises a pay for use CSIRO historical report in which some of Mackays activities as a Commissioner are documented. 1184 Located in the Caribbean, including the islands of Jamaica, Trinidad and Barbados. 1185 Philadelphia is the largest city in the State of Pennsylvania, north-eastern USA. 1186 Officially known as the "International Exhibition of Arts, Manufactures and Products of the Soil and Mine" 1187 For more details on the 1876 Exhibition, refer library.phila.gov/CenCol/exhibitionfax.htm 1188 nine foolscap pages with twelve plates of diagrams, published by the Government Printer, Brisbane. In Nov. 07 I located a copy for $83. 1189 Refer my Vol.1 for the full story. 1190 Auckland was also a possible intermediate port. 1191 by John Muir. The full chapter may be viewed at yosemite.ca.us/john_muir_writings/the_mountains_of_california/chapter_16. html This article also appeared in the Century Magazine, July 1882 (Vol.24, Iss. 3) New York, p.393. See web site http://cdl.library.cornell.edu/

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over the common species is now attracting considerable attention. In 1876 it was estimated that there were between 15,000 and 20,000 hives in the county, producing an annual yield of about 100 pounds to the hive - in some exceptional cases, a much greater yield. If the number of Italian hives in other Californian counties were then of a similar ratio, the proportion of Italian hives to other types of honeybee was around 3%. Mackay must have paid a premium for his Santa Clara Valley sourced hive. Mackays letter to Editor of the New York published National Agriculturist and Bee Journal (May 1873) paid high praise to the recipient of the Ligurian bees. Queensland, although the youngest of the group of colonies, has taken the lead in apiculture, as she has led, for some years, in cotton culture and the production of sugar. For her advance in bees, we are indebted to the energy of one man Mr. J. Carroll of Milton. Mr Carroll has driven in the reform wedge, by introducing the bar-frame, or Woodbury hive, with such modifications as to him seemed necessary for this climate. He wrote on the subject, visited bee-keepers, bought bees, sold them, &c, and is in the midst of a regular bee reformation, now. He can not supply the demand for bees and hives. He has sent to America for Italian bees, and we hope soon to have them in our stocks. Among the many treasures of the Mitchell Library, Sydney, I count a small 175 page book by Angus Mackay titled Elements of Australian Agriculture. 1192 But all treasures are not necessarily of the 24 carat gold kind. Published in 1885, it contains chapters on various agricultural pursuits including soil analysis, irrigation, manures, dairying, pruning, the use of steam on the farm, and finally twentyseven pages on The Honey bee in Australia. Supporting the text are numerous illustrations, all of which I originally assumed to be of Australian origin. At this time Mackay was an agricultural lecturer at the Sydney Technical College and a member of the Engineering Association of NSW. My chance discovery in May 2007 of the April 23, 1881 weekly issue of the American magazine Harpers Weekly, disclosed an article titled A California Bee Farm. Of its collage of eleven beekeeping related illustrations, at least four were borrowed and re-engraved for
1192

More biographical detail on Angus Mackay and his publications may be found in my An Australian beekeeping Bibliography

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Mackays publication. The first engraving titled A Modern Bee Farm is signed by (Charles Edward) Winston. It marginally differs from the Harpers Weekly version in that the beekeepers stance before his row of hives has been advanced. I was unable to locate the engravers mark within the other four illustrations. As well, still more surprisingly before me was the final Harpers illustration, the very one Id chosen to be the cover illustration of my Immigrant Bees, Volume III, discovered the same week I was finalizing its limited edition printing. With many slight variations, the illustration depicts a frock-coated and veiled beekeeper inspecting a frame of bees before an open-lidded moveable frame hive. Mackay had borrowed this illustration for the cover of his 1885 two shilling, thirty-two page pamphlet The Honey Bee in Australia. A web page by the Light Railway Research Society of Australia gives a history of the Australian sugar industry. In part it states In 1883 a Sydney engineer, Angus Mackay, had reported to the Queensland Government on the working of central sugar mills overseas. 1193 Mackay highlighted the efficient central mill system in the West Indies and noted that in times of difficulty, large plantations would be cut up into farms of 50 acres rented by white or black farmers. The idea lay dormant for several years 1194 Some time prior to Mackays return to Australia via California aboard the City of New York, hed acquired a hive 1195 of Italian bees from Santa Clara Valley bee-master Harbison. His personal supervision of them on the voyage, I believe, was performed on behalf of bee-master Jas Carroll of Brisbane. What a delighted man was Jas Carroll to get the first lot of Ligurian bees wrote Angus Mackay on delivery of the Harbison hive in Brisbane. 1196 Mackay was not just interested in bees. He authored many other technical works. See the list in Appendix VII.

1193

G.C. Bolton, A Thousand Miles Away: a history of North Queensland to 1920, ANU Press, 1972, p. 146-7 1194 lrrsa.org.au/LRR_SGRa.htm#Early%20History 1195 about 20 inches square at sides and about 3 feet high Weatherhead, T (1986) From Boxes to Bar Hives, p.11 1196 From Weatherhead (1986), p.12, extracted from the Australian Bee Bulletin, 23 Sept. 1893

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Angus Mackay, ambassador and newspaperman from the Australasian Sketcher, 9 June 1877 (p.36.) John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Special Commissioner from Qld to Philadelphia, 1876 By chance in early 2008 I discovered the very useful web site Papers Past - run by the National Library of New Zealand. Therein I located a report in the Otago Witness for 25 March 1876. 1197 Without mentioning him by name the subject can only have been Angus Mackay: The Special Commissioner from Queensland to Philadelphia is pounding a very loud trumpet as he goes. We have heard from him at San Francisco, where he has blandly, and apparently without demur, allowed himself to be dubbed "The Honourable," although when this prophet is in his own country he is not entitled to that distinction. He is interviewing and being interviewed, and some of the agricultural papers literally overflow with him. This being the case, it is some satisfaction to us to feel that he has hitherto had a character for blunt truthfulness, so that unless he be spoilt by the unexpected ovation which he is receiving, and begins to exaggerate, his blowing of the capabilities of our soil and the richness of our mineral resources will do no harm, and it is, in fact, what I suppose he is paid for. He is presenting right and left to public institutions samples,
1197

Otago Witness, Issue 1269, 25 March 1876, Page 4

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taken with him for the purpose, of a number of our productions, and has made several engagements, of which we shall hear more in time, to address agricultural, educational, and other associations. He has, besides this, a commission to buy implements, &c, &c, which he will from time to time send to the Colony without waiting till he returns; and this part of his work he has already begun by sending by the last mail some agricultural seeds and some hives of Italian bees. Mackay reported his progress as Special Commissioner. His first appeared in the Brisbane Courier on Saturday 19 February 1876. He wrote as A Queenslander in America from the Palace Hotel, 1198 San Francisco, on 5 January 1876. He closed his first letter from America With the mail carrying this, two swarms of Italian bees are forwarded; and trusting they will arrive safely - two previous consignments perished.

Success in 1877 ? It was not until 1877 (refer also my Volumes II & III) that Mackay accompanied the first successful introduction of these sought after Italian bees into Brisbane. The Brisbane Courier for Monday 5 February 1877 xli reported Such of our readers as take an interest in the management of bees will be greatly pleased to learn that Mr. Angus Mackay, who has arrived in Sydney, has succeeded in bringing
1198

Image thanks to cprr.org/Museum/Palace_Hotel_SF/#ralston

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from California a colony of Italian bees. The attempt to introduce this much-prized species of bees has been made before on several occasions, but hitherto has always failed. The Italian is said to be a quieter and a better honey-gathering bee than the English, and if some effectual means of getting rid of the bee moth could now be devised, our apiarians might have a good time before them yet. (p.2) A short report appeared in the Odds & Ends section in the Otago Witness for 10 March 1877, extracted from Australian newspapers, Mr Angus Mackay brings with him, from America, for Queensland, a horsepower centrifugal seed-sowing machine that sows 60 acres per day; also a huge hive of Italian bees. Via submarine telegraph through Australian Associated press, a similar report appeared in the Brisbane Courier for Tuesday 6 February 1877 Sydney, February 5. Mr. Angus Mackay, the Commissioner for Queensland at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, arrived here from San Francisco on Friday night. He brings several specimens of agricultural machinery and a hive of Italian bees for Queensland. (p.2)

Centennial Exhibition, Philadelphia, 1876 1200

1200

bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/1876/1876_12.jpg

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The Brisbane Courier for Tuesday 27 March 1877 reported The commissioners appointed to collect exhibits in this colony for the inter-colonial exhibition to be held in Sydney next month have been energetically at work, and their labors will probably result in a large display of Queensland products, excepting minerals. Among the articles most prominently represented will be fibres, grain, flour, and manufactured articles showing the practical utility of Queensland timbers; there will also be a good display of wines, sugars, and an exhibit of honey from Italian bees. (p.2) The following article by Jas Carroll of Lizzielee Apiary, titled The Italians at Last, celebrates this fourth attempt. From the Otago Witness for 7 April 1877 1201: The colony of Italian bees brought over from America by Mr Mackay, Queensland Commissioner, arrived in Brisbane on the 13th ultimo, in splendid condition; in fact, I was surprised to find them in such fine order. Fancy a huge hive, 13 in. x 13 in. and 26 in. high, inside measure, filled perfectly full with bees, comb, and honey, they arriving at Lizzielee Apiary without a single comb being broken. It is a very perfect success, after the many failures we have had, and too much credit cannot be given to Mr Mackay for the care he has bestowed on these bees; in fact, no one but a true lover of the honey bee could have succeeded so well. My first attempt to import Italian bees to Australia was 1871, from M. Quenby, 1202 of Mohawk Valley, New York; the next attempt was from Neighbour and Sons, London ; and the third attempt was from Dadant and Son, Illinois; all of which proved complete failures. And I firmly believe that had it not been for Mr Mackay, Queensland would have had to wait for the Italians until some one like him took the task in hand. There is not a doubt as to the superiority or these bees over the black bee, common in Australia. The veriest novice would be able to tell at a glance, from their actions and movements, that the yellow bands are superior to the black bees. These Italian bees are by no means new to us. They were in our apiary in England in 1869. The unanimous opinion of all bee keepers competent to judge is, that the Italians are vastly superior to the common or black bee. J. Carroll.

1201 1202

Otago Witness, Issue 1323, 7 April 1877, Page 18. Quenby is in error, should read Quinby

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On the same page as the above report, there also appeared in the The Apiary section, a supporting article 1203 titled Italian Bees in Australia. Extracted from an un-named Queensland paper is the following: At last, Mr Carroll, our bee-master, is able to announce that he is in possession of Italian bees. Having seen the bitter disappointment of Mr Carroll when previous consignments reached him and every bee dead, we can realise his joy when this splendid stock reached his apiary. We have been to see them since then, and they certainly are fine insects, being much more beautiful than the ordinary bee. They are also larger and. stronger, live in larger communities, and are much more vigilant. We will now soon learn whether they excel as honey-makers in this country. Both in Europe and America they have an immense reputation, and we know of no reason why they should not be successful here. They came at a good time, for the black bee has almost suffered elimination from grubs and other enemies. Little as they are in themselves, it is no small matter that Queensland is the first to have Italian bees in this country.

In the August 1878 issue of the American Bee Journal under the title Italian Bees in Australia. In a California paper we notice a letter from Queensland, Australia, from the Hon. Angus Mackay, concerning the successful introduction of Italian bees into that section of Australia. The editor remarks: For many years past, efforts have been made to introduce them, but they failed to cross the waters alive, when Mr. Mackay was with us here, as Queenslands Commissioner, he desired us to prepare one of our best stocked hives, that he might take them on with him. We, therefore, selected one of our largest and best colonies, having ample brood comb and a full
1203

Otago Witness, Issue 1323, 7 April 1877, Page 18

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stock of honey; we prepared it with a fine wire cage on top with holes for the bees to pass up for air, and made all the needed fixtures to have it go on safely; but, however careful our work may have been done, we accord to our honored friend's continued care of the bees on the voyage their final grand success. Mr. Mackay took them into his state-room and had them lashed to the side safely, and on pleasant and calm sea days rolled them out on deck to give them air. Mr. Mackay watched his pets with great care and kindness - he did his work with the bees as he had performed all his duties as the Commissioner, faithfully and splendidly, and hence the success. (p.269) Chas Fullwood Plymouth to Brisbane, Sept. - Oct. 1880 In September 2008 via Google Book Search, I located the following extract titled The Advent of Italians into Queensland from an 1881 edition of Gleanings in Bee Culture (Vol. IX). 1204 Dear Novice:Will you excuse this liberty? ... Well, to England I went in June, 1880. I immediately wrote to Mr. Hunter, telling him what I required. His son informed me that Mr. H., his father, was ill, and referred me to Neighbour & Sons. (Mr. Hunter died next day.) I saw Mr. A. Neighbour, and arranged for 5 Italian queens to be put up in one box with 5 divisions ... Well, after about 43 days I arrived at Melbourne, Victoria. Having to stay a few days I took them ashore, let them fly excepting one box which had had dysentery. They came out in good numbers, took a fly and returned to the box, then set to work. The next day, eggs were laid. Unfortunately it was bad weather, and I was so circumstanced I could not days fastened them up again for another 1000 miles journeying, occupying about 5 days on two different steamers along our Australian coast. We arrived at Brisbane, thank God, on the 29th of October, 55 days after leaving Plymouth, 1205 England; 50 days actual traveling and confinement for the bees.
1204

In many cases a Google Book Search results in only a snippet or small segment of the books text being visible, as distinct from the full view facility. Several libraries in Australia have holdings of Gleanings, but not as far back as the 1880s. I also extensively searched internet bookstores but was unable to locate relevant copies, hence Ive been unable to provide the full text of this interesting item. 1205 Note Hopkins 1886 report states port of departure as Liverpool, not Plymouth. Given Neighbour & Sons were London based, the mention of Liverpool must be in error.

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How were they? All the queens were alive, all ... Now, I think you could put up 4 or 6 queens in a box in such a way that they would come through, after I have brought 5 stocks through from England. I will pay all expenses, and give you highest price on safe arrival. C. Fullwood. Brisbane, Queensland, Aus., March 1, 1881. P.S. Mr. Jones and I must have been in England ... (pp.286-287) I searched the previous three editions of my books and located the following paragraph from my Volume I. This enabled me to match the common element of 5 Italian queens thus to identify the principal as Chas. Fullwood. Hopkins (1886) stated Mr. Fullwood ... [was] determined to introduce Italian bees In the year 1880 he brought five queens with himself from Liverpool to Melbourne, and thence to Brisbane. In 1882 he got twelve queens sent direct from Charles Bianconcini of Bologna, and of these five arrived alive; and again in 1883 he got a second consignment of twelve, of which seven arrived safely. (p.15). Weatherhead (1986) supplies the following on the 1880 importation They all survived and credit is given to the constant daily attention by Mr Fullwood when on board ship. (p.11). These details appear to have been sourced from The Queenslander of 1881. A little more of Fullwoods letter ... and distend amazingly, and as soon as the least chance is given, they discharge freely. Well, thousands of the little creatures died. I was almost sickened at the sight, and was really sorry for them. I cleaned them out and gave them water, etc, 3 or 4 times each week. I had them on the deck house all the voyage, never below at all. Although ... I would have tried him for queens, as I am so anxious to beat our abominable moth by the introduction of the best bees if we can do it. Friend Carroll has so often failed he is disheartened. C.F. Newspaper shipping records indicate the following voyages were undertaken by Fullwood between April and October 1880 to secure his five Italian queen bees. In the Brisbane Courier, 26 April 1880, Charles Fullwood was listed as a passenger on the 200 foot long iron steamship Keilawarra, 486 tons, Captain J. H. South, for Sydney on 24 April. (p.2) In the Brisbane Courier, 29 April 1880, Charles Fullwood listed as a passenger on the Orient Steam Navigation Companys steamer Sorata of 2,573 tons, which left Sydney 370

on Tuesday last, for London, via Melbourne, Adelaide, and the Suez Canal. (p.2) In the Melbourne Argus, 25 October 1880, the A.S.N. Companys steamer Ly-ee-moon, 1200 tons, Captain C.J. Nightingall, departed Melbourne for Sydney 23 October, Mr and Mrs C Fullwood and child saloon passengers. (p.4)

In the Brisbane Courier, 30 October 1880, C.M. and Mrs M and Miss Fullwood listed as passengers on the Alexandra, Captain W. Hill, from Sydney, arrived 29 October having left Sydney three days previously. (p.4) Also, the Brisbane Courier, 20 September 1880, listed Mrs and a Miss Fullwood as passengers on the A.S.N. Companys 243 foot long iron steamship Alexandra, Captain W. Hill, for Sydney. (p.2) It seems they went on to Melbourne to visit family and also to join Charles for the final legs of his return from London. His outward 1st class / saloon fare would have cost 60 guineas, considerably more than the cheapest fare of 16 on the Sorata. Success in 1881 The Brisbane Courier for Wednesday 8 June 1881 reported The safe introduction of the Italian bee by Mr. Fullwood, an account of which was published in a recent issue, 1206 gives an interest in bee keeping to which the colony has now for some years been a stranger. We have the example of the Californians to stimulate us to do great things in this industry, the energetic people of the Pacific State having so mastered all difficulties that honey and wax are now regular exports of the country. This success is greatly owing to the introduction of the Italian bee, which by its inherent industry collects more honey than the common black bee, und by its spirit and pluck is able to combat the destructive bee moth. Many readers of the Queenslander would doubtless like to know a little about these Italians, and the method pursued by Californian farmers to hybridise their stocks of common black bees and so to make a profit out of bee-keeping. (p.5) Charles Fullwoods letter to the Editor of the Queenslander was also published in Brisbane Courier, 14 June 1883. It indicates, beyond doubt, that his June 1881 introduction was a success. Two years experience of the Italian bee in Queensland enables me to speak
1206

Ive been unable so far to locate this article

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confidently of their characteristics. So far, the Italian has proved itself the bee for Queensland. North Quay, 5th June (p.6) xlii In the Brisbane Courier for Monday 20 June 1881 The revival of the bee industry would be a boon to our selectors. Since that enterprising bee-master, Mr. J. Carroll, gave up keeping bees the industry seems to have languished. Many will remember the very instructive articles that regularly appeared in the Queenslander from the pen of this experienced apiarist. The rapid destruction of nearly all our apiaries by the bee moth caused a cessation of interest in the matter, and but little has of late appeared in our columns on the subject. We are therefore exceedingly glad to find that the introduction of the Italians by Mr. C. Fullwood, and the papers we are now publishing, have stimulated two or three beekeepers to send us practical letters on the subject (p.3) Beekeeper, bookbinder and rechabite, 1880s Who was Charles Fullwood apart from his beekeeping activities? He is listed in Pughs Almanac and Queensland Directory 1878 1207 as a member of the Independent Order of Rechabites, 1208 being Secretary of the Pioneer Tent, 1209 Brisbane. For the Queensland District, other tents or chapters listed were the Hope of Ipswich, Toowoomba Invincible, Hope of Gympie, David Livingstone - South Brisbane, Hope of Queensland Maryborough and the Bundaberg Standfast Tent. The Rechabites 1210 were initially a temperance society which addressed the deadly effects of the demon drink.. The order exists today as a friendly society offering financial services such as life and health insurance. The Brisbane Courier, 1 October 1886, carried an article on the retirement of Mr charles Fullwood from his position as foreman bookbinder in the Government Printing Office whose name is
1207 1208

archivecdbooks.com.au www.isle-of-man.com/manxnotebook/fulltext/rh1911/p003.htm The name of the Order was taken from the Rechabites mentioned in the 35th Chapter of Jeremiah, who, when they were tempted by that Prophet to drink wine, nobly replied as stated in the sixth verse, We will drink no wine, for Jonadab, the son of Rechab our father, commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine neither ye nor your sons for ever. 1209 Pioneer Tent: synonymous to a district, chapter or branch 1210 fraternalsecrets.org/societies.php

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specially connected with the temperance movement in Brisbane About twenty four years ago he came to Brisbane from Melbourne to take charge of the bookbinding department. The excellence of the work turned out by the Government bookbinders is now proverbial, and in losing Mr Fullwood the Government lose the man who has been directly responsible for the high reputation of that work. Mr Fullwood will leave Brisbane in December for Melbourne, where some members of his family reside, and where he proposes to make his new home. Mr. Fullwood has also done much in promoting scientific bee culture in Queensland, the apiary having long been a favourite hobby of his. (p.5)

Some NZ notes, 1884

From the Australian Clippings section of the Wanganui Herald 1211 for 30 September 1884, it is evident that, despite previous success, imports of Italian bees was an ongoing activity: By the Orient steamer Liguria, 1212 just arrived, three large lots of Italian bees were received in Sydney; two of the lots being for Queensland, the others for New Zealand. From the Otago newspaper the Tuapeka Times for 10 September 1884 Bees appear to succeed remarkably well in Queensland, and the industry is making great progress, the country proving well suited for the production of both honey and wax. The Planter and Farmer mentions the case of one young man in the neighborhood of Brisbane, who only entered on this pursuit a few seasons since, and who, by dint of patience and perseverance, and the use of all the latest and most approved appliances, has netted no less a sum in one year past for his honey than 600. 1213 SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The first Ligurians a minor update

An apicultural article in the Taranaki Herald for 22 November 1884 included this short note: The introduction of Ligurian bees into South Australia has proved a great success. Though frequently

1211 1212

Wanganui Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 5438, 30 September 1884, Page 2. Passenger cargo vessel, built 1874, John Elder & Co., operated by Pacific Steam Navigation Co. 1213 Tuapeka Times, Volume XVII, Issue 1075, 10 September 1884, Page 5.

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handled the bees don't care to sting: they get honey rapidly, and beat the black bees hollow in this regard. 1214 xliii NORTHERN TERRITORY

An early record of Italian bees, 1914

In the Northern Territory Times and Gazette, 2 April 1914: "A correspondent writes: - Last week a black boy and myself found a bee's nest in a box tree on Batchelor farm. We robbed the nest, and brought the bees to the Batchelor mess quarters, where the bees have been comfortably quartered in a suitable hive. These bees are Italian, and are the first I have found in the Northern Territory. We got about four pounds of good white comb and some honey on the nest." (p.10) Batchelor Farm was established in 1911 as a demonstration government farm. 1215 During the years 1912 and 1913 some 24,000 was expended on this property in buildings, farming implements, machinery, stock, fencing, clearing, cultivation and incidentals. The farm failed for a multitude of reasons. The departmental enquiry report declared of the bees: These were tried however they cleared out in the bush.

Ligurian Sanctuary established on Groote Island, 1923

The Melbourne Argus, 29 August 1923, published the following request made to the Victorian Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Mr. Pennington: Assistance was asked in establishing a colony of Italian bees on Groote Island [Eylandt], 1216 in the Gulf of Carpentaria. It was the only place in Australia where there were no bees, and importation elsewhere in Australia was prohibited. Just over a year later the Northern Territory Administrator, Frederick Charles Urquhart, issued an order which was published in the Northern Territory Times and Gazette, 26 September 1924: ALL persons who may, at any time, trade with or proceed to or from Groote Island are hereby notified that no bees other than pure Italian bees approved of by the Government may be landed on or taken to any part of Groote Island and that the removal of Italian bees from the Island is absolutely prohibited. 1217
1214 1215

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 6614, 22 November 1884, P.2 Northern Territory Times and Gazette, 11 Oct. 1919 1216 Located some 650 klm south easet of Darwin. 1217 The Australasian Beekeeper, July 1925, noted this establishment of the island as an Italian bee sanctuary. (p.11)

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In the annual meeting and conference papers of the Victorian Apiarists Association for 1924, published in The Australasian Beekeeper: Bees have been sent to Groote Island and Nauru suggestions were made that Bathurst Island 1218 and Goulburn Island, both on the North West of Australia, may have bees introduced to them in the same manner as has been done at Groote and Nauru islands. Nothing definite is known about these islands. Groote Island is covered with eucalyptus trees. If found suitable, after receiving reports, bees may be established on these other islands. Ocean Island already has bees there, it is 180 miles from Nauru. (p.59) 1219 From a 1993 paper by Dr. Alice Wells the first deliberate introduction [into the Northern Territory] of an insect species occurred in 1924, with the release here of two hives of Italian bees. This attempt was unsuccessful, but a subsequent effort succeeded. The hope was to increase pollination success of crops.
1220

Oenpelli, 1926
In the Northern Territory Times and Gazette, 25 May 1926: A private letter received from Oenpelli states that good weather conditions are being experienced there and though the wet season was a light one crops generally have done well. The hive of bees that was introduced on to the place has done well and swarmed several times and it is hoped that with the coming season the bees will establish themselves permanently at the Mission. (p.2)

1218 1219

Approx. 70 klm north of Darwin The ABK index also lists pages 4 and 7, Groote Island Experiment where more details should be found. 1220 Wells, Dr. Alice (1993) Bugs and bug collectors of the Northern Territory. Entomology and entomologists in the Northern Territory.

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VICTORIA

Apiarian Societys Report, Dec. 1862

In the Courier (Brisbane) 8 December 1862 At the weekly meeting of the council of the Acclimatization Society, on Tuesday, the 18th, a letter was read from Mr. M'Millan, the honorary secretary to the Apiarian Society, concerning the Ligurian bees sent out by Mr. Wilson in the Alhambra. The Apiarian Society is of opinion that these bees should be distributed in various parts of the colony, in order to give a complete trial of the different temperatures. (p.4) The Courier (Brisbane) 1 January 1863, reported A report was laid upon the table from the Apiarian Society, upon the state of the four hives of Ligurian bees lately arrived. It was to the effect that, although a very large proportion of the bees had perished from confinement, yet, in consequence of all the four queens being alive, 1221 the society confidently anticipate that these will form the nucleus of an important addition to the stock of the colony. The report stated that in consequence of the small number of Ligurians left in each hive, it had been found necessary to strengthen the hives by placing with them some of the common bees, - to provide the necessary food and also for the sake of warm but this proceeding will in no way impair the ultimate purity of the new swarm of bees issuing from these hives. It was decided by the council to place the grouse recently arrived by the Alhambra on Philip Island as soon as they have recovered from the effects of the voyage. The terrible mortality that occurred amongst the hives has prevented the council from placing these animals also on that island. (p.1)

Acclimatisation Society, Melbourne, 1864

In the Third Annual Report presented at the Annual Meeting of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, held on 11 November 1864, at the Society's Office, Melbourne As a contribution of very particular interest to the cottager, the introduction of the Ligurian bee may be adduced, that insect being probably, from its industrious and wonderfully prolific properties, the most valuable in the world. This bee is multiplying with almost incredible rapidity, and will soon be

1221

This report also appeared in the Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener, 24 march 1863, p.235

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accessible to all classes. (p.33) 1222 Amidst a staggering long list of beast and fowl, both imported and exported, 1223 there is a list of animals held at the Royal Park and Botanical Gardens, Melbourne. Last but not least is listed 6 hives of Ligurian bees. (p.65) Woodbury contributed to the The Journal of Horticulture for 16 June 1863 In a letter which I have recently received from Mr. Edward Wilson, President of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, that gentleman says: - "You will be glad to hear still further good news of your Ligurian bees. By the last mail I hear that from one of the hives, three fresh stocks have been already formed, raising our number to six, and offering fine prospects for the spring. All the gentlemen who have had these bees under their charge are delighted at their manifest superiority over the common bee. The Devonshire Bee-keeper added I need scarcely add how much pleasure it gives me to learn that my little favourites are vindicating their high character at the antipodes; and how ardently I trust that they may amply repay, by their prosperity, all the care which has been lavished upon them since their arrival in the colony. (p.25) Woodbury commented on the Societys Third Annual Report in the Journal of Horticulture, 11 April 1863, noting: Connected with this subject, I find an advertisement in The Australasian, of the 24th of December last, offering stocks of Ligurians for sale at 10 each, whilst swarms of common bees are offered at 20s. each. (p.299) The 1864 Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener and Country Gentlemen carried an article headed Bees in Australia, which refers to the Victorian Ligurian bee introduction: English apiarians will probably be interested in the following extract from the address of Dr.
1222

View full text at books.google.com.au/books?id=T0QDAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA101&dq=bees+l igurian+zealand&lr= 1223 Places exported to include London, Paris, St. Petersburg, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hamburg, Cologne, Copenhagen, Calcutta, Mauritius, Bourbon, Sicily, Rangoon, Java, Burtenzong, Sydney, Adelaide, Hobart Town and New Zealand. I donm not believe latter country appreciated the potential impact of the receipt of 4 opussums. The Otago Witness, 14 Jan. 1865, noted the Societys report, commenting, in part The other introductions of the Society during the past year comprise a list of nearly twelve hundred specimens, including deer of various kinds, hares, partridges, game and singing birds from England, China, Java, India, Cape of Good Hope, and other countries. (p.1)

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Bennett, 1224 1225 delivered before his Excellency the Governor (Sir John Young), and others, at the annual meeting of the Acclimatisation Society of New South Wales, on Monday, April 4th, 1864. - G.F.B. Spalding. The English-imported bee has nearly driven away the small Australian stingless species, and the recent introduction of the Ligurian bee will be a great acquisition to the colonies, being very prolific, and yielding a larger supply of honey and wax than any other species; and the rearing of bees has the advantage of requiring very little capital, and but a small amount of labour. The quantity and value of the honey and beeswax produced in the colony is very great, and the latter has lately been exported to England at a remunerative profit. (p.39)

Alfred Neighbour, 1865 - The apiary; or Bees, bee-hives and bee culture
The engraving represents our stand in the Agricultural Department of the International Exhibition of 1862. The space granted us in the World's great Fair was somewhat limited; but we were able to exhibit a tolerably complete stock of apiarian apparatus and all the more important bee-hives. Amongst these was a Unicomb Hive stocked with the Yellow Alpine or "Ligurian" bee. This was an object of great attention, and daily hundreds of visitors flocked round our stand in order to watch the movements of the Italian queen with her gay and busy subjects. The entrance way for the bees being in the "Open Court," to which all visitors had access, it was necessary to place the hive in an elevated position, so as for it to be beyond the reach of incautious passers by, and to obviate any chance of annoyance to the vast crowds of people continually around. Among others who took a deep interest in our exhibition, was Mr. Edward Wilson, President of the Acclimatisation Society of Victoria. This gentleman requested us to pack four stocks of the Ligurian bees for conveyance to Melbourne. With the assistance of Mr. Woodbury 1224

Address was titled On the physiology, and also on the Utility, and Importance of the Acclimatisation or naturalization of Plants or Animals to Australia. G. Bennett 1225 From the online Dictionary of Australian Biography, George Bennett (1804-93) naturalist He was much interested in the Sydney botanic gardens and the Acclimatization Society, and was a vice-president of the Zoological Society, and a member of the board of the Australian Museum.

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whose aid was, indeed, essential - these stocks were sent off on the 25th of September, 1862, by the steam ship Alhambra, so as to arrive at the colony during the Austral summer. The hives were Woodburyframe hives, having ample space and ventilation, as well as the means of supplying water to their inmates during the voyage; there was, also, a sufficient store of honey to last until the following March. The bees arrived at Melbourne, where they were released after an imprisonment of seventy nine days, and have since rapidly multiplied, the climate and pasturage of Australia greatly favouring the increase of this superior variety of the bee. Mr. Wilson was so well pleased with the careful manner in which these stocks were fitted out for their voyage across the seas, that he subsequently instructed us to prepare him three more hives, which were sent out in a sailing vessel. Owing to the mismanagement of the water supply during the voyage, only one stock survived in this instance. (p.101)

Steam Ship Alhambra 1229

The Alhambra (642 tons, built 1855 1230) arrived in Port Phillip, Melbourne, Victoria, with 4 hives of Ligurian bees and other animals for the Acclimatisation Society, in December 1862 (refer The Immigrant Bees, Volume III). 1231 Id calculated its arrival to have
1229

yesteryears.co.nz theshipslist.com/ships/lines/pando.html 1231 The bees arrival was reported in the Argus, 18 Dec 1862, and repeated in the Brisbane Courier, 1 Jan. 1863 (p.3) The Brisbane Courier Monday 8 December 1862 (p.4) reported At the weekly meeting of the council of the
1230

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been 9 December based on its 79 day voyage and its date of departure. However, I subsequently found 1232 on a Port Phillip wrecks web site: In 1862, 10 December, collided with the Pilot schooner Rip, just outside Port Phillip Heads and was considerably damaged. The Illustrated Sydney News (Vol. 10, No. 3, p.13)

NZ newspapers - Edward Wilson, 1863 & Mr. Hopwood, 1865

Additional substantiation of Edward Wilsons successful introduction of Ligurian bees into Victoria may be found in the 7 March 1863 issue 1233 of the Otago Witness. Victoria, Melbourne, February 26th: The Acclimatization Society are very busily at work in their respective spheres, and every fresh ship brings some useful animal to Melbourne. In their President, Mr E. Wilson, they have a most indefatigable labourer, who loses no opportunity of forwarding anything, whether bird, beast, insect, or fish to the Society. The Ligurian bees recently sent by him are doing well, and before long their numbers will be very much multiplied. 1234 Another mention appeared in the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 1235 for 17 January 1865, sourced from the Echuca based Victorian newspaper, the Riverine Herald: The Ligurian bees appear to be making progress in Victoria. The Riverine Herald states that the hive of Ligurian bees, exhibited at the late show, was secured by Mr. Hopwood, and was the twenty-sixth swarm from one hive thirteen, months since, showing the extraordinary prolificness of this famous importation of the Victorian Acclimatization Society. 1236

Acclimatization Society, on Tuesday, the 18th, a letter was read from Mr. M'Millan the honorary secretary to the Apiarian Society, concerning the Ligurian bees sent out by Mr. Wilson in the Alhambra. The Apiarian Society is of opinion that these bees should be distributed in various parts of the colony, in order to give a complete trial of the different temperatures. 1232 oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/portphillip-wrecks.html 1233 Otago Witness, Issue 588, 7 March 1863, Page 4. 1234 Extensive coverage of Wilsons bees may be found in my Volume II. 1235 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 17 January 1865, Page 3. 1236 This short article originally appeared in the Riverine Herald of 3 December 1864 and again in The Argus for 6 December 1864. Refer my Volume III.

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The Journal of Horticulture, Jan. 1865

Under the heading Ligurian Bees in Australia The apiarian readers of The Journal of Horticulture will be pleased to learn, on the authority of Mr. Edward Wilson, President of the Victoria Acclimatisation Society, who has recently revisited this country, that the Italian stocks exported from my apiary to Australia in 1862, are doing remarkably well, and have multiplied prodigiously in a climate which appears to be most favourable to them. (Jan. 1865, p.82)

American Bee Journal, August 1866

The following report appeared in the ABJ for August 1866. The Italian bee was introduced there by Mr. Edward Wilson, who sent three colonies from London, November, 1862, on board the Princess Royal, 1237 which arrived at Melbourne 1238 on the 2nd of February, 1863. According to a report published by Mr. Templeton, in the "Yeoman and Australian Acclimatiser 1239 of February 6, 1864, two of these colonies perished during the voyage, but the third contained a few living bees on its arrival, among which fortunately was the queen. As the small number of workers could not maintain sufficient heat in the hive in which they came, they were transferred to a smaller, and the queen at once began to lay eggs, and at the close of February young bees made their appearance. Before the end of the month, the Goodling hive, fourteen and a half inches by nine, was filled with comb and honey, and another of equal size before the end of summer. From this double hive an exceedingly large swarm issued, followed in due course by two strong after swarms. The original colony produced two more swarms before Christmas (the Australian midsummer), so that on the whole the increase was six-fold the first year; notwithstanding the discouraging mishap at the start. A seventh swarm made its appearance on the 7th of February, and there was

1237

This illusive ship existed it arrived in Melbourne in Jan. 1863 with a shipment of 19 sparrows from England. Refer an article by J. Cecil Le Souef, The Emu. (Sept 1958?, p.264) See web page publish.csiro.au/?act=view_file&file_id=MU958264.pdf 1238 In news from Victoria, the Courier (Brisbane), 9 February 1863, reported the arrival of three Ligurian hives of bees for Mr. Wilson in the bay on Monday, by the Princess Royal 1239 Copies are held at State Libraries of Victoria and NSW, issues Nos. 1156; 5 Oct., 1861- 24 Sept., 1864

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reason to believe that another absconded unnoticed. Stocks of Italian bees are sold in Australia at 10 sterling each. Dr. Otto Busch. (p.37) This appears to have been an additional shipment by Edward Wilson subsequent to that of the Italian bees forwarded on the steamer Alhambra which arrived in Melbourne in December 1862. The report in the Courier (Brisbane) for 2 October 1863, attributed to the Melbourne Herald, 17th September, may refer to the same event, the surviving hive out of three apparently split into three: At th e weekly meeting of the Council of the Acclimatisation Society on Tuesday The secretary stated that he had received three hives of Ligurian bees from Mr Templeton, and placed them in the newly-constructed apiary at the Royal Park. It was unanimously resolved, That flint as an acknowledgment of the valuable services rendered to the society by Mr. Hugh Templeton, in connection with the Ligurian bees, he be elected an honorary member of the society. (p.2)

Gleanings in Bee Culture, 1873

Through the Google Book Search facility 1240 I located an article in Gleanings in Bee Culture, 1873, titled Ligurians in Australia - The Super Quiet Bee, authored by J. R. Crawford, Macarthur, Victoria. Ive yet to obtain a full copy of this article, but from its title and author it appears Ligurians were believed to be available within Victoria in 1873, eleven years after their introduction. (p.464)

Ligurianizing an Apiary, 1879

I expressed doubts in my Volume III 1241 about the ability of the early importers of Ligurian honey bees to preserve the purity of the strain. Once swarms issued from the imported queened hives, unless the apiary was quarantined from dark drones from previously established domestic or feral hives, the mated queen would produce mongrels ie., offspring possessing a genetic mix of Ligurian mother and dark drone father(s).

1240

A copy may be found at the University of California however they do not provide inter-library loans or even photocopies of articles outside the USA 1241 Victoria was undoubtedly the first State to succeed this on 9 Dec. 1862. In the absence of a geographical sanctuary, keeping the Ligurian strain pure and free from hybridization would have been an unwinable challenge. Vol. III, p.127

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In late 2006 I acquired a third edition copy of A Manual of Beekeeping, 1879, by John Hunter. Hunters book was relied upon by at least one late 19th Century colonial beekeeper, Major Adolphus Shallard, 1242 of Glenbrook, Blue Mountains, New South Wales. 1243 Following instructions on how to safely introduce a new queen, Hunter states by the proper management of nucleus hives, enough Queens may be bred from one Ligurian to supply any number of hives, the only difficulty being to obtain pure impregnation; and this where the Drones, either from ones own or neighbours hives, are English Bees, becomes difficult, and the chances are very much against it. Two or three plans may be adopted to secure this desirable result. Supposing one Ligurian stock is successfully established, Queens in nuclei should be raised; and if the raising of Drones can be prevented in the other hives by cutting out all Drone comb, 1244 or the Drones captured as they leave the hive, then supposing the Ligurian stock has plenty of Drones, there is a chance of the Queens mating with one of those; but it is a poor chance should black Drones abound from neighbours hives; however, crossed or not, a young Queen 1245 should be placed at the head of each stock; and next year (it having been abundantly proved that Drones are hatched from unimpregnated eggs) all the Drones in the Apiary will be pure Ligurians. More Queens should then be reared, and (the chance of proper impregnation being now much increased) one should take the place of every Queen
1242 1243

See Appendix 8 for a photograph Shallard often reminisced in his later years. The Major wrote to the Australasian Beekeeper to praise Bill Goodacre, an apiary officer within the New South Wales Department of Agriculture: Hats off to Bill, who is not only a first-class beekeeper, who is still an enthusiast; but also a thoroughly good fellow and as straight as a gunbarrel. In a visit to the Hawkesbury Agricultural College, Shallard wrote of Goodacre we discussed every phase of the bee problem from John Hunter to the present. This is most likely a reference to John Hunter, an early entomologist, as mentioned by Albert Gale (1912) in conjunction with Dr. Bevan, another 19th Century beekeeping identity. In 2006, with Hunters book in hand, Im sure Shallard was referring to Hunters A manual of bee-keeping. 1244 This would be extremely difficult to achieve in closed box or skep hives, but in frame hives this would be a simple operation. 1245 This could only work if the young Queens so deployed were each guaranteed to be purely mated ie., that they be imported stock; or that they were the progeny of imported pure Ligurian Queens.

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who s discovered to have been breeding mongrels. Bees may be known to be mongrel if they are not all alike. Stocks of pure Ligurians vary in the brilliancy of their yellow bands, but all in the hive will be found to be alike, whilst the Bees of a crossed Queen will be found to vary, some with bright bands, others scarcely distinguished from Blacks. 1246 Additional specific instructions are provided. The instructions presume a skilled modern method beekeeper is at work.

Serious doubt cast on success of the 1862 Ligurian adventure, 1872 & 1881
A letter to the Otago Witness, published on 8 October 1881, 1247 cast doubt on the continued success of Victorias Ligurian initiative. I am aware that some twenty or more years ago Ligurian bees were introduced into Melbourne I understood that, owing to neglect, they had so thoroughly mixed with the black bees that all traces of the Italian were lost. Be that as it may, the Australian people are going to try them again; This appraisal is very likely a true, particularly as Victoria was not considered a source for Italian bees during the 1880s when Queensland and New Zealand apiarists sourced Ligurians from California and Italy. In the Courier (Brisbane), 7 January 1863 At a meeting of the Acclimatization Society, today, it was announced that the Ligurian bees, recently imported, are doing well, and that seven swarms have been dropped during the year. (p.2) The Brisbane Courier, 5 February 1863: At a meeting of the Council of the Acclimatization Society, held on Tuesday, it was mentioned that one of the swarms of the Ligurian bees, so recently imported has left the hive at Richmond, and has not since been heard of. As this is not the time of year for bees to swarm, it is supposed that some one must have got possession of, and be detaining it. (p.4) A reward of 30s [shillings] has been offered for the recovery of the bees, and as these bees are easily identified, any persons keeping possession of them will, of course, render him or herself liable to be prosecuted. 1248 The Honey Bee column in the Queenslander was regularly contributed by Mr. Carroll, beemaster. The Brisbane Courier for
1246 1247

Hunter, John (1879), pp.160-161 Otago Witness, Issue 1561, 8 October 1881, Page 8. 1248 The Argus, 8 Jan. 1863, p.4g

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Saturday 27 February 1872 carried one of Carrolls articles titled The Italian Bee, commencing with Bees bearing the above name have been imported into Victoria from Europe (p.7) A follow up was reprinted in the Brisbane Courier for Saturday 24 February 1872: If pure Italians can be obtained in Victoria at a reasonable price, it is my intention to import a stock in the fall. Several gentlemen offer to subscribe towards the cost of a stock, providing I will Italianise their stocks, but I must first ascertain if they can be had, and the cost. (p.6) Carroll investigated and reported his findings in the Brisbane Courier for Saturday 8 June 1872 I am sorry to say that there is no chance of the Italian bee from Victoria. The Acclimatisation Society of the colony have written to the Editor of the Queenslander to say that they were not able to keep them pure (p.6) This is confirmed by a report in the Brisbane Courier for 28 August 1868 - an article titled Acclimatisation in Victoria, carried The following interesting letter addressed by the President of the Victorian Acclimatisation Society to Mr. Frank Buckland, editor of Land and Water: Sir, - In the issue of Land and Water dated last February, you ask the very pertinent question, What has been done in acclimatisation ? and although it might reasonably be supposed that the reports regularly issued by the various acclimatisation societies in these colonies would have to a large extent answered this question, yet I think it is well, in as concise a form as possible, to set before you the progress of acclimatisation in Victoria, and its prospects for the future. Amidst reports of introduced deer, antelope, camel, alpaca and vicuna, cashmere goat, hares and rabbits, ostrich, pheasant, partridge, peafowl, quail, Guinea fowl, English wild duck and several other small bird species, also salmon and trout, there is this acceptance of the failure to keep the Ligurian strain pure in Victoria: Mr Edward Wilson introduced the common honey bee many years ago, 1249 and in some parts of the bush honey and wax may now be taken by tons. Since then the society has introduced the Ligurian bee, but the impossibility of preventing it becoming mixed with the other bee has deprived the experiment of any useful result. (p.3)

1249

A well meant but false attribution

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BATAVIA (JAKARTA), JAVA, INDONESIA, 1880

From The Leeds Mercury, Monday, 12 April 1880 The Dutch Indies. - The Indische Gids of this month has a resume from the official report on the condition of the Zoological Gardens at Buitenzorg, near Batavia. It appears from this report that the attempt to rear European bees in the island of Java has been a total failure. The Italian bees, which showed the greatest vitality, died in April last. During the transport, Dr. Scheffer thinks, the bees ought to be out of their captivity for at least a few days. 1250

NEW ZEALAND Acclimatisation Society of Canterbury, Ligurian bees and a little chaos, 1868
In the Daily Southern Cross, 11 November 1868 1251 The usual monthly meeting of the council of the Acclimatisation Society of Canterbury was held at the Literary Institute, Christchurch, on Friday afternoon. The curator's report stated Mr. Hawdon had brought information from Wellington that a pair of alpacas could be purchased for 13; that Mr. Cooke had offered to the Society about 50 frogs at 2s. each, and a hive of Ligurian bees at 5; that a quantity of canary, hemp, buck wheat, and sunflower seeds had been sown for the use of the birds; that both the English and Chinese pheasants had commenced laying; that several of the kangaroos had escaped from the domain enclosure, and one had been killed by dogs; that the holes in fence had since been repaired; that a dog had been shot inside the enclosure, and traces had been left indicating that during the night some one had been hunting rabbits; that the young kangaroos had disappeared, and the hares had not been seen for a long time, but poison had now been laid in the gardens; that the Angora goats had been washed and shorn. The bees must have been too expensive for no further move was made on their purchase.

1250 1251

The Leeds Mercury (England), Monday, April 12, 1880; Issue 13106. Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXIV, Iss. 3533, 11 Nov. 1868, Page 3

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An unsuccessful attempt, Mr. Parsons of Waikato, May 1877

The Waikato Times for 6 May 1880 mentions a failed attempt to source Ligurians from America in May 1877. 1252 a Waikato settler, Mr Parsons, of Te Awamutu. This gentleman commenced operations in the year 1876 by purchasing two boxes of bees from a neighbor. Two swarms were added to these the same season, and in May of the following year Mr Parsons paid a visit to America. While there he purchased two swarms [of] Italian bees, and procured a pattern of Quinby's box hive, a kind very popular in the United States. Unfortunately the foreign bees perished en route. The Waikato Times for 23 August 1881 paints a word picture of Parsons farm Trevartha, a remarkably picturesque and splendidly rich little estate of 736 acres. Parsons appears to have been a man of substance, not surprising then he could afford his trip to America. Of Trevartha All the property is in grass, and 50 acres have been broken up this year for a crop of White Tuscan Wheat, and 50 more far turnips. There are about 200 head of cattle, including a fine young Hereford bull and 1059 sheep, including some fine Lincol n rams and the live stock all seemed in capital condition. Some 300 ewes are just lambing and as the season is a particularly favorable one they all looked healthy and thriving Mr Parsons is a man who believes in his garden and orchard and the pines and cypresses and yews surrounding the lawn are grandly flourishing and the flower beds with the roses, the camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas must be charming in their season. Some of the old peach trees have grown to a great size and are still bearing large crops of good fruit. The orchard is perhaps the finest I have seen in New Zealand both for the quality and variety of the fruit trees it contains and the thorough knowledge of the management of them displayed by their owner. Mulberries, apples, peas, peaches, nectarines, plums of all kinds, cherries, gooseberries, currants, and raspberries, and vines, all abound and look delightfully healthy All the 1000 apple trees in the orchard are seedlings from Georgia in the Southern States of America

1252

Waikato Times, Volume XIV, Issue 1225, 6 May 1880, Page 3.

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However this is not enough to satisfy the energetic owner, and he goes in for bee farming as well, his hives numbering 83 being all fitted with the new patent slides, 1253 that save so much trouble to the owner and so much destruction to the bees. Last year the return of honey was nearly five tons, and at the price of 1s per lb would make a very pretty addition to the income of a man

Royal Commission on Local Industries, Aug. 1880

A writer in the North Otago Times remarks - I learn from a perusal of the suggestions conveyed to the colony by the Royal Commission on Local Industries, that the Commissioners recommend bee-keepers to introduce the Ligurian bee, an improver not only of honey, but also of clover. 1254

Hopkins & Wren, Sept. 1880

In the Waikato Times, 2 September 1880, under the heading Farm Chat Ligurian bees: If farming is to be successfully carried on in this country, it is of very great importance to have the right sort of bees. In the report of the Local Industries Commissioners, presented to the Assembly, it appears that Mr Hopkins, of Grahamstown, and Mr Wren, of Remuera, both strongly recommend the introduction of the Ligurian Bee, not only as the best honey producer, but as a fertilizer of clover and other flowers, which are out of the reach of the ordinary bees. Mr Wren is prepared to introduce these bees if his expenses and a fair amount of remuneration are paid him. He is of opinion that with the expenditure 500, the Government might procure them, by sending him or any other competent person to America for the purpose. Much, however, as the country might be benefited by Italian bees, in the present impecunious state of the Government, 500 seems a lot of money; and no doubt the object might be accomplished at a far easier rate by contract. 1255

Canterbury Beekeepers Assoc., Christchurch, Dec. 1880

In the North Otago Times for 9 December 1880: Mr T. Adams, secretary to the Canterbury Beekeepers Association, went on board the Ringarooma on Tuesday evening and had an interview with Mr Chaplin, a passenger, who had brought out a quantity of Ligurian bees
1253 1254

These would be Langstroth style removable frames Otago Witness, Issue 1502, 28 August 1880, Page 6. 1255 Waikato Times, Volume XV, Issue 1276, 2 September 1880, Page 3.

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for the Association. He learned that all had died during the passage from dysentery, and the last expired about three weeks before the end of the voyage. Mr Chaplin had four hives and two Queens, all Ligurians. The Captain rendered Mr Chaplin all the assistance in his power, but no efforts on their part could rescue them from the disease. 1257

Ringarooma, a passenger cargo ship owned by the Union Steam Ship Company of NZ, Wellington 1258

Robert James Creighton, Noah Levering & Samuel Charles Farr, 1880 (an update to Vol. 2)
Both Robert Creighton, a San Francisco newspaperman from as early as 1877 with strong political contacts in New Zealand, together with Noah Levering, apiarist and apicultural editor with the Los Angeles based California Cultivator, were well placed to participate in the first successful shipment of Italian honeybees to New Zealand from California. Samuel Farr, 1259 as Secretary of the Canterbury Acclimatization Society, had written to Creighton requesting his assistance. This request was successfully passed on to Levering.

Failure of the first attempt

In the Taranaki Herald, 5 April 1886, there is an anonymous review of Isaac Hopkins latest Illustrated Bee Manual. The reviewer made the following aside after summarizing Hopkins chronology of the introduction of German bees into NZ. It may be interesting to him
1257 1258

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2651, 9 December 1880, P.2 Built 1875 by T Wingate & Co, Glasgow, 245.1 ft x 30.0 ft, 1096 grt 1259 An entry in the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography indicates Farr was an architect

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to know that in Douglas Jerrold's 1260 novel, Man Made of Money, there is towards the end of the work a note From the bees thus introduced have sprung the whole black stock of New Zealand. The Ligurian or Italian bees were first successfully introduced in September, 1880, through Mr. Thomas Russell, C.M.G., 1261 and were procured by Mr. R. J. Creighton, from Los Angelos [sic.] County, California. 1262 This optimism on the success of the introduction was not to be realized, despite the report in the Otago Witness for 4 September 1880: A consignment of Ligurian bees arrived by the mail steamer, having been shipped by Mr R. J. Creighton, and arrived in excellent condition. One box was dispatched by the Arawatta 1263 to the Secretary of the Christchurch Acclimatisation Society, and another consignment is made to Mr Harrison, of Coromandel. 1264 Wellingtons Evening Post, 26 August 1880, reported the arrival of the San Francisco Mail after a 25 day voyage. The S.S. Australia arrived here at 9.30 am today. She left San Francisco on the 2nd August and Honolulu on the 10th; had light winds to the 18th, heavy weather for two days, and then moderate weather. 1265 The Arawatta of 1096 tons, built in 1878 and operated by the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand, 1266 typically ran between Melbourne and NZ ports.
1260

Jerrold died in 1857. This particular novel appeared in 1849, so the note referring to events in Sept. 1880 must have been carried in a much later edition of Jerrolds book. Refer web page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_William_Jerrold 1261 Thomas Russell (18301904), awarded the C.M.G. in 1877, was a lawyer, politician, and land speculator. Most historians' estimates of Russell have been unfavourable, it being accepted that he was little more than an unprincipled speculator. he was a man of wide vision and had full confidence in New Zealand's economic expansion Refer teara.govt.nz/1966/R/RussellThomas/RussellThomas/en 1262 Taranaki Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 7033, 5 April 1886, Page 4. 1263 Illustration of the Arawatta, built 1875 in Glasgow, from Union Fleet, Farquhar, Ian (2001) New Zealand Ship& Marine Society Inc., Wellington 1264 Otago Witness, Issue 1503, 4 September 1880, Page 7. 1265 Evening Post, Volume XX, Issue 199, 26 August 1880, Page 2. 1266 theshipslist.com/ships/lines/unionnz.html From Lawson (1909, p.105) The Ringarooma carried the inward Suez mail to Dunedin and the Arawatta took the outward mails to Melbourne, and they were accounted the smartest steamers crossing the Tasman Sea.

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Arawatta, sister ship to the Ringarooma

The Wellington Evening Post on 8 September 1880 signaled The Acclimatisation Society have resolved to send to California for more Ligurian bees. 1269 The West Coast Times for 18 November 1880 reported: Mr R. J. Creighton of San Francisco in a letter to an Auckland resident, states his intention of sending a further supply of Ligurian bees to New Zealand. 1270 The optimism exhibited in the Otago Witness, 27 November 1880 1271 was not, in this case, to be fulfilled The success of the bee shipment by Mr Creighton has been so encouraging that the Canterbury Acclimatisation Society has requested a further supply, which will be shipped as soon as arrangements can be made. It will bee a source of great profit to those engaged in be honey farming. The Ligurian bee has many advantages over the common honey bee. The Otago Witness on 11 December gave some background on the failure of the first attempt: Readers of the daily newspapers (says a Canterbury contemporary) will have learned that the Acclimatisation Society is obtaining another consignment of Ligurian bees from Mr Creighton. These bees, like the former stock, have keen obtained from the Italian apiary at Los Angelos, [sic] and come to us via San
1269 1270

Wellington Evening Post, Volume XX, Issue 210, 8 September 1880, P.2 West Coast Times, Issue 3627, 18 November 1880, Page 2. Also appeared in the North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2632, 17 November 1880, Page 2 1271 Otago Witness, Issue 1515, 27 November 1880, Page 8

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Francisco. Warned by the mortality in the former lot, caused by dysentery, induced by dampness and imperfect ventilation, Mr Creighton is adopting precautionary measures; and it may be hoped that this consignment will reach New Zealand in perfect health. 1272 An account of the bees abortive transit appears in my Vol. II. In addition to the Vol. II account I located, I subsequently found the following in The Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener and Country Gentleman for 1881 The two boxes were sent through the Acclimatisation Society here, and entrusted to the care of Captain Cargill at San Francisco, who took them into his own cabin, and daily attended to the wants of his lively colonists. Fresh water was daily supplied to the sponges, and everything done that was required for the health and comfort of the bees. The result is an unmistakeable success, and the colonists of New Zealand are deeply indebted to Captain Cargill and Mr. Creighton for what has been accomplished. Mr. Creighton, in his letter to Mr. Cheeseman, 1273 the Secretary of the [Auckland] Acclimatisation Society, states that Mr. Harrison is not to regard his hive as an object for private profit, but the bees are for the good of the colony, and when swarms are obtained they are to be distributed in the same way that he has been provided with them. 1274 On being consigned to the care of the Acclimatisation Society, Captain Cargill made no charge for the conveyance of the boxes (p.65) 1275 I discovered a similar report while researching in January 2009. The American Bee Journal for Dec. 1880 stated Italian bees (2 hives) have been successfully carried across the tropics from San Francisco to Auckland, NZ. They were shipped per H.M. ship Australia, with damp sponges over the combs, Capt. Cargill keeping them in his own stateroom throughout the 20 days sea voyage, via Honolulu. They arrived in splendid order in Auckland, whence one hive was sent to Coromandel, in the Thames Peninsula, Auckland; the other being sent to Christchurch, Canterbury. ... (p.552)
1272 1273

Otago Witness, Issue 1517, 11 December 1880, Page 7. Thomas Frederick Cheeseman 1274 Identical wording to that underlined appeared in a longer report in the American Bee Journal for 30 Mar. 1881 (p.100) 1275 Google Book Search located this copy at Oxford University. See also American Bee Journal, 30 Mar. 1881, p.100

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The American Bee Journal for 30 March 1881 reported About the time of the American Centennial Exhibition, several attempts were made by Mr. J Thomas Russell to introduce them to the province of Auckland, through agents he employed in San Francisco. The first efforts were made by sending queen bees, but the inmates of the several parcels of those that were forwarded all perished before reaching their destination. As a last effort a hive was sent forward, but it was evident that there was something still to learn to secure the safe transportation of these bees long distances, for they were nearly all dead before reaching Auckland, and the few sickly ones that reached here died a few days after being landed. The expense of these efforts was borne solely by Mr. Russell. Nor were Mr. Russell's failures to introduce these bees singular, for Mr. A. McKay, of Brisbane, who made efforts to the same end, at the same time was equally unsuccessful to enrich his adopted land. (p.100)

The second attempt, San Francisco to Auckland, 13 Dec. 1880

The mail steamer Australia brought four boxes of bees, three for Mr Farr of Christchurch, and Mr J. H. Harrison of Coromandel, Auckland. Only a few bees died during the passage. They are from the apiary of Mr. N. Levensig, [sic.] of Los Angelos [sic.] county. Each colony is accompanied by an Italian queen, including the one that took the prize at the recent San Francisco fair. 1276 This item was repeated in the Otago Witness for 18 December 1880. 1277 Therein the typesetter spelt Los Angeles and Levenseig correctly, but erred in converting J. H. Harrison to P.H. Harris. The typesetter for the Timaru Herald for 14 December 1880 also produced errors, else the wired copy he was provided with was unclear: Auckland, Dec. 13. The mail steamer Australia brought four boxes of bees, three for Mr Farrar, [Farr] of Christchurch, and one for Mr Harrison, of Coromandel, Auckland. Only a few bees died during the passage. They are from the Apiary of N. Lebentig, [Noah Levering] of Loxargell [Los Angeles] County. Each hive of bees is accompanied by an Italian queen, including the one that took the prize at the recent San Francisco fair. (p.2)

1276 1277

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2655, 14 December 1880, P.2 Otago Witness, Issue 1518, 18 December 1880, Page 13.

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From the American Bee Journal for 30 March 1881 while the suggestion was made to the Colonial Industries Commission to spend 500 of public money to send a person home to make an attempt to do that in which so many failures had already been recorded, private and patriotic enterprise was successfully accomplishing that for which State aid was being solicited. Mr. S. C. Farr, Secretary of the Canterbury Acclimatization Society, had already communicated with R. J. Creighton, formerly of Auckland, and now in San Francisco, on the subject, and Mr. J. H. Harrison, of Coromandel, had also communicated with his brother, Mr. W. G. Harrison, San Francisco, formerly of Auckland, for the same object. As Mr. Creighton is regarded as the official representative of New Zealand in the City of the Golden Gate, both applications came to be referred to him. He made his arrangements accordingly, and the success that has attended them deserves public recognition on behalf of the colony. Mr. Creighton regarded these efforts at acclimatization as public enterprises, and not efforts for private gain, and acted accordingly. Hives were made upon a new construction, and a place provided in which was kept a wet sponge, which appears to have secured that cool and moist atmosphere necessary for bees, so that when they arrived they were as lively as possible, and seemed to be in vast numbers. The two boxes were sent through the Acclimatization Society, and entrusted to the care of Capt. Cargill, at San Francisco, who took them into his own cabin, and daily attended to the wants of his lively colonists. Fresh water was daily supplied to the sponges, and everything done that was requisite to the health and comfort of the bees. The result is an unmistakable success, and the colonists of New Zealand are deeply indebted to Capt. Cargill and Mr. Creighton for what has been accomplished. Mr. Creighton, in his letter to Mr. Cheesman, the Secretary of the Acclimatization Society, states that Mr. Harrison is not to regard his hive as an object for private profit, but the bees are for the good of the colony, and when swarms are obtained they are to be distributed in the same way that he has been provided with them. (p.100) The success of this attempt was confirmed by Isaac Hopkins. In the North Otago Times, 14 October 1881, 1278 wherein the 1881 first
1278

North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2896, 14 October 1881, P.2

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edition of his book A New Zealand Bee Manual was reviewed. In part In his brief historical introduction he says that last year the first successful attempt was wade to introduce the Ligurian bee. Last year therefore dates the introduction to some time in 1880. Another confirmation appears within a lengthy article in the Otago Witness, 8 October 1881 it sights the establishment of Ligurian bees in Christchurch: I have become quite curious as to the number of Ligurian stocks kept in the Acclimatisation Societys Gardens at Christchurch. Surely there must be a goodly number By the by, I have a letter yet from that gentleman at Kaiapoi. Last year be wrote me that he was so pleased with his importation that were anything to go wrong with them he would at once send for more. 1279 The Kaiapoi gentlemen is identified in the North Otago Times, 7 December 1880 1280 From the success which has attended the experiment of introducing Ligurian bees to Canterbury, it seems every way likely (says the Press) that they will be well acclimatised here this season. The hive at the Acclimatisation Garden has been recently divided, and now there are three hives. The imported hive also contains two additional queens, which might be used in forming further stock or in ligurianising hives of black bees. The hive imported by Mr T. Wilson, of Kaiapoi, was divided on the 27th ult., and the original hive has now no less than eleven queen cells, as well as large quantities of brood. An article sourced from the Sydney Town and Country appeared in the Wanganui Herald, 25 March 1881, titled Honey Bees in New Zealand. 1281 Its intelligence on the success of Ligurian importations appears to have been out of date: Two or three shipments of humble bees have been made from this country to New Zealand, the object being to facilitate the fertilisation and spread of the red clover in the colony, these bees being stronger than the ordinary black bees and better able to reach the pollen, which they thus collect and convey from flower to flower, consequently ensuring the production of seed. Similar results, however, are produced by the Italian or Ligurian bee, with the advantage that this variety of bee is amenable to discipline
1279 1280

Otago Witness, Issue 1561, 8 October 1881, Page 8. North Otago Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 2649, 7 December 1880, P.2 1281 Wanganui Herald, Volume XV, Issue 4106, 25 March 1881, Page 3.

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and can be hived, and will produce a much larger quantity of honey than either its humble cousin, or its black brother; and two or three attempts have been made to introduce the Italian bee into the colony from America, but with indifferent success. Only a few hives of this bee exist in the colony

Robert Creighton, NZ Government agent, San Francisco

The National Library of New Zealand Tapuhi web site 1282 states Robert James Creighton (1835-1893) was a journalist. He founded the Auckland newspaper the Southern Cross in 1861. He reported on the New Zealand Wars and later set up other newspapers in New Zealand. He left for California ca 1874 where he acted as an agent for the New Zealand Government. He introduced honey bees to New Zealand. 1283 Biographical background on Creighton is supplied in an article in the New York Times for 23 April 1883. 1284 Robert J. Creighton of San Francisco was described as a pleasant-faced and energetic man about 45 years of age who had come East specially commissioned by the Government of New Zealand to endeavour to make a more satisfactory arrangement than now exists for a postal service between that country and the United States. Mr. Creighton is now in this city and expects to start for Washington in a day or two. He is an Irishman by birth, and after receiving a thorough journalistic education in Great Britain he went to New Zealand in 1860, and soon became the proprietor and editor of a newspaper there. He lived in New Zealand until his removal to San Francisco, about six years ago, and was prominent in politics as well as in journalism. For several years he was a member of the New Zealand General Assembly, and was Provincial Secretary in Auckland during an important period. He is the editor of the Evening News in San Francisco, and since his residence in this country he has been the authorized agent of the New Zealand Government.
1282

tapuhi.natlib.govt.nz/cgibin/spydus/FULL/GLOBAL/OPHDR/288/43574,9 1283 See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography / Scholefield Vol.1 p 183 1284 query.nytimes.com/mem/archivefree/pdf?_r=1&res=980CEFDF1230E433A25750C2A9629C94629FD7CF& oref=slogin

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Creighton stated In November, 1875, the Governments of New Zealand and New South Wales contracted with the Pacific Mail Company to carry their English mail between San Francisco and Sydney for a term of eight years. The contract expires next November, and I am commissioned by the New Zealand Government to arrange for its continuance. The voyage between San Francisco was scheduled to take 23 days (and performed sometimes quicker) across a distance of 7230 miles, with the intermediate ports being Honolulu and Auckland. Thirteen round trips were achieved employing four ships. A subsequent article 1285 on 3 May 1883 details an interview between the Postmaster General and Robert J. Creighton, Special Postal Commissioner from New Zealand. In addressing the transportation of the English and Australian mails Mr Creighton pointed out the advantages which the United States derives from the transportation of these mails across the continent from New York to San Francisco; complained of the heavy subsidy which the Australasian colonies were obliged to pay the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Company for carrying them from San Francisco across the Pacific, and suggested it would only be fair if the United States should bear its proportion of the expense of the service by contributing to this subsidy. It was on one of Pacific Mails steamships, the Australia, under command of Captain Cargill, that the Italian bees requested by Farr were safely consigned by Noah Levering.

Noah Levering, Los Angeles, California

From the Levering Family History web site, Noah Levering, amongst other occupations was a postmaster, lawyer and judge. 1286 In 1875 he removed to Los Angeles, California, where, in 1876, was chosen by the Los Angeles County Agricultural Society as editor of their department in the Los Angeles Herald. Mr. L. has for more than thirty years been interested in bee culture, and is now conducting the Apiary department of the California Cultivator. In 1880 he successfully
1285

query.nytimes.com/mem/archivefree/pdf?_r=2&res=9D02E4D81731E433A25750C0A9639C94629FD7CF& oref=slogin&oref=slogin
1286

freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~dynamo53/LeveringFamilyHistory/page 914.html

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shipped the first Italian bees ever sent to the island of New Zealand, a distance of over 7,000 miles, an enterprise in which many had failed. In 1883 he organized the Historical Society of Southern California, now the leading society of its kind in the State. He is now (1895) enjoying well-earned rest in a quiet home near to Los Angeles, pursuing horticultural studies and employment, preferring rather to wear out than to rust out. One genealogy web site 1287 states four colonies of bees, each containing an Italian queen bee, were shipped on 20 Nov. 1880 1288 for New Zealand aboard the steamship Australia. These were sourced from the apiary of N. Levering, Los Angeles.

S.S. Australia, Pacific Mail Steam Ship Co.

My search on the web found nothing of a Captain Cargill of the steamship Australia. 1289 However, one site 1290 listed personnel of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand Ltd., and included as one of its Directors was E.B. Cargill, 1875-77, and again between 1883-1903. Its therefore possible this was the same man who, in at least one of the intervening years 1880 - was a ships Captain with the Pacific Mail Steam Ship Co. From Artfact, an art auction web site, 1291 I found the following supporting description for a watercolour painting of the Australia by G Frederick Gregory (c1815-85): Built in Scotland in 1875, the four masted Australia along with its twin the Zealandia 1292 was contracted to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company of New York. From 1876, both ships carried out the mail service between San Francisco and the
1287 1288

sfgenealogy.com/sf/history/hbabs1.htm This date may actually be the arrival date for in The Annual Publication of the Historical Society of Southern California, 1905, it states, after the arrival of the bees from San Francisco - In October following, the Herald of Auckland announced the safe arrival of the Los Angeles county bees. 1289 The P&O line also had a ship named Australia, built 1892, 6901 tons, 482 ft. x 52 ft. Her first voyage from London for Australia began on 25 Nov. 1892. She was wrecked after passing through Port Phillip Heads on 20 June 1904. Another P&O Australia built in 1870, 3664 tons, 382 ft. x 45 ft., the last vessel to be built for them with a clipper bow and bowsprit. Her first Australian visit was in 1883, making several more voyages there over the next five years, but was never a regular on the route. (Gordon, 1985, p.120, 127) 1290 angelfire.com/az/nzgenweb/ussco.html 1291 artfact.com/catalog/viewLot.cfm?lotCode=2UBM273S 1292 Built 1874 John Elder & Co. Govan, passenger cargo vessel

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colonies of New South Wales and New Zealand. The Australia was sold to an American company in 1885 and used as a transport, running to the Philippines. In 1905 she was chartered to the Russian government to transport supplies from the US to Siberia but was captured on 26th August by the Japanese in Petropavlovsk Harbour. From the Timaru Herald, Wednesday 25 March 1876: 1293 The new mail steamers for the San Francisco route are inaugurating their career most successfully. The Australia, the second of the Pacific Companys fleet which has come this way (per The Argus newspaper, Melbourne), arrived on Saturday morning, having made the quickest run on record from Plymouth to Melbourne via the Cape of Good Hope. The new-comer is in all respects a sister ship to her precursor, the Zealandia. As the Arawatta is to the Ringarooma, so is the Australia to the Zealandia, each a counterpart of the other. Given this, a description of the Zealandia 1294 stands good for the Australia. From The Star, Thursday, 17 February 1876, an article headed - Arrival of the Zealandia at Melbourne The speed of this steamer on her maiden voyage has been satisfactory. Apart from the beauty of her lines she measures 37ft between perpendiculars, her beam being 37ft 6 in and depth of hold 28ft, giving her a gross of 2755 tons. She had four masts, two forward of the funnel, and two aft, the former having yards across. The swell 1295 part of her passenger accommodation, so to speak, is well forward, instead of being right aft. Her passenger accommodation is equal to the berthing of 164 in the saloon, from 24 to 30 in the second cabin, and 85 to 100 in the third cabin or steerage. The engines are compound, of 2400 horsepower indicated. They are direct acting, surface condensing and have
1293 1294

Located at web site freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~nzbound/sf.htm From Lawson (1909) The steamers Zealandia and Australia, built by the Fairfield Shipbuilding Company of Glasgow, were four-masted steamers with one funnel, and their tonnage was 2737 gross, and 1714 nett measurement. (p.91) I found this piece of trivia interesting: a later ship by this name, a passenger vessel built 1910, was one of twelve vessels sunk in a devastating air raid by both shore based and carrier based Japanese aircraft on the Port of Darwin on 19th February 1942. Subsequently, wreck was recovered for scrap by Japanese salvage company! Refer web page clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=2281 1295 First Class passengers

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cylinders, one high pressure and two low pressure, the former being 45in and latter 62 in each, with a 4ft 3in stroke. The cylinders have three holders on the crank shafts. There are two immense boilers, with six furnaces to each, and the stokehold ventilation 1296 is something wonderful. The screw is four-bladed and 17ft in diameter, with 25ft pitch and the number of revolutions at full speed is 65. The complement of hands in the engine-room comprises twenty-two fireman and trimmers, five engineers (including the chief) and a boiler maker. The steering is done by hydraulic gear.

S.S. Australia

An entry in The Star for Wednesday, 13 March 1878 1300 provides a range of steaming times between San Francisco and Auckland. Under the heading - Auckland, March 12. Arrival of the San Francisco Mail: The Australia has arrived with the English and American mails, after a sharp passage of 21 days and 5 hours. The Australia left
1296

For a description refer http://titanictheshipmagnificent.com/synopsis/chapter19/ Addresses funnel design and the use of natural draft to expel flue gases. 1300 freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~nzbound/sf.htm

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Auckland on Jan. 8, arrived in Honolulu on Jan. 21; sailed next day and arrived at San Francisco on Jan. 29. Fine weather throughout the passage, which occupied 22 days and 19 hours. Left San Francisco on Feb. 8. arrived at Honolulu on Feb. 26 at noon; sailed at 4.20 p.m. and arrived at Auckland at 5.15 p.m. today. Had a strong westerly gale for three days after leaving Honolulu. Then fine weather and strong favourable winds to Auckland. From a web site 1301 on Christchurchs Addington Cemetery Samuel Charles Farr was born at Baldock, Hertfordshire. His father was a builder and he learned the occupation of architect in the parental yard rather than through having spent the requisite number of years studying in an architects office. Along with his fianc and 39 other settlers, Farr arrived in Akaroa Harbour, NZ on the ship Monarch on 2 April 1850.The web site documents his architectural achievements. It adds In Christchurch Farr was, for 22 years, secretary of the North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society. He stocked almost every lake and river with fish [and] was also instrumental in introducing the humble bee in New Zealand. Despite the fact that the better qualified shunned him, Farr outlived them and had a very long productive life. Mary Ann Farr, 86, died on 22 September 1912. Samuel Charles Farr, 91, died on 14 July 1918. He was buried in Addington Cemetery (Area 3, Row I), Christchurch.

Samuel Farr, Canterbury Acclimatisation Society, NZ

A German in Tahiti offers Ligurians to NZ, 1882

Creighton was still active in 1882 in his efforts to ensure the successful establishment of Ligurians. The Otago Witness for 2 September 1882 reported: 1302 Mr R. J. Creighton, late of Auckland, with his characteristic ardour which has never cased to distinguish him since he left it, has recently forwarded to Mr Justice Gillies (at whose instance it has been transmitted to the Government) an offer from a German gentleman at Tahiti xliv to supply several hundred hives of Ligurian bees to the New Zealand Government. This is not the first step that Mr Creighton has taken in connection with the introduction of this valuable bee in New Zealand, having
1301 1302

Refer library.christchurch.org.nz Otago Witness, Issue 1606, 2 September 1882, Page 6.

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been the first to introduce it into the colony. Mr Thomas Russell, C.M.G., went to a great deal of trouble and large expenditure to accomplish the same object. Since that time the Ligurian bees may be said to be fully established, both in the North and South islands of New Zealand.

Thomas Wilson, Kaipoi, Canterbury, from Alfred Newman of Chicago via San Francisco, Oct. 1880
The American Bee Journal for 30 March 1881 (p.100) reported In August last Mr. A. H. Newman, of Chicago, shipped a full colony of bees to Mr. Thomas Wilson, at Kaipoi, Canterbury, New Zealand, care of Mr. Creighton, San Francisco. These bees were received in New Zealand in good condition, considering the length of time in transit, and the hazardous portion of the trip from Chicago to San Francisco by rail. They were in a ten-frame Langstroth hive; his manner of preparing them was described in the Bee Journal of Jan. 5, 1881. [actually to be found in 12 Jan. issue.] Mr. Wilson, in a letter to the editor of this paper, written in January, says this colony has been increased by the dividing process to four good colonies. Mr. A. H. Newman informs us he has booked an order for several colonies this spring for Mr. A. V. Macdonald, Parnell, Auckland, New Zealand. An American Bee Journal article for 12 January 1881 stated In August last [1880] Mr. Alfred H. Newman shipped a colony, prepared in this manner, [see description below] to New Zealand, via San Francisco. The trip occupied six weeks by railroad and ocean steamer. Return advices, after a lapse of three months, stated they arrived safely and in good condition, but many of the bees were dead, which were probably old bees. He has an order from New South Wales for two colonies in the Spring, which he informs us will be prepared in the same manner. Ed. (p.12)

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Thomas Newmans method for shipping bees was documented in his 1892 Bees and Honey or Management of an Apiary for Profit and Pleasure. A shorter version was provided in the American Bee Journal for 12 Jan. 1881, so its safe to assume the same was provided in his 1882 3rd edition of Bees and Honey. The best time for shipping bees any considerable distance, is in April, or quite early in May, [end of the northern hemisphere Spring] before the combs are too heavy with brood; but with proper care in preparing them and ordinary usage in handling, they may be shipped at any time with comparative safety, except in quite cold weather. The first work is to go through the hives and extract about all the uncapped honey, as the least daubing will prove fatal to the bees; then procure a block one inch square, and as long as the hive is wide, in this cut notches and tack in the bottom of the hive, in which to place the frames to keep them steady; now select the new combs and those heavy with brood or sealed honey, secure them well in the frames with strip-binders, and place in the hive; tack the ends of the frames firmly to the rabbets on which they rest; dip the blanket in clean water, lightly wring, fold about six thicknesses, and lay on the front ends of the frames. If the hive has no portico, leave off the cover, and use wire cloth instead, nailing on top of that, three one-inch strips, two inches wide one across the center, the others across each end, to insure ventilation when piled on each other. Now tack wire cloth over the entrance, and your bees are ready for shipment.

Thomas G. Newman, Editor & Proprietor, American Bee Journal

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If the hive has a portico, prepare in the same manner as above, except to bore a one-and-a-half inch hole in each side of the brood chamber, and also in the cover, which will be used in place of the wire cloth over the frames; the holes to be covered inside and outside with wire cloth, to admit of ventilation. Leave the entrance open full size, but cover the entire portico securely with wire cloth, leaving free access to it from the interior of the hive; care must be taken, however, to bore a one-and-a-half inch hole under the roof-board of the portico, and left open, to allow free ingress to the interior of the hive, as the entrance beneath may become choked up, and the cluster of bees, with the queen, die of starvation through inability to get at the honey in the hive. Hives made with porticoes are much better for shipping bees, for it allows them to drag out the dead, cleanse the hive, and, to a great extent, prevent dysentery. Prepared in this manner, full colonies may be shipped at all seasons, from May 1st until Aug. 10th, with perfect success. Two colonies sent to New Zealand, after being confined six weeks, were received in splendid condition, and are thus described by the consignee, after their arrival: The hives my bees came in were eight -framed Langstroth, tin rabbets, bottom board flush with entrance, nailed on to body of the hive, cover flat with one-inch strips, one-and-a-half inches wide, nailed across the top at each end: from one end of cover toward the center, over the middle frames, a piece about 9x5 inches sawn out, and one-inch strips, one-and-a-half inches wide, nailed round the edge on the upper side. This hole was covered with wire cloth on under side, a sponge laid on that, and then covered with wire cloth on upper side, and the cover screwed down. The frames contained old tough comb, and where they had not been built right down to the bottom bar, strips of wood were joined in between the comb and bar, making it secure. Two wire binders were put around each frame, one-third from each end, and in one of the center frames a flat bottle containing water was fastened with wire, for which a part of the comb had been cut away, next to the end bar; this, of course, was neck downward, corked and some lampwick communicating with the water. The frames rested in a notched strip on bottom board, the width of the hive (not nailed), and two, notched strips secured them on top, the cover going down on these, held all firmly. The entrances were covered with wire cloth, and directions for giving water on the sponge were pasted on each hive. Upon arrival it 404

was found that about a gill of water had been used from each bottle. There was no sealed brood in the hives, but both queens had commenced to lay, as there were hatched larvae in some of the cells. (pp.76-78) The consignee was Isaac Hopkins who supplied the same details to the American Bee Journal for 1 June 1881, under the title How to Prepare Bees for Shipping. His report continued: They are now working away splendidly. The hints gained by this shipment are: 1. Do not tack wire cloth over the entrance, but use a hive with a portico and tack wire cloth over that. This allows the bees to drag out their dead and clean the hive; and I have no doubt would tend greatly to prevent dysentery. 2. Do not neglect the bottle of water inside the hive, as by this means they are not so dependant on the water from the outside, which is liable to be neglected. 3. Arrange the sponge so that it maybe taken out and wetted, instead of water being poured on. I believe that bees packed in the above way with plenty of sealed brood and honey at starting, would travel safely round the world. New Zealand, April 10, 1881. Hopkins opened his letter with Having just received 2 colonies of Italians from Mr. R. Wilkin, San Buenaventura, Cal, I have thought that by stating how they were packed, the condition they arrived in, etc., the knowledge might be valuable to others. I have read your editorial, page 12, vol. xvii, on the above subject, and think on one or two points an improvement might be made. (p.169)

A sample of subsequent imports, 1881-85 Isaac Hopkins, Oct. 1881 to Dec. 1884, numerous importations from Queensland, California & Italy
Isaac Hopkins receipt of two Italian colonies from Ventura County, California, stationed at the Parawai apiary of Hopkins and Clark, 1303 occurred subsequent to the Christchurch Acclimatisation Societys Harrison of Coromandel importation in Aug. - Sept. 1880. The Taranaki Herald, 21 October 1881 (and other contemporary newspapers eg. the Wanganui Herald for 20 October 1881), reported Auckland, 20 October 1881. Messrs. Hopkins & Co., apiarists, of the Thames, received a shipment of eight hives of Ligurian bees per mail
1303

Refer my Volume I 405

steamer. 1304 This report also appeared in the Wanganui Herald, 20 October 1881. The mail steamer City of Sydney arrived in Auckland last night. She left 'Frisco on the 25th September, and arrived two days before contract time. This report in the Taranaki Herald for 17 October 1881 reveals a voyage of 22 days. 1305 The bees final destination is apparent from the following two newspaper reports. The West Coast Times for 11 May 1882 announced: Auckland, May 9. Mr J. C. Firth is now about to establish a bee farm at Mate-Mate. A start is to be made with 300 hives, including some hives of Ligurian bees. An experienced bee-master is engaged to superintend operation. 1306 In the Wanganui Herald, 17 July 1883: We have received the first number of the New Zealand Bee Journal, a monthly publication issued at Auckland to represent the important industry and art of bee culture. The editor is Mr T. [sic] Hopkins, who is the manager of Mr J. C. Firths Matamata Apiary. He inclines to the Holy Land and Italian Bees (Ligurian) as the best kind for both quantity and quality of honey. The ordinary bees are "Italianised" by importing a Ligurian queen into the hive, and Her Majesty is sent to all parts of the colony from the Matamata Apiary for this purpose, upon application. 1307 An article about the Matamata Apiary appeared in the Waikato Times, 11 December 1883. Hopkins reported Our bees are in good condition we find that on the sixth of October several of our colonies (Italian) were preparing to swarm to swarm We have just received an Italian queen that first saw the light, and was fertilized in Italy. She is darker than many of our own breeding The bees that accompany her are similar in all respects to those we have bred from the queens imported direct from America. Great difference of opinion exists as to the appearance of pure Italian bees, and we are very glad to have had the opportunity of comparing those of our own breeding with bees from a queen imported direct from Italy, and we are pleased to say that our own does not suffer by the comparison. We expect shortly a
1304 1305

Taranaki Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3870, 21 October 1881, Page 3 Taranaki Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3866, 17 October 1881, Page 2 1306 West Coast Times, Issue 4078, 11 May 1882, Page 2. Also in Wanganui Herald, 10 May 1882, Page 2; Grey River Argus, 11 May 1882, p.2 1307 Wanganui Herald, 17 July 1883, Page 2.

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small trial consignment direct from Italy. We had imported previously twenty-two colonies from America. 1308 Within an article titled Bee Culture in the Waikato, Waikato Times, 15 November 1883, is a description of the apiary of Messrs Karl Bros., of Ohaupo. Following this a final paragraph mentions a shipment of Italian bees to Hopkins in NZ. The Sydney Town and Country Journal notices two hives of Italian bees which were being forwarded to Mr Hopkins, of Matamata. Our contemporary trusts Mr Hopkins will derive as much satisfaction from the Italian bees as they are giving in Australia. 1309 The tone of this report suggests the the bees were shipped from Australia. This is confirmed by From the Te Aroha News, 22 December 1883: The Sydney Town and Country Journal lately has a notice of two hives of Italian bees which were being sent from Queensland to Auckland for Mr L. [sic] Hopkins, Matamata. These bees are the progeny of some brought from Italy last year. 1310 These then were a different batch from that reported in the Waikato Times for 11 December 1883, for the latter Italian queen, in Hopkins words was fertilized in Italy. I recorded in my Volume I that Hopkins, in 1886, recollected two other consignments, one of two full colonies and another of 20 nuclei, both from America. Hopkins also recounted his successful receipt of four out of eight queens from Naples on 11 Jan. 1884, as well as another lot later in the same year when six out of twelve queens arrived alive. Another Hopkins importation is identified in The Wanganui Herald, 16 August 1884, which carried a paper on Bee Culture read by Mr Brightwell at the General Meeting of the Wanganui Progress and Industrial Association on 13August 1884. At present little seems to be known of the honey industry, in this district, and the modern appliances used in connection with bee-keeping. This industry is indeed in a very backward state, and needs every encouragement this society can give it. As far as I know bee-keeping in New Zealand had made no progress beyond the ordinary box hive and strained honey, until about 5 years back when Mr J. Hopkins the present manager of the apiary of Mr J. C. Firth's of Auckland, at Matamata,
1308 1309

Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1784, 11 December 1883, Page 4. Waikato Times, Volume XXI, Issue 1773, 15 November 1883, Page 2. 1310 Te Aroha News, Volume I, Issue 29, 22 December 1883, Page 6.

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Waikato introduced the Langrtroth hive into Auckland, and started a apiary with all the most approved modern appliances at the Thames. Mr Hopkins soon afterwards procured from San Francisco at considerable expense 2 colonies of Ligurians, and soon satisfied himself that they were superior in every respect to the common black bee. In April last I introduced an Italian queen which cost me 2, and although I did not put her 'into one of my strongest' colonies, it is now completely Italianised, and is the strongest swarm I have. They began breeding early in July, and have brought in pollen and honey every fine day all last and this month. 1311

L. J. Bagnal, Auckland from America, Nov. 1884

A consignment of fourteen queen bees of the Ligurian species, shipped to the order of Mr L. J. Bagnal from America, has been received on the Thames by the Rotomahana. Of the number shipped, only seven were found alive, and the cause assigned for the loss of the others is insufficient food during the transit, and a looseness in the boxes containing them, causing some of them to be crushed. Those alive are in very good condition. 1312 Burthen 864 tons, the Rotomahana was launched on 5 June 1879, leaving London on 5 August on her delivery voyage went around the Cape of Good Hope, arriving in Melbourne on 22 September, before continuing on to Port Chalmers, where she arrived on 1 October. She was the subject of much interest wherever she called, both because of her yacht-like lines and internal fittings. She had accommodation for 140 first class, 80 second class and 80 third class passengers. On 9 October 1879 Rotomahana left Wellington on her first voyage to Sydney, calling at Napier, Gisborne, Auckland and Russell en route. She remained on this route for the next fifteen years 1315

Otago Acclimatisation, 1877 to 1882

A reader signing himself as Novice wrote to the Editor of the North Otago Times, as published in the North Otago Times, 26 September
1311 1312 1315

Wanganui Herald, Volume XIX, Issue 5396, 16 August 1884, Page 2. Tuapeka Times, 5 November 1884, Page 2.

freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~spottedcrotchet/ships/rotomaha na.html

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1877: Sir, - Permit me to inquire, through your columns, if Italian bees are known in New Zealand, or if they can be procured in Otago, And oblige. 1316

s.s. Rotomahana 1317 in her day the fastest ship in Australasian waters.

J.H.E. must have asked a similar question for his response was published in the Otago Witness, 21 June 1879: We are not aware that there are any Italian bees in New Zealand. If there were, something would have been heard of them. Queensland is, we believe, the only Colony into which they have been introduced. We will be on the lookout for information as to their value compared with our ordinary bees. 1319 In the Otago Witness, 2 October 1880 1320 A great deal of interest is being shown both by town and country residents in the progress of arrangements in connection with the forthcoming annual show of the Otago Agricultural and Pastoral Association, to be held at the Forbury Park in December. Mr Sydney James informs us that the committee
1316 1317

North Otago Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1696, 26 September 1877, P.2 clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=10503 Another image at catalogue.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/item/?id=*SR1T1999000 built 1879 operated by the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand for many years on various runs between and within New Zealand and Australia; scuttled off Port Phillip Heads in 1928. 1319 Otago Witness, Issue 1439, 21 June 1879, Page 15. 1320 Otago Witness, Issue 1507, 2 October 1880, Page 7

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meetings are invariably fully attended. A new exhibit;, in the shape of a hive of Ligurian bees, will be shown by Mr Naumann, of South Dunedin.

In the Otago Witness, 26 November 1881, is a lengthy discussion on Ligurian bees under Our Bee Farm, detailing their advantages and the undesirable characteristics of hybrids. 1321 In the discussion of their eventual introduction into Otago: what might we not reasonably expect from the hardy Italian? This, in my opinion, is the bee most suited to us, and so convinced am I of this that I entered upon the venture of sending Home 1322 for two colonies. Unfortunately the Home firm disregarded my instructions, and the bees died on the voyage. I have not given the project [my] best yet, but it becomes rather an expensive matter for one person to bear all the loss if there is any. Should any of my readers wish to enter into such an enterprise, I shall be happy to make one of the number, and any communication addressed to me shall receive my earliest and earnest attention. I would certainly prefer the Italians sent from Europe, rather than from America, There is, in my opinion, a better guaranty for their purity when coming from Home. Italians have .been introduced at Christchurch and Auckland from America, but I am not quite sure that they have given full satisfaction; I mean as to their purity of race. They seem to be a good deal ahead of us in many things in Canterbury, can my readers give the reason? Under the heading Acclimatisation Society in the Otago Witness, 19 August 1882: A special meeting of the Acclimatisation Society was held at the Government Buildings on Saturday. Present Messrs J. P. Maitland (in the chair), G. P. Clifford, E. J. Spence, Jas, Wilkie, A. O. Begg, and W. Arthur (hon. sec). Under item 5: The Hon. Secretary mentioned that the matter of introducing Ligurian bees had

1321 1322

Otago Witness, Issue 1568, 26 November 1881, Page 8. Read England for Home

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been brought before him, and was requested to obtain information on the subject from the Canterbury Society. 1323

Major Jackson, Ligurian queen importer & breeder, circa Jan. 1882
In the Waikato Times, 7 September 1882: An application was received from Major Jackson to have the use of the Ligurian bees on certain terms. He stated that he had imported, at some expense, a number of Ligurian hives, but was desirous of crossing with the bees in possession of the society, so as to make the experiment a success. Major Jackson promised to return a number of pure Ligurian bees in the following season if successful in his proposed experiment. It was agreed to accede to the application. 1324 A long article in the Waikato Times, 11 January 1883, titled A visit to Messrs Karl Bros. Apiary near Ohaupo, also identified Major Jackson as a Ligurian queen bee importer. 1325 What struck my attention most was a five-storey Italian hive, towering far above the others. Upon asking Mr Karl the reason for building them up so high, he informed me that it was in older to prevent them from swarming, which could only be managed by giving them sufficient room till they had expanded themselves. About a twelvemonth ago Major Jackson received two hives of Italian bees from America, in fact the best quality to he got in California, and left them in Mr Karl's charge for the purpose of breeding, the Major not having sufficient time at his command to attend to them. The bees were received late in the season, but Mr Karl managed to supply the whole of the hives with the queens, but out of the lot he only succeeded in getting one pure Italian. This spring he started early queens and succeeded in getting 12 pure, and if all goes well will make another effort in the autumn to secure more.

A. J. Karl, Ohaupo, a Waikato Ligurian queen bee breeder, Sept. 1885

In the Waikato Times, 1 October 1885: This has been so far a real good winter and spring for bees and for queen rearing, with which I am very busily engaged just now, and I think I will have a good many
1323 1324

Otago Witness, Issue 1604, 19 August 1882, Page 23. Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1588, 7 September 1882, Page 2. 1325 Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1641, 11 January 1883, Page 2.

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young pure Italian queens in about four weeks. I will have them advertised in The Waikato Times, as some of our bee-keepers might want to try the Italians. I received two selected, tested Italian queens from California on the 23rd of this month, and am happy to say that they have just come in time for queen rearing, in which I am losing no time. They were packed in an ordinary hive with a division board in the centre. One queen and bees had four combs in their department, and the other queen and bees had three combs, Both queens were in good health, and laying when arrived, and had about a pint of live bees each, and plenty of sealed up honey, but the sponges and water bottles were quite dry. 1326

CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA T.W. Woodbury, c1865 and 1868

The American Bee Journal for January 1869 carried a letter from T.W. Woodbury dated 3 November 1868, wherein he recalled that around the year 1865, he had been involved in preparing a hive of Ligurian bees for shipment to a distant location, in this instance to Cape Town, South Africa. The customer required the bees be packed in such a manner as should enable him to convey them by mail steamer to his new African home with a fair chance of their surviving the voyage. Woodbury also recalled an earlier occurrence: After having in 1862 succeeded in the far more difficult task of transporting Italian bees to the antipodes, I had, of course, every confidence in my ability to pack them for the shorter journey to the Cape of Good Hope, and had, therefore, little fear as to the result, when, on the 10th of September, 1866, the Royal Mail Steamer, belonging to the Union Steamship Company, took her departure from Plymouth for Africa with decidedly more emigrants on board than usual, seeing that in addition to her ordinary complement of passengers, she conveyed some thousands of the genus Apis, probably the first of their species ever exported to that continent, which already possesses more than one indigenous variety of the honey bee. Although, as I have said, feeling but little anxiety as to the result, I have from time to time given a thought to the fate of those involuntary little voyagers, and have often wondered whether, after being the first to succeed in introducing the Ligurian-variety of honey bee into
1326

Waikato Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2065, 1 October 1885, Page 3.

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England, and afterwards in exporting it to Australia, I should also be successful in transmitting it to Africa. These speculations, however, remained in abeyance until February in this year, when a letter reached me from the Cape, by which I learned that the Italian stock had reached that colony in safety, but vastly diminished in numbers, nearly five thousand having died. However, after sundry difficulties, they had ultimately been established, and the object which my correspondent had in writing was to obtain from me two more Ligurian stocks, he having unfortunately lost his only pure-bred Italian queen through an accident, at a time when there were no drones in the hive. In late 1868 Woodbury dispatched the replacement stocks: the Royal Mail steamship Saxon, which took her departure from the port of Plymouth early in the morning of the 10th of October, was freighted with two strong bodies of apian Garibaldini in the shape of a couple of Ligurian stocks, which by the kind offices of a local friend were carefully stowed on board in capital condition, and which, by the time this article appears, will have landed on that coast where Afric's sunny fountains roll down their golden sand. " (pp.124-125)

Part IV By Sea & Land in the 19th Century

NEW SOUTH WALES / VICTORIA

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Paddle steamer Shamrock

In December 1842 the Hunter River Steam Navigation Company, via the 200 ton steamer Shamrock, opened sea communication between Sydney and Brisbane. 1327 Through such vessels the shipping of bees and bee produce along this section of the east coast became a real possibility. Some voyages / destinations of the steamer Shamrock include Launceston Sydney (6th 10th March 1845); Launceston Melbourne (21st 25th May 1847); Sydney to Boyd Town, Port Phillip and Launceston (23rd Aug. 1844); Launceston Sydney (dep. 30th Aug. 1844); 9th Sept., Gilmore from Port Phillip 31st August, Launceston 5th Sept. and Boyd Town 8th inst. 1328 The Melbourne Argus, 14 May 1847, listed her arrival from Sydney 5th instant on 12 May under her commander G. Gilmore. An extensive manifest included one hive of bees for E.B. Greene. On 18 November the schooner Lightning, master Hay, departed for Adelaide with a mixed cargo including two hives of bees. 1329

Diary of James and Alice Greening, 1886

The diary 1330 of James and Alice Greening contains a daily log of their voyage from England to Sydney. They departed on 15th September 1886, their voyage taking two months with arrival on 15th November. 1331 The cover of the diary bears the simple inscription Greening Fairford Glos. Fairford, today, is a small town of just over 3000 people located in Gloucestershire, south west England. The diary opens with Sep 15th Fenchurch St leave there 10 o'clock get to Tilbury Docks and embark on board the Hankow 1332 all friends ordered off and the start at 12.30 get to Gravesend start from there at
1327

The Shamrock serviced this run in 1854-55. Lawson, Will (1909) Steam in the Southern Pacific, Gordon & Gotch, Wellington NZ. (p.28) 1328 Other voyages may be found on theshipslist.com/ships/australia/au1844c.htm 1329 Melbourne Argus, 19 Nov. 1847, p.2 1330 Refer diary text at www.nap-kin.net/histories/greeningjames.php Original diary image can be viewed at www.napkin.net/documents/GreeningJamesLegg_diary.pdf 1331 the West Australian for Thurs. 18 Nov. 1886 reported the Hankow 14th from Melbourne for Sydney and 16th at Sydney from Melbourne, p.2 1332 Sat. 19th Sept we have met several ships but none as large as the "Hankow". The crew is numbered at 80

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two o'clock, weather beautifully fine till 6 o'clock when it get's rough a good many are sick. Alice is one of them. After we leave the Thames it is fine and the sun is shining bright They then proceeded south down the Channel to Plymouth (in harbour Sept. 16th and 17th), then on to St. Vincent 1333 where coal was taken on (Sept. 25th), Albany at King Georges Sound, where yet more coal was loaded (Oct. 31st), Adelaide and 100 tons of coal loaded (Nov. 4th) 1334 and Melbourne (a considerable quantity of cargo unloaded, Nov. 8th to 13th). Part of Greenings diary entry for Saturday 9th October, after more than three weeks into their voyage we have a Surgery on board, bakery, butchery, cookery, Hospitals, engineers, carpenters, blacksmiths, fowls, ducks, geese, pigs, sheep, a dog, cat, rats, mice, no lice, bees, birds and that's all I have to say. 1335 Even as late as 1886 people still thought it necessary to bring hives of bees on board ship destined for distant ports. Despite the advent of steam ships and therefore faster transits, shipping bees remained a difficult task and anyone planning such an undertaking had to be prepared for failure. I can only imagine people were simply ignorant of the then advanced state of beekeeping in all Australian States and the relative ease by which they could obtain a hive after arrival. Who owned the hive or hives of bees on board the Hankow is not known, nor where aboard ship they were housed. On such voyages many states of weather were experienced by passengers, livestock and bees. James wrote Well I scarsley [sic.] know [what] to tell you today, nothing extraordinary has taken place today, but I know its a general English custom to talk about the weather when there [is] no other subject. Boring as weather talk may sometimes be, Greenings observations provide a valuable window into the conditions bee hives on board steam ships of the day were subjected to. Their diary entries contain many interesting views of life aboard ship but here Ive concentrated on the weather variances they encountered.
1333

This must be Cape St. Vincent, the southwesternmost point in Portugal. (from Wikipedia) 1334 date matches the report in the Shipping Arrivals section in the West Australian for Sat. 6 Nov. 1886, p.2
1335

original spelling retained 415

Thursday 23rd Sept. Weather fine again this morning we have plenty of canvas up to keep the sun off it is getting warmer every day. Our sea trip is very nice in fine weather. Very warm. Tuesday 28th Today its fine and warm ... the water is so calm, if we were to shut our eyes, we should not know we moveing. Wednesday 29th Its a little stormey today Saturday 2nd Oct. we crossed the line between 2 and 3 o'clock this morning, its generally very hot just then, but it was a nice breeze Monday 4th The weather is got much cooler now, in the very hot weather, down in the messrooms in 2 minutes the sweat would roll of us like peas Tuesday 5th we have head wind today it makes the ship roll very much, God is very merciful to us, in giveing such nice weather for the voyage Wednesday 6th The wind is rather cold this morning, the sudden change in the weather is making many of the passengers ill. Friday 8th The weather is warmer to day the sea is rough today the water rises up like mountains one moment, and down in a valley the next, but it does not take the effect of this ship, as it would of a little sailing ship, but it comes over the deck sometimes, and gives a Christening Sunday 10th This morning its a cold wind our coats are very exceptable now, we march about the deck like you have seen the patients marching too and fro in the Asylum gardens in Horcutt lane for exercise. Thursday 14th Today its a rough wind it makes the ship rock very much Sunday 17th The weather is quite different today the sea very rough and the wind cold enough for November at home. The sailors and officers are dressed in Mackintosh suits and high boots the spray keeps coming over us when we are on deck and the ship rolls so much we cant walk on deck without slipping and sliding about from one [?] to another. Tuesday 19th Much more comfortable this morning and warmer. This ship has weathered some very rough storms. 4 years ago when she came from America in the Atlantic Ocean she lost lifeboats and every thing that was movable on deck. Some sailors were washed overboard and lost. 416

Friday 22nd Still rough today the ship goes up the side and down the other like being in a swing, and is difficult matter to walk on deck we have to run from pillow to post the tins cups, buckets are rolling about in all directions Saturday 23rd Today we have bright clear weather but cold wind about 11 o'clock we had a very sharp hailstorm and rainy at times the rest of the day Sunday 24th It is so cold today with snow Some are playing at snowballing Monday 1st Nov. weather is lovely the cold quite gone the sun shining bright the water's smooth as Fairford brook and the Hankow glides along like a steamer on the Thames.

The Hankow 1336 built 1873, was 3,594 gross tons, length 389ft x beam 42.1ft, 1337 clipper bows, one funnel, three masts (rigged for sail), iron hull, single screw, speed 12 knots. She was launched on 7 th October 1873. From 1880 she was operated by the AngloAustralasian Steam Navigation Co. From 4th Sep. 1886 to 20th Nov. 1890 she served on the London - Melbourne - Sydney run.

An earlier s.s. Hankow, from The Illustrated London News, 1861, similar to the description of the Hankow which took the Greenings to Sydney in 1886

1336

theshipslist.com/ships/descriptions/ShipsH.html Web page cites North Star to Southern Cross by J.M.Maber; Merchant Fleets, vol.21 by Duncan Haws; Wilh.Wilhelmsen by B. Kolltveit & M. Crowdy.

James Greening diarised on Tuesday 19th Oct.: She is 418 feet long by 42 across
1337

417

Some of the fowls, ducks, geese, pigs and sheep on board the Kankows may have evaded the cooks carving knife en route. Hopefully, the dog survived to stay at its masters side. The cat, if a permanent ships resident, should have flourished keeping the population of rats and mice in check. The birds, presumably pets such as doves or finches, likely saw voyages end safely. Theres no record of where the bees were unloaded nor how they fared. The Greenings final diary entry: We hope to arrive about 11 pm so we were up early, packing up and getting ready for landing, the sight is something splendid coming up the harbour, which is called the prettiest in the world, at 11 pm the Dr. meets us and we have to stay outside the Heads until he goes to Sydney and back as we have had sickness and he cannot give us a clean bill of health at 4 pm he returns and there is a general hurrah as he says all clear and we sail away for the warfs [sic.] getting there about 5 pm to find Mr Brown[?] waiting since 9 this morning, he is very pleased to see us and we gladly march off to his house were we stay nearly a week and the rest you know. Good Bye. This ended the first lesson.

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COOK ISLANDS RAROONGA, C1862, AN UPDATE

In my Volume III there is a report from the The Argus of 18 June 1861 (p.7c), wherein a short entry mentions a missionary, Mr Buzacott of the John Williams who took one hive to Sydney, bound for the South Sea Islands. In July 2008 I discovered a related report in The Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener, Country Gentleman for 18 Feb 1862. 1338 W. Baines wrote to the Melbourne Argus: When the John Williams was last here, I gave Mr. Buzacot [sic.] 1339 hive, which he took on to Sydney, with the view of getting them on to the South Sea Islands. He wrote to say they got to Sydney all right. It is his intention next year, when the vessel visits that port, to send some on to the islands, and I hav v confidence that the experiment will be successful. Given the 1861 Argus report and the Country Gentleman retrospective report of 1862, the phrase next year most likely refers to 1862. A minor indicator of whether or not Buzacott succeeded in taking the hive of bees to Rarotonga, his missionary base in the Cook Islands, was a check of the Cook Islands Biodiversity web site 1340 which shows Apis mellifera forms part of the insect fauna of the islands. The entry in Wikipedia 1341 states Buzacott and family left Rarotonga for New South Wales in 1857 due to his ill health, but he was well enough to travel by ship from Melbourne to Sydney in 1861 and may well have dispatched his hive on the John Williams as planned. He died in September 1864 and was buried in Sydney.

1338

University Library of Canberra holds copies of this journal: Description 87 v. : ill. ; 27 cm. Publ. Date New ser., v. 1, no. 1 (Apr. 2, 1861)-v. 38, no. 1004 (June 24, 1880) ; 3rd ser., v. 1, no. 1 (July 1, 1880)-v. 49, no. 1279 (Dec. 29, 1904) Local Note AUC vol.1-v.38 1861?-1880 clough SB403 S13. Refer web page http://webpac.canberra.edu.au/record=b1140794 Further research into its contents may prove productive. 1339 Reverend Aaron Buzacott 1340 cookislands.bishopmuseum.org/ 1341 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaron_Buzacott

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Revd. Aaron Buzacott

CALIFORNIA The shipment of bees for California and Oregon has been a brisk business, 1860
Under the heading Bees for California, the Cultivator 1343 reported The shipment of bees for California and Oregon has been a brisk business for a few months past. One hundred dollars a stock - the price paid - for good ones, has sent out a host of speculators. Our valley of the Mohawk has furnished a goodly share. From between Utica and Schenectady there have been sent off over one thousand hives. M. QUINBY & Co., St. Johnsville, furnished five hundred and twenty-two. The greatest number shipped at any one time, was the 5 th Jan. A loss of from fifty to eighty per cent attended the first attempts, mostly for want of room and ventilation in the hot climate they passed through. A sheet of wire cloth was simply tacked over the bottom of the hive to confine the bees, and resulted in destroying the most of them by heat and suffocation. An approved and more successful mode now, is to make a box or cage of wire cloth large enough to hold nearly all the swarm, and put it over the bottom or top of the hive.
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Subtitled a monthly journal for the farm and the garden, devoted to agricultural and rural improvement, and designed to improve the soil and the mind. Vol. VIII, Luther Tucker and Son, Albany, N.Y. 420

When the interior of the hive becomes too warm, most of the bees will leave and come out into this box, where they are much more comfortable, as the air can freely circulate through it. They are placed on the upper deck of the ship, and at the same time kept as much as possible from the light. It would seem that an effort is being make [sic.] to extend this trade into other quarters; Mr. Q., we understand, has filled an order recently for some to go to South America. (p.79)

QUEENSLAND From London for Brisbane via Sydney, Jan. 1888

An unknown Brisbane importer received a hive of bees which came from London on the R.M.S. Oroya and was trans-shipped in Sydney to the S.S. Fitzroy for its journey north to Moreton Bay. The bees may have been Italians or exotics such as Egyptians or Caucasians. The Brisbane Courier for 2 January 1888 reported: Captain J.E. Meaburn reports that the S.S. Fitzroy, left Sydney at 5.30 pm on the 30th December; passed Crowdy Head at 8.10 am on the 31st; passed Smoky Cape at 1.58pm; entered Moreton Bay at 2.10pm on the 1st instant, and arrived at the wharf at 6.40 pm. Experienced fresh north-east winds and sea and rainy weather throughout the voyage. She brings the following foreign cargo:- ... ex Orient Companys steamer Oroya, 1344 from London - 1 package bees,

R.M.S. Oroya

S.S. Dorundas cholera bees, Moreton Bay, Jan. 1886

When cholera infected passengers were identified aboard the R.M.S. Dorunda before its arrival at Moreton Bay, Queensland, in mid
1344

Image from State Library of Tasmania. Refer http://catalogue.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/item/?id=*PSNCRO99000

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December 1885, health authorities decided to place all aboard ship in quarantine at Peel Island. Swept up in the safety procedure were some hives of bees consigned to a Mr. Spry, a commercial beekeeper near Brisbane.

S.S. Fitzroy 1345

S.S. Dorunda, rounding Kangaroo Point on Brisbane River, c1892 1346

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Built 1883. Image from http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm The Fitzroy 869 gross tons, 504 net. Lbd: 209'5" x 28'0" x 18'6". Steel steamship compounded engine of 180 nhp. Built by J Key & Sons, Kinghorn as a passenger vessel for the ASN Co's Queensland trade. Of AUSN Co 1887. Wrecked upon Stockton Beach, near Morna Point, New South Wales 11th December 1897 1346 Image biship.com/logentries3.htm

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The British India Steam Navigation Companys iron steamship Dorunda of 2,977 tons, 350.2ft x 36.4ft x 28ft, was built in 1875 at Dumbarton, Scotland. Of the first class of steamers, the two largest lines in the world are the British India Steam Navigation Company and the Austro-Hungarian Lloyds. at present the steamers owned by each number about seventy-seven and seventy-nine respectively. The British India Company has lately started a line to Brisbane in Queensland via Batavia. Its steamers have until lately been of medium size, but it is now building larger ships. Its vessels are named after Indian towns, etc., and the names are mostly very pretty, as the Merkara, Dorunda, Ellora and others. (pp.287-8) 1347 The bees plight prompted Charles Fullwood, a prominent Brisbane apiarist, to write to the Editor of the Brisbane Courier, wherein it was published on 16 January1886. Sir,-Your subleader this morning re bees in quarantine attracted my attention. Of course, it is well known that I am personally interested in the introduction of foreign races of bees, having very successfully introduced and established the farfamed Ligurians into Queensland. I have nothing whatever of personal interest in the bees brought by Mr. Spry by the Dorunda. Yet I should be very sorry to learn that they were destroyed; for they must have cost him much expense and trouble to get them so far. Still, if the bees may be a source of danger to the inhabitants by introducing disease, they ought not to be allowed to land. This is what I challenge. As a beekeeper who has for many years studied the habits of these insects, and worked among them pretty considerably, I must express my decided dissent to the statements contained in your leader. Allow mo to assert - rather dogmatically, may be - bees are not scavengers. They cannot endure any kind of putrescence. They do not feed on any animal or similar substance. They are particularly clean in their habits, and the most unlikely insect of all I am acquainted with to carry disease germs, unless those germs are to be found in the blossoms of trees and plants, or the water they visit. But should there be any doubt in the minds of the authorities, the destruction of the honey is all that is necessary, and that is really not needed, seeing that it is most unlikely that a single particle of the small quantity they have in store will come
1347

Preble, Geo. Henry (1883) A Chronological history of the origin and development of steam navigation. L.R. Hamersley & Co., Philadelphia

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into human consumption. I understand Mr. Spry has brought some of the most valuable strains of bees to be found in Europe or Asia, and believed to be the most suitable for this climate. I hope they will not be injured. Chas. Fullwood, 15 Jan. 1886 (p.3) The article to which Fullwood so strenuously objected appeared in the Brisbane Courier, 15 January 1886: We are informed that among the passengers by the Dorunda, and placed in quarantine with them, were a number of bees. Now, it is pretty well known that bees are about as indefatigable in the collection and distribution of germs of all kinds as any known agents. It is therefore by no means unlikely that these industrious insects, while foraging about Peel Island, may have managed to convey back to their hives along with their store of pollen whatever of these dangerous germs they may have encountered on their way. Besides, though it may not be generally known, bees are great scavengers and frequently infest sewage and all kinds of refuse for the sake of obtaining saline particles, which particles the curious may observe on the comb by means of a microscope. Under these circumstances it is evidently advisable, in the interests of the public health, that the hives and combs should be destroyed. With regard to the bees themselves it seems a pity to adopt such a summary measure when the trouble and expense that has been bestowed upon them is taken into consideration, but if the queens are saved that will probably satisfy the owner. In the same issue of the Brisbane Courier: The following account of the voyage of the R.M.S. Dorunda, Captain N. R. Sayers, has been kindly forwarded to us:- left Gravesend on 20th October with 24 saloon passengers and 283 statute adult emigrants. Had a very fine run across the Bay of Biscay down the Mediterranean to Malta, at which port we arrived on the 29th October at 7 a.m. After taking coals and water proceeded to Port Said, where we arrived on the 2nd November, and entered the Canal the same day as far as the first station, where the ship was detained eighteen hours owing to the grounding of the s.s. Eden Hall. While at anchor in the Bitter Lakes a concert was given by the emigrants, assisted by the saloon passengers and some passengers from the s.s. Port Victor visited us and helped in the concert, which went off with great eclat, 1348 and was fully appreciated by all. We got clear of Suez to date, and had a very cool
1348

enthusiastic approval

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run down the Red Sea to Aden, which was reached on the 9th November: had to wait for the arrival of the P. and O. Company's s.s. Sutlej, which arrived forty-eight hours late, and immediately on getting the mails we started for Batavia.

S.S. Dorunda, docked at Port Said, near the entrance to the Suez Canal 1349

The run across the Indian Ocean was exceedingly fine. [then passed through the] Straits of Sunda arrived at Batavia on the 27th November, and left the same day for Thursday Island via Banjoewangie; arrived at Thursday Island on the night of the 6th instant, where we had to wait for medical inspection till the next morning. This took some time, for each passenger was examined separately; after which we went alongside the bulk [hulk?] Star of Peace to discharge cargo. Left Thursday Island on the 7th at 2 p.m., and proceeded through Torres Straits under pilotage charge of Captain F. Binstead. Arrived at Cooktown at 10 am on the 9th December. Here we were again examined by the medical officer of the port. Landed mails, passengers, and cargo, and left the same afternoon at 3 p.m. All had gone well till leaving Cooktown, when several of the emigrants were taken seriously ill. One died the same evening, and two more before arriving at Townsville; this being reported to the health officer, who, after consulting with the doctor of the ship, decided to place the vessel in quarantine. 11th December received orders to proceed to Moreton Bay, where we arrived on the 14th, and awaited till the following day, When we were ordered to the
1349

Image from State Library of Queensland

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Quarantine Station at Peel Island, where passengers were landed, and a portion of the crew to attend upon them. The ship is now being fumigated, and all fittings, bedding, &c, belonging to the emigrants destroyed.

Some of the passengers accommodation on Peel Island 1350

1350

From Peel Island, a brief history, by Peter Ludlow: As on board ship accommodation for passengers and crew was strictly segregated according to class. Saloon passengers occupied the largest building to the south. Next came the officers' quarters, doctor's quarters, and female steerage passengers. Crew and male steerage passengers slept in tents.

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Dorunda in quarantineofft Peel Island 1351

The Brisbane Courier for 17 December reported a total of 10 fatalities during the voyage. On arrival in Moreton Bay there remained three dangerous cases. They too succumbed. The Brisbane Courier reported the infected ship steamed round the island at half speed, and anchored between the Quarantine Station and Bird Island. She was flying the yellow flag on her mainmast, and an ensign at halfmast on the ensign stall indicated that more deaths had occurred. 1352 Once the bustling activity of taking the passengers and their immediate luggage ashore was achieved, how, I wondered, did the hives of bees follow? I originally surmised that one crew member must have taken pity on the bees. They would otherwise have had to remain on board during a typically hot Queensland Summer for at least two to three weeks while the passengers served out their quarantine. The bees had already been confined for two months at the latest since the ships departure from England on the 20th October. With the captains permission, I thought, the hives must have been lowered by derrick into a ships boat 1353 waiting alongside, the boat rowed ashore, the hives unloaded a two man job then carried to a
1351 1352

users.bigpond.net.au/pludlow/peelhist.htm Brisbane Courier, 16 Dec. 1885, p.3 1353 At this time the ships boats were put to many uses, including the carriage ashore of passengers, ships stores and passengers luggage. Eg., refer Brisbane Courier, 16 Dec. 1885, p.3; 17 Dec. 1885, p.3

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site close by but above the high tide mark. The hive entrances, likely closed by a strip of perforated zinc sheet the same material meat safes were made of would have been peeled away to allow the bees to fly free. They could then cleanse themselves and commence to collect pollen and nectar.

Peel Island quarantine station from the Dorunda 1354

I pursued my research to discover that one of the saloon passengers was a Mr. A. Spry, 1355 coincidentally possessing the same surname as the bees consignee. I also found in the Brisbane Courier for 21 Jan. 1886: There will be on view to-day, in the window of Mr. Hislop's furniture shop, a series of over a dozen photographs taken at Peel Island by Mr. Woodford, F.R.G.S., and Mr. A. Spry with the apparatus sent down from Brisbane by Mr. Courtenay Spry. [yet another Spry !] These comprise views of the various houses and tents which form the Quarantine Station, groups of the immigrants by the Dorunda, and general views of the surroundings. Some of them are very well executed, and Mr. Spry should have no difficulty in disposing of them, particularly as his solo object is to obtain by this means some addition to the Dorunda Relief Fund. 1356 I thought it highly likely the two Peel Island images above originated from Messrs. Woodfords and Sprys photography. I then searched for evidence of Sprys beekeeping activities in Queensland. I found little, however, the following two clues assist. A very excellent sample of honeycomb and honey [was] brought into
1354 1355

Centre foreground are two of the Dorundas boats Brisbane Courier, 16 Dec. 1885, p.3 1356 A charitable fund intend to ease the cost of the passengers confinement and loss of possessions while in quarantine. Quote from Brisbane Courier, 21 Jan. 1886, p.4

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town a few days ago. The honey was the produce of Italian bees working in hives at the farm of Mr. Spry at Cooper's Plains. 1357 And in the Brisbane Courier for 21 August 1884, within a lengthy description of an unidentified agricultural show: Two of the most interesting exhibits in the exhibition are those in connection with bee culture. Messrs. Spry Bros., of Flowerdale Bee Farm, Rockywaterholes, xlv display two hives of pure Italian bees, where the visitor can see the busy insects at work. They also have tempting glasses of honey, congealed, in comb, and extracted. (p.5) A final clue - confirmation that Courtney 1358 Spry was a beekeeper at his Flowerdale apiary comes from a web site on the history of the Moorooka area of Brisbane. xlvi So, it appeared one member of the Spry family xlvii had accompanied the hives of bees from London, another somehow supplied the camera to his quarantined relative. It logically follows that it was the Dorunda Spry who had sponsored the unloading of the hives. I surmised he may have photographed them once they were settled on shore. I subsequently discovered that it was Courtney Sprys son whod been quarantined. 1359

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Brisbane Courier, 1 Jan. 1883, p.4 From Wikipdeia: Coopers Plains is an outer suburb of Brisbane, Australia. It is 13 km south-west of the CBD. 1358 Here spelt Courtney rather than Courtenay 1359 The Brisbane Courier for 21 Dec. 1885 reported The Otter left for Peel Island on Saturday morning, conveying fresh provisions and other requisites for the people in quarantine. Amongst other things she took some fresh beef, and two cows placed on board by Mr. Courtney Spry. Mr. Spry's son writes from Peel Island that there is plenty of grass there to support four cows, and it has been suggested that the Government should send down two more.

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A view of Flowerdale Apiary showing the work shed Some eighty hives may be counted before the house and work shed.

On entry into Moreton Bay three passengers remained in danger but only one survived. One body, rowed ashore by ships boat, was buried near the quarantine station and another was interred at nearby Mud Island. 1360 Close to the end of the passengers confinement - The passengers certainly did appear to be in excellent spirits. This was probably due to the fact that they were now about to quit the infected ship in which no fewer than twelve of their number had breathed their last. The surviving passengers, officers and crew were released from Peel Island and all had disembarked at Brisbane by the evening of Saturday 16th January 1886. 1361 The bees fate was not recorded. I suspect the younger Mr. Spry, after all his trouble and expense, as a minimum, found a way to save the queen bees.

1360 1361

Brisbane Courier, 16 Dec. 1885, p.3 Refer fopia.org.au/documents/Poster-Dorunda.pdf Also Brisbane Courier, 18 Jan. 1886, p.5

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Another view of the Spry brothers Flowerdale Apiary xlviii

An 1887 print of A Queensland Apiary fsourced from The Illustrated London News The similarities are more than striking and it can be no other than the Sprys Flowerdale Apiary

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WESTERN AUSTRALIA Rev. William Horsfall, Roebourne bees head for Singapore
Fifty-one years after Rev. William Cottons failed attempt in December 1841 to take hives of bees from England to New Zealand, another reverend gentleman, Rev. William Horsfall, in December 1892, sought to take a hive of bees from Roebourne, Western Australia, to Singapore. There are some parallels between their experiences, as well as distinct convergences. Both Horsfall and Cotton were fascinated by bees since childhood. The former wrote From childhood I have taken a deep interest in bees, and I was just getting successful at keeping them two years ago, when I left England for the tropics. (British Bee Journal, 1893 p.78) From the Preface of Cottons My Bee Book (p.xlix) published 1842 I have been a Bee-keeper four-and-twenty years; my first liking for it was given to me by my kind father reading to me a translation of the fourth Georgic of Virgil His first interest in bees developed from around the age of 5 years. His Virgil inspired attempt to kill a cow thus to prepare for the generation of a swarm of bees 1362 was thwarted my cow-killing propensities were divulged abroad, and the matter was compromised, and the cows life spared, by the gift of a stock of Bees. (pp.li-lii) Horsfall celebrated his 30th birthday just a month before his departure for Singapore in December 1892. Cotton departed for New Zealand in December 1841, his 29th birthday was just over a month away. Neither Anglican gentlemans hive(s) of bees were to survive their intended voyages. Both planned to take up beekeeping again. Horsfall wrote I shall try Syria, or some other country nearer home for my operations. (BBJ, 1893, p.78) Cotton was more anxious to acquire some bees and during the missionary partys layover in Sydney in May 1842 he visited several beekeepers seeking the gift of some hives. 1363 From his journal entry for Monday 24 October 1842 written at the Bay of Islands: I have many stocks, from kind friends of Sydney, ready to come the first opportunity. On 21 April 1843 he wrote home from the Bay of Islands almost a year after his arrival in New Zealand My
1362 1363

See An experiment of the generation of bees, My Bee Book, p.354 William Charles Cotton, Grand Bee Master of NZ , (p.37)

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Dear Arthur, my brother and my Godson, I hope to have some bees sent over to me from friends in Sydney, where they prosper most wonderfully. On Friday 7 July 1843 he noted that the Shamrock was to sail the following day for Sydney. I also sent a note to Mrs McArthur of Parramatta begging her to fulfil [sic.] her promise of sending me some Bees. During 1891 Horsfall had acted as a missionary chaplain for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in the diocese of Singapore, located in the Province of Wellesley on the Malay Peninsula (Bukit Tengali - Penang) in the Straits Settlement. 1364 While in Singapore hed planned to source some hives of bees from England and thence to commence a commercial apiary, however, his posting to Australia forestalled that enterprise. Horsfalls outward voyage took him from Singapore to Fremantle, presumably aboard the S.S. Australind which routinely serviced those ports, and then some 1480 klm north to the port of Cossack which provided access to his Anglican post at Roebourne some 12 klm away. Following the end of his Australian assignment and bound for Singapore, Horsfall documented the fateful voyage of his hive of bees and subsequently sent his account to the British Bee Journal. Titled Bees in the Tropics, his story began with: We have just received the following letter from the Rev. W. Horsfall, which will no doubt interest many of our readers:- On board the S.S. Australind ... I often wondered, while living in the Straits, if bee-keeping on scientific lines could be successfully carried out there. Could I depend on getting bees safely shipped all the way from England? I believe that had I remained in the Straits I should by now have accomplished the introduction of the Apis Liguria; but, unfortunately, after residing there for fifteen months, I left the place, and took up my residence in Western Australia the tropical part of it. Since leaving Penang I have by inquiry and study become convinced that Penang (and the Malay Peninsula) is a splendid field for the tropical bee-keeper. A temperature never exceeding ninety in the shade, and a large and varied flora, are in favour of bees prospering there if properly managed.
1364

From answers.com - A former British crown colony comprising parts of the southern and western Malay Peninsula and adjacent islands, including Singapore.

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The place in Australia, to which I departed from Penang, was within the tropics, the line of latitude 20 being just above it. The name of the township is Roebourne. I found there were no bees here. There were none in the colony further north than Geraldton. 1365 I found that this part of Western Australia possessed a dry but frightfully hot climate. For eight months in the year we had simply to live and endure as well as we could. It was no uncommon thing for the thermometer in the shade to range from 120 to 130 degrees. We had calmly to put up with hot scorching winds, sand-storms, and westerly gales. The country around was devoid of beauty sandy plains and rocky mountains alternating. There was very little vegetation either, and how the sheep lived was a mystery to me. There was a dried-up watercourse near the town, where gum-trees and wattles grew in some profusion. The question which occurred to me was, could bees thrive in a country like this? (BBJ, p.195) On arrival in Perth and after presenting letters testimonial to the Bishop from the Bishop of Singapore, Labuan and Sarawak, Horsfall proceeded to take up his position of locum tenens, 1366 Holy Trinity Church, Roebourne, in May 1892. Arrival at his Anglican posting was announced in the West Australian, Wednesday 20 April 1892 arrived here by the S.S. Australind, 1367 and commenced his parochial duties last Sunday. (p.5) Legal recognition of his appointment appeared in the West Australian Government Gazette for 19 May 1892: Registrar General's Office Perth, 14th May, 1892: It is hereby notified, for general information that the Reverend W. Horsfall, a Clergyman of the Church of England, residing at Roebourne, has been this day duly registered in this office for the Celebration of Marriages in the Colony of Western Australia. 1368 The West Australian for Wednesday 7
1365

Around 430 klm north of Perth and by road today to Roebourne is a distance of 1140 klm. 1366 someone (physician or clergyman) who substitutes temporarily for another member of the same profession 1367 Australind, 1018 gross tons, 544 net. Lbd: 224' 8" x 32' x 14' 6.5". Iron steamship built in Glasgow. From 1887 West Australian S N Co., single screw, triple expansion engine. Worked the Fremantle - Singapore service in a twice monthly passenger-cargo capacity taking in many of the smaller Australian west coast ports along the way. 1368 The West Australian, 20 May 1892, (p.3), The Rev. W. Horsfall (Church of England) Roebourne, has been registered for the celebration of marriages.

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September 1892 languidly announced some four months later The Rev. W. Horsfall, from Singapore, has taken Mr. Metcalfe's place for a time at Roebourne. (p.2)

Horsfalls story continued in the British Bee Journal I had been here about three months when I was attacked with typhoid fever, and on recovery I went to Perth, the capital, to recruit my strength. I had now made up my mind to return to the Straits as soon as I could conveniently give up my appointment at Roebourne. A line of steamers run between Fremantle (the port of Perth) and Singapore. So I determined to buy a hive of bees, take them with me to Roebourne, and then afterwards go on to Singapore. I secured my bees, a fine stock of hybrids. I was most lucky in getting them safely shipped as far as Roebourne. At various ports of call 1369 on the way I would let
1369

Fremantle to Geraldton by road is some 451 klm; then to Gascoyne [River] Carnarvon, 481 klm; to Cossack 681 klm (around a day and a half sailing) although the sea distances would be marginally longer, then 14 klm overland to Roebourne. Cossack to Roebuck Bay (Broome) is approx 788 klm by road; to Derby requires a lengthy parabolic cruise to the NNE then back along a SSE track. Another possible port along the north west coast was Sharks Bay, approx. 800 klm north of Perth. Singapore to Derby takes 9 days sailing. (The West Australian, 25 July 1896, p.4. Captain H. Talboys reports that the steamer Australind left Singapore at 9.30p.m. on July 4, and arrived at Derby at 3 p.m. on the 13th. She left again at 5 p.m. the same date, and having touched at Broome on the 15th, Cossack 17th, Ashburton 18th and Carnarvon 19th, the vessel reached Geraldton at midnight on the 21st. The voyage was continued at 2 p.m. on the 22nd, Fremantle being reached at 7.30 p.m. on the following day.) At a speed of 12 knots such a steam ship would

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them out if the day was perfectly calm, and, as the ship always stayed until dusk, I then secured them without loss.

S.S. Saladin, took Horsfall south from Cossack to Fremantle

The West Australian, Friday 15 July 1892 announced The Rev. W. Horsfall, who is convalescent after an attack of typhoid, has proceeded South by the Saladin. 1370 Roebourne is now left without a minister of the Gospel. It is rumoured that the vestry cannot see their way to guarantee the salary of a successor. (p.5) His return to Cossack - Roebourne was recorded in the West Australian, Monday 29 August 1892 The S.S. Australind, 1011 tons, [Captain] Henry Talboys, sailed from Fremantle for Singapore, via usual ports on Sunday. [28th August] Passengers for Geraldton ; for Gascoyne ; for Cossack: Rev. W. Horsfall and Mr. Adams; for Roebuck Bay, a Trappist priest and a brother. (p.4) In December 1892 Horsfall was present at a Vestry meeting held at the Rectory, Roebourne. He was handed a cheque for 20 1371 as reimbursement for his expenses during his service there. 1372

cover some 460 klm in 24 hours. From the sailing dates published in The West Australian, 17 August 1892, (p.4) its about 12 sailing days from Cossack to Singapore. 1370 The S.S. Saladin (the second by that name) built in 1890 by Thomas B Royden & Co. at Liverpool had a tonnage of 1874 grt, a length of 254ft 7in, a beam of 38ft 2in and a service speed of 10 knots. Owned by Alfred Holt & Co., she was operated under an agreement with the West Australia Steam Navigation Co. for the Singapore - Batavia - Fremantle service and was registered at Fremantle. 1371 Together, the steamships Australind, Saladin and the Sultan were described as these magnificient steamers, with passenger accommodation unequaled on the Coast, trade between Singapore and Fremantle, calling at all ports on the North-West Coast of Western Australia, leaving alternately about every eighteen days. Had Horsfall wanted to return to London via Singapore,

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Horsfalls sojourn in Western Australia lasted a little over eight months. In the West Australian for Saturday 3 December 1892 The Rev. W. Horsfall leaves here [Roebourne] for Singapore by the upward trip of the Australind. (p.3) The Anglican Synod report in the West Australian for Wednesday 18 October 1893 belatedly reported the Rev. B. 1373 [sic.] Horsfall who was in temporary charge at Roebourne left the diocese for other fields of labour. (p.6) Cottons residence in New Zealand was somewhat longer, it spanned the years 1842 to 1847. The novelty of bees in Roebourne was very strange. The residents said they would never thrive. But didnt they! They gathered quantities of good honey (it was the winter season when I introduced them) from the numerous flowers then in bloom. I sold the honey to the residents for 1s. 1d. [per pound] and 2s. per section. Good, eh? They also swarmed, but the swarm (as I opine) came out when I was from home, and betook itself to the trees in the watercourse. However, the bees which swarmed are there now, and will, I have no doubt, prosper and increase, to the great advantage of the settlers. (p.195b) ... It was during September that I brought the bees to Roebourne. About Christmas-time I was to leave once more for Singapore. The season was then frightfully hot. One fearful scorching day the bees came out in thousands, and lay as if dead or frozen. They, however, recovered. I also gave them more ventilation, but not once did the combs give way. I think that bees know how to adapt their comb to the climate in which they live. And now I come to a sad history which I fain not reveal. I packed my bees for transit to Singapore, 1377 but after a week on board the
his cheque for 20 would have bought him around 2/3 of the fare, being 31 10s for Saloon class to Singapore followed by Intermediate class on to London. Refer slwa.wa.gov.au/pdf/battye/pods/1897/0269.pdf 1372 Meeting minutes supplied by Valerie Maas of the Local History Office, Shire of Roebourne, Karratha, WA. 1373 Horsfall departed W.A. for Singapore in Dec. 1892. 1377 His report On board the s.s. Australind, proceeding to the Straits Settlements, December 28th 1892 was published in the British Bee Journal, Feb 23, 1893 I fastened them up We brought them on board last Wednesday (December 21st ), and they seemed to be getting on all right until yesterday (p.78a)

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steamer they died. The reasons: too crowded - ergo, insufficient ventilation; improper packing, for want of better knowledge; the heat of the atmosphere, &c. I make this miserable confession very reluctantly, but I lost my bees. Alas! alas! (p.204b, 205a) I take the blame to myself. I nailed over the entrance a piece of perforated zinc, and also I nailed a sheet of zinc over the frames. It had occurred to me to pack half of the frames in a separate box, thus giving each a lot of frames [and therefore] more ventilation. But I could not manage this very well, owing to my hurried departure. (BBJ, 25 May 1893, p.205a) The captain of the steamer [Henry Talboys] was very inconsiderate. He would on no account allow me to have the bees in the aft part of the vessel where there was plenty of shade, but insisted on them being in a place where they were always liable to have the sun shining on them, owing to the awning being taken down from time to time on account of the wind. The hold was too close and impure for the bees to stand it, 1378 so I was a little helpless. The captain very rudely declared that overboard they should go if only one person was stung. Of course, there was no danger of this, as the bees were too securely packed. The bees paid the price for Talboys intransigence: After about a weeks sailing something went decidedly wrong - the entrance, I noticed, was choked with dead bees, while the honey was dropping from the hive bottom to the deck. I opened the hive, when the surviving bees, all soiled and bedragled, rushed out. There was a fearful stench proceeding from them. I did not see a queen. The frames were full of pollen, honey, ... (p.78a) Just over half a century earlier, Cotton had deposited his dairy cloth wrapped hives on the deck of the sailing ship Tomatin before its departure from London for Plymouth, giving the sailors strict directions not to knock them about, assuring them that if left alone they would molest nobody. His route from Plymouth (most of the way without bees) was via Sydney, and after a layover on to Auckland and then the Bay of Islands. Back to Horsfalls sorry tale: My object had been to take the bees to the Straits as an experiment, see how they worked, if likely to be
1378

British Bee Journal, 5 Jan. 1893, p.205

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successful, and so on. Everything likely to prove favourable, I intended to import colonies from Italy and England, and set up a tropical apiary and make bees the business of my life. I failed in my attempt ignominiously, and then gave up any more thought of it. I left Singapore for Java and Queensland, en route for New Zealand. In Queensland I found that bees had been introduced into New Guinea, xlix 1379 Normanton, Port Darwin, Thursday Island, and into some of the Pacific Islands. 1380 Queensland is the ideal country for bees. A second attempt to introduce bees into the Straits might be successful, but I have not the means to do it now, so I must content myself by going to New Zealand, where I could get employment in my own profession, and then, after a sojourn there make one more attempt to carry out my scheme. So at present it is in abeyance. While in New Zealand 1381 I shall make progress in apiculture, and learn all I can in order to be better able to carry out my plans. All bee-keepers are learners, or if not, then they are unsuccessful and glaring failures. (p.205a) One theory on the fate of Cottons bees has the hives, insecurely lashed to the deck, suffering severe jostling, resulting in irrepairable damage to the hives internals, the escape of some bees, sailors being stung, ending with the hives being thrown overboard. Volume one of Cottons journals covers his voyage aboard the Tomatin from Plymouth to Sydney between 26 December 1841 and 14 April 1842. Unfortunately, he made no diary entries regarding the loss of his bees, nor did he ever publically explain their loss. A method for avoiding critical overheating of the hive on crossing the Equator, one that, if adopted, may have avoided the loss of Horsfalls bees, was proposed in Cottons My Bee Book of 1842. Its unclear if Cotton actually put this method into operation, but its doubtful given the limited supply of fresh water aboard any sailing ship of the time.
1379

Crane (1999) records the earliest date known for introduction of Apis m. ligustica into New Guinea was in 1948. (p.366a) Crane has no record of introduction of Apis m.mellifera. 1380 Apart from Norfolk Island the earliest dates provided by Crane (1999, p.365) for the Pacific Islands are Rarotonga (Cook Is.) by 1890; Niue 1952 from NZ; New Caledonia (A.m.l) by 1902; and Fiji by 1924 (A.m.l) 1381 Horsfall was in Auckland by 30 March 1893 for his dated letter containing this text was published in the BBJ, p.205, 25 May 1893

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In order to give myself every chance of getting some Bees, at least, safe to New Zealand, I am not going to confine myself to the ice method alone, but I shall try to keep one or two stocks cool by means of evaporation. ... The Hive is placed on a board resting on springs, that the motion of the ship may not disturb the Bees. ... A wall of water entirely surrounds the Hive. Fresh water is perpetually running in from the double case in which the Hive is placed, from the ships cistern. The two cylinders of zinc, in which the Hive is placed, are open at the top, so that the water is exposed to the open air. A piece of rag, which will suck up the water, is laid between the two zinc cylinders. This will conduct the water on to the top of the Hives; evaporation will be always going on, and, as I believe, will keep the Hive so cool that the Bees will remain asleep. A few cinders will be also poured in between the Hive and the cylinder, to keep the Bees quite quiet. A pipe also will be fitted to the T [top] hole to supply them with air, just as I did to those in the hogshead . (My Bee Book, pp.261-362) Horsfalls subsequent career saw him residing at Paparoa, north of Auckland, between early 1893 and 1894, then on the government list of officiating clergy within New Zealand. Between April 1894 and 1896 he preached at the Anglican Church at Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, followed by service at the principal government college 1388 at
1388

Web page anglicanhistory.org/oceania/patchwork1948/ states Rev. W. Horsfall was Principal of the Tongan College in 1897

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Nukualofa, Friendly Islands (Tonga) 1389 to June 1898. From July 1899 to 1938 he served at various dioceses in England. Evidence of Horsfalls continued interest in bees is documented by his July 1900 contribution to a discussion in Gleanings in Bee Culture on the subject of sending bees to India. There should be no difficulty whatever in taking bees from England to India. A better time than October, when the English bee activities ... 1390 Its unknown if he kept bees again. He never made it to Syria. He died in December 1942 aged 80. 1391 Cotton never returned to NZ. He died in 1879. Had Cotton and Horsfall ever had occasion to meet Im sure they would have found much to reminisce over.

Golden Italians in the Goldfields, 1899

Strong evidence exists supporting the first successful introduction of honeybees to Western Australia was achieved between 1841 and 1846. 1392 To date Ive not located any records which relate when the Italian honeybee Apis mellifera ligustica was first introduced into WA. However, one instance is documented in the Coolgardie Miner for 3 February 1899. (p.4g) Sundays coach furnished ample evidence of how Norseman is advancing (says the Times), 1393 for it
1389

From Crane, Eva (1999) The world history of beekeeping and honey hunting: There are records of honey hunting in Tonga in 1968 see table 36.3a on page 365. Web page spc.int/rahs/Projects/Apiculture1E.htm states European missionaries probably first introduced honey bees into the Pacific in the mid 19th century. Early attempts to establish national apiculture industries were largely unsuccessful until the 1970s when projects were initiated in Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Fiji. A little trivia: From 1975-79 the Tongan 20 seniti (cent) coin bore a bee hive on its reverse. Other coins pictured a cow, fish and a pig. 1390 (BBJ, p.560). The remainder of this discussion awaits my access to a 1900 copy of Gleanings. I located this snippet via Google Book Search. (p.560) 1391 Blain, Fr. Michael (2008) Blain Biographical Directory of Anglican clergy in the Diocese of Honolulu, (1862-1902) 2nd ed. Refer anglicanhistory.org/hawaii/blain_directory.pdf. 1392 Refer The Immigrant Bees Volume II 1393 From the Shire of Dundas / Norseman history web site dundas.wa.gov.au/tourism/history.html The first newspaper for the area was printed in October 1895 and followed in January 1896 by the first issue of the Norseman Pioneer. In 1899 the two

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brought the record load of workers. In addition to the 13 passengers of the genus homo there were over 40,000 little Italian workers in charge of Mr W.H.W. Williams, who was returning from his holiday in the East. Mr Williams brought a hive of bees, the first on this goldfield, for Mr Dawson. 1394 They were from the apiary of Mr Fred Meinckie, (sic.) Kapunda, S.A., and therefore they have traveled over 1,800 miles. Mr Meinckie has sent bees by post to all parts of the world, especially America, but this is the record distance for a full swarm. When Mr Williams took the bees out of the box on Monday he found the queen bee laying eggs to make up for the waste of lives made on the journey. Fully 10,000 had died, including all the young in the cells. 1395 The mortality was probably due to the hive being soaked with sea water in the storm that broke on the Rome the first evening and flooded the bees 1396 as well as Mr Williams in their respective berths. As far as can be judged none were killed by crushing, as the manner in which they were packed and provisioned clearly demonstrated that Mr Meincke deserves his reputation as one of the best apiarists in Australia.

were forced to amalgamate to form the Norseman Times, which was circulated bi-weekly. 1394 Ive been unable to find any clues to the identity of Mr Dawson. 1395 Mortality most likely due to being chilled 1396 This suggests the hive was kept on deck but unknown how Mr Williams got soaked as well.

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The coloured original of this image is held by the National Library of Australia. An unusual scene from the late nineteenth century painted by Arthur Esam (1850-1934). Coaches were usually drawn by four horses and carried up to nine passengers, but here five horses pull the Royal Mail stagecoach carrying at least 13 passengers.

Yesterday the bees gathered a quantity of honey from the bushes on the lake, and promise to do well. Mr Williams will take charge of them, and deserves credit for introducing the little workers. It may be mentioned that many years ago he took charge of one of the first three Italian queens introduced into S.A. by the Government, and now he brings their progeny to Norseman.

Port Adelaide to Fremantle on the S.S. Rome

The S.S. Rome, built by Caird & Company, Greenock, was launched on Saturday, 14 May 1881. This 5010 ton, l 430 foot long 1398 iron hulled passenger vessel was owned by the Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company. Likely Australian destinations via the Suez Canal for this passenger / mail ship would have included Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. 1399 She provided accommodation for 187 first class and 146 second class passengers. After a refit in 1892 she had a service speed of 16 knots. Her London Australia services ended in 1903.

From a painting of S.S. Rome 1400

1398 1399

430 ft. x 44 ft. from Gordon, Malcolm R. (1985) nla.gov.au/nla.ms-ms479 Mentions MAURICE, Richard F. G. 22 March 1899 : on board the ship Rome : announcing his coming to Adelaide 1400 A colour image may be viewed at

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The Coolgardie Miner reported the bees traveled a record distance of 1800 miles. Not knowing the exact route taken by Williams and his hive of bees I looked at his travel options in 1899. Two presented themselves: the first, Kapunda 1401 1402 to Adelaide by train (49 miles), 1403 Adelaide to Port Adelaide (9 miles) after changing trains, then by ship from Port Adelaide to Esperance, 1404 a distance of approximately 1356 miles (2183 klm) 1405 then by stagecoach north to Norseman, 127 miles (205 klm), a total of 1530 miles, some 270 miles short of the reported 1800. The second option duplicated the opening stage: Kapunda to Port Adelaide by train; then by ship from Port Adelaide to Fremantle (estimated at 1536 sea miles) 1406, train to Perth (13 miles), train Perth to Kalgoorlie 1407 (369 miles) and finally by stagecoach to Norseman (118 miles): a total of 2094 miles.

clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=15273 1401 By 1860 a railway had been built to Kapunda natrailmuseum.org.au/common/nrm_a01_index.html 1402 endofthelinehobbies.com.au/StrathWeb/HistorySAR.htm The Adelaide to Port Adelaide Railway - opened on 19th April 1856. This transported produce and people to and from Adelaide and the Port. 1403 The fare in 1905 was 7 shillings and four pence. Supplied by Des Egan, Museum Manager, National Railway Museum, Port Adelaide. (pers. comm.. 12 Sept. 2007) 1404 Esperance is located on the south coast of Western Australia, some 730 kilometers (454 miles) south east of Perth. The Port of Esperance was developed in the 1890s when gold was discovered in the Eastern Goldfields. Refer dpi.wa.gov.au/porthandbookwa2005.pdf A study of the map of Australia shows Esperance is approximately due south of Norseman, some 205 klm (127 miles). In todays terms thats about 2 hours 13 minutes travel time by car. I used whereis.com to find the distance by car to use as an approximation of the distance for both land and sea legs. 1405 Ive used whereis.com to find the distance by car to use as an approximation of the distance by sea. 1406 4 days at 16 knots. Pers. comm. Jeffrey Shaw, Australian Trade and Shipping, 10 Sept. 2007 Refer australiatrade.com.au/index.html 1407 transwa.wa.gov.au/Default.aspx?tabid=90 The first passenger rail services to Kalgoorlie began more than 100 years ago when the narrow-gauge line first reached the booming gold town in 1896."

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Another view of the s.s. Rome 1408

Start Leg Kapunda Adelaide Port Adelaide Fremantle Perth Kalgoorlie

Method Train Train Steam Ship Train Train Stagecoach

End Leg Adelaide Port Adelaide Fremantle Perth Kalgoorlie Norseman

Duration 2 hrs. 15 mins. 30 mins. 4 days 30 mins. 12 hrs. 17 hrs. 5 days 8 hours +

Miles 49 9 1536 13 369 118 2094

Again, the final leg was a long road trip for the bees. It seems reasonable to eliminate the Esperance to Norseman leg based as The town of Esperance came into existence in 1893 as a port facility for the Coolgardie goldfield. Its importance was short-lived. The arrival of the railway from Perth to Kalgoorlie in 1896 meant that most miners took the route from the west. The hotels, breweries, stores and guest houses which had sprung up to cater for the miners disappeared overnight. 1411 From a Cobb & Co history web site They had changing stations 25 to 40 kilometers [15 to 25 miles] apart where tired coach horses were replaced with fresh horses. The coaches averaged 10 to 12 kilometers
1408

Photograph from Gordon, Malcolm R. (1985) From Chusan to Sea Princess, the Australian Services of the P&O and Orient Lines . George Allen & Unwin, North Sydney 1411 smh.com.au/news/WesternAustralia/Esperance/2005/02/17/1108500208428.html

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[say 7 miles per hour] over even the longest stages. 1412 The Brisbane Powerhouse Museum web site states The coach traveled quickly over smooth level roads but because of streams without bridges, hill country and sandy plains, their average speed on the majority of routes was only about 6 or 7 miles per hour. 1413 The Kalgoorlie Norseman leg would therefore have taken almost 11 hours plus the time needed for possibly four team changes a tiring journey of as much as fifteen hours. Some storage options for the hive on a stagecoach were available. The Powerhouse Museum Brisbane web site 1414 describes their holding of an 1890 eight passenger coach manufactured by the Cobb and Co. Coach and Buggy Factory, Charleville, Queensland - On top of the roof was a low iron railing for luggage which was also carried in the fore boot under the driver's box seat and the hind boot comprising a hinged wooden platform extending from the body of the coach and suspended by leather straps and chains. Williams, Im sure, would have provided some cushioning for the hive to prevent comb breakdown, possibly placing the hive upon a bed of straw or fresh eucalyptus. From a Eureka Council web site 1415 Although there were coaches in Australia decades before Freeman Cobb came from America to help in founding the coach line that bore his name the name of Cobb has always been inseparably associated with coaching in Australia. The firms driving power and the resourcefulness of its men became legends. Norsemans origins are related by the Shire of Dundas / Norseman history web site In 1894 Laurie Sinclair, whilst prospecting about 4 miles north of Dundas, discovered a rich gold reef which he named Norseman. This reef was registered on the 13th August 1894. In 1899 carriage mail was introduced, being carried by Cobb and Co Coaches. One WA Government web site 1416 provides The gold
1412 1413

cobbandco.qm.qld.gov.au/history/earlydays.asp powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=237786 1414 powerhousemuseum.com/collection/database/?irn=237786 1415 eurekacouncil.com.au/Australian-HistoryHeritage/cobb__co_and_coaching_days.htm

1416

landgate.wa.gov.au/corporate.nsf/web/History+of+country+town+names+-+n

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mining town of Norseman is located in the eastern goldfields, 724 km [450 miles] east of Perth and 206 km [128 miles] north of Esperance. Gold was discovered here in July 1894 by Lawrence Sinclair and his horse Norseman The gold find was named Norsemans Find and most records state that Sinclair named it after his horse, although Sinclair was himself of Norse descent from the Shetland Islands. By January 1895 there were over 200 miners working the goldfields here From a 1996 scientific paper by David Paton, 1417 in the section addressing feral colonies of honeybees: Historical information on the distribution and abundance of feral honeybees in Australia is largely lacking. Feral colonies would have established shortly after the introduction of managed hives and slowly spread away from these sites. How quickly they spread across the Australian mainland is difficult to judge. The distances moved by swarms from a parent colony in other countries varies from as little as 50 m to over 4 km, the distances depending on the race of honeybee and presumably on the availability of resources (Winston 1987). Most swarms, however, settle within 1 km of the parent colony. Given sufficient time feral colonies may have preceded the spread of commercial apiaries into some areas. For example, Manning (1992) states that swarms of honeybees were first seen in the Ravensthorpe area of WA in about 1925 but commercial beekeepers did not start operating in that area until 1930. (p.15) Its likely Ravensthorpes feral bees came from a source other the hives at Norseman, arriving there 26 years previously and some 353 km to the north east.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
R. D. Ross, Aug. 1883 In the American Bee Journal for 25 November 1885 there is irrefutable proof that Kangaroo Islands first Ligurian bees came via
1417

Paton, David C. (1996) Overview of Feral and Managed Honeybees in Australia: Distribution, Abundance, Extent of Interactions with Native Biota, Evidence of Impacts and Future Research. Department of Zoology The University of Adelaide, prepared for the Australian Nature Conservation Agency

environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/bees/pubs/hon eybees-overview.pdf 447

Queensland. From the 1885 report of the South Australian BeeKeepers Association: The Hon. R. D. Ross, who has always taken a deep interest in bee-keeping, when speaking at the annual meeting of the Chamber of Manufacturers, on Aug. 2, 1883, urged the advisability of introducing the Ligurian bee, and pointed out the advantages possessed by this superior variety of the honey-bee. The Chamber promptly took action in the matter, and ordered a colony of these bees from Queensland. They arrived safely in Adelaide in the latter part of November. Several pure colonies were reared from this one, and two of them were sent to Kangaroo Island, where they appear to thrive well. Since then numerous importations of Ligurian bees have been made chiefly from the neighboring Colonies, but latterly bee-keepers have wisely turned their attention to getting the bees direct from Italy. The thanks of bee-keepers are due to Mr. Fullwood, of Queensland, for his energy and perseverance in introducing and distributing Ligurian bees throughout Australia. (pp.741-3)

Fred Meincke, railway carrier & queen bee breeder

A genealogy web site 1418 with a detailed family tree on the Meincke family states Frederick William Meincke was born on 20 December 1859 at Port Adelaide, SA; he died on 31 May 1916 at Kapunda, SA. He was one of 7 children. His father Franz Ludwig Rudolph Meincke, German born, married an English girl from Cornwall at Kapunda in April 1859. Franzs occupations included those of marine pilot, railway porter and carrier. His residences were at Port Adelaide and Kapunda. His fathers obituary, published in The Observer on 15 August 1914, stated his eldest son, Mr Frederick Meincke, was born on the Old Port Lightship 1419 [off Semaphore]. Mr Meincke [snr.] went to
1418

users.bigpond.com/jansquire/meincke/meinckefl16.htm See also users.bigpond.com/jansquire/meincke/desmeincke.htm 1419 Up until the early 1860's a lightship was used to mark the entrance to South Australia's main port at Adelaide. This was not entirely adequate and had long been a source of complaint. (from seasidelights.com.au/au/sa/ptadelaide.asp?fState=SA) Lightships were sometimes used in South Australia before the more durable and more expensive lighthouses were built. The first was anchored near the entrance to the Port River in 1840 - the Lady Wellington, followed by the Courier and then by the Ville de Bordeaux, which served this role from 1848-

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Kapunda in 1855, and afterwards engaged in the carrying trade eventually getting all the Kapunda carrying business into his own hands. During the last 50 years his trollies must have handled 10,000 tons of wheat and 30,000 tons of general merchandise yearly without hitch.

Fred Meincke, likely aged in his early 50s

Supporting text from State Library of SA states The Ville de Bordeaux was a three masted wooden ship of 822 tons, built in 1836 in Bordeaux, France. She had a short career as a French whaler and then as a merchant vessel in Australia. She was seized by Port Adelaide Harbour Master, Robert Torrens, in 1842, in a controversial action, and she never again left Port Adelaide. She was used as a light ship until 1852, when she was used as a coal hulk. In 1865 the hull was broken up but the figurehead, a man wielding a harpoon, can be viewed at the South Australian Maritime Museum. 1420 Fred Meincke was not the sole South Australian queen bee breeder of the time. Australian by birth, Fred shared his German ancestry with August Fiebig, violin maker 1421 and beekeeper, 1422 who migrated
1864 when it was replaced by a lighthouse erected on a platform on piles about 20 feet above high water. (from samemory.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=634#e1602) 1420 travel.webshots.com/album/551617142VsfnlQ?start=12 1421 The manufacture of a violin by A. Fiebig is reported in the Register, 14 October 1889, page 5b; 14 July 1891, page 5c 1422 See my Volume III for more detail on Fiebig, also Bridget Jollys report

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with his family from Silesia to South Australia in 1882. The beginnings of Fiebigs apiary at Hog Bay on Kangaroo Island, with particular emphasis on the rearing of queen bees was reported in the Register on 23 November 1885 (p.5a) 1423

The Port Adelaide lightship Ville de Bordeaux 1424

Freds obituary 1425 appeared in the Observer on 3 June 1916 (page 20c). It omits mention of his beekeeping and queen bee breeding activities, so these must have been a part time activity and a secondary source of income. Kindly provided by staff of the State Library of South Australia here is the complete entry: Mr. F.W. Meincke, the well-known railway carrier at Kapunda, died suddenly at his residence on Tuesday evening. Soon after 5 oclock he was helping to deliver a piano to a Kapunda resident, and complained of feeling unwell. He left the work to the other men, and went home to rest, and in two hours died from heart failure. He was born in the old Port Adelaide lightship in December, 1859. he spent nearly all his life in Kapunda. He has left a widow, four sons, and two daughters. Since the establishment of the Red Cross Society at Kapunda, Mr Meincke
1423 1424

slsa.sa.gov.au/manning/pn/h/h5.htm#hogB A portion of Image B2220, State Library of SA, from G. French Angas water colour. see images.slsa.sa.gov.au/mpcimg/02250/B2220.htm 1425 As advised by http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/manning/pn/k/kapunda.htm history.sa.gov.au/maritime/collections/figureheads.htm Another obituary, unsighted, is reported to have appeared in the Observer, 18 January 1908, page 40b.

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had delivered the societys parcels at the railway station free of charge.

Fred Meincke

South Australian Beekeepers Association

From Bridget Jollys historical paper 1426 Bee breeding: show and tell in the city, the South Australian Beekeepers Association was formed in Adelaide in 1884. 1427 At the first Annual General Meeting of the SABA, in June 1885, the members totaled thirty-nine. The SABA met at the Chamber of Manufactures city rooms (when in Waymouth Street, later at the Jubilee Exhibition Building and in Pirie Street), and sometimes at Register Chambers in those of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society. Its possible Freds among the Mount Barker group, the 49 mile rail journey from Kapunda to Adelaide would have taken about 2 hours. The connection to Mount Barker would have added another 21 miles.

1426 1427

history.sa.gov.au/chu/programs/history_conference/BridgetJolly.pdf A three page report may be found in American Bee Journal for 25 November 1885, pp.741-743

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Men of the S.A. Bee Keepers' Association at Mount Barker in 1887 1428

Fairfield apiary, Mount Barker, 1887

1428

State Library of South Australia, image no. B59542

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SOUTHAMPTON TO GRAHAMSTOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 1875

The Peninsular paddle-wheel steamer Nyanza, 1429 from The Illustrated London News, Dec. 1864

From Alfred Neighbours 1878, The apiary, or bees, bee-hives, and bee culture, the following letter of thanks was reproduced: Grahamstown, 1430 Nov. 3, 1875. Mrs. Mullens is very pleased to inform Messrs. Neighbour and Sons that the stock of Ligurian bees supplied to her on board the Nyanza at Southampton on July 23rd have arrived quite safely. Mrs. Mullens thinks they were exceedingly well packed; they had a trying journey by bullock wagon two days after leaving the sea. They were released from the hive on September 3 rd and appeared weak at first, but began to work in less than an hour. A large number of dead bees was found at the bottom of the hive on opening most likely caused by the boat in which the bees were having water in it. (p.350) From the last sentence it seems the hive was carried in one of the ships boats, three of which may be seen astern of the paddle-wheel. Around this time Neighbour also

1429

The Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Companys passenger liner Nyanza saw service with P&O between 1864 and 1873. Built of iron, 2082 gross tons, 310 ft x 36.2 ft, speed 12 knots, 143 first class and 34 second class passengers, steamed on the Southampton Alexandria service. She had a spar deck with direct and commodious accommodation fore and aft between decks, with large capacity for cargo and mails portal.pohub.com/pls/pogprtl/poghistory.display_document.pdf?p_id=1329 Another vessel by the same name, built 1867, 1834 gross tons, cargo vessel, clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=7608 1430 Wikipedia: Grahamstown is a city in the Eastern Cape Province of the Republic of South Africa.

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successfully sent two hives of Italian bees to Madras, India which arrived safely, and we hear are doing well.

SPAIN TO CUBA AND MEXICO IN THE 17TH CENTURY

This story from George DeClyver Curtis 1948 Bees Ways is a quaint tale, however, I agree with Curtis summation that it could all be true. The geography hangs together as does the Spanish time relationship with Cuba and Mexico. A writer in Western Honey Bee 1431 tells of having read somewhere about the adventurous voyage of a colony of bees. A ship fitting out at Barcelona for a voyage to Cuba and Mexico, in the seventeenth century, was found to have a swarm of bees beneath the upper deck near the bow. The sailors took this for an omen of good luck and did not disturb them. Sure enough, the ship had fair winds and a quick voyage. The chilly weather of the Atlantic at first kept the bees quiet indoors, but when the ship entered warmer waters they began to fly a little every day, never venturing far from the ships bow. 1432 Nearing Cuba a pirate craft was sighted and the crew manned the guns, but their powder had become damp and they could not fire a shot. The pirates fired several times, one shot striking the ships bow. Then they laid their vessel across the bow, standing by to board, but little knowing that they were about to attack a floating beehive. The thud of the two hulls meeting, after the jar of the shot, brought out the infuriated bees, and the pirates found themselves attacked in turn by an entirely new kind of boarders. Cutlasses were useless against these maddened enemies; the pirates staggered about their deck and fell on their faces, horribly stung. Their vessel sheered off in haste, while the ships crew fell on their knees and thanked God for deliverance.

1431

The Western honey bee; devoted to the interests of the beekeepers of the Pacific Coast, was the organ of the California State Beekeepers' Association. Various United States public and university libraries have mixed holdings. Refer worldcat.org for a full list. The UCLA Library advises it was published monthly between April 1913 and June 1930. 1432 Not a unique occurrence: see my story Across the Atlantic to North America min my Volume II;

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When the ship anchored in the port of Santiago, 1433 the bees flew at once toward shore and came back with nectar and pollen from the flowers of Cuba. The sailors noticed that some of them fell in the water, so a clever man rigged a canvas platform for an alighting board. The ship sailed on, 1434 still with fair winds, and reached the coast of Meico. There, at Vera Cruz, 1435 a priest who had a church near shore came on board and asked the captain to let him take the bees so that the missionaries could have some honey with their coarse fare. But the sailors would not hear of parting with their little mascots; they threatened mutiny. Not to make trouble, the good padre left the ship at once. But when he had gone, the bees all swarmed out, 1436 enveloped the ship in a great cloud and then flew to shore, following the padres boat. They clustered on a shrub in his dooryard, and when he provided a cask for them they went in at once. The sailors acknowledged that the bees must have been guided all that long way by the will of Providence; they went ashore and marched in a solemn procession to the house of the padre, who gave them forgiveness and absolution. The story is entirely credible to anyone who knows the way of bees. (pp.178-180) li If it seems improbable that bees should seek a home on a ship then read the extract (see Endnote lii ) from Henry Keppels 1853 A Visit to the Indian Archipelago, in H.M. Ship Maeander, Vol. I.

1433

Santiago de Cuba is the capital city of Santiago de Cuba Province in the south-eastern area of the island nation of Cuba, some 540 miles (869 km) east south-east of the Cuban capital of Havana. 1434 Presumably in the evening or soon after dawn so that no field bees were lost in flight 1435 From Wikipedia: The city of Veracruz is a major port city and municipality on the Gulf of Mexico in the Mexican state of Veracruz. (originally Vera Cruz, Spanish for True Cross. Also The port was harassed by hostile powers and by pirates, who succeeded in pillaging the city in 1653 and in 1712. 1436 If the bees absconded then the entire population would have been on the wing, else a new queen would have been left behind with some half the population. If so, its unlikely the virgin queen could have mated and thus the remains of the colony would have soon died out.

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Dr. Gerstacker, historical sleuth, 1863 Gerstackers lengthy dissertation which follows may appear labyrinthine at times, but I was most impressed with the depth and breadth of his investigative method. His evaluation of evidence, argument between alternatives and weighed conclusions, all impressed me greatly, despite his obvious lack of up to date information on Australia. His paper is an interesting backdrop to the seventeenth century tale of the bees fending off the pirates and the formers settlement at Vera Cruz. Dr. A. Gerstackers 1437 report On the Geographical Distribution and Varieties of the Honey-Bee, with Remarks upon the Exotic Honey-Bees of the Old World appeared in The Annals and Magazine of Natural History: Zoology, Botany, and Geology (Taylor and Francis, Ltd., 1863). After some remarks on the singular fact that, in Africa, which generally exhibits such a remarkable uniformity in its insect- fauna, the geographical distribution and varieties of the Honey- Bee are more complicated than elsewhere, the author proceeds to the consideration of the diffusion of the Bee in America. The American form is identical with the dark-coloured NorthEuropean one. In some American countries, for example, Brazil, the Bee is known to have been introduced from Europe; but it has been questioned whether this applies equally to other regions, such as North America, where the Honey-Bee has existed much longer. With the exception of Olivier (Enc. Me'th. Ins. i. p. 49), who doubted the identity of the American Bee with the European species, the best European entomologists have been in favour of the introduction of this insect from Europe into America. Dr. Gerstacker quotes Latreille (Humboldt, Obs. Zool. p. 299, and Ann. Mus. p. 167.),
1437

St. Fargeau, (Hist. Nat. Ins. Hymen, i. p. 401), Westwood (Introd. ii. p. 285), and Lacordaire (Introd. a l'Entom. p. 543)

On Wikisource an extract from Popular Science Monthly, manufacturer and builder (Vol. 16, No.2, Feb. 1884, p.119) states Dr. Gerstacker, of Berlin is classed as one of the great entomologists of Europe along with Westwood and Curtis, of London; Dr. Signoret, of Paris; Baron d'OstenSacken, of St. Petersburg

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in support of this statement. Latreille states, on the authority of Bosc, that in North America "the savages know that they are in proximity to the possessions of the Anglo-Americans by the presence of the societies of these insects." Among the native American writers the author quotes Thomas Jefferson, who, in his 'Notes on the State of Virginia' (1787, p. 121), speaks as follows:- "The Honey-Bee is not a native of our continent. The Indians concur with us in the tradition that it was brought from Europe; but when, and by whom, we know not. The Bees have generally extended themselves into the country a little in advance of the white settlers. The Indians therefore call them 'the white man's fly and consider their approach as indicating the approach of the settlements of the whites." Prince Maximilian of Wied (Reise in Nord-Amerika, i. p. 180 & ii. p. 346) speaks in similar terms of the introduction of the Honey-Bee into the United States, and adds that "it is now diffused far up the Missouri, and its honey is cut out of the hollow trees by Indians and whites." John Josselyn (Voyage to New England, 1663, p. 120) says, "The Honey-Bees are carried over by the English, and thrive there (in New England) exceedingly;" and Benjamin Smith Barton, in a learned and impartial memoir entitled "An Inquiry into the Question whether the Apis mellifica, or true Honey-Bee, is a native of America" (Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc. iii. pp. 251-261, Philadelphia, 1793), expresses himself decidedly in favour of the introduction of the Bee from Europe, and supports his opinion by the most convincing proofs. Authors have not been wanting, however, especially among the North Americans, who have endeavoured to give their country the credit of the original possession of so valuable an insect as the Bee. The arguments of Van der Heuvel, in his memoir "On American HoneyBees" (Silliman's Journal, iii. pp. 79- 85, 1821), already sufficiently refuted by Brun (Bienenzeitung, 1858, pp. 37-44), are evidently chiefly derived from a treatise by a Dr. Belknap, published in 1792, and entitled 'A Discourse intended to commemorate the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus.' An appendix to this latter memoir contains an argument against the European origin of the North American Honey-Bees, supported on the following facts:1. Columbus, on his first return from the Antilles, when threatened with destruction in a storm, inclosed a report of his voyage in a capsule of wax which he obtained at Hispaniola. 457

2. According to Purchas, the Mexicans had to furnish a certain quantity of honey yearly as tribute to their kings, even before the arrival of the Spaniards. 3. Also according to Purchas, when Ferdinand de Soto, in the year 1540, came to Chiaha in Florida, he found amongst the stores of the Indians of that place a pot full of Bees' honey. At this time no Europeans were settled in America, except in Mexico and Peru; whence the author concludes that, before the arrival of Europeans, the Honey-Bee must have existed as far north as Florida. With regard to the first case, as indicated by Barton, the wax used by Columbus might have been obtained from plants, such as Myrica cerifera; but indigenous Honey-Bees of the genera Trigona and Melipona existed in the Antilles 1438 before their discovery by Europeans. Clavigero was acquainted with five Mexican species of Honey-Bees, and we now know at least sixteen; so that the Mexicans could have had no want of honey even before the arrival of Cortez. Thus both the first evidences adduced by Belknap come to nothing. An apparently stronger proof of the early existence of the true HoneyBee in Mexico, which has escaped both Belknap and Barton, is to be found in the work of Hernandez on New Spain (Franc. Hernandez, Rerum medicarum Novae Hispaniae Thesaurus, Romae, 1648, lib. ix. p. 333. cap. 21). Hernandez says, "Multa mellis genera in Nova Hispania mihi adhuc observare licuit, non loco solum, veluti vetere orbe, verum ipsa materia et apum diversis generibus distantia. Primum est Hispaniensi per omnia simile idemque et quod ab apibus Hispanicis congeneribus sponte in cavitatibus arborum fabricetur, quas Indi sectas in apiaria reponunt ac congerunt." 1439 Such evidence
1438

From Wikipedia: The Antilles (the same in French) Antillas in Spanish; Antillen in Dutch) refers to the islands forming the greater part of the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. The Antilles are divided into two major groups: the "Greater Antilles" to the north including the larger islands of Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and Puerto Rico; and the smaller "Lesser Antilles" on the southeast - comprising the northerly Leeward Islands, the southeasterly Windward Islands, and the Leeward Antilles just north of Venezuela. The Bahamas, though part of the West Indies, are generally not included among the Antillean islands 1439 Translating Latin to English using the following facility is not perfect, however, via this web site:

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as this, from an observer only seventy years later than the conquest of Mexico, would almost seem to be convincing; but it may be urged, on the one hand, that there had been time enough for the introduction of the European Bee into the colony and for its dispersion, and on the other, with more probability, that, as Hernandez had no pretensions to be a practised zoologist, he mistook one of the native species for the true Honey-Bee. This is rendered more probable by the existence in Mexico of a species of Melipona (still undescribed) intermediate between M. rufiventris and bicolor, Lepel., which so closely resembles the European Honey-Bee, at least in form and size, that an unpractised observer of the sixteenth century might easily have confounded them. With regard to Belknap's third proof, Barton thinks that, on account of the occurrence of indigenous Bees (Melipona, Trigona), the pot of honey found by Ferdinand de Soto in Florida has no more value as evidence than the Mexican tribute. But this notion is without foundation, as we have no evidence of the existence of such Bees in Florida. It is, however, not improbable; for as only one species of Melipona (the Apis atrata, Fab.) is known from North America, whilst the northern extension of the Meliponae and Trigonae otherwise terminates with the Antilles and Mexico, we may assume with great probability that this single species, which extends beyond the proper district of its group, will exist in the southernmost portion of North America. But however this may be, Purchas's statement can by no means lead to the assumption that the European Bee existed in Florida in the time of Ferdinand de Soto, as is shown by another report, by a Portuguese nobleman who accompanied that general (A Relation of the Invasion and Conquest of Florida by the Spaniards under Fernando de Soto). In this it is stated that "The Indians of Chiaha had a great quantity of butter or, rather, fat, in pots, as fluid as oil; they said it was bear's fat. We also found there walnut-oil, as clear as the fat, and a pot of honey,
translation-guide.com/free_online_translators.php?from=English&to=Latin Long honey to be produced upon Nova Hispania me till then observare licuit, not to place land, just as of a former time orbe, truth herself material and apum different generibus distantia. At first is Hispaniensi very omnia similar the same and and counting from apibus Hispanicis congeneribus willingly upon cavitatibus tree fabricetur, whom Indi sector upon apiaria to deposit and pile.

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although neither before nor afterwards did we find either bees or honey in the whole of Florida." Barton also quotes a statement of William Bartram's which directly proves the introduction of the Honey-Bee into Florida. He says, "When Bartram was in West Florida, in the year 1775, a beehive, the only one in the country far or near, was shown to him as a curiosity; it bad been brought there from England when the English, in 1763, liii took possession of Pensacola. In East Florida the Honey-Bee is certainly now (in 1793) met with in a wild state, and it has been known there for a long time, perhaps a hundred years;" but Bertram's investigations convinced him that it was not indigenous there. Although the date of the introduction of the Honey-Bee into North America cannot be fixed, two circumstances mentioned by Barton indicate clearly that it must have been introduced by the whites. One of these is the name of the "white man's fly," given to the insect by the Indians; the other the fact that when John Elliott was translating the Bible into the language of the Indians, no expression existed in the latter for either wax or honey. However probable it may appear, from these considerations, that the Honey-Bee was introduced into North America from Europe, we still want the certain historical proof of the introduction, and of the time when it took place; nevertheless the following historical evidence renders the fact of the introduction from Europe not in the least doubtful:1. According to Barton (loc. cit. supra, p. 251), Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, does not mention the Bee in a letter of details to his friends, in the year 1683; had it been a native of Pennsylvania, he would not have omitted so useful an insect from his catalogue of Pennsylvanian animals. The older Swedish writers upon Pennsylvania also do not mention the Bee. 2. Lawson (Voyage to Carolina, 1704) does not notice the Bee amongst the animals indigenous to Carolina. 3. Barton (loc.cit. p. 258) says, "The Honey-Bee did not exist in Kentucky when we first became acquainted with the country. But about 1780, a beehive was brought by a Colonel Herrod to the Falls of the Ohio, since when these insects have 460

increased extraordinarily. Not long since a hunter found thirty wild swarms in one day." 4. Barton further states that "Honey-Bees were not found in the Jenessie district of New York either at the time when it was first visited or for a considerable time afterwards. Recently (towards 1793) two beehives were introduced, and these will undoubtedly soon spread over the neighbourhood." 5. D. B. Warden (Statistical, Political, and Historical Account of the United States, 1819, vol. iii. p. 139), quoting from Bradbury, says, "Before the year 1797 the Honey-Bee was not found to the west of the Mississippi; they are now seen as high up as the Maha nation on the Missouri, having proceeded westward 600 miles in fourteen years." and 6. Humboldt, speaking of the wax produced in Cuba, says that it is produced chiefly by the European Bee, which has been much cultivated since the year 1772 1440. The Bee was introduced from Florida. 7. According to Ramon de la Sagra (Historia de la isla de Cuba, 1831, p. 80) the introduction of the Honey-Bee into Cuba took place from Florida in 1764; and in that author's 'Natural History of Cuba' (ii. 7. p. 327) Apis mellifica is mentioned as introduced into Cuba. 8. Ulloa, as quoted by Olivier (Enc. meth. Insectes, i. p. 49), gives the date 1764 for the introduction of the Honey-Bee into Cuba, and describes the extraordinary rapidity with which the insects multiplied and spread themselves over the country. 9. Moreau de Saint-Mery (Desc. de la partie Francaise de 1'ile Saint-Domingue, tome ii. p. 112, 1798) gives the date 1781 for the introduction of the Honey-Bee into St. Domingo; he says it was brought from Martinique by the Comte de la Croix. From these various reports we gather that, in the most different parts of North America, where the Honey-Bee now exists, it was wanting not very long since, and that in some of them (e.g. in New York and to the west of the Mississippi) it was only introduced about seventy or
1440

Essai polit. sur la Nouvelle Espagne, 1811, tome ii. p. 455; Essai polit. sur 1'ile de Cuba, 1826, tome i. p. 259.

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even sixty-five years ago. We first find the Bee in West Florida in the year 1763; in 1780, first in Kentucky; a little before 1793, first in New York; since 1797, westward of the Mississippi. (In English North America, according to Josselyn, it existed as early as the seventeenth century, having been introduced there from England.) Thus the diffusion of the Bee has taken place in North America in a north-westerly direction. liv The introduction into West Florida by the English took place in 1763; in 1764 the Bee was introduced from Florida into Cuba, but from San Augustino in East Florida, where, according to Bartram, the insect existed at the end of the seventeenth century, having probably been introduced by the Spaniards. This joint introduction by the English and Spaniards is borne out by the fact that amongst both these nations we find the dark form of the Honey-Bee, which also is the one occurring in America; whereas the Asiatic form, from which the American Bees would most probably have descended had their migration taken place naturally, is the most light-coloured. The extraordinary manner in which the Honey-Bee has thriven in America since its introduction is shown most strikingly by the production of wax in Cuba, where the cultivation of Bees has been carried on very extensively since 1772. According to Humboldt (Essai polit. sur Cuba, i. p. 259), the average export of wax, between 1774 and 1779, was only 2700 arrobas (=81,000 pounds); in 1803 it amounted to 42,700 arrobas (=1,281,000 pounds). In Ramon de la Sagra's 'Historia Fisica, &c., de la isla de Cuba (i. pp. 283 & 299) we find as the average amount for the first thirty years of the present century, 69,476 arrobas (=2,084,280 pounds) of wax, and 84,044 arrobas (=2,521,320 pounds) of honey. The quantity has probably increased considerably in the last twenty years. Of the diffusion of the Honey-Bee in America south of the Antilles and Mexico we know very little. It is found in Honduras, according to Squier (Notes on Central America, particularly the States of Honduras aud San Salvador, 1855, p. 199), but does not appear to have extended itself southwards from that country, as it is not even mentioned as occurring in Costa Rica by Wagner and Scherzer ( Die Republik Costa Rica im Central-Amerika, Leipzig, 1856), although we can hardly suppose that Wagner would have passed it without notice had he seen it there. According to oral communication from Prof. Karsten, the Bee does not occur in New Granada and Venezuela; nor has it been sent from those republics by Moritz. The 462

introduction of the Bee into Brazil (Minas Geraes) took place from Portugal in 1845, according to Reinhardt (Brun, Bienenzeitung, 1858, p. 43); and its great diffusion there is indirectly testified by Burmeister (Reise nach Brasilien, p. 220). The absence of the Bee in the States of La Plata and Chili appears from there being no mention of it in the works of Burmeister and Claude Gay ( Reise durch die La Plata Staaten, Halle, 1861; Historia fisica y politica de Chile, Zoologia, tom, iii.-vii.). On the Australian continent the Honey-Bee does not yet appear to exist; and Australia appears to be peculiarly poor in honey-gathering insects, as we do not yet know even a Bombus from that country. Only a small species of Trigona has lately been described by Smith (Catal. Hymen. Brit. Mus. ii. p. 414). (pp.333-338) 1441 Frederick Smith, British Museum, 1865 In 1862 Dr. Gerstacker published his remarks "On the Geographical Distribution and Varieties of the Honey-Bee, with Observations upon the Exotic Honey-Bees of the Old World". Having in my own possession a large amount of material, and also access to that preserved in other collections, I have devoted considerable time to an attentive study of the species. The result has been somewhat different from that arrived at by Dr. Gerstacker. I have therefore thought it might be desirable that I should publish the results of my own study of the genus. (p.372) Dr. Gel-stacker's history of the geographical distribution of the Apis mellifica is extremely interesting; I can add somewhat to the range of the European Bee, as our author says " it does not appear to exist in Australia;" it is, however, I am informed, extremely abundant in that country, both in a domestic and also in a wild state; it has, of course, been introduced. It is found in the same way in New Zealand. . Mr. Lord, who was resident in [Australia] for a considerable period, told me that it would be very difficult, perhaps impossible, to find a hollow tree untenanted by Apis mellifica. (p.375) lv

1441

The full version of his Gerstackers paper may be found at books.google.co.uk/books?id=XTQVAAAAYAAJ

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A BEES SOLILOQUY
Extracted from a long poem in the American Bee Journal, 13 June 1888, (p.396) written by John Jamison of West Toledo, Ohio. Its relevance to the shipping of bees abroad is clear. Above all insects we have fame, There's none has sweeter, honored name. We're found almost in evry land, On Mediterranean strand, And on the shores of Norway bleak, In Mexico, round Mozambeque. We're humming round on ev'ry hand, Australia and Van Diemen's land. Sometimes they ship us far away, And then we travel night and day. They crowd us up in little space, Until we reach the destin'd place. And then the same thing o'er and o'er, My old home likely see no more, A change of masters matters not, Ours surely is a cruel lot. For days we rattle in the train, And weary to be out again, Sometimes among the freight I'm jamm'd, At other times I'm toss'd and slamm'd. I do detest the din and dust, But no use talking, go we must.

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Part V More early 19th Century beekeepers & some updated biographies
When providing the activities of 19th Century beekeepers in my Volumes I and II, Id omitted, in some instances, to paint broader pictures of these, before now, shadowy historical entities. I believe they deserve recognition for their diverse roles in Australian history in addition to their specific contributions to colonial beekeeping. As well, Ive identified some more colonial beekeepers. TASMANIA

William Kermode, 1821

In 1980 the Isle of Man issued a set of postage stamps 1443 commemorating the Kermode family, the first Manx settlers to Tasmania. The postal issue of five stamps comprised: 7 pence, William Kermode and the brig Robert Quayle 1819 9 pence, Mona Vale Van Diemen's Land, 1834 13 pence, Ross Bridge, Tasmania, 15 pence, Mona Vale Tasmania (completed 1868) 17 pence, Robert Quayle Kermode and parliament buildings, Tasmania

An image of the expansive and towering Kermode family home Mona Vale may be viewed at The State Library of Tasmania web site.

1443

Stanley Gibbons catalogue numbers 183-187

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Extracted from the online edition 1444 of The Australian Dictionary of Biography: Kermode, William (1780-1852), merchant and settler, was born at Port Erin, Isle of Man As a youth he took up the sea as a career and is said to have made several voyages to India. In 1810 he married Anne Quayle Kermode first arrived at Hobart Town in November 1819 as supercargo in the Robert Quayle. He went on to Sydney, where he had difficulty in disposing of his cargo and left it in the hands of agents. He sent his ship to the whale fishery and returned to England in the Admiral Cockburn. He made another voyage to Van Diemen's Land as supercargo in the Mary in 1821 and in June was granted 2000 acres (809 ha) on the Salt Pan Plains near Ross, but in Sydney, through mismanagement by his agents, he was declared bankrupt. He returned to England in 1822 In my Volume I of 1995 I described Kermode as captain of the Mary, but from the above, as supercargo he appears to have been the owner, rather than the captain. In 1823 Kermode again visited Australia with a large cargo, intending to fulfil the settlement conditions of his land grant. In Hobart be was elected a director of the Sydney and Van Diemen's Land Packet Co. and became a founding shareholder of the Bank of Van Diemen's Land. In 1824 he was granted another 1000 acres (405 ha) and bought 2000 (809 ha) more, thus building up the property which he called Mona Vale, probably after Castle Mona, the original home of the Dukes of Atholl on the Isle of Man. Kermode sailed for England in 1826 and returned next year with his son and George Van Diemen. In June 1827 the land commissioners reported that Kermode was improving and cultivating his 'excellent Sheep Walk'. After his wife and daughters joined him in May 1828 he was able to give the personal attention which was to make Mona Vale a show place. By 1834 his first modest timber house had been replaced by a substantial brick building; stone cottages and farm buildings were being erected and much of the estate laid out and fenced. According to The Centenary History of the Midland Agricultural Association (Launceston, 1938) 'Kermode was probably the most progressive of
1444

See in print: E. J. Cameron, 'Kermode, William (1780 - 1852)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 2, Melbourne University Press, 1967, pp 49-50.

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all the fine settlers who arrived in Sorell's time. He had vision and the energy and practical ability to bring his ideas into being'. With Saxon sheep from the Van Diemen's Land Co. he started his own stud in 1829 and later won many prizes for his sheep, horses and produce. From A.W. Moores 1901 Manx Worthies or Biographies of Notable Manx men and Women. 1445 Numerous Manxmen have also emigrated to Canada, to the Cape of Good Hope, and to Australia, where many of them have distinguished themselves. Among those who have passed away the most remarkable career was that of William Kermode. A native of Port Erin, he went to sea as a boy, and soon became a skilful navigator, being distinguished by great ability, energy, and undaunted courage. he had command of large ships trading to India and Australia and, in the course of these voyages, he visited the country then known as Van Diemen's Land In 1822 William Kermode accepted a grant of land By 1828 he had his land laid out and brought into order. On this land he grazed an enormous number of sheep, and he amassed great wealth by the sale of their wool, which was well known in the London market by its brand, the "Three Legs of Man." He always took pains to get the best possible stock, whether it was of merino sheep or of the "Suffolk Punch" horse, for the breed of which he was equally famous. A man who knew him, another Manx colonist, writes of him: He was known to all classes of the community. He introduced some of the best stock ever brought into Tasmania, notably the Suffolk Punch horse, and also one of the best classes of merino sheep. He was no doubt one of the ablest, most influential and popular men who had ever sought a home in the colony. (Information mainly from Mr. L. Q. Kermode, grandson of W. Kermode; Mrs. Jeffcott, and Mrs. James Watterson, Port Erin.)

1445

Moore, A.W. (1901) Manx Worthies or Biographies of Notable Manx men and Women. S.K. Broadbent & Co., Victoria Street. Douglas, Isle of Man. See web site http://www.isle-ofman.com/manxnotebook/fulltext/worthies/index.htm

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Joseph Milligan, Tasmanian Beekeeper, 1845-51

Around November 1845, surgeon Joseph Milligan requested a hive of bees be shipped to him on Flinders Island via the schooner Alexander. 1446 1447 Given Milligans subsequent links with Launceston, its most likely the bees were sourced from there. Milligan (1807-1884) was born and educated in Scotland 1448 and in June 1830 was appointed surgeon to the Van Diemens Land Co.s establishment at Surrey Hills, 1449 where he arrived in February 1831. During his appointment he became interested in the natural history of the island In 1842 he left the company in February and settled briefly in Launceston. (where) he held a number of important government positions. In March 1843 he married Eliza Lawrence of Launceston. She died on Flinders Island on 31 July 1844 after giving birth to a son. In December 1843 he was appointed superintendent and medical officer of the Aboriginals, a position which he occupied until 1855 except for the period April 1846 to May 1847 1450 when he was visiting magistrate and medical officer at the short-lived second penal settlement at Macquarie Harbour.

1446

The Alexander receives an 1859 mention when she attended a wreck off Kangaroo Island. oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/kangaroo-wrecks.html Also in 1845 when she attended a rescue in the Furneaux group. oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/furneaux-main.html 1447 See The Immigrant Bees, Volume II, pp.72-3 1448 adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A020199b.htm for extended biographical details 1449 gunns.com.au/downloads/grassland_mgt_sign.pdf In north west Tasmania an area of 5000ha known as Surry Hills was settled during the early years of European colonization of Tasmania in 1827 originally allocated by the Crown to the Van Diemens Land Company 1450 anbg.gov.au/biography/milligan-joseph.html Provides Milligan was stationed at Flinders Island (December 1843 to April 1846 and May to October 1847 Extracted from: A.E. Orchard (1999) A History of Systematic Botany in Australia, in Flora of Australia Vol.1, 2nd ed., ABRS.

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Dr. Joseph Milligan

Through his interest in natural history he became secretary of the Royal Society of Van Diemens Land in 1848-60 He was retired from government service in April 1860, and in June sailed for England with his son on eighteen months leave from the Royal Society. He did not return but at the exhibition of 1862 acted as commissioner for Tasmania. J. D. Hooker called him one of the most indefatigable and able of Tasmanian botanists and gave his name to the native lily genus Milligania and a number of species of other plants. He was elected a fellow of the Linnean Society in 1850. As a geologist he carried out surveys in all parts of the colony, discovering coal, copper and gold as well as numerous fossils. But perhaps his most notable work was his study of Aboriginal languages.

Van Diemen's Land Royal Society, 1852

The Transactions of the Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society, Vol.1, No.1, 1850, contains proceedings running through to 1852. The Hawaiian bee story appears in my Volume III, where the following offer from the Van Diemen's Land Royal Society was provided. In the context of early VDL beekeeping activities given in this chapter, it has value in being reproduced here, for it demonstrates the unfulfilled intent, by persons in Van Diemen's Land to supply honey bees to Hawaii from as early as 1852. Mr. Montgomery was identified as the societys Corresponding Secretary. (p.17) 1451 He reported, dated to June 1852 from other items surrounding, was as follows: From the Secretary of the Van Diemen's Land Royal Society I received a long and very interesting letter expressive of the anxious desire of that society to co-operate and reciprocate with this society, and to render us an assistance or facility in their power. He also forwarded the transactions of the society for the three previous years which contain much valuable and interesting matter. he promises to send us a swarm of Honey Bees
1451

Refer books.google.com.au

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when a suitable opportunity should offer, but from the cessation of intercourse between that Island and this for many months past, I presume no such opportunity has since presented itself. (pp.128-129) Robert Walker of Kilburn Grange, 1854 One holding within the State Library of Tasmania is the diary of Robert Walker (1828-76) of Kilburn Grange. 1452 The diary covers the period 6 June 1853 to 19 May 1859. In November 1996 Librarian Gillian Winter came across an entry made by Walker dated 8 May 1854. It simply reads self making bee house, which I interpret to mean he was then occupied in constructing a bee house. Gillian also noted a later entry mentions bees swarming.

Kilburn Grange 1453

In May 2008 I looked for more information on Walker. My enquiry, again to staff at the State Library of Tasmania, produced a helpful response from Ian Morrison, Senior Librarian, Heritage Collections. He referenced a 2006 paper by Margaret Mason-Cox, titled Robert Walker of Kilburn Grange. 1454 Mason-Cox established that this Robert Walker was not the parliamentarian Robert Walker (1828-76). (A portrait of the latter may be found in the Heritage Collection.) According to Mason-Cox, Robert Walker of Kilburn Grange was born in Kelso, Scotland, in 1814 (p.174) and died in New Norfolk in 1885 (p.192). Samuel Perkin, Launceston, 1869 In the Local and General Items section of the North Otago Times 1455 for 2 July 1869: Mr Samuel Perkin of Beardon, in the parish of
1452 1453

Catalogued as CRO.MSS aaa A Gothic style building built around 1820 near New Norfolk. Refer image at eheritage.statelibrary.tas.gov.au 1454 Tasmanian Historical Research Assoc. Papers and Proceedings, vol.53 no.4, Dec 2006, pp.173-196 1455 North Otago Times, Volume XII, Issue 428, 2 July 1869, Page 4.

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Boyton, near Launceston, has met with his death under the following circumstances: - Deceased, in moving a hive of bees, broke the comb. He subsequently went to look at the bees, when one of them stung him in the neck, on or near the jugular vein. He immediately fell faint, and died in 13 minutes. Thomas Lloyd Hood, 1884 Hood introduced Italian bees into Tasmania in 1884 refer my Vol.1. From the Australian Governments Prints and Printmaking website, 1456 Thomas Lloyd Hood was born at 30 Liverpool Street, Hobart Town on 19 January 1843. He was a publisher, stationer and bookseller between 1880 to 1897, located at 60 Liverpool & Elizabeth Streets, Hobart, Tasmania. Thomas James Lempriere Lempriere was a natural history collector and artist, born 11 January 1796 in Hamburg, Germany. He died at sea on 6 January 1852. 1457 A biography may be found at online Australian Dictionary of Biography. 1458 An article worthy of inspection is T. J. Lempriere, an Early Tasmanian Naturalist, in Australian Zoologist 1459 by G.P. Whitley

1456

See web site printsandprintmaking.gov.au In: Members of the Parliaments of Tasmania - no. 24 / photographed by J.W. Beattie. 1457 Refer my Vol. I for his beekeeping. See also asap.unimelb.edu.au/bsparcs/biogs/P002137b.htm 1458 adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A020092b.htm 1459 vol. 13, no. 4, 1966, pp. 350-355. A copy may be found at the State Lib. of Tas. Call No. TL.P 500.92

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Hugh Munro Hull, 1864

Hugh Munro Hull (1818-1882) 1460 the right hand image is dated to 1859 1461

Hull had a hive of bees in Hobart in 1864. Refer also my Vol. II. Included here to show a better portrait. SOUTH AUSTRALIA Jonathan Basham, Hindmarsh Valley beekeeper, 1859 In a report 1462 of destructive South Australian bushfires in the Otago Witness 1463 for 19 March 1859, Mr [Jonathan] 1464 Basham is

1460

Portrait from the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts, State Library of Tasmania. Hull described his observations on early Tasmanian beekeeping c1830 - 1870 refer my Vol.1. In: Members of the Parliaments of Tasmania - no. 24 / photographed by J.W. Beattie. Refer nla.gov.au A biography may be found at adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs Also refer Andel, L.V. (1984) Clerk of the House: the reminiscences of H.M. Hull, 1818-1882, Melbourne Refer also The Experience of Forty Years in Tasmania (London, 1859) 1461 Image from State Library of Tasmania 1462 Extracted from the South Australian Advertiser 1463 Issue 381, 19 March 1859, Page 5.

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identified as an apiarist in the Hindmarsh Valley / Goolwa region. A correspondent at Encounter Bay reported, in part Within the last month we have experienced the utmost vicissitudes of the South Australian climate. The present summer has been characterized by the most fearfully destructive bush fires ever experienced in the colony. Mr. Basham has been a great sufferer. His wheat, hay, and barley stacks, with extensive premises, one of the finest gardens in the south, 50 hives of bees, 16 cwt. of honey, well-stored outhouses, and comfortable dwelling-house, are all gone: a very few nick-nacks are saved. Last night the old lady and gentleman slept under an apple tree. This is a distressing loss. It is painful to see the burnt fruit trees, with the roasted fruit covering the ground. The estimated loss is from 900 to 1000. Mr. J. Basham's property is all gone but the shell of the house. Wishing to save some few things, such as bedding, clothes, &c, from the fire, they were bundled up and placed, partly covered with water, at the edge of the creek, but a burning log-fence rolled upon them, and consumed them to the water's edge, leaving only worthless shreds. Only four families have escaped in Hindmarsh Valley. About 24 or 30 families are cleared out. Albert Molineux, 1880s Molineux 1465 was an agriculturist, contemporary of, and with similar interests as Angus Mackay. He wrote widely Ive located library holdings published between 1881 and 1895 on subjects including information to fruit growers about insecticide and fungicide sprays, the codlin moth, bees and bee hives, bees and horticulture, forest culture, a handbook for farmers and gardeners, irrigation, manures and additions to the Museum of the South Australian Public Library. In the late 1880s Molineux classified himself as an amateur naturalist. I extracted the following from a web page 1466 titled A Brief History of the South Australian Dairy Industry: It was not until the 1880s
1464

An obituary of Charles A. Basham (1826-1907) in the Register for 10 July 1907 (p.6) and the Observer, 13 July 1907 (p.40d), identified William and Jonathan Basham, Charles brothers of Hindmarsh Valley. Refer web site http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/manning/pn/b/b8.htm#basham 1465 In 1884 Molineux documented he arrival of Italian bees into South Australia refer my Vol.2. 1466 dairyindustrysa.com.au/history as of March 30, 2007

473

that the science of dairy production was introduced and farmers educated mainly via the distribution of North American findings through the South Australian Agricultural Bureau. At the same time, machine technology for milking cows and making cheese and butter was made available. Behind this scientific and mechanical push were many far-sighted people, including Albert Molineux a great innovator and activist for the improvement of agricultural produce. Molineux championed a concept that helped the dairy industry to grow at a rapid rate a system of dairy produce factories run by cooperative businesses owned by dairy farmers. By the late 1890s these factories were spread far and wide across South Australia and were exporting dairy produce in refrigerated ships. Another web page 1467 titled Agricultural Bureau of SA - Our Beginnings, in part supplies In 1887 Albert Molineux suggested the establishment of an Agricultural Bureau in South Australia . He recognised the need for an organisation which could assist the education of primary producers and allow farmers to come together to discuss their farming issues. Consisting of ten members, the first meeting of the Central Agricultural Bureau took place on 10th April 1888 in the office of the Conservator of Forests. On 27 February 1888, the Government adopted this suggestion and on 10 April 1888, the inaugural meeting of the Central Agricultural Bureau of South Australia was held. Another biographical web page 1468 describes him as a newspaper proprietor and editor. He produced the agricultural journal Garden and Field from 1875 to at least 1895. He was also elected a fellow of the Linnean Society. The online Australian Dictionary of Biography 1469 is well worth referencing. Among its wealth of background on him it includes the intelligence that he was instrumental in establishing butter factories, obtaining information and encouraging the pickling, canning and drying of fruit and vegetables.

1467 1468

agbureau.com.au/pages/about/aboutus_2.htm anbg.gov.au/bot-biog/bot-biog-M.html which cites J.H. Willis, D. Pearson, M.T. Davis, and J.W. Green, Western Australian Herbarium Research Notes Number 12, August 1986. 1469 adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/A050305b.htm

474

The Bright Sparcs 1470 biographical entry states Molineux was Secretary of the Central Bureau of Agriculture, South Australia, 1888-1902. It describes him as an agriculturalist and farmer, born 11 July 1832 at Brighton, Sussex, England; died 6 June 1909 at Semaphore, South Australia. The Manning - South Australian history web site 1471 contains many references to newspaper articles on the life of Molineux, published between 1895 and 1909.

NEW SOUTH WALES Nathaniel Payten, stonemason & beekeeper, 1842

Nathaniel Payten of Parramatta was identified as a beekeeper in Heatons 1879 Dictionary of Dates. Extracted from a web page 1472 of the Royal Australian Historical Society Trained as a carpenter and joiner with extensive experience in Georgian London as a clerk-ofworks, James Houison became a builder and architect in Parramatta. He was educated and was the dominant force in a partnership with a skilled and experienced stonemason, Nathaniel Payten. Payten, a convict stonemasons son, could gain local contracts but was illiterate and needed a partner such as Houison. Houison possessed business acumen, was shrewd with money, honest, able to write letters, estimate costs for tenders, draw plans, write specifications, keep accounts and organise tradesmen. The partnership flourished and was responsible for the post-Macquarie building growth of Parramatta, making the partners moderately wealthy men. The graves of Nathaniel Payten (1800-1864) & Susannah Payten (1801-1877) may be seen in St. Johns Anglican Cemetery, Parramatta (see photograph below). 1473 Houison and Payten were responsible for the construction of the following significant buildings in Parramatta. 1474
1470 1471

Parramatta Gaol, built between 1837 and 1853.

asap.unimelb.edu.au/bsparcs/biogs/P000109b.htm slsa.sa.gov.au/manning/sa/industry/farmmisc.htm 1472 rahs.org.au/ahouison.htm authored by John McClymont

1473

http://www2.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/LocalHist/scripts/ExtSearch.asp?Sear chTerm=001855 1474 Refer web site camwest.pps.com.au/heritage/route_sites/index.html

475

Parramattas first court house, Church St (replaced in 1890) was built in 1837 - part of a wall still remains. The columns from this courthouse form part of the Boer Memorial in Parramatta Park. All Saints Church, financed by Samuel Marsden, was completed in 1847. (It was enlarged in the 1860s with spire and bells added.)

The Payten Memorial, St. John's Anglican Cemetery, Parramatta

QUEENSLAND James Carroll and the illusive Queensland Apicultural Journal

On one occasion during my research on the internet, by chance I came across a single reference to this beekeeping journal. I first became aware of its existence in 1995 through my discovery of its mention in Trevor Weatherheads 1986 Boxes to Bar Hives, beekeeping history of Queensland. In October, 1916, the Queensland Beekeepers Association started a journal called the Queensland Apicultural Journal. The first copy was complimentary to Queensland beekeepers and after that the subscription was to be 2/6 per annum. This was published quarterly until October 1921. A supplementary copy was 476

printed in December, 1922 and this, it would seem, was the last issue. My quest to access copies began, either directly or via inter-library loan, to see if it had any contribution to make to my latest book. My Google search in October 2006 pointed to a copy being held by the library of the Queensland Department of Primary Industries. However, my request to the DPI librarian revealed no holding of this journal in their collection. I contacted Trevor but he could not recall where he had sighted the copies referred to in his book. I then searched the catalogues of the State libraries of Australia, the British Library, and particularly, the worldcat,org online resource. 1475 All failed to locate any holdings. The fate of the copy once held by the DPI is unknown. Given the extreme rarity of this publication I must assume it was the DPI copy that Weatherhead saw. The DPIs beeline web page, 1476 still accessible in April 2009, continues to list the QAJ amongst its resources, although the site seems to be frozen time apparently last updated in 1997. Enter that invaluable research facility Google Book Search. This indicated two volumes were held by the Davis Campus library at the University of California. My inter-library loan champion at my local Caloundra library, Maree Millard, made the approach, only to be told the University does not satisfy requests from international libraries or researchers. My next attempt in April 2009 found a kind hearted white knight by the name of Barbara Hegenbart, a librarian at UC Davis. She suggested some methods of approach and I passed these on to Maree again more chance of success I thought by an institution to institution approach. OK Peter, Ill do my best said Maree. While waiting upon a response from UC Davis, I resorted to my own efforts. Googles Book Search facility sometimes provides full text viewing of books, in other instances several pages are made available, or more frequently, what they call a snippet is supplied - about an inch / 25 mm high strip of viewable text. In other frustrating cases no text preview whatsoever is provided. The poor quality image of the

1475 1476

WorldCat is the world's largest network of library content and services. honeybee.com.au/Library/beeline/a97/Autumn97.html

477

title page of Volume I of the QAJ pictured below indicates it includes the years 1904 (or maybe its 1901) to 1919, price 5 shillings. After many search attempts in the Search this book facility, some successful, I managed to locate the article titled The Introduction of Bees into Queensland, 1477 the existence of which was hinted at by an earlier and almost forgotten research effort. Book Search indicated it existed in the Vol. 1 No. 1, October 1916 issue, page 1911. I doubt the page number provided is correct it could, however, refer to the year 1911 instead, possibly garnered from the inaccessible page heading. Book Search also states there is another edition dated 1919 but no text searching on it is available. Given the above findings I remain unsure when the QAJ commenced publication was it 1901 or 1904 or 1910? Despite the limited text searching available in this instance I still managed to extract the following disjointed snippets: ... This was in 1854, when this State was a part of New South Wales. ... In 1864 the writer assisted in cutting out a large swarm of bees from a huge Eucalypt in the neighbourhood of Laidley, further proof that the old strain of bees was innately prolific and great workers. In those days, ... The writer's first contact with bees need not be set on record, for the very good reason that it was an experience the novice usually regrets on his first introduction. As early as 1872, Mr. Carroll was awarded a silver medal at the Ipswich Show, for bar frame hives; and in 1874, a medal in New South Wales ... the hives being for the most part gin cases or candle boxes. To Mr. J. Carroll, of Enoggera, belongs the distinction of establishing the first modern bee-farm in Australia. From 1872 to 1880 Mr. Carroll sent hundreds of ... With such clues, particularly the last one, and the likelihood that the QAJ would not prove to be the gold mine Id hoped, I resorted to the valuable web site Australian Newspapers beta run by the National Library of Australia. I decided to concentrate on those articles by or about James Carroll. Therein I found many beekeeping articles which appeared between 1870 and 1877 in the Queenslander, many being Jas. Carrolls The Honey Bee column, as well as those in the Brisbane Courier. Given the boon to researchers the internet has
1477

Another article is a requim for Wilhelm Abram. Other subjects covered include Daniel and H.L. Jones; Goodna, West Maitland, Tewantin and other beekeeping centres; brood comb and other beekeeping topics.

478

provided of late, I deduced this online facility had far more to offer than the early 20th Century target of my original search.

Carroll, it transpires, was active in shipping bee hives into the Pacific islands and to ports both north and south of Brisbane in the early 1870s. He wrote I have great pleasure in stating that I have sent hives stocked with bees to all parts of the colony [ie., Queensland] and to New South Wales, Victoria, and the Fiji Islands, with the greatest success. 1478 Here are the examples: Amongst the extensive manifest of the Australian Steam Navigation Companys 214 ton S.S. Black Swan, 1479 under Captain H.B. Bristow, which departed for Bowen and Townsville on 12 April, was 1 bee hive, consigned by W. [sic.] Carroll. 1480 (Brisbane Courier, 13 April 1871, p.2)

1478 1479

Brisbane Courier, 12 Dec. 1872, p.4 iron steam ship built 1853 in Glascow, lengthened to 174ft in 1874, 20.4ft breadth, 210 tons; run by ASN Co., Melbourne, from 1868 1480 Amongst the passengers was listed a J. W. Carroll

479

S.S. Black Swan 1481

Around early January 1872 a pair (or more) of hives were forwarded to a Mr. Scott at the Valley of Lagoons, inland from Cardwell, 1482 some 100 klm in a straight line to the south west. Townsville, to the south east, is even further away. Real pioneer country! In a letter published in the Queenslander, 13 January 1872 (located by Trevor Weatherhead, 1986, Boxes to Bar Hives): The bees arrived at Cardwell in good order. The bees were taken, to the station in front of the saddle, and the floorboards being removed, according to directions, to take away the dead bees, each colony set to work at once. With 1 case of honey and 1 hive of bees on its lengthy manifest, the latter consigned by J. Carroll, the 504 ton S.S. City of Brisbane 1483 under Captain J. M'Lean, departed for Sydney on 6 July (Brisbane Courier, 8 July 1872, p.2)

1481 1482

flotilla-australia.com/images/black-swan-slq-108456p.jpg Cardwell is some 1530 klm NNW of Brisbane. 1483 Paddle steamer, built 1863 Glascow, 633grt, 504nrt, 230.8ft x 27.3ft, until 1880 owned by ASN Co.; Refer http://www.clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=1658 Refer also http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm#city-of-brisbane-asn Iron paddle steamer, 2 masts schooner rigged. Scuttled 21st March 1925

480

Paddle steamer City of Brisbane

On the same day aboard the 387 ton James Paterson 1484 under Captain C.E. Saunders, bound for Mackay, Bowen, Townsville and Cardwell, Carroll shipped to Bowen another hive of bees (Brisbane Courier, 8 July 1872, p.2) Bound for Maryborough, Gladstone and Rockhampton aboard the 350 ton S.S. Yarra Yarra 1485 under Captain Edmondstone, Carroll consigned one hive of bees to Rockhampton. (Brisbane Courier, 2 August 1872, p.2). 1486

1484

Named after the ASN Cos first general manager. Lawson (1909), p.33 Refer also http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm#james-paterson-asn 388 gross tons. Lbd: 186'3" x 23'2" x 11'6". Iron steamship, 3 masts schooner rigged built in Glasgow. 1884 hulked at Pyrmont. Sold and stripped of all valuable fittings, she was abandoned on the Ross River bank, Townsville same year 1485 Not a young ship, ran between Melbourne and Sydney in 1854 Refer also http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm#yarra-yarra-asn Iron paddle steamer built in Scotland. 1862 lengthened to be 183'5" x 30' x 11'7" with tonnage as 555 gross. As a passenger - cargo vessel, was placed on the Sydney - Melbourne trade route until 1857 when moved to the Brisbane run. 1871 became familiar to the Grafton trade. Lost when overwhelmed by several big seas on Oyster Bank, Newcastle, 15 July 1877. All hands, numbering eighteen, were lost. 1486 While browsing the other shipping notices I spotted a consignment for London aboard the ship Storm King: from Henry Box and Son, 19 cases of bees wax and 4 quarter-casks of honey

481

On the S.S. Lady Bowen 1487 outbound for Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton on 3 September under Captain W. Cottier, and accompanying a clanjamphry of supplies including 2 horses and 1 case of plants for the Acclimatisation Society, was 1 hive bees, Carroll; for the last port of call. (Brisbane Courier, 4 September 1872, p.2) The S.S. James Paterson under Captain F. Brookes carried yet another of Carrolls consignments for Rockhampton: 1 package hives, 1 hive bees (Brisbane Courier, 29 November 1872, p.4) On 31 December the S.S. Queensland, 1488 287 tons, Captain J. M'Lean, departed for Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton. Aboard was 1 hive bees, Carroll; (Brisbane Courier, 1 January 1873, p.2) On 20 November aboard the S.S. City of Brisbane into the Port of Brisbane from Sydney under Captain F.C. Knight, was 1 case bees, J. Carroll (Brisbane Courier, 21 November 1873, p.2). Why the bees were inwards to Carroll, typically an exporter, is a mystery, however, its possible they were the subject of a failed attempt to source Italian bees.

1487

Built 1864, arrived in Brisbane 1864, same year as the Lady Young. Refer Lawson (1909) p.32 Refer also http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm 527 gross tons, 425 net. Lbd: 210'5" x 25'7" x 11'5". Iron Paddle steamer, 2 masts brigantine rigged. Built in Glasgow for the Queensland S N Co's Sydney - Brisbane passenger trade . Of ASN Co as at 1868. October 1889, she was converted into a fully rigged 4 masted schooner and was wrecked near Cardwell Queensland on Kennedy Shoal August 19th 1894 1488 Refer http://www.flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm#queensland-qsn 373 gross tons, 287 net. Lbd: 186'7" x 23' x 11'4". Iron Paddle steamer, built in Glasgow, 2 masts possibly schooner rigged. Queensland Steam Navigation Company's first vessel built for the coastal passenger trade, worked the Sydney - Brisbane - Northern Queensland ports, became part of ASN Co fleet in May 1868. Hulked December 1887

482

Under Captain W. Hill, the 421 ton S.S. Lady Young 1489 departed for Sydney, on 20 December with 1 box bees, Carroll (Brisbane Courier, 22 December 1873, p.2)

Iron paddle steamer Lady Young

3 colonies bees were consigned aboard the 626 ton steamer Florence Irving lvi for Sydney on 24 August, Captain R.M. Phillips (Brisbane Courier, 25 August 1874, p.2) In Boxes to Bar Hives (1986) author Trevor Weatherhead identified another consignment from Carroll. A letter in the Queenslander of 19 June 1875 from A.N.F. of Rolleston 1490 goes as follows The two colonies of bees forwarded by you to Rockhampton last year have only now reached their destination. Our drays had left town before the arrival of the bees, and as no other opportunity offered, they had to remain until Christmas. (p.16)

1489

Iron paddle steamer, built 1864, run by ASN Co. from 1868, scrapped 1881; arrived in Brisbane 1864. Refer clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=1659 Refer also flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm 523 gross tons, 421 net. Lbd: 210'5" x 25'7" x 11'5". 2 masts brigantine rigged, built in Glasgow for the Queensland S N Co's coastal passenger trade as Sydney - North Queensland. Broken up 1881 1490 SW of Rockhampton, 300 klm by todays roads.

483

The steamer Balmain 1491

Weatherhead also discovered an inwards shipment of twenty hives of pure black bees aboard the Balmain from Mackay. 1492 In a letter to the Queenslander, 14 February 1885: owing to an excess of honey in the hives, hurried packing, eighteen miles of rough road to port, and a prolonged passage, more than one half of the colonies perished. lvii Someone, if not Carroll, was active in exporting bee hives from Brisbane in 1885. The Brisbane Courier for 17 October listed the Ly-ee-moons departure for Sydney and Melbourne the previous day. The manifest for Sydney included 1 hive bees. The Ly-ee-moon, converted from an iron paddle steamer to a screw steamer in 1873, was of 94 passenger capacity in 3 classes. In August 1877 she was owned by the ASN Co.; gutted totally by fire at Sydney in 1878 and rebuilt with extra passenger accommodation, 2 masts and a tonnage of 1,202 gross, 745 net, 282'7" x 27'3" x 16'6". Employed mainly in the Sydney - Melbourne run although had runs from Sydney to Fiji. Wrecked at Cape Green New South Wales 30 May 1886 with the loss of 71 lives. 1493

1491 1492

Image from flotilla-australia.com/images/balmain-rev.jpg This was probably the end of the trip reported in the Brisbane Courier for 11 Feb 1885: the steamer Balmain arrived at Townsville at 2 am yesterday, and probably left last night on her return trip to Brisbane via ports. (p.4)
1493

Technical details and ship history from Flotilla Australia 484

Paddle steamer Ly-ee-moon

In 1870 Carroll advertised his Improved Humane Barframe hives for 25 shillings and 35 shillings stocked to be seen at work in the Botanic Gardens, or at his residence, Bee-Hive Cottage, Milton-road. 1494 Shipping, I expect, would have cost extra. Many topics were discussed in his Honey Bee column in the Queenslander and were repeated in the Brisbane Courier. These included the Italian honey bee, a vigourous discussion on the benefits or otherwise of the Dzierzon hive; 1495 hive styles including the Quinby, Pettitt, Kedder, Neighbour, Langstroth, Woodbury and Milton (this last was Carrolls own); 1496 and Agricultural Show prizes at venues such as Ipswich and the East Moreton region, of which Carroll took his share The opening paragraph of the Introduction story I was most interested in commences with The study of beginnings is ever a fascinating one, especially in new countries such as Queensland. The question as to who first introduced bees here is as yet an unfathomed mystery, nevertheless, we trust that other writers in the columns of our new Bee Journal No revelations then, but such are the disappointments ever present in a researchers quest.

1494 1495

Brisbane Courier, 13 Aug. 1870, p.1 Of which J. Isambert was a strong defender 1496 Brisbane Courier, 12 Dec. 1872, p.4

485

VICTORIA Mr. Bell, Newstead farmer & Mr. Mlnnes, carpenter, 1867
From the Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, 15 January 1867, 1497 in an article titled Bees in Australia A curious incident is the following noticed by the Mount Alexander Mail, of January 2; During the intense heat of Thursday, a hive of bees belonging to Mr. Bell, farmer, of Newstead, and one belonging to Mr. M'lnnes, carpenter, were smothered in consequence of the intense heat melting the honeycombs, and causing them to fall in. The hive belonging to Mr. Bell contained 901bs. of honey. From Wikipedia: Mount Alexander is a mountain that is located approximately 125 km north-west of Melbourne, near the small town of Harcourt. Newstead is a small town in the Shire of Mount Alexander. James Shackell, Echuca, 1869 From the Auckland Daily Southern Cross, 23 January 1869, 1498 under the heading The Weather in Australia. Destructive Bush Fires. Water a Shilling a Bucket, the following item identified an 1869 Victorian beekeeper: To give our readers some idea of the extraordinary heat that prevailed at Echuca on Thursday, the 24th December (says the Riverine Herald), 1499 we may mention a circumstance communicated to us by Mr. James Shackell, of this town. That gentleman has in his garden several hives of bees, which, he informs us, are well sheltered from the heat as well as the cold; but, to his great chagrin, he found, on his return from Melbourne on Thursday last, that the heat of that day had been so great that the contents of two of his largest and best hives had been totally destroyed by the melting of the combs and honey into one solid mass, by which the whole of the bees were smothered. Mr. Shackell says that there could not have been less than from two to three gallons of honey which had run out of the hives upon the ground before he discovered the sad plight of the poor little insects.
1497

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XXVI, Issue 7, 15 January 1867, Page 3. 1498 Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXV, Issue 3593, 23 January 1869, P 5. 1499 Echuca based newspaper

486

Image of James Schackell, from the database of all Victorian MPs since 1851

From the online Australian Dictionary of Biography, James Shackell (1833-1899), politician, auctioneer and agent migrated to Victoria in the Winchester in August 1852. At the Ovens goldfields he took up a claim on Woolshed Creek, but became mainly a buyer of gold and stream tin. In 1858 he sold his business and visited England, married, then returned to Melbourne in the Royal Charter on 22 July 1859 and settled at Beechworth. In 1862 he removed to Forbes, New South Wales, until in late 1863 he transferred to Echuca , Victoria, buying valuable business property. Tall, handsome and debonair in dress, Shackell dominated most aspects of local life. Successful in amateur theatricals, he also sang in concerts; he was president of the race club, a foundation member and later president of the football, cricket and rowing clubs, organizer of a young men's social club, patron of the horticultural society and the Australian Natives Club, and a committee-man of the Agricultural and Pastoral Society and of the Chamber of Commerce. Local beeswax candles, Beechworth, 1869 In the section headed Australian Items in the New Zealand , Canterbury based West Coast Times for 18 October 1869 1500 The great abundance of bees in and around Beechworth, and the consequent superabundance of honey and wax, is not unlikely, says the Ovens and Murray Advertiser, to give rise to a novel branch of native industry in our midst. On Wednesday, two nice specimens of
1500

West Coast Times, Issue 1270, 18 October 1869, Page 3.

487

wax candles, somewhat dark in color, but otherwise apparently as good as the imported article, were left at this office for inspection. The candles are manufactured from the wax made by local bees, so that they may be looked on as intensely local productions. It is not the intention of the manufacturer at present to place his wares in the market, but doubtless as his stock of wax increases, he may feel inclined to supply general consumption as well as his own.

NEW ZEALAND
Marianne Gittos (1830 1908) Marianne Gittos was a Wesleyan mission worker, teacher, homemaker and apiarist. 1501 As a young girl, Marianne was eyewitness to the presence of Mary Anna Bumbys bees at Hokianga, and provided testimony to Isaac Hopkins upon his enquiry some 50 years later. Its possibly her beekeeping skills were gained from or inspired by Miss Bumby. Born Marianne Hobbs on 31 July 1830 at the Wesleyan mission station, Mangungu, Hokianga, New Zealand, she was the second daughter of John Hobbs, a missionary In 1833 the Hobbs family went to the mission field at Tonga, 1502 but returned to Mangungu in 1838. Marianne remained there until 1850 when she became a music teacher at Wesley College, Auckland. On 28 April 1857, at the Wesleyan chapel, High Street, Auckland, she married the missionary William Gittos, nephew of William White, the former superintendent at the Mangungu mission. William Gittos had opened the Wesleyan mission station at Waingohi, Kaipara, in 1856; they lived there until the station was moved to Rangiora on the Otamatea River, probably in 1862.

1501

Biographical details extracted from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Refer web site URL: http://www.dnzb.govt.nz/ 1502 In March 2009 via Google Book Search I found an interesting snippet on the British Bee Journal, 21 Sept. 1893, p.377. It cryptically states Zealand had the honour of taking bees to the Tonga Islands (Friendly Group). His first lot Access to that particular issue of the BBJ will reveal more.

488

Marianne Gittos was the only European woman in the district, and with her husband often absent on his duties she suffered severely from loneliness. Essential supplies from Auckland were often delayed - once for six months. To provide a sugar substitute she developed considerable skill as an apiarist, and is said to have been the first person to introduce the frame that made commercial bee-keeping possible. Her honey-mead became well regarded. Isolation obliged Marianne to acquire and practice medical skills in addition to her normal duties of keeping poultry and bees and tending the kitchen garden. In 1885 or 1886 the family moved to Auckland but William resumed mission work at Te Awamutu from 1891 to 1893. From 1893 until his retirement in 1913 he was active in the Methodist Maori mission in Auckland province, being superintendent for part of that time. Marianne Gittos died at Devonport, Auckland, on 24 January 1908; she was buried at O'Neill's Point cemetery, Bayswater. William Gittos died at Auckland on 26 May 1916.

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Appendices
APPENDIX 1. BEN OLDROYDS LETTER, JUNE 2007 MY question
I addressed my question to Ben Oldroyd, Professor of Behavioural Genetics at Sydney University: Ben, my question for you has some background: Most early honey-bee introductions to Australia and New Zealand involved but one hive. The hive, often with a reduced population, is said to have been, by contemporary reports (eg. of Bumby to Hokianha, NZ, 1839; of Allom to Nelson, NZ, 1842; to the Governor at Parramatta from the ship Phoenix in 1824) entirely successful. Even the much referenced Capt. Wallace introduction of some eight hives on the Isabella in 1822 was hailed as a success - one hive went to Mr Icely, a shipping agent at Macquarie Street, and Mr Parr of George Street bought five, but very soon having lost one Mr. Parr has no doubt, with the exercise of proper attention, that the four hives might become twenty, in the space of only twelve months. This in April 1822 with little likelihood of any swarms until next Summer. My question revolves around interbreeding and the ability of a single or geographically isolated hive to successfully propagate itself as in 1839 and 1842. No doubt, the hive could prosper, run out of space and swarm. But what of the virgin queen left behind? Assuming she could mate with a drone/s from the same hive, would this interbreeding present any problems? For how many years could virgin queens from subsequent swarms over the seasons mate with their brother drones, in the absence of any new blood and the resulting colonies be viable? The following partly answers the question re 1822 - From the Sydney Gazette of 30 January 1823 Towards bringing the bees to perfection in this Colony, we shall ever be peculiarly indebted to the great attention and skill of Mr. Icely, of Macquarie-place. This Gentleman is in possession of one of the original hives brought by Captain Wallis of the Fanny, when here last, from which have proceeded two generations; the last of which has been in possession of a new hive only about six weeks, which already contains sixty pounds of honey, more or less. The present residence of Mr. Icely is well adapted for these new colonists, from its pleasant contiguity to the Government domain. They take their aerial excursions at pleasure, but never go 490

beyond the sound of the bell, or any noisy instrument that may be intended to rally the flying gentry to their quarters. Australasia may now boast of her bees; recollecting, however, that they are derivable from the common parent - Great Britain. 1503

Homebush near Sydney, by Louisa Anne Meredith, c1841 1504

And this - the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser for Friday, 1 November 1822 We congratulate our readers upon the complete establishment of that most valuable insect, the bee, in this Territory. During the last three weeks, three swarms of young bees have been produced from two hives, the property of D. Wentworth, Esq, purchased by him from Captain Wallace, of the Isabella, and placed at his estate at Homebush, near Parramatta.

Bens response
G'day Peter, this is a complicated question, but I will try to do it as efficiently as possible. In honey bees: 1) Females are heterozygous at the sex locus (AB), 2) Males are hemizygous (A or B) 3) Diploids that are homozygous (AA or BB are inviable).
1503

Also in the East India Companys The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Miscellany. Wm. H. Allen & Co., 1824. (p.170). The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and foreign India , July 1823, p.483, carries the same article and refers to the Sydney Gazette for 18 Oct. 1504 Image from State Library of Tasmania

491

4) Queens mate with 10-20 males. Let us suppose that the single queen from England had mated with 10 drones. This would be: AB x C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K. (assuming that all the males carried different sex alleles from each other and the queen. This is a reasonable assumption). If we raise a daughter queen from this colony there is an equiprobable expectation that the daughter will be any of the following at the sex locus: AC, AD, AE.... AK, BC, BD.... or BK. The mother queen can produce only two kinds of males: A and B, and these will mate with the daughter queen. Let us suppose that the daughter was AC (the probabilities are the same for any of the allelic combinations). This queen will produce the following workers: AA, AB, CA and CB. The AA eggs are inviable. All others are viable. Therefore 1/4 of the eggs in worker cells will not hatch. The queen can make up for this a bit by laying replacement eggs. I would say that a colony headed by such a queen is at a 10-20% disadvantage over an out bred queen. It is in the next generation that things get tricky. If the old colony has died we have only 3 sex alleles in the population. Let us say that the daughter queen is AB. She will mate with A, B and C males, producing AA, AB, AC, BA, BB, and BC eggs. 2/6 of her eggs are inviable. Such a colony is at a 20-30% disadvantage over an outbred colony. It would need very good conditions to get to swarming strength. Such an incipient population is quite precarious. This is especially so if the old queen is around, producing an abundance of just two kinds of males. If the old colony goes queenless, and the workers produce males, this will greatly increase the diversity of males available to the new queens. This is because the workers pass on the sex allele of their father (which cannot be passed on by their queen mother). Ironically therefore, the presence of a queenless colony during the first matings may have been very important to gaining sex allele diversity in the incipient population.

492

APPENDIX 2. PAPERS PAST NEW ZEALANDS

SEARCHABLE NEWSPAPERS

The Papers Past statistics provided as of 2 July 2008 This collection currently contains 1,190,122 newspaper pages, comprising 224,060 issues. The collection consists of: 107,812 newspaper issues with searchable text (comprising 671,850 pages and 7,467,761 articles) 116,248 newspaper issues without searchable text (comprising 518,272 pages).

As of 8 July 2008 the searchable issues available are as follows: New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle Daily Southern Cross New Zealander Otago Witness New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian New Zealand Advertiser and Bay of Islands Gazette Waikato Times Te Aroha News Taranaki Herald Hawera & Normanby Star Feilding Star New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser Evening Post West Coast Times North Otago Times 1839-1844 (complete run) 1842-1874 (complete run) 1843-1844 and 1848-1876 (ends 1876) 1845-1852 (complete run) 1851-1908 (complete run) 1844-1850, 1853-1854 and 1864-1865 (ends 1865) 1840 (complete run) 1873-1876 and 1880-1886 (ends 1886) 1883-1889 (ends 1889) 1852-1876, 1878-1896 and 1898-1909 (ends 1909) 1880-1887, 1892-1896 and 1898-1910 (ends 1910) 1882-1908 (complete run) 1842-1843 (complete run) 1865-1870 and 1872-1914 (ends 1914) 1865-1867, 1868-1889 and 1891-1909 (ends 1909) 1864-1895 and 1897-1900 (ends 1900) 493

Tuapeka Times New Zealand Tablet

1868-1895 and 1897-1909 (ends 1909) 1873-1909 (ends 1909)

Newspapers not yet searchable, as at July 2008 Bay of Plenty Times (1875-1910) Bruce Herald (1865-1905) Bush Advocate (1888-1909) Clutha Leader (1874-1900) Colonist (1890-1910) Feilding Star (1882-1909) Hawke's Bay Herald (1857-1900) Inangahua Times (1877-1900) Manawatu Herald (1878-1900) Marlborough Express (1868-1900) Mataura Ensign (1883-1900) Nelson Evening Mail (1866-1909) New Zealand Illustrated Magazine (1899-1905) Northern Advocate (1887-1906) Observer (1880-1909) Poverty Bay Herald (1880-1900) Southland Times (1862-1905) Star (1868-1909) Timaru Herald (1864-1900) Wanganui Chronicle (1874-1900) Wellington Independent (1860-1874)

494

APPENDIX 3. AMY STORRS LETTERS TO THE HAWKES BAY HERALD

7 December 1895. Under the heading A Deserved Recognition is Amys letter: Sir, - Knowing the interest you take in matters relating to the early days of the colony, I send you the enclosed photograph of a silver medal, now in my possession, and presented to my mother, Mrs Thomas Allom, by the late prince Consort in the year 1845. The medal was struck and given to her by the Royal Society of Arts and Commerce in recognition of her enterprise and the great benefit she had conferred on the colony of New Zealand by the introduction of bees. I well remember the months of anxious planning and experimenting with bees on the top of our house in Bloomsbury, carried on by her before she perfected her scheme for their safe transit. The special hives containing the bees were made under her instructions by Messrs Neighbour and Sons, of Holburn. It was placed under the care of Miss Wakefield, 1505 daughter of Colonel William Wakefield, founder of the colony of Wellington, into whose hands she safely delivered them. 1506 In due course of time the first piece 1507 of beeswax made by these bees was sent home to England to Mrs Allom, who presented it to the Royal Society of Arts, with a small model showing the way in which they had travelled, and we heard the bees had been a great source of interest to the passengers in the vessel on which they went out, as they could watch their feeding daily. I believe that an attempt was made about the year 1842 by the Rev. Mr Cotton to take out bees, but owing to a severe storm in the Channel they were thrown overboard at Plymouth. - I am, &c., Amy G. Storr. Willys at-Heath, Crockham Hill, Kent, England, October 1895. (The photograph shows on one side of the medal the Queen's head, with the words Arts and Commerce Promoted. On the reverse is a
1505

Rev. Charles Saxton was in charge of the hive, which became part of his personal effects. Miss Wakefield who was under his care, may have assisted in the bees feeding. 1506 The hive was not left at Wellington, but proceeded on to Nelson. On Charles Saxtons decision to return to England it was sold, being purchased by Capt. Arthur Wakefield. 1507 Hard to say the first piece is correct, a piece would be more accurate.

495

laurel wreath, with the legend, To Mrs Thos. Allom, MDCCCXLV. For the introduction of bees into New Zealand." Mrs Allom was the mother of Mr A. J. Allom, late of the Thames, but now of Tasmania. Three grandsons and a grand-daughter remain in the colony, two being in Hawkes Bay. - Ed. H.B.H.) (p.3c) 4 March 1896. Sir, - I am much obliged by your sending your papers of December 7th and 10th, containing my letter and one In reply from Mr Colenso. I have only received them today, and the mail leaves here in an hour's time, therefore I must be brief. I regret that by recording only the date on which the silver medal was struck by the Society of Arts and Commerce I should have misled Mr Colenso as to when the bees were first sent from England to Wellington, New Zealand, by my mother, but I believe it was before the Rev. W. C. Cotton sailed with Bishop Selwyn in 1843, [note: correct date is 26 Dec. 1841] and may have been in the latter part of 1842. My brother, Mr Albert Allom (now of Launceston, Tasmania) will no doubt be able to give the exact date, and I am writing to him by this mail, as he has lived in New Zealand the best part of his life. He went out with one of the first batches of cadets to survey the roads at Wellington. The reason that I still wish this matter ventilated is that In England the Bee Society have lectured in various parts of England, and by some means have got hold of the idea that Mr Cotton first introduced bees into New Zealand from England, I am glad to find from Mr Colenso's letter that Mr Cotton had a hive of bees at Waimate (from Mr Busby), which rather proves that he did not take or send them out. I shall esteem it a favor if Mr Colenso will ascertain where Mr Busby first obtained his bees, and what was the date. Mr Thomas Allom, in sending the bees to the Governor of Wellington, by Miss Wakefield (his daughter), sent the finest Cabul clover, given to her by the late Lord Grantley, as no clover could grow to perfection until fertilised by the bee. I did not intend to make any 'pretty pictnre,' but to state 'facts;' in this Mr Colenso and myself are quite agreed. My sole reason for writing is to prove that my mother was the acknowledged introducer of bees from England to New Zealand by the presentation medal, and not the Rev. W. C. Cotton. I am &c., Amy G. Storr, Willys-at-Heath, Crockham Hill, Kent, England, January 23rd, 1896. Albert James Alloms obituary appeared in the Taranaki Herald, 23 February 1909. Ive extracted parts relevant to his mothers 496

introduction of bees He had a most interesting career, particulars of which have been fortunately left in his own handwriting. In August, 1889, Mr Allom left Auckland for Launceston, Tasmania, and remained there with his wife and family until October, 1896, returning to Auckland in January, 1897. His mother was universally known as a valuable, energetic, and enthusiastic ally of the company. Mrs. Thomas Allom was awarded the Silver Isis Medal of the Royal Society of Arts for her introduction of bees to Nelson in the ship Clifford, early in May, 1842. (p.9) [ed. note: her award was less specific as it specified New Zealand, not Nelson.]

APPENDIX 4. A SUBSCRIBERS LETTER TO THE NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL, 12 NOVEMBER 1842

Sir, - The interesting communication of your correspondent, Mrs. Allom, in the 71st number of your journal, will have been read with much satisfaction by every one interested in the development of the New Zealand colony. The perseverance she exhibited in carrying out that which appeared to her a very desirable object, should find imitators in all those whose expressions of interest in the welfare of the new colony in not mere lip service, and the moral that her letter suggests to every one who has relatives there, or is otherwise desirous to promote its advancement, is - 'go and do thou likewise.' Holding her communication so greatly in estimation, I regret to say that I fear her praiseworthy attempt to plant a colony of the Apis Mellifica on these islands will not be attended with its beneficial results it so richly deserves; and that the winged emigrants, if they reached Port Nicholson alive, will be in so unhealthy a state as to render the chances very few of their surviving so long a voyage, exposed to temperatures so varied as those the must experience in the varied latitudes through which the vessels must pass on their passage out. The alterations of torpor and animation resulting from the passing through cold and warm latitudes, cause greater exhaustion and loss of physical power than would be occasioned by a continuance of uniform torpor. ... They are compelled to get accustomed to a change of climate by degrees ... The remedy, however, if the result of the experiment made by Mrs. Allom should be a failure, is simple and easy. Bees are acclimated in New Holland, and from the more southerly part of it - which is on a parallel of latitude with Wellington or thereabouts. They might be 497

transported in a much shorter space of time, without being subjected to frequent variations of temperature, and without being confined in a close and unwholesome atmosphere, the consequences of which are so fatal. If, therefore, disappointment should result from Mrs. Alloms attempt, other means are at hand for stocking the colony with this valuable insect; and when it is considered how important an object it subserves in the economy of domestic life, especially in a new settlement, and how valuable it is as an article of commerce, it is to be hoped that New Zealand will not long want this valuable adjunct. I sincerely hope, however, that your correspondents experiment may be as successful as she herself could wish it, or the most sanguine advocate for her prosperity of the colony could desire; and if her host of emigrants should survive the voyage, and ultimately become acclimated in the islands, it will be of interest to the settlers to know that there are certain plants which the insects prefer ... and therefore it is desirable to have large beds of borage, mignonette, lemon-thyme, and sage, in the neighbourhood of the hives. Apologizing for this long intrusion on your time, and the space you are able to devote to communications, I am, sir, your obedient servant, A Subscriber.

498

APPENDIX 5. ANOTHER SUBSCRIBERS LETTER TO THE NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL, 24 DECEMBER 1842
Reform Club, Pall Mall, Dec. 1842. SIR, On reading the New Zealand Journal of the 11th inst., I find an article having reference to the introduction of bees into New Zealand, and you quote a passage from Dr. Wilsons narrative round the world, which tells us, that in the colony of Timor a considerable trade was carried on by the Dutch in bees wax. This is very true, but I doubt very much, if the native bee of Timor would live one hour in the climate of New Zealand. Only for a moment consider the latitude of Timor, and the latitude of, say the Bay of Islands, 34 deg., south, this will give you the difference of temperature ; and the great humidity of the climate of New Zealand must ever be a bar, I think, to the introduction of bees into New Zealand for a century to come. An attempt was made many years ago, to introduce the English bee into New South Wales, by a Captain Wallace, of a convict ship; the bees arrived safe at Sydney, N. S. Wales, and from what I can learn, the native bee of New South Wales annihilated the foreigners; at least I heard so. Probably, you can inform your readers, in your next journal, what really was the fate of those bees imported by Captain Wallace into New South Wales. I am, Mr. Editor, your obedient servant, Q. (24 Dec. 1842, No. 77, p.307)

499

APPENDIX 6. AUSTRALIAN NEWSPAPERS DIGITISATION PROGRAM AUSTRALIAS SEARCHABLE NEWSPAPERS

The Australian digitization program was released in beta form in July 2008. By chance I discovered it but one month later. The newspapers Ive searched to date (end August 2008) are: South Australian Advertiser Hobart Town Gazette and Southern Reporter Hobart Town Courier Hobart Town Gazette and Van Diemens Land Advertiser Hobart Town Gazette and Southern Reporter Colonial Times and Tasmanian Advertiser Moreton Bay Courier Maitland Mercury Sydney Gazette Brisbane Courier Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal 1 Jan. 1858 to 1861 June 1816 to Jan. 1821 1830 to 1839 Jan. 1821 to Aug. 1825 1816 to 1821 1825 to 1827 Jan. 1846 to Dec. 1856 Jan. 1843 Dec. 1855 1880 1883 (Italian bees) 1822 to 1842 (bees) 1864, 1880s 1849 to 1851 1 Jan. 1830 to 31 Dec. 1839

500

APPENDIX 7. ANGUS MACKAYS PUBLISHED WORKS

The Sugar Cane in Australia. a Series of Essays Upon Cultivation and Manufacture (1870) Brisbane, The Queenslander (pp.(viii), 168) 1508 It appears there was a further edition in 1883 (pp.206) published in Sydney. The Semi-Tropical Agriculturist and Colonists Guide (1875, 1890), Wilson & Co., Brisbane. (Another edition published by George Slater and Company, Brisbane, 1875, held by Gatton Agricultural College) Some seven pages (pp.153-160) on beekeeping, titled The Honey Bee in Australia. 1509 Mr. Mackays report upon sugar factories (1877), Queensland parliamentary paper (pp.9) Reports on his time as Commissioner to America where he investigated the manufacture of sugar in the United States and the West India Islands. The Sugar Cane in Australia. Practical details concerning cane, sorghum and beet cultivation and sugar making, with latest improvements in machinery. (1883, 2nd ed.) Town and Country Journal. The Honey Bee in Australia (c1884), a 32 page pamphlet. Agricultural Mechanics. (c1885 or earlier). Identified from the title page of Elements of Australian Agriculture. Bees and Honey in Australia (c1885) Sydney. Of 32 pages, probably identical to the above pamphlet. Helpful Science for Agriculturists (c1885 or earlier). Identified from an advertisement in The Rural Australian. Elements of Australian Agriculture, Leading to various departments of agricultural science (1885). (pp.175) At least one engraving in Angus Mackays Elements of Australian Agriculture was produced by wood engraver / xylographer, Charles Edward Winston. Born 1510 27 March 1825 in London, England, he died aged 67 on 5 January 1893 in Sydney. Winston arrived in Australia on or around 16 January 1851, working in

1508 1509

I Dec. 07 I located a copy of this book for $305. In Dec 2007 I located a copy available for $655 1510 Details may be found in Thomas A. Darraghs entry in Kerr, J. (ed). The Dictionary of Australian Artists, Painters, Sketchers, Photographers and Engravers to 1870, Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1992. (pp.873-874)

501

South Australia, New South Wales and Melbourne, Victoria (1860, 1862, 1869-72). He also spent time in Aotearoa, New Zealand during 1863-64. 1511 The catalogue 1512 of the State Library of Victoria lists and displays numerous (50+) engravings by Winston, many of which appeared in late 19th Century editions of The Illustrated Australian News Grazing, Farm and Garden Soils of New South Wales: (1888) Being Analyses and Notes made under the direction of the Board of Technical Education of New South Wales. With quantitative analysis by A Dixon. Sydney, George Robertson and Company (pp.85). Australian Agriculturist & Colonists Guide. (1890) An agricultural & farming guide, it includes a calendar of field & garden work aimed at both suburban & country residents. Sydney, J.W.R. Clarke (pp.336) Introduction to Australian Agricultural Practice: Arranged for Teachers and Pupils of the Public Schools. (1890) Published by Charles Potter, Government Printer, Sydney (pp.(ii), 55) Helpful Chemistry for Agriculturists. How the workers can help themselves. Particulars of chemical operations given in detail. ... (1894) Sydney, Batson & Co., (pp.(viii), 126) Bee Keeping as a Business in Australia (1895) Sydney, Batson & Co., (pp.65). The advertisement in The Rural Australian for May 1895 declared Mackays long experiences as a bee-keeper and teacher of bee-keeping 1513 as reflected in his book will be ready in May. The Australian Agriculturist and Guide for Land Occupation (1897) Subtitled Plain Experiences in Station, Farm, Orchard and Garden Work, Diarying, Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Ensillage Making, Poultry Farming, Fruit Preserving, Pests of the Agriculturist and How to Check Them, Home Helps, Directions

1511

printsandprintmaking.gov.au/Catalogues/Artists/tabid/56/frmView/Record/ite mID/15051/Default.aspx 1512 Refer web site sinpic.slv.vic.gov.au/cgibin/Pwebrecon.cgi?SEQ=20070507104734&BROWSEFWD=1&SC=Author &SA=Winston%2C&PID=8_HrcPz6661QUySr_Wi_-8bbhpsJ&SID=2 1513 from Barrett, P. An Australian Beekeeping Bibliography

502

for treating Wounds, Snake-Bite, Drowning, &c, &c, with Directions for Field and Garden Work, from January to December. George Robertson & Company, Melbourne. (pp.351)

APPENDIX 8. OFFICERS OF THE NSW BEE-KEEPERS UNION

Extracted from the American Bee Journal, 21 Sept. 1893 (pp.362364)

1. The Rev. J. Ayling, Vice-President, started bee-keeping in South Australia in 1858, and for the last eight years he has kept bees rather extensively, his object being to instruct his neighbors in the art, and help them to increase their rather scanty incomes. 503

2. Mr. W. S. Pender, Vice-President, of West Maitland, assistant editor of The Australasian Beekeeper, started bee-keeping in 1880, but did not make a | business of it until 1889, when he in creased to 20 colonies. In 1890 he increased to 40 colonies: in 1891 to 50, in which year he took the first national prize. In 1892 an out-apiary was started in Mulbring, which now numbers 50 colonies. 3. Mr. J. E. Taylor, Vice-President, of Cowra, commenced beekeeping 15 years ago, now has 140 colonies, and 150 at his out-apiary at Coota. 4. Mr. J. Trahair, Treasurer, of Stanmore, manager for Messrs. Hebblewhite & Co., commenced importing bee hives and appliances from America some years ago. He keeps a small apiary at his private residence, Stanmore, principally for experimenting. 5. Mr. C. Mansfield, of Largs, who was Secretary of the recent conference in Sydney, has kept bees more or less for the last 15 years. 6. Major Shallard, Secretary of the Union, commenced bee-keeping in 1882, at Granville. In 1886 he purchased the Blue Mountain BeeFarm, at Glenbrook, which contained 160 hives; in 1887 he started an out-apiary at Seven Hills of 200 colonies; in 1888 he started a home depot in Sydney to dispose of his crops; in 1889 he started another out-apiary of 200 colonies, and at present has 850 colonies. 7. Mr. R. Scobie, M.L.A., President, elected President of the Hunter River Bee-Keepers' Association in 1887, may be said to have grown up with bees around him, his father having kept black bees on their farm since 1839, when he used to get 5 per swarm for them. 8. Mr. Albert Gale, Vice-President, is another old bee-keeper, having kept bees in the old straw-skep in Monmouthshire, in 1858. About 25 years ago he kept bees on the Clarence River in gin-cases and boxes he moved to the Monaro district some 18 years ago, taking his bees with him, and eight years later he located at Gordon, near Sydney, where he kept some 18 colonies in Berlepsch hives appointed apicultural lecturer by the Government in 1889.

504

APPENDIX 9. SOME MORE SHIPS PICTURES

Paddle steamer Shamrock, 1841 1514

S.S. Arawatta 1515

1514

flotilla-australia.com/images/shamrock-slq-56933p.jpg 294 gross tons, 201 net. Lbd: 147'5" x 19'4" x 11'9". Iron paddle steamer, 3 mast schooner rigged. Built 1841 Bristol, England. Arriving Sydney 15 October 1841 under Captain George Gilmore, commenced regular coastal services from Oct. 28th 1841. As a passenger-cargo vessel, she worked the Sydney - Morpeth trade, and in Feb. 1842 she opened the trade to the fledgling 'Moreton Bay' area. 1843 saw her moved to the Sydney - Melbourne where she became most familiar. She also completed runs to Launceston and smaller ports along the NSW coast such as Twofold Bay and Eden. In December 1857 sent to Shanghai and sold to Chinese interests. Lost in the China Sea, 23 Mar. 1860

505

The Potosi, Pacific Steam Navigation Co.

The picture shown on page 130 of my Volume III was of a square rigged ship, not the steam ship I wanted. The one above I located in The Australian Services of the P&O and Orient Lines. The Potosi was built in 1873 by the John Elder shipyard in Glasgow. An iron hulled vessel she had a service speed of 13 knots, accommodating 80 first class, 110 second class and 350 third class passengers. She made her first departure for Australian ports from London on 7 July 1880. She served on this trade, her final sailing from London was on 26 May 1887.

another view of the s.s. Potosi 1516

1515 1516

flotilla-australia.com/images/arawatta.jpg clydesite.co.uk/clydebuilt/viewship.asp?id=23214

506

p.s. William the Fourth 1517 (see my Vol. II for its story)

The ship R.B. Forbes 1518

1517

54 tons. Lbd: 74' x 15'6" x 7'. Wooden paddle steamer, 2 masts, built on the Williams River at Clarencetown NSW, first ocean going steamship built in Australia in 1831. June 1839 owned by Brisbane Water Steam Packet Co. 1853 lengthened. Refer flotilla-australia.com/crrsnco.htm

507

One of Cottiers commands, p.s. Leichhardt, built 1865 at ASN Co's Pyrmont workshops, Sydney. Designed as a passenger vessel, the largest Australian built at the time.

the Collaroy, wrecked in 1889

1518

Image attributed to Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley

508

APPENDIX 10. A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE FIRST SUCCESSFUL (?) INTRODUCTION OF HONEY BEES INTO AUSTRALIA IN 1822.
During the early years of the 1990s Id been keeping bees in the lower Blue Mountains as a hobby, at the same time accumulating books on bees, concentrating on those published in Australia. My natural tendency towards logical thinking reinforced by my professional training as an analyst, inevitably drew me to their historical references. Hence grew my dissatisfaction with the depth and accuracy of information then available on Australian beekeeping history. In December 1994 I acquired a copy of Albert Gales 1912 Australian Bee Lore and Bee Culture. Its contents very quickly inspired the commencement of my research, centred upon the question by whom and when and how were honey bees introduced into Australia? Many others before me had addressed the whom and the when, with few exceptions concluding or reiterating the same 1822 answer. Recent research has revealed a fresh perspective which challenges the general belief that Captain Wallaces Isabella hives of bees were the first to successfully establish in Australia from 1822.

Failed Attempts both before and after 1822

Others, both before and after 1822 had tried and failed to successfully introduce bees into the antipodean colonies: 1806: Gregory Blaxland sailed from England on 1 September 1805, arriving New South Wales 13 April 1806, a journey of seven and a half months. Henry Hacker states in the Illustrated Australian Encyclopaedia of 1925 that The first reference to bees in Australian records occurs in a letter from Gregory Blaxland dated 1st March, 1805, asking for cargo space on the William Pitt for a swarm of bees in cabin with wire cage over the hive. There is, however, no record of their safe landing. (p.1). From the Historical Records of Australia, a report to Governor King dated 13 July 1805 from Viscount Castlereagh states Mr. Blaxland takes out no live Stock excepting possibly a few Spanish Sheep. This letter was despatched upon the William Pitt - the sheep numbered twelve. Amongst the extensive list of the supplies that Blaxland did bring includes 2 509

cases of plants, hops, &c, in cabin, 2 cases of field and garden seeds (p.569) During the voyage Blaxland lost many valuable seeds. These seeds he had collected at the Cape of Good Hope literally cooked in the heat. They did not germinate owing to the heat of the ships hold in which they were stowed 1519 Not surprising then that Blaxland planned to keep his hive of bees in cabin which may have afforded a greater degree of ventilation and heat control. There is no evidence that the bees were ever taken on board. Blaxland's letter requesting shipment was written before he embarked on the William Pitt under Captain Boyce. The fate of the bees could be explained by an ongoing dispute between Blaxland and Boyce, both before, during and after the voyage, the basis for which is unclear. Blaxland attempted to litigate on his arrival and legal opinion on his right do so was sought by the Governor. It appears that Some disagreement took place between the Commander of the Pitt and Mr. Blaxland, a passenger, in which others were concerned, previous to the Ship leaving England and during the Voyage". (p.717) Blaxland wrote "Myself and family met with exceeding bad treatment from Capt'n Boyce.

Gregory Blaxland (1778 - 1853), unknown artist

1519

Historical Records of Australia, Vol.V, p.748

510

1809: In the Edinburgh Philosophical Journal for 1820 and repeated in Charles Buckes 1823 On the beauties, harmonies and sublimities of nature , Bees were introduced to New South Wales in 1809. Two hives were taken from England; but the bees were suffocated by the melting of the wax, in crossing the Line. Captain Wallis afterwards introduced four more hives in 1822, and the last time I heard of them, they were healthy and increasing. (p.186) This anonymous attempt should not be confused with Samuel Marsdens 1 December 1809 letter 1520 and his 27 January 1810 arrival in Sydney with hives of stingless bees procured in Rio de Janeiro.

Samuel Marsden (1765 - 1838), by Joseph Backler

Circa 1816-1817: In one of two related letters to the Editor of the Colonial Times and Tasmanian Advertiser for Friday 8 December 1826: In another part of the Paper, we have given insertion to a Letter, signed C.Y.X. on the subject of bees. We think what our Correspondent says is true, and should rejoice to see something done of the nature of what he advises. We remember, that about 9 or 10 years back, a few bees were imported to this Colony, which were turned loose in Hobart Town, but, in consequence of their then being so few flowers and herbs about the town, they flew away and were never

1520

written on board the Ann at Rio Two Hives of Bees I found in Rio and shall attempt to take them out

511

seen since. What C.Y.X. says about the culture of thyme might perhaps prevent a recurrence of this. Circa 1817-1819: The Sydney Gazette for 12 April 1822 (p.2), recalled within a report on the progress of the Isabellas bee hives, then in the possession of Mr Parr of George-street: A species of this industrious race was introduced some years ago, 1521 and lived only a short time, in Parramatta; 1821: Extracted from the Tasmanian for 24 August 1832, 1522 the following also appeared in the Sydney Gazette for Saturday 8 September 1832: We are pleased to learn that His Excellency Colonel Arthur, mindful of the interests of the sister colony, has sent a hive of bees, one of the progeny of that brought out by Dr. Wilson last year in the John, to Governor Bourke, for the benefit of the now very thriving colony under his Government; and what is a singular coincidence, the hive has gone up in the ship England, under the immediate care of Dr. Wilson, who originally and so successfully imported the original from which it was produced. It is but just here to mention that so long ago as the year 1821, Mr. [William] Kermode, no less mindful of the interests of the colony, brought out a hive of bee from England in the finest possible condition, which he transferred on arrival to the care of the Lieutenant Governor, Colonel Sorell, but owing to the want of such a person as Mr. Davidson, at the head of the Government garden, to manage them so successfully as he has done those brought out by Dr. Wilson, they unfortunately perished. (p.3) 1821 (another): From research aired by Keith Campbell of the South Coast of New South Wales, made available via the ABC Radio program Ockhams Razor on 29 December 2002: In 1821, John MacArthur (of Elizabeth Farm at Parramatta) wrote to his brother James from London, that he understood that he had acquired English bees, and wanted to know how

1521

Ive interpreted some years ago to approximate between three and five years. 1522 Also appeared in the Hobart Town Courier, 24 Aug. 1832, p.2

512

they were doing. The MacArthurs were first to do with livestock in Australia: perhaps this was another. It is possible that all these early bees [ie., including the Wallace / Isabella bees] perished with Braidwood Wilson's being the first successful imports.

James Macarthur (1798 - 1867), artist unknown

1824: F.R. Beuhne stated in his 1916 book Beekeeping in Victoria The Black Bee, it has been stated, was first brought to Tasmania from Great Britain in 1824. From Tasmania some hives were then taken to Sydney and from thence the variety has spread pretty well over the whole of Australia. (p.13). Unfortunately, Beuhne did not mention any prime source for his observation. The scanty specifics of this 1824 reference appear nowhere else in all the material I have studied. It could be a confusion with the next item: 1824: Gale, 1912, quoted from the Sydney Morning Herald, 10 August 1863 .... it stated that at a meeting of the Acclimatisation Society of New South Wales bees were brought from England to Sydney in the year 1824, in the ship 513

Phoenix, which sailed from Portsmouth in March of that year. In Charles Batesons 1969 The Convict Ships The Phoenix, after disembarking her convicts at Hobart, sailed for Sydney, and early in August arrived off the entrance to Port Jackson. ( p.230) From John Rosss 1523 letter, dated 10 August 1863 at Moruya, subsequently appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald: In your paper of the 28th July, I see it stated at a meeting of the Acclimatisation Society of New South Wales, that bees were first brought to this country by Dr. Braidwood Wilson, from Hobart Town, in the year 1831. This is evidently a mistake. Bees were brought from England to Sydney in the year 1824, in the ship Phoenix, which sailed from Portsmouth in March of that year. The bees were in charge of Dr. Quede [sic.] Surgeon Superintendent of that ship, of which I was junior officer, and it was understood on board that they were sent by the Home Government. However that may be, I have the most perfect recollection of being one of the boats crew who conveyed the bees, accompanied by Dr. Quede, from the ship in Sydney Cove to Parramatta, where they were landed near the factory, in presence of Sir. Thomas Brisbane. I returned to Sydney in February, 1825, when I again visited Parramatta. I was then informed that the bees had greatly increased, and were doing well. Soon after I left for India, and did not return to Sydney until 1828, when I found bees common in gentlemens gardens, and was given to understand that they were the produce of bees imported in the ship Phoenix.

1523

Ross was First Pilot of the Newstead Pilot Station, Moruya River, NSW, 1860-1871

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Governor Brisbane: soldier, astronomer, colonial Governor; Honey bee patron and/or a beekeeper as well ?

1826: Several late 20th century scientific papers have quoted Keith Doulls 1973 article which appeared in Australian Plants (7:223-236), titled Bees and their role in pollination. The quotation referred to simply reads Honeybees are not native to Australia, and the first hives were introduced in 1826. No prime source was provided. 1829: In the Hobart Town Courier for Saturday 3 October 1829, it is stated that bees were not present in Van Diemens Land: While upon the subject of vessels touching at the Cape of Good Hope, we suggest the propriety of any settler or commander of a vessel touching there on his voyage hither, to speculate in bringing out with him a few hives of bees. The voyage from the Cape hither is but short compared to that from England and although some attempts to introduce the honey bee in Van Diemen's land have already been tried and have failed, they must eventually succeed, and he who first speculates in them must realise a small fortune. Of all places in the world Van Diemen's Land with its honeyed blossoms at all seasons, is most eligible for the rearing of bees. (p.4)

Evidence for and against Capt. Wallace in 1822

Much evidence exists supporting the success of Wallaces venture. Countless entries both in print and on the web attest to Wallaces triumph eg., 1820s issues of the Sydney Gazette, early 19th century books accessible in significant Australian libraries, Heatons 1879 515

Dictionary of Dates, 20th century encyclopaedias (eg., The Australian Encyclopaedia, 1958), all attest and repeat the barest facts of the Isabella event. The following historical accounts are relevant to Wallaces reputed achievement: The general belief in Captain Wallaces success is based on oft referenced editions of early 1820s issues of the Sydney Gazette, chiefly including: o 15 March 1822: SALES BY AUCTION BY MR. LORD At his Auction Mart, Macquarie-place, on Tuesday next, the 19th Instant, at 11 o'Clock in the Forenoon, THE FOLLOWING ARTICLES, without Reserve; seven hives of bees, just imported from England; ... (p.3) 12 April 1822: Captain Wallis, of the Isabella, brought out a number of bee-hives on his last visit to the Colony. Mr. Parr, of George-street, has four of these thickly populated habitations, which seem not to lose any of their forces from a change of climate. the present generation appear to be a hardy and thrifty set. As soon as the dawn appears, the little animals issue forth from the rest they have enjoyed during the night, and commence their aerial journey over their newly-acquired land; and one squadron no sooner returns heavily laden with spoil, than another troop may be viewed winging away for some favored spot that seems perfectly congenial to their prosperity and nature. Mr. Parr has no doubt, with the exercise of proper attention, that the four hives might become twenty, in the space of only twelve months. The experiment is doubtless worthy of a trial. (p.2) 14 June 1822: Mr. PARR has only ONE HIVE of BEES for SALE, having disposed of all the other Hives imported by Captain Wallis, which are the only Hive Bees in New South Wales.- When the above Hive was landed the number of Bees were reduced to 476, and the quantity of honey to little more than half-a-pound; but now, although the depth of winter, the number of 516

bees exceed 6000, and their stock of honey, about eighteen pounds - Mr. Parr will engage that this hive will cast a swarm in July next, and before Christmas three others may be expected. (p.4) o 6 November 1823: The bee-hives taken out by Captain Wallis, of the Isabella, fortunately arrived safe, and four of their thickly populated habitations are now in the neighbourhood of Sydney, where the valuable little colonizers seem to lose none of their forces from the change of climate, but rather to increase in thrift and hardihood. The owner expected to extend his four to twenty hives in twelve months, so congenial to their prosperity and nature is their newly acquired land. (p.2)

An item under the heading Australasia. New South Wales in the European Magazine and London Review for 1823, referenced an article in a late Sydney Gazette, dealing with the price of oranges, thriving sheep in Van Diemens Land, Blaxlands prize winning wine and the Isabellas bees: The news from this country continues to be highly satisfactory. Bees have been imported without suffering from the voyage, and are doing well. (p.270) The comment without suffering from the voyage was inaccurate for one of Parr s hives up for auction had a seriously depleted population of only 476 bees - Ive always wondered how they were counted! An article simply signed B.F. and titled Journal of an excursion across the Blue Mountains of New South Wales appeared in The London Magazine for July to December 1823. 1524 It documented Supreme Court Judge Baron Fields journey which commenced Monday 7 October 1822. Part of the entry for Tuesday, Oct. 15. - Morning windy and cloudy, but the day proved fair. The Macquarie very high and still rising. Left Bathurst at half past 10 o'clock Procured a codfish from a creek of the river Macquarie, which we crossed in our way, weighing nineteen pounds. This is truly a land

1524

The London Magazine, July to Dec. 1823, by John Scott & John Taylor. Vol. VIII, C. Baldwin, London. Article appeared in the Nov. issue (pp.469470).

517

flowing with milk and honey, if there were but dairymen and bees. He made no comment either way on the presence of bees closer to Sydney.

Barron Field (1786 - 1846), by Richard Read, c1820

The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and Foreign India ..., (Vol.16, July Dec. 1823, p.483) During the last three weeks, three swarms of young bees have been produced from two hives, the property of D. WENTWORTH, Esq. purchased by him from Captain Wallace. On the surface such a report demonstrates a vigorous increase in the number of honey bee populations. A closer think could indicate something was amiss, with the real possibility of absconding and/or poverty swarms having occurred. Three swarms from two hives in three weeks could equally be good news or an omen. The real question is, were the virgin queens left in residence in the two Wallace sourced hives able to successfully mate and their hives subsequently prosper. One of the three swarms can be assumed to have been headed by an antipodean born Queen, which, once mated, issued forth with its consorts, leaving behind another virgin Queen. 518

The report in the Asiatic Journal supports an expectation rather than a statement of success: The five hives of bees taken out by Captain Wallace of the Isabella, were thriving well, and had thrown off many swarms, the greater part of which had escaped into the woods, where they will multiply fast, from the climate and country being so favourable to their propagation; so that wild honey and wax will may hereafter become objects of interest to the Colonist for domestic purposes and exportation, besides what will be produced from the bees in their tame state. (pp.460-1) Given that Parr had seven hives in March 1822, either this report was in error or two hives were lost. It was the practice in the days of sail before the advent of under-sea cables and radio, for ships to carry newspapers from their port of departure, they to be avidly read and consumed on arrival. Excerpts from those newspapers swiftly appeared in local reports. Thus it was after the Competitor, Captain Ascough, on 16 June 1824, arrived off the Isle of Wight in one hundred and thirty-four days from Sydney Extracts from the news she carried appeared in Londons Morning Chronicle for Monday 21st June and subsequently in the January-June 1824 issue of The Philosophical Magazine and Journal. The report of the Isabellas bees appeared with other items under the heading Intelligence and Miscellaneous Articles New South Wales. It included such notes as Hannibal MArthurs import of olive trees; the commencement of a daily stage coach run between Parramatta and Sydney; Archibald Bells discovery of a new route over the Blue Mountains; and John Oxleys December 1823 discovery of a river in Moreton Bay which he named the Brisbane. Any report made on the progress of Wallaces bees was therefore available to a London audience up to and concluding with the date of the Competitors embarkation, announced in the Ship News section of the Sydney Gazette, 5 February 1824 (p.2) Following the arrival of the Isabella in March 1822 the bees had the opportunity to enjoy Sydneys Spring season of late 1822, a first Summer to the end of February 1823, a second Spring in late 1823 and the majority of a second Summer 519

until the Competitors departure in early February 1824. The Morning Chronicle report of 21 June 1824 stated The five hives of bees taken out by Captain Wallace of the Isabella, were thriving well, and had thrown off many swarms, the greater part of which had escaped into the woods, where they will multiply fast, from the climate and country being so favourable to their propagation; so that wild honey and wax may hereafter become objects of interest to the colonist for domestic purposes and exportation, besides what will be produced from the bees in their tame state. This account reflects, word for word, that which appeared in the July December 1823 collation of The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and Foreign India. The Spirit of the English Magazines (1825) essentially rehashed the Asiatic Journals 1823 report: The Hives of Bees taken out to New South Wales by Capt. Wallace, were five of them thriving well, and had thrown off many swarms, although the greater part of these had escaped into the woods, where they are multiplying Here we have the implication of personal observation, though I suspect optimistic journalistic interpretation was in play rather than the first hand gatherings of a naturalist. An increase in potentially viable feral swarms is indicated, but Wentworth at his Homebush property apparently still had the same number of managed hives he started with, viable or otherwise.

Homebush near Sydney, by Louisa Anne Meredith, c1841

520

The Sydney Gazette, 7 April 1825, carried an advertisement for the auction of the late Mr. Riley's valuable property. The list of household goods and items included wines and liquers, [sic.] elegant plate and plated ware, a handsome musical snuff-box, a set of ivory chess-men, a quantity of valuable books, as well as agricultural items such as bullock carts, harnesses, a winnowing machine, a lathe, cows, bullocks, and a patent cooking machine, two boats, lying in the creek at Wooloomooloo, and 3 hives of bees, now in the garden there. (p.4) Edward Riley, merchant and pastoralist, had acquired the property in May 1822. Were the hives traceable back to the Isabellas bees - possibly through the propertys former owner, John Palmer, merchant, shipowner and former 1788 First Fleeter and CommissaryGeneral? 1525 An extract from James Atkinsons 1826 An Account of the State of Agriculture and Grazing in New South Wales, &c., appeared in the Sydney Gazette for Friday 19 January 1827. It suggests bees were not then plentiful in the colony: barren scrubs almost every where border the sea coast, and extend to various distances inland; in some places two or three miles; in others, lands of a better description approach close to the water's edge. The soil in these scrubs is either sand-stone rock, or sterile sand or gravel, covered, however, with a profusion of beautiful shrubs and bushes, &c. The grass trees, with its lofty flower stalk, is a conspicuous object in these wastes. Very few trees grow in these places, except a few stunted gum trees, in situations sheltered from the sea winds. Much honey might probably be collected from these scrubs were bees plentiful in the colony, and some small profit may possibly be thus made of them hereafter; but with this exception, they scarcely seem susceptible of any improvement. (p.3b) This article clearly states bees were not

1525

From the 1967 Australian Dictionary of Biography, (Vol. 2, Margaret Steven, pp.309-311) In February 1793 Lieutenant-Governor Francis Grose had granted Palmer 100 acres (40 ha) at the head of Garden Island Cove, then known as Palmer's Cove. Here, set in an extensive orchard, Palmer built Woolloomooloo Farm, one of the colony's first permanent residences, where the Palmers lived and elegantly entertained the first rank of colonial society.

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plentiful in the colony, be they managed or feral hives. Does it imply there were none at all?

Wooloomooloo, the residence of Edward Riley Esq., J. P., (c. 1825) Waterolour by Joseph Lycett.

An unattributed article in the Sydney Gazette 7 March 1829, asked Game: Somewhere about three years ago, an Association was formed in Hobart Town for the importation & propagation of British Game, and a considerable sum of money was, we believe, contributed and remitted home for that purpose. But it is long since any thing farther about that matter. Maybe we might. This question was immediately followed by the query Has the bee been any where successfully propagated, in other of the colonies? This implies thered been earlier failures to propagate honey bees in New South Wales.
1526

1526

With potential to confuse matters, a lengthy letter, originally to the Editor of the Waterford and Weekly Waterford Chronicles from one Matthew Hindson not the Matthew Hindson of the merchant and ships agents firm of Icely and Hindson in Macquarie-place Sydney - was reproduced in the Sydney Gazette, 17 February 1829. (p.3) The letter was dated Grange, Waterford, Sept. 10, 1828 and advanced the benefits farmers may obtain through the propagation of bees. Clues within the letter (eg., qualification of currency in terms of pounds sterling, mention of native clover of which Australia had none - and his perusal of

522

The Sydney Gazette for Thursday 29 July 1830 carried the following under the title Australian Capabilities A Member calls the attention of the Agricultural and Horticultural Society to sundry productions which the Colony is capable of yielding, and which it is important to encourage by premiums. Whether the bee would, as he supposes, thrive well in our climate, is at present problematical. They have been several times tried, but we believe in each instance failed. (p.2c) In Rev. William Dunbars 1840 The Natural History of Bees: Comprehending the uses and economical management of the British and foreign honey-bee ..., It appears from recent accounts, that in the distant regions of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land, besides the indigenous insect, the Bee of Europe has obtained a firm footing, and already rivals the prolific race of South Carolina. The following account is from a periodical of extensive circulation and great utility. Loudon's Gardener's Magazine, Dec. 1835. The European Bee has been oftener than once introduced into Sydney, but without success; the swarms having always left the hives for the woods. There is a government garden at Hobart Town, under the care of our correspondent Mr. Davidson; 1527 The latest accounts which we have had from this quarter relate to the European honey bee. A hive was carried to Van Diemans Land, in the autumn of the year 1830, by Dr. T. B. Wilson, at the suggestion of his friend Mr. R. Gunter of Earls Court, brought from London in a wire case. It arrived in safety, and the bees swarmed several times the first year; and in the True Colonist (a Hobart-Town newspaper) of February 14th 1835, it is stated that a hive descended from Dr. Wilsons, belonging to a gentleman in the neighbourhood of Hobart-Town, had

Parliamentary reports) leave no question that the letter was written in England for local consumption. 1527 It was to Mr. Davidson that R.N. Surgeon Thomas Braidwood Wilson entrusted his hive of bees brought to Hobart Town aboard the convict transport John in Jan. 1831.

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already swarmed eighteen times! (pp.282-3) Robert Loudons observation did not favour Wallaces success. In John Miltons 1843 The practical bee-keeper; or, concise and plain instructions for the management of bees and hives , under the heading Bees in New South Wales, after a description of some native bees: Some European bees were introduced here a few years ago, but falling into careless hands, little attention was paid to them. Lately, however, some swarms have been obtained by a careful individual, 1528 and we hope soon to see the colony stocked with them. A number of swarms have, at different times, escaped into the woods, and the climate being exceedingly favourable for bees, we may expect soon to see honey and wax added to our list of exports. The Sydney Morning Herald, 28 July 1863, covered a meeting of the New South Wales Acclimatisation Society held the previous day, Mr. L. Samuel in the chair. At the end of the article the correspondent noted The chairman mentioned that he had received some hives of the bees from Tasmania in 1834. Why would anyone undergo the expense of shipping bees from Tasmania if they freely available in NSW?

Overwhelming evidence for Dr. Thomas Braidwood Wilsons success in 1831

Of late, with the rapid increase in the digitization of old newspapers as well as rare books long buried in world wide library archives, significant evidence, not previously aired, strongly indicates Wilsons success. Was Gwendoline Wilson ahead of her time in 1967 via her contribution to the Australian Dictionary of Biography? She credited Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson: who arrived in Hobart Town in the John in 1831, bringing with him many European plants and the first hive of bees to survive in Australia. 1529

1528

I believe this careful individual was William Davidson, appointed as the first Superintendent of the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens in November 1828. 1529 Vol. 2, p.612. See also chapter Dr. Thomas Braidwood Wilson on page 68.

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BOOK REVIEWS The Australasian Beekeeper, November 2007

Peter has produced another volume in this most fascinating series. his work is both professional and entertaining. It is also unique in that I know of no other writer who has undertaken such an important and huge historical work anywhere in the world. Peter has gone to extraordinary lengths to find out what happened after 1822 and possibly before that. I found absolutely fascinating the history of the ship Phoenix. There is a lot more detail about the introduction of Italian bees into Australia. Is the romantic legend of the introduction of Ligurian honey bees into Kangaroo Island in the 1880s just as its currently portrayed? And so it goes on, fact after fact in a probably never ending tale of the real history of our industry. Bob Gulliford Editor.

525

Select Bibliography
BOOKS
Acclimatisation Society of Victoria, Third Annual Report (1864) Wilson and Mackinnon, Melbourne Andel, L.V. (1984) Clerk of the House: the reminiscences of H.M. Hull, 1818-1882, Melbourne Annual Publication of the Historical Society of Southern California, 1905 The Atheneum or The Spirit of the English Magazines, (1825) Monroe and Francis, vol. 2 (Oct. 1824-Mar. 15, 1825)

Atlay, James Beresford (1903) Sir Henry Wentworth Acland, bart., K.C.B., F.R.S., regius professor of medicine in the University of Oxford: a memoir. Smith, Elder & co., 1903
Australian (online) Dictionary of Biography Australian Encyclopaedia, (1958) Vol. 2, p.236a, p.66b, 67a; Vol. 3, p.136a; Vol. 4, pp.303b-305a; Vol. 5, p.364a, p.430b, p.431a; Vol. 8, p.546a, . p.542b; Barry, Captain (1903) Glimpses of the Australian Colonies and New Zealand Bateson, Charles. The Convict Ships, 1787-1868. (1959, 1985) Brown, Son & Ferguson Ltd., Glasgow Beament, William (1881) An Account of the Ancient Town of Frodsham in Cheshire, Percival Pearse Bennett, George (1860) Gatherings of a naturalist in Australia: being observations principally on the animal and vegetable productions of New South Wales, New Zealand, and some of the austral islands. John Van Voorst, London Best, Elsdon (1914) Porirua: And They Who Settled It Bidwill, John Carne (1841) Rambles in New Zealand. Bird, J.T.S. (1904) The Early History of Rockhampton

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Blain, Fr. Michael (2008) Blain Biographical Directory of Anglican clergy in the Diocese of Honolulu, (1862-1902) 2nd ed. Bonwick, James (1890) Early Struggles of the Australian Press, Gordon & Gotch, London Breton, William Henry (1833; 1834, 1835, p.243) Excursions in New South Wales, Western Australia, and Van Dieman's Land during the years 1830, 1831, 1832 and 1833. Richard Bentley, London The British Almanac of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge for the year (Great Britain) Charles Knight, 1881. (copy at oxford University digitized by Google in 2006) Brodie, Walter (1845) Remarks on the past and present state of New Zealand: its government, capabilities, and prospects. London, Whittaker and Co. Brown, William (1851) New Zealand and its Aborigines, being an account of the aborigines, trade, and resources of the colony, and the advantages it now presents as a field for emigration and the investment of capital, Chapter I. Reissue of 1st ed. published London : Smith, Elder, 1845 with different advertising material. London, J & D.A. Darling. Bucke, Charles (1823) On the beauties, harmonies and sublimities of nature , Vol. II, Whittaker, London. Campbell, J. L (1881) Poenamo, sketches of the early days of New Zealand, romance and reality of Antipodean life in the infancy of a new colony. Williams and Norgate, London Carleton, Hugh (1877) The Life of Henry Williams, Archdeacon of Waimate Vol. II, Reed, Wellington Carnegie, David W (1898) Spinifex and Sand, A Narrative of Five Years' Pioneering and Exploration in Western Australia Carr, William. (1880) Introduction or Early History of Bees and Honey. J, Roberts, Salford. Chambers, S. R. The Honey Bee, in Agriculture in Western Australia 1829-1979 Chambers, William & Chambers, Robert. Chamberss Edinburgh Journal (Vol. XI-XII, Jan-June 1849) William Orr, London 527

Chambers, William & Chambers, Robert. Chamberss Edinburgh Journal (1852) W. Orr, London. (No. 418, Sat. Jan. 3) Chambers's Papers for the People, Vol. XI, J. W. Moore, Philadelphia, 1852 Chambers, William; Chambers, Robert (1893) Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science and Arts. W & R Chambers (ser.5, v.10) Church Missionary Society (1842) The Missionary Register for MDCCCXLII, L. and G. Seeley, Fleet Street. (v.30) Coleridge, Arthur Duke (1898) Eton in the Forties, R. Bentley & Son Coleridge, Edward. His letter in The Christian Remembrancer (1842) F.C. & J. Rivington, (v.3 1842 Jan-Jun)

The Colonial Church Chronicle, and Missionary Journal, Vol. II, (1849) July 1848- June 1849, Francis and John Rivington, London
Colonial Magazine and Commercial Maritime Journal (1840) Fisher son & Co. Cooper, George Sisson (1851) Journal of an Expedition Overland from Auckland to Taranaki, by way of Rotorua, Taupo, and the West Coast: undertaken in the summer of 1849-50 / by His Excellency the Governor-in-Chief of New Zealand. Williamson and Wilson, Auckland. Cooper, James Fenimore (1860) Oak Openings, or The Bee-Hunter The Cottagers Monthly Visitor for 1825. Vol.V. C. J. Rivington, London Cox, George Valentine (1870) Recollections of Oxford, Macmillan Crane, Eva (1999) The World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting. Duckworth, London Curtis, George DeClyver (1948) Bees' Ways. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston Dictionary of Australian Biography, Angus and Robertson, 1949, Serle, Percival Dictionary of New Zealand Biography 528

Dieffenbach, Ernest (1843). Travels in New Zealand, With Contributions to the Geography, Botany, and Natural History of that Country. Vol.I . London, Murray Dowell, Thomas (1850) Farewell to the outward bound, addressed to members of the Church of England by one of her ministers. Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, London Doyle, Francis (1886) Reminiscences and Opinions of Sir Francis Hastings Doyle, 1813-1885. Longmans, Green and Co., London Elder, J (1942) The Letters and Journals of Samuel Marsden, 17651838 (Ch. VII. Marsdens Sixth New Zealand Journal) Dunedin, Coulls Somerville Wilkie & A.H. Reed Ellis, Robert (1851) Official Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue: By Authority of the Royal Commission, London Great Exhibition of the Works of Industry of All Nations, 1851, Great Britain Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851. Spicer brothers Elwes, Robert (1854) A sketcher's tour round the world. Hurst and Blackett, London Encyclopaedia of New Zealand (1966) English Mechanic and World of Science (1884) E.J. Kibblewhite (Vol. 38, Sept. 1883 Feb. 1884) The European Magazine and London Review (1823) Philological Society of London. Sherwood, Jones & Co., London (Vol. 84, July to Dec. 1823) Eyre, Edward John, Journals Of Expeditions Of Discovery Into Central Australia And Overland From Adelaide To King George's Sound In The Years 1840-1, Volume 2 Fairfax, William (1859) Handbook to Australasia: Being a Brief Historical and Descriptive Account of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, New South Wales, Western Australia, and New Zealand. W. Fairfax and Co. Farquhar, Ian (2001) Union Fleet, Wellington. New Zealand Ship & Marine Society (Inc). Fitton, Edward Brown (1856) New Zealand: its Present Condition, Prospects and Resources, being a description of the country and 529

general mode of life among New Zealand colonists, for the information of intending emigrants. London, E. Stanford Fraser H. Malcolm (1958) History of Beekeeping in Britain. Bee Research Assoc. Ltd., London Gordon, Malcolm R. (1985) From Chusan to Sea Princess, The Australian Services of the P&O and Orient Lines, George Allen & Unwin, North Sydney Graves, Charles Larcom (1903) The Life and Letters of Sir George Grove, Macmillan & Co., London Gregory, Augustus Charles and Gregory, Francis Thomas (1884) Journals of Australian Explorations Brisbane, James C. Beal, Government Printer Heaton (1879) Dictionary of Dates Hobhouse, Hermione (2004) The Crystal Palace and the Great Exhibition. (pp.3-4) Hocken, Dr. T.M., The Governors of New Zealand Hood, John (1843) Australia and the East: Being a Journal Narrative of a Voyage to New South Wales in an Emigrant Ship, with a Residence of Some Months in Sydney and the Bush, and the Route Home by Way of India and Egypt, in the Years 1841 and 1842. J. Murray Hooker, Joseph Dalton (1859) Introductory Essay to the Flora of Tasmania Hopkins, Isaac (1882) New Zealand Bee Manual, 2nd ed. Hopkins, Isaac (1886) The Illustrated Australasian bee Manual, and complete guide to modern bee culture in the southern hemisphere , 3rd ed. Hopkins, Isaac (c1904) The Illustrated Australasian bee manual, and complete guide to modern bee culture in the southern hemisphere, 4th ed. Hughes William (1852) The Australian Colonies: Their Origin and Present Condition. Longman, Brown, Green &c. London

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Hughes, William (1856) A manual of geography, physical, industrial and political. Longman, Brown, Green &c. London Hunter, John (1879) A Manual of Bee-keeping, David Bogue, London Hurburgh, Marcus (1986) The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, 1818-1986. Shearwater Press, Sandy Bay, Tasmania Hursthouse, Charles (1857) New Zealand, or, Zealandia: the Britain of the south, Vol. II, London, Edward Stanford. Chapter XII Hursthouse, Charles. An Account of the Settlement of New Plymouth in 1849 and New Zealand, the Britain of the South in 1857 Irvine-Smith, F.L. (1948) The Streets of My City: Wellington, New Zealand Jardine, William (1840) The Naturalist's Library, Entomology, Vol. VI, Bees. Comprehending the uses and economical management of the honey-bee of Britain and other countries Jardine, William (1840?) Bees: British and foreign, together with descriptions of the known wild species. W.H. Allen & Co., London Jerrold, Douglas William (1853) A Man Made of Money, (The Writings of Douglas Jerrold, Collected Edition, Vol. 6) London, Bradbury & Evans Journals of Australian Explorations by Augustus Charles Gregory and Francis Thomas Gregory (1884) Brisbane, James C. Beal, Government Printer, William Street Keppel, Capt. Henry & Brooke, James (1853) A Visit to the Indian Archipelago, in H.M. Ship Mander: With Portions of the Private Journal of Sir James Brooke, K.C.B. R. Bentley, London. King, Hazel (1980) Elizabeth Macarthur and Her World, Sydney University Press Laing, Robert Malcolm; Speight, Robert; Wall, Arnold (1927) Natural History of Canterbury. Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand), Landsborough (1862) Journal of Landsboroughs Expedition from Carpentaria in search of Burke and Wills

531

Lang, John Dunmore (1852) An historical and statistical account of New South Wales. Vol.II., Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans. London Langstroth, Lorenzo (1857) Lorraine A Practical Treatise on the Hive and Honey-bee, C. M. Saxton & co., 1857 Laurie J.S. (1863), Landsboroughs Exploration of Australia from Carpentaria to Melbourne, with special reference to the settlement of available country. Murley, Simpkin and Marshall, London Leigh, Egerton (1859) Pets: A Paper, Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, and Roberts Loudon, John Claudius (1826) The Gardeners Magazine and Register of Rural & Domestic Improvement. Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green. (Vol.1) Loudon, John Claudius (1826) An encyclopdia of agriculture ..., Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green. London Loudon, John Claudius (1838) The Gardener's magazine and register of rural & domestic improvement , Longman, Brown, Green and Longmans, Edinburgh. Mann, William & Fiske, Willard (1839) Six Years' Residence in the Australian Provinces; ending in 1839 with an account of New Zealand. Smith, Elder & Co. London Martin, Robert Montgomery (1836, 1839) History of Austral-Asia: Comprising New South Wales, Van Dieman's Island, Swan River, South Australia &c., ... Whittaker & Co., London Martin, Robert Montgomery (1849) The British Colonies: Their History, Extent, Condition and Resources, London Printing and Publishing Company McNair, William & Rumley, Hilary (1981) Pioneer Aboriginal Mission. The Work of Wesleyan Missionary John Smithies in the Swan River Colony 1840-1855, University of WA Press, Nedlands Melville, Henry (1833) Van Diemans Land , Henry Melville, Hobart Town and Smith, Elder & Co., London Melville, Henry Saxelby (1851) The Present State of Australia: Including New South Wales, Western Australia, South Australia, 532

Victoria and New Zealand, with practical hints on emigration: to which are added the land regulations, and description of the aborigines and their habits. G. Willis, Great Piazza, Covent Garden Melville Henry (1851) Australasia and Prison Discipline with a description of the penal settltment of Van Diemens Land, T. Brettell, London Meredith, Louisa Anne (1853) My Home in Tasmania: Or, Nine Years in Australia. Bunce and Brother, New York Milton, John (1843) The practical bee-keeper; or, Concise and plain instructions for the management of bees and hives. John W. Parker, London Moore, A.W. (1901) Manx Worthies or Biographies of Notable Manx men and Women. S.K. Broadbent & Co., Victoria Street. Douglas, Isle of Man Moubray, Bonington. (7th ed., 1834) pseudo (Lawrence, John) A Practical Treatise on ... the Management of Swine, Milch Cows and Bees Muir, John (1894) The Bee-Pastures in The Mountains of California

The Nautical Magazine, and naval chronicle for 1847, a journal of papers on subjects connected with maritime affairs. Simpkin, Marshall & Co., London.
Neighbour, Alfred (1866) The Apiary; or Bees, Bee-Hives, and BeeCulture. Kent and Co., London The New Monthly Magazine and Literary Journal (1824) Vol. XII, Henry Colburn, London Newman, Thomas G. (1892, 1882) Bees and Honey or Management of an Apiary for Profit and Pleasure, Office of The American Bee Journal. (1882 was 3rd Edition) Newton, William (1825) Newton's London Journal of Arts and Sciences, Vol X. Charles Frederick Sherwood & Co., London New Zealand Company (1843) Letters from Settlers & Labouring Emigrants in the New Zealand Company's Settlements of Wellington, Nelson, & New Plymouth: From February, 1842, to January, 1843. Smith, Elder & Co., London 533

New Zealand Shipwrecks (1990) Beckett Books Ltd Nicholson, Ian Hawkins (1963, 1964, 1977, 1981) Shipping Arrivals and Departures, Sydney, 1826-40. Roebuck, Canberra Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-communication for literary men, artists, antiquaries, genealogists, etc. Vol.XII, July Dec. 1855. George Bell, London O'Brien, Ekarestini & McCallum, Mary (1998) Australian Joint Copying Project Handbook: Part 8 - Miscellaneous Series. National Library of Australia Orchard, A.E. (1999) A History of Systematic Botany in Australia, in Flora of Australia Vol.1, 2nd ed., ABRS. Parsons, Ronald (1999) Migrant Ships for South Australia, 18361866. Gould Books, Gumeracha Pennington, Jane (1856) Memoir of Jane Pennington, 2nd. Ed. Werthein and Macintosh, Eton Philosophical Magazine: A Journal of Theoretical, Experimental and Applied Physics. (1824) Vol. LXIII, Jan.-June. Taylor & Francis, London The Popular Encyclopedia: Being a General Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, Literature, Biography, History, and Political Economy, (1841) Blackie & Son, Pughs Almanac and Queensland Directory (1878) Robinson, James F. (1880) British bee-farming, its profits and pleasures Rogers, Lawrence M (Ed.) (1961) The Early Journals of Henry Williams, senior missionary in New Zealand of the Church Missionary Society, 1826-1840. Pegasus Press, Christchurch Russo, George (1980) Lord Abbot of the Wilderness: The Life and Times of Bishop Salvado. Polding Press Salvado, Rosendo (1851) Rome. Memorie storiche dell'Australia particolarmente della Missione Benedettina di Nuova Norcia Scholefield, Guy (1934), Captain William Hobson, First Governor of New Zealand Oxford University Press 534

Syme, Marten A. (1984) Shipping Arrivals and Departures, Victorian Ports, Vol. 1, 1798-1847. Roebuck, Melbourne Smith, Arthur R. (2006) William Charles Cotton MA, 1813-1879, Priest, Missionary and Bee Master, a Turbulent Life. Countrywise Ltd. Stevens, Joan (Wakefield, Edward Jerningham) (1972) The London Journal of Edward Jerningham Wakefield, 1845-46. Stokes, John Lort (1846) Discoveries in Australia; with an account of the coasts and rivers explored and surveyed during the voyage of H.M.S. Beagle in the years 1837-43, by command of the lords commissioners of the admiralty. Also a narrative of captain owen stanleys to the islands in the arafura sea. Vol. I. T. and W. Boone, London Taylor, Henry (1838, 1860) The bee-keepers manual, or, Practical hints on the management and complete preservation of the honey-bee, and in particular in collateral hives. Taylor, Rev. Richard (1868) The Past and Present of New Zealand with its Prospects for the Future, William Macintosh, London Temple, Philip (2002) A Sort of Conscience, The Wakefields, Auckland University Press Ticknor, George & Ticknor, Anna Eliot (1876) Life, letters, and journals of George Ticknor. James R. Osgood, 1876 Timbs, John; Vincent, Charles W; Mason, James (1846) The Yearbook of Facts in Science and Art. David Bogue, Fleet Street, London. Simpkin, Marshall & Co. Thomson, Arthur S. (1859) The story of New Zealand: past and present-savage and civilized, London, John Murray Thomson, G. M. (1922) The Naturalisation of Animals & Plants in New Zealand. Townsend, Joseph Phipps (1849) Rambles and Observations in New South Wales, with Sketches at Men and Manners, Notices of the Aborigines, Glimpses of Scenery, and some Hints to Emigrants. Chapman and Hall, London

535

Tucker, Henry William (1900) Memoir of the life and episcopate of George Augustus Selwyn, D.D., Bishop of New Zealand, 1848-1869, Bishop of Lichfield, 1867-1878: W. Gardner, Darton and Co. Wakefield, Edward Jerningham (1845) Adventure in New Zealand, from 1839 to 1844, with some account of the islands. Vol. II. (Chapter VIII) London, John Murray Wakefield, Edward Jerningham (1849) The Hand-book for New Zealand: consisting of the most recent information, compiled for the use of intending colonists. London, J.W. Parker Ward, Louis E. (1929) Early Wellington, Whitcombe & Tombs Limited, Auckland Ward, John (1842) Nelson, the Latest Settlement of the New Zealand Company, Smith & Elder Weatherhead, T (1986) From Boxes to Bar Hives, Beekeeping History of Queensland International Colour Productions, Stanthorpe, Queensland Wells, B (1878) The History of Taranaki, Chapter VII, The Adventures of Doctor Dieffenbach in Taranaki Wentworth, William Charles (1824) A Statistical Account of the British Settlements in Australasia: Including the Colonies of New South Wales and Van Diemen's Land Vol.2. Geo. B. Whittaker Wright, George Newenham & Aspin, Jehoshaphat (1838) A New and Comprehensive Gazetteer; being a delineation of the present state of the world, from the most recent authorities , Thomas Kelly, London.

SELECTED NEWSPAPERS
American Bee Journal (1861-)

Argus 24 Nov. 1857 (p.5d) 18 June, July, August 1861; 8 Jan. 1863; 6 December 1864 Australian Bee Bulletin, 23 Sept. 1893 Australasian Sketcher, 9 June 1877 (p.36.) 536

Brisbane Courier British Bee Journal Century Magazine, July 1882 (Vol.24, Iss. 3) New York, p.393 Coolgardie Miner, 3 Feb 1899. (p.4g) Commercial Journal, 8 Apr 1840 Cottage Gardener Country Gentlemans Companion and Poultry Chronicle, Dec. 1858 Gardeners' Chronicle, 13 Nov. 1858 Gentleman's Magazine, 1853, II, p. 209. Glasgow Herald, Mon. May 1845 Harpers Weekly, April 23 1881, A California Bee Farm Hobart Town Magazine, H. Melville, 1834 Illustrated Sydney News (Vol. 10, No. 3, p.13) Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener Country Gentleman, 18 Feb. 1862; Jan. 1865 Liverpool Mercury, Fri. 25 July 1845 London Quarterly Review, Dec. 1842 Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser National Agriculturist and Bee Journal (Vol. XIV, No. V, p.75a), New York, May 1873 New York Times, 23 April 1883; 3 May 1883 New Zealand newspapers from 1839 refer index under Newspapers and footnotes North Wales Chronicle, Tue. 12 Dec. 1843 Observer, 13 July 1907 (p.40d) 15 Aug. 1914; 3 June 1916 Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal Preston Guardian, Sat. 20 Nov. 1858 Register, 23 Nov. 1885 (p.5a); 10 July 1907 (p.6) Riverine Herald, 3 Dec. 1864 537

South Australian Advertiser The Star, Wed., 13 March 1878 Sydney Gazette, 1 Nov 1822; 30 Jan 1823; 18 Oct. 1823; 19 Jan 1827;

PROFESSIONAL PAPERS, JOURNAL ARTICLES & DIARIES

Acclimatisation Society of Victoria (1864) Third Annual Report, Wilson & Mackinnon, Printers, Collins St., Melbourne

The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and Foreign India (V.16, July-Dec 1823, p.483); (V.18, July - Dec 1824, p.392) Bolton, G.C., A Thousand Miles Away: a history of North Queensland to 1920, ANU Press, 1972, p. 146-7 Burke, William Ellison. Manuscript, Christchurch City Library Campbell, John Logan Note to accompany a Specimen of Kauri Timber taken from a Cottage erected more than Fifty Years ago Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand 1868-1961, Volume 24, 1891, pp.706-7 Clark, Jack. Afloat magazine, (pp.18-19) Lavender and Blue on the North Shore, afloat.com.au The Cultivator, a monthly journal for the farm and the garden, devoted to agricultural and rural improvement, and designed to improve the soil and the mind. Vol. VIII, 1860, Luther Tucker and Son, Albany, N.Y. Doull, K. (1973) Bees and their role in pollination. in Australian Plants (7:223-236) Fitzhardinge, L. F., 'Cunningham, Peter Miller (1789 - 1864)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Online Edition Gibbs, Diana M H and Muirhead, Ian F. Feb. 1998. The Economic Value and Environmental Impact of the Australian Beekeeping Industry Gleanings in Bee Culture, 1881, Vol. IX, pp.286-7 Goodrich, Samuel Griswold. North American Review, October 1828. Volume 27, Issue 61, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa. 538

re review of Frederick Butlers The Farmers Manual, including a Treatise on the Management of Bees. Gordon, J.T. (1894) The Bee-Pastures in The Mountains of California Hall, Terry. (1992). Mackay Family Treasure becomes a Museum Treasure, Dominion Sunday Times, 29 November Jolly, Bridget. Bee breeding: show and tell in the city Knowles, David (August, 1991) Honeybees Sweet Taste of Disaster, a paper, W.A. Insect Study Society. Mis-catalogued at State Library of Western Australia as History of the introduction of the European Honey Bee to WA Maiden, J. H., The Sydney Botanic Gardens Biographical Notes, No. VIII Manning, Robert (1992) Honey Production, Economic Value and Geographical Significance of Apiary Sites in Western Australia. Western Australian Department of Agriculture Margaret Mason-Cox, Robert Walker of Kilburn Grange, Tasmanian Historical Research Assoc. Papers and Proceedings, vol.53 no.4, Dec 2006, pp.173-196 Mason-Cox, Margaret. Robert Walker of Kilburn Grange. Tasmanian Historical Research Assoc. Papers and Proceedings, vol.53 no.4, Dec 2006, pp.173-196 McInnes, A (1985) The last Voyages of Firefly and Captain Kirby R.Hist.Soc. Q. p.279 of pp.264-282 Melville, H (1834) The Hobart Town Magazine, Vol.II, Hobart Town Millard, Stan (1988) Some Notes on Beekeeping in Tasmania, in The Bee Breeder No. 4, BIBBA National Agriculturist and Bee Journal (Vol. XIV, No. V, p.75a), New York, May 1873 Oliver, W. R. B. Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 80, 1952, A Revision of the Genus Dracophyllum Paton, David C. (1996) Overview of Feral and Managed Honeybees in Australia: Distribution, Abundance, Extent of Interactions with 539

Native Biota, Evidence of Impacts and Future Research, Department of Zoology, The University of Adelaide, for the Australian Nature Conservation Agency Pearson, D., Davis, M.T., and Green, J.W. Western Australian Herbarium Research Notes Number 12, August 1986 Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society, Transactions of the , Vol.1, No.1, 1850; Vol. 1, No. 3, p. 116, Honolulu, 1852. Royal Society of New Zealand. On the Geographical Relations of the New Zealand Faun, Transactions and Proceedings of the 18681961, Volume 5, 1872 Royal Society of New Zealand, Transactions and Proceedings of the ... 1868-1961, Vol. 18, 1885 Saxton, John Waring (1842) Diary Fragments, transcribed by Marsha Donaldson, Upper Hutt, 1991 Sugden, Evan A. and Pyke, Graham H. (1991) Austral Ecology (Vol. 16 (2), pp.171181) Effects of honey bees on colonies of Exoneura asimillima, an Australian native bee. Taylor, Rev. (1840) diary Robert Walker (1828-76) of Kilburn Grange, diary. State Library of Tasmania The Valley Farmer (July 1852) Philadelphia Society for Promoting Agriculture Pickering, Penn & Co. Walsh, R.S. Historical Bee Strains in New Zealand. (pp. 25-27) Wellings, H. P. (1931) The Brothers Imlay: Pioneers of the Eden district, Journal and Proceedings of the Royal Australian Historical Society 17(4): 209214. Whitley, G. P. T. J. Lempriere, an Early Tasmanian Naturalist, in the Australian Zoologist. (vol. 13, no. 4, 1966, pp. 350-355) Ziegler, K.I. (1993). Leatherwood nectar resource management report, for the Forests and Forest Industry Council, Hobart

540

Index
80th Regiment ........................ 196 Abbot Zelli ............................. 154 aboriginal ............... 144, 145, 168 Abram, Wilhelm ... 360, 361, 362, 482 Abyssinia ............................ 53, 54 Acacia Cottage ....... 183, 187, 188 Acclimatisation Society .... 24, 31, 167, 380, 382, 383, 385, 386, 389, 390, 395, 396, 399, 405, 415, 486, 517, 518, 528, 530, 542 of Canterbury ..................... 390 Acland Henry Wentworth ...... 289, 530 Adams, Mr T. ......................... 392 Adelaide .... 15, 27, 47, 49, 51, 77, 99, 110, 111, 115, 127, 128, 179, 181, 244, 253, 321, 375, 381, 418, 419, 447, 448, 449, 451, 452, 453, 454, 456, 533, 544 Agnes ....................................... 44 Agra ....................................... 342 Agricultural Commissioner, Qld. Govt. .................................. 365 Ahipara .......................... 310, 311 Akaroa ........... 339, 344, 345, 405 Harbour ............................. 405 Albany... 115, 127, 153, 419, 424, 542 Alexander Turnbull Library .... 15, 184, 191, 218, 223, 236, 247, 252, 346 Alexander, schooner .............. 472 Alexander, ship ................ 53, 312 Alexandra............... 133, 136, 375 Alhambra ....... 380, 383, 384, 386 Allen Capt. .................................. 163 J.R........................................ 73 Allom 15, 16, 207, 210, 218, 219, 220, 223, 224, 225, 226, 228, 229, 235, 237, 238, 239, 250, 251, 255, 256, 258, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 269, 270, 278, 494, 499, 500, 501, 502 Albert ......................... 225, 251 Albert James ..... 225, 238, 251, 501 Mary .......................... 223, 225 Mrs Mary Ann ................... 222 Mrs T. ................ 223, 224, 255 Mrs Thomas (Mary Ann) ... 265 Mrs. .. 207, 217, 218, 219, 223, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 237, 239, 242, 247, 250, 251, 256, 258, 261, 265, 269, 271, 272, 277, 278, 292, 296, 297, 501 see also Storr, Amy ............ 226 America. 36, 37, 46, 80, 133, 287, 300, 357, 364, 365, 366, 369, 370, 371, 372, 391, 392, 400, 411, 412, 415, 416, 421, 425, 446, 451, 458, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 466, 467, 505, 508 Ann and Jane ................. 111, 112 Arthur, Colonel .... 32, 39, 86, 516 Ascough, Captain [William] .... 33 Atkinson ....................... 20, 21, 39 James ........................... 20, 525 Louisa .................................. 20 Attwood, Capt. ....................... 233 Auckland 15, 48, 52, 53, 109, 177, 180, 181, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 197, 199, 201, 204, 220, 232, 237, 240, 249, 279, 291, 302, 303, 304, 305, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316,

541

317, 318, 320, 321, 322, 323, 326, 327, 328, 329,336, 337, 338, 342, 343, 344, 351, 352, 353, 365, 395, 396, 397, 398, 400, 401, 402, 405, 406, 410, 411, 412, 413, 415, 443, 445, 490, 492, 493, 501, 532, 539, 540 Floral and Horticultural Show ...................................... 338 Institute & Museum ... 187, 191, 197, 201 War Memorial Museum15, 197 Australia mail steamer....................... 397 S.S. .................... 394, 402, 404 Australind ..... 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442 Bagnal, Mr L. J. ..................... 412 Baines, W............................... 423 Barcelona ....................... 150, 458 Barry, Captain ........................ 238 Basham, Jonathan .......... 476, 477 Batavia ... 115, 390, 427, 429, 440 Bathurst .......... 180, 182, 379, 521 Battin, William....................... 335 Bay of Islands ..... 16, 48, 51, 180, 181, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 203, 204, 209, 212, 214, 215, 219, 246, 251, 254, 291, 299, 302, 312, 317, 320, 331, 353, 436, 443, 497, 503 Bay of Plenty 210, 211, 325, 329, 330, 339, 342, 498 Beagle, H.M.S. .............. 130, 539 Beddoes and Co. .................... 331 Beechworth .................... 491, 492 Bell, Mr. ................................. 490 Benedictine monks ................. 147 Berrima .................................... 20 Berry Alexander .............. 21, 61, 170 Mr ........................................ 61 Bidwill

Charles Robert ........... 208, 211 J. C....... 15, 206, 207, 208, 211 John Carne 206, 207, 208, 211, 213 Bigg of Merton College.............. 283 Bigge .............................. 163, 283 Biggs Mr. ..................................... 346 Sam .................................... 346 Bishop of New Zealand. 202, 220, 271, 272, 277, 289, 294, 540 Black Swan .................... 483, 484 Blenheim ................................ 344 Bloomsbury... 224, 227, 237, 269, 499 Blue Mountains 35, 162, 182, 387, 513, 521, 523 Blues Point ............................... 32 Boa Vista ............... 107, 108, 114 Bolgart ................................... 148 Bonnie Doon, barque ............. 315 Bourke, Governor .... 86, 243, 516 Bowen .... 166, 173, 174, 483, 485 Bowler, William..................... 339 Boyd Town ................ 50, 51, 418 Boys, Mr. ............................... 340 Brady Bishop Dr. John ......... 147, 148 Father ................................. 147 Braidwood... 39, 41, 98, 246, 517, 518, 528, 529 Briggs..................................... 170 Brightwell, Mr ....................... 412 Brilliant . 219, 240, 241, 242, 245, 248, 249 Brilliant, barque .... 239, 241, 242, 248 Brisbane .... 24, 25, 28, 35, 36, 51, 52, 59, 76, 156, 157, 159, 160, 164, 165, 167, 172, 174, 175, 364, 365, 367, 369, 370, 371, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 380, 383, 385, 386, 388, 389, 397,

542

418, 425, 426, 427, 428, 431, 432, 433, 434, 447, 450, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486,487, 488, 489, 504, 505, 511, 518, 519, 523, 534, 535, 541 Brisbane Water .... 51, 52, 59, 511 Bristol ............................ 276, 509 British Beekeepers Assocn..... 74, 292 Isles Bee Breeders Assocn. 74 British Bee Journal 217, 227, 265, 267, 268, 278, 436, 437, 439, 442, 492, 541 Brothers ................. 243, 315, 544 Brougham ...................... 232, 250 Brown .................................... 188 & Campbell ....................... 304 Captain P. .......................... 179 William ..... 177, 179, 181, 183, 188, 298 Browne, A. ............................... 43 Browns Island ........ 180, 181, 184 Bumby Mary Anna .. 15, 218, 225, 251, 252, 253, 278, 290, 492, 494 Bunbury, Major...................... 196 Burrows Creek ....................... 172 Bury St. Edmunds .................. 282 Busby, James .. 15, 122, 198, 200, 203, 204, 205, 254, 299, 500 Buzacott, Revd. Aaron ........... 423 Cadiz ...................... 150, 151, 152 California ...... 109, 313, 356, 361, 364, 365, 366, 367, 370, 372, 386, 388, 393, 394, 395, 400, 401, 410, 416, 424, 458, 481, 512, 537, 541, 543 California Gold Rush ............. 313 Calliope ................................. 315 Camden ............................ 21, 122 Campbell ................................ 188 John Logan 179, 180, 181, 182, 184, 187

Campbell Town, Tas. ....... 99, 104 Canterbury .... 234, 235, 238, 250, 321, 326, 339, 340, 341, 392, 393, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 405, 406, 415, 492, 535 Acclimatization Soc. .. 393, 398 Beekeepers Assocn. .......... 392 Settlement .......... 238, 250, 326 Cape of Good Hope 81, 120, 129, 136, 146, 381, 403, 413, 417, 471, 514, 519 Cape Town ..................... 240, 416 Capper, Mr. ............ 56, 60, 68, 70 Captain MGillivray M'Gillivray, Captain .......... 348 captains Molloy, John ...................... 136 Cargill Captain .............. 396, 401, 402 E.B. .................................... 402 Carleton, Hugh ....................... 195 Carnegie, David W .................. 28 Carr, Wm ............................... 292 Carroll ..... 46, 167, 364, 367, 372, 374, 388, 482, 483, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489 J. 366, 371, 376, 482, 484, 486 James ......................... 480, 482 Jas .............................. 367, 371 Mr ...................... 364, 366, 372 Casellas, Senor John .............. 155 Cattle Bay .............................. 245 Champion 91, 111, 114, 115, 117, 121, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 131 Chaplin, Mr ............................ 393 Chapman H. S. ................................... 229 W. H. ............................. 55, 96 Charles Edwards, steamer ..... 346 Cheeseman, Mr. ..................... 396 Chicago .......... 357, 358, 359, 406 Children ................. 240, 310, 311

543

Chiswick .................................. 22 Christ Church 275, 276, 281, 282, 283, 284, 286, 340 Christ Church, Oxford .. 276, 281, 283, 284 Christchurch .. 177, 189, 250, 267, 326, 338, 340, 341, 392, 394, 397, 399, 405, 410, 415, 535, 538, 542 Acclimatisation Soc. .. 394, 410 City of Auckland, ship .... 351, 352 City of Brisbane ..... 484, 485, 486 City of Melbourne, barque ..... 320 City of New York ............ 365, 367 City of Sydney, mail steamer .... 48 Clarence................................. 167 Clarence, paddle steamer ...... 167 Clark ...................................... 410 Captain .............................. 194 Captain Hugh ..................... 194 Captain W. ......................... 179 Clarksons ............................... 113 Clayton, Mr. John . 93, 96, 97, 98, 113, 170 Cleghorn, Thomas .. 190, 192, 193 Clifford.... 15, 218, 219, 222, 228, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 242, 246, 247, 250, 256, 261, 415, 501 Clifton Farm........................... 192 Coaxer, barque ....................... 302 Cobb & Co ............................. 450 Colenso, William ................... 299 Colgate, Robert ...................... 340 Colonial Secretary61, 80, 86, 138, 214, 352, 353 Comet, brig ............................ 323 Commercial Bay ............ 183, 188 Competitor ............... 33, 523, 524 Condamine ............................. 169 Constant ................................... 52 Content, brig .......................... 316 Cook John (Johan Koch) ............. 235

John Herman ..... 218, 236, 237 Cook Islands .................. 423, 443 Cooke, John George ............... 229 Cookson Bowler & Co ..................... 338 Isaac........................... 338, 339 Mr ...................................... 189 T. J. .................................... 338 Coolangatta ................ 21, 61, 170 Coolgardie...... 446, 448, 450, 541 Coolgardie Miner .. 446, 448, 541 Coromandel... 180, 181, 265, 306, 311, 318, 319, 322, 323, 324, 325, 394, 397, 398 Coromandel Harbour ............. 306 Cossack .................. 437, 439, 440 Cottage Gardener Country Gentlemans Companion and Poultry Chronicle ....... 264, 541 Cottier, Capt. William ..... 15, 164, 165, 166, 167, 486, 512 Cotton Mr. .... 202, 218, 265, 267, 268, 272, 274, 276, 277, 278, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 296 Mr. Cotter (misnamed) ..... 214, 215 Rev William Charles ......... 268 Revd Mr............................. 269 Reverend W. C. ................. 266 W. ...... 207, 223, 267, 277, 290 William 17, 267, 273, 276, 282, 353, 436 William Charles .. 2, 17, 33, 71, 140, 195, 203, 216, 217, 219, 252, 254, 264, 270, 271, 279, 281, 298, 299, 436, 539 Crane, Eva................................ 26 Creighton Mr. .... 395, 396, 398, 400, 401, 406 R. J............. 394, 395, 398, 405

544

Robert ........................ 393, 400 Robert J. .................... 400, 401 Robert James ............. 393, 400 Crystal Palace 263, 276, 292, 534 Cuba . 30, 458, 459, 462, 465, 466 Cunningham, Peter 22, 37, 38, 42, 86, 122, 542 D. Bower ................................ 314 Dadant and Son ...................... 371 Daily Southern Cross ...... 53, 109, 190, 191, 192, 193, 248, 303, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 338, 342, 344, 345, 351, 356, 390, 490, 497 Dandenong ....................... 55, 160 Dapto ....................................... 73 Darling Range ........................ 148 Dart 180, 184, 308, 324, 327, 328 Darwin ................................... 340 Darwin, Port .. 156, 157, 158, 340, 341, 378, 379, 403, 443 Dathe ...................................... 361 Dauntless ............... 315, 316, 321 Davidson, Mr. . 41, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 516, 528 Dawson ... 58, 169, 177, 298, 331, 332 Chris .......... 177, 189, 206, 209 Mr ...................................... 446 Dawson River ........................ 169 Deborah ................................. 307 Dennis, Brian ..................... 15, 74 Devonshire Beekeeper ... 264, 267 Diana ............... 47, 169, 315, 542 Dieffenbach ... 197, 198, 202, 203, 204, 533, 540 Dorunda 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 431, 432, 433, 434 Doull, Keith ....... 76, 78, 519, 542 Dove .............................. 320, 321 Drumdruin ..................... 333, 334

Duncan ............. 40, 163, 293, 421 Dunedin..... 15, 16, 203, 204, 314, 326, 345, 350, 395, 414, 533 Dungog .................................... 73 Durham Hotel .......................... 73 Dzierzon......................... 360, 489 Eagland .................................... 77 Ebenezer, schooner ................ 343 Echuca.................... 384, 490, 491 Eden ...... 189, 243, 245, 258, 428, 509, 544 Edmonds, John ................... 26, 27 Elizabeth . 22, 23, 49, 80, 99, 120, 147, 148, 163, 243, 260, 311, 314, 475, 516, 535 Bay House ........................... 80 Farm ............................ 22, 516 Elizabeth Jane ........................ 163 Elizabeth, schooner ................ 314 Elphinstone .............................. 94 Emily ...................... 238, 250, 315 Emma, brig............................. 311 English Channel ..................... 219 Enoggera ................................ 482 Esperance ............... 448, 450, 451 Eton College .................. 221, 281 Exert....................................... 315 Exeter ............................... 26, 220 Eyre, Edward John ................... 27 Fairy ...................................... 311 Falmouth ................................ 274 Farr......................................... 401 Mr ...................................... 397 Samuel ....................... 393, 405 Samuel Charles .......... 393, 405 Favourite ............................... 327 Felton Mathew ....................... 199 Ferrolana ............... 150, 151, 152 Fiebig, August ........................ 454 Firth Matamata Apiary ....... 410, 412 Mr J. C. ...................... 410, 412 Fisher, Mr S ........................... 189 Fitzroy River .......................... 159

545

Flinders Island ....................... 472 Florence Irving .............. 166, 487 Florida.... 462, 463, 464, 465, 466 Flying Cloud ...................... 24, 25 Flying Fish, schooner .... 109, 342 Forests and Forest Industry Council ........................ 77, 544 France . 51, 84, 98, 122, 141, 147, 276, 454 Fremantle ...... 111, 113, 114, 116, 119, 124, 125, 126, 129, 130, 135, 137, 139, 140, 141, 142, 145, 147, 148, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 447, 449 Frodsham ....... 282, 291, 292, 530 Fullwood Charles ....... 374, 375, 376, 427 Mr. ............. 374, 375, 377, 452 Mr. C. ................................ 376 Gaisford, Dean ....................... 283 Gem........................................ 316 George, schooner ........... 316, 323 Germany................... 74, 176, 475 Gerstacker, Dr. ....... 460, 461, 467 Gillies, Mr Justice .................. 405 Gimenez, Dom Urbane .......... 155 Gippsland ....................... 159, 161 Gisborne................................. 413 Gittos, Marianne ... 200, 218, 251, 252, 253, 290, 492, 493 Gladstone ....... 164, 167, 485, 486 Glasgow 167, 226, 240, 348, 349, 393, 394, 403, 438, 485, 486, 487, 510, 530, 541 Glasgow Herald ............. 226, 541 glass bell jar ............................. 15 Gleanings in Bee Culture ...... 373, 386, 445, 542 Glenbrook ...................... 387, 508 Goodling hive ........................ 385 Gordon, Mr. J. T. ................... 365 Goulburn River ...................... 160 Graham

Catherine ........................... 190 George ............... 189, 190, 195 Mr. ..................................... 190 Mr. [George]...................... 191 William Australia .............. 190 Grahamstown ......... 392, 457, 458 Grampians .......................... 26, 27 Grand Exhibition, 1851 .. 352, 353 Gravesend ..... 222, 231, 233, 235, 300, 342, 419, 428 Gray, Dave ............................... 80 Great Exhibition, 1851 .. 107, 263, 533, 534 Great Lake ............................... 76 Great Western Tiers ................. 76 Greenock ........ 179, 240, 243, 447 Gregory Augustus Charles ......... 28, 535 Francis Thomas ........... 28, 535 Grey Governor............................ 336 Governor George ............... 190 Grey River Argus ........... 357, 410 Groote Island ................. 378, 379 Grove, Sir George . 273, 275, 276, 534 Guide, brigantine ................... 301 Guildford118, 123, 125, 134, 138, 142, 144, 145, 148, 363 Gunter, R.......................... 40, 528 Gurner, Henry Field ................. 34 H.M.S. Castor ........................ 307 H.M.S. Dido ........................... 308 H.M.S. Sloop Racehorse ........ 308 H.R.H. Prince Albert...... 226, 352 Hampstead ............................. 292 Harbison......................... 365, 367 Hardey, William..................... 113 Hardeys .................................. 113 Harper, Bishop H. J. C. .......... 326 Harriet ................... 100, 103, 104 Harris, P.H. see Harrison, J. H. ........................................... 397 Harrison

546

J. H. ................... 397, 398, 410 Mr .............................. 394, 397 Hart-street, Bloomsbury ......... 232 Harwood, ship........................ 320 Hauraki Gulf .................. 177, 184 Havelock ................................ 344 Hawaii .................... 356, 445, 473 Hawdon, Mr. .......................... 390 Hawkesbury ..................... 72, 387 Heathcote Valley.................... 338 Heidelberg ............................. 158 Helen S. Page ........................ 313 Helpman Lt. Francis... 91, 113, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 132 Herald ............................ 196, 199 Hermann of Switzerland ........ 266 Herring, Mr. ........................... 158 Hertfordshire beekeepers ......... 75 Heugh, Mr. ......................... 56, 60 Hindmarsh Valley .......... 476, 477 Hinton ................................ 67, 71 Historical Society of Southern California ................... 402, 530 hive ........................................ 135 Hive Collateral Box ................... 262 Improved Collateral Box Bee Hive ............................... 261 Improved Nutts hives......... 233 Nutts Improved Hives ........ 231 HMS Buffalo .......... 196, 203, 204 Hobart . 17, 32, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 50, 52, 55, 67, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 96, 97, 98, 99, 107, 108, 109, 113, 114, 115, 120, 121, 125, 127, 128, 131, 136, 189, 190, 194, 240, 243, 244, 251, 252, 253, 279, 280, 282, 301, 303, 309, 310, 313, 320, 326, 353,

381, 470, 475, 476, 504, 515, 516, 518, 519, 526, 528, 529, 536, 541, 543, 544 Hobarton .................. 32, 109, 320 Hobson Captain William 190, 196, 200, 539 Eliza........... 195, 199, 200, 252 Governor William..... 190, 195, 196, 203, 204 Lady ........... 197, 204, 218, 278 Mrs ............................ 196, 200 William .............................. 199 Hocken Library, Dunedin ...... 265 Hocken, Dr ............................. 203 Hog Bay ................................. 454 Hokianga 218, 251, 252, 253, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 314, 315, 316, 321, 322, 323, 324, 327, 328, 329, 330, 342, 492 Homebush . 37, 95, 297, 357, 358, 359, 495, 524, 525 Honeycomb, Will ................... 277 Honolulu 193, 313, 356, 365, 394, 396, 401, 405, 445, 531, 544 Hood, Thomas Lloyd ............. 475 Hooker, J. D. .......................... 209 Hopkins .................................. 410 & Co., apiarists .................. 410 Isaac .. 195, 197, 199, 204, 218, 236, 251, 252, 265, 268, 278, 290, 360, 374, 392, 393, 399, 409, 410, 411, 412, 492, 534 Mr J. .................................. 412 Mr L. [sic] ......................... 411 Mr T. [sic] ......................... 410 Hopwood, Mr. ........................ 384 Horsfall, Rev. William .... 17, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 443, 444, 445 Horticultural Society of London ............................................. 21 Hoskinson, Hedley ................... 74

547

Hull, Hugh Munro .................. 476 Hunter River ... 38, 50, 51, 54, 56, 60, 61, 62, 64, 66, 67, 69, 73, 508, 541 Hunter River Steam Navigation Company ........................... 418 Hursthouse, Charles jun. ........ 216 Hutt, Governor ............... 117, 123 Icely, Thomas........................... 37 Illawarra ......... 52, 59, 60, 61, 162 Illinois ............................ 357, 371 Imlay brothers ...................... 245, 248 Dr...... 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 246, 249, 296, 297 Dr. Alexander ... 243, 244, 245, 246, 248 Dr. George 243, 244, 245, 246, 248 Dr. Peter ... 219, 243, 244, 245, 246, 248, 251 Mr. ..................................... 248 Indische Gids ......................... 390 Indonesia ...... 27, 46, 51, 274, 390 Indus, barque ......................... 179 Innes, Mr. ............................... 114 Ipswich ........... 175, 376, 482, 489 Isaacs River ............................ 159 Isabella . 17, 33, 35, 95, 109, 110, 297, 310, 322, 323, 324, 333, 494, 495, 513, 516, 517, 520, 521, 523, 525 Isambert, J .............................. 489 Italian Bee Company.............. 361 Italy 149, 152, 360, 388, 410, 411, 443, 452 Jackson, Major ....................... 415 Jakarta .................................... 390 James Paterson .............. 485, 486 Janet ...................... 193, 322, 333 Java 119, 129, 146, 381, 390, 443 Jellicoe Henry ................................... 99 Mrs ...................................... 99

Jensen, Marius ......................... 26 Jervis Bay................................. 20 Jingi Creek ............................. 169 John Panter............................ 150 John Williams ................ 307, 423 John, ship 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 516, 529 Jolly, Bridget.................. 454, 455 Jones, Mr. ...................... 113, 374 Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gendener and Country Gentleman 234, 266, 293, 380, 381, 385, 396, 423, 541 Journals Austral Ecology ........... 78, 544 Gleanings in Bee Culture .. 373, 386, 445, 542 New Zealand Bee Journal . 410 The Bee Breeder .......... 74, 543 The Gardeners Magazine .. 22, 41, 42, 536 Jumbour ................................. 169 Kaiapoi........................... 339, 399 Kaipara........................... 316, 493 Kaiuma, schooner .................. 350 Kalgoorlie ...................... 449, 450 Kangaroo Island .... 452, 454, 472, 529 Kangaroo Valley ...................... 20 Kapunda, S.A. ........................ 446 Karanga Creek ....................... 169 Karl A. J. ................................... 416 Bros ........................... 411, 415 Bros. Apiary ...................... 415 Mr ...................................... 415 Kate Kearney, brig ................. 319 Kate, barque ........................... 329 Kawakawa .............................. 198 Kawhia ................................... 316 Keen, Capt. H.C. ...................... 24 Kelso .............................. 239, 474 Kensington ............................. 232

548

Keppel, Capt. Henry ..... 353, 354, 460, 535 Keriti .............................. 329, 330 Kermode Mr. ........................... 87, 91, 94 William .......... 77, 78, 469, 471 Kilburn Grange 15, 474, 543, 544 King Georges Sound 36, 47, 111, 114, 115, 419 Kiwi ................................ 322, 330 Kona....................................... 356 Kororareka ............. 180, 196, 232 Lachlan districts ..................... 180 Lady Bowen ........... 166, 167, 486 Lady Lilford ........... 179, 180, 181 Lady Nugent ........................... 300 Lady Young ............ 166, 486, 487 Landsborough 170, 171, 172, 535, 536 Launceston 45, 46, 48, 50, 51, 55, 76, 83, 104, 110, 115, 120, 121, 127, 128, 303, 418, 470, 472, 475, 500, 501, 509 Laurie, J.S. .... 170, 171, 315, 323, 327, 329, 451, 536 Lavender Bay ........................... 32 Leeds Mercury ....................... 390 Legislative Council of NZ...... 188 Lempriere, Thomas James ..... 475 Levenseig ............................... 397 Levensig, N. ........................... 397 Levering N. 402 Noah .................. 393, 398, 401 Liguria, steamer ..................... 377 Lion ........................................ 320 Literary Institute, Christchurch ........................................... 390 Liverpool .... 44, 45, 78, 256, 301, 343, 364, 374, 440, 475, 541 Liverpool Mercury ......... 256, 541 Lizzielee Apiary ..................... 371 London 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 40, 44, 45, 46, 47,

48, 49, 50, 51, 65, 66, 78, 80, 98, 99, 107, 108, 115, 117, 125, 134, 136, 146, 147, 148, 151, 152, 154, 170, 178, 183, 191, 192, 197, 200, 202, 203, 205, 207, 209, 210, 212, 214, 219, 220, 222, 225, 226, 227, 229, 230, 233, 234, 235, 238, 242, 247, 257, 258, 261, 267, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 276, 279, 285, 286, 288, 293, 295, 297, 301, 320, 326, 332, 333, 334, 339, 341, 343, 344, 351, 352, 354, 364, 371, 374, 375, 381, 385, 402, 413, 422, 425, 433, 435, 441, 442, 448, 457, 460, 471, 476, 479, 485, 505, 510, 516, 521, 523, 528, 530, 531, 532, 533, 534, 535, 536, 537, 538, 539, 540, 541 London Quarterly Review ..... 225, 267, 293, 541 Los Angeles .. 365, 393, 397, 401, 402 Los Angeles County ....... 365, 401 Agricultural Society ........... 401 Bee-keepers Assocn. ........ 365 Los Angelos County............... 394 Loudon .. 22, 40, 42, 83, 527, 528, 536 Loudon, J.C. ............................. 41 Ly-ee-moon ............ 375, 488, 489 Lyon, William ........................ 300 Lyttelton 189, 315, 316, 317, 321, 338, 339, 344, 345, 350 Lyttelton Times....................... 189 Lyttelton, paddle-steamer ....... 344 Lyttleton Harbour................... 189 MGillivray, Captain .............. 348 MMillan, Mr. ................ 380, 384 Macarthur Captain ................................ 21 Captain John ........................ 22 Elizabeth .............................. 22

549

Hannibal .............................. 33 Sir Edward ..................... 22, 23 MacDermott, Marshall .. 117, 118, 128, 133, 134, 135 Macdonald, Mr. A. V. ............ 406 Macdonnell, S 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362 Mackay Angus.... 2, 364, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 372, 397, 477, 505 James ................................. 331 Mr .............................. 332, 371 Mackenzie River ............ 159, 313 Macleay, Alexander ........... 80, 91 Maconochie, Captain ..... 353, 354 Macquarie Plains ..................... 90 Macquarie-place37, 494, 520, 527 Maitland .... 44, 51, 52, 54, 56, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 158, 162, 243, 356, 415, 482, 504, 508, 541 Malay ..................................... 351 Mangohia ............................... 309 Mangungu ..... 252, 253, 290, 492, 493 Manning River ......................... 54 Manning, Robert 54, 77, 452, 479, 543 Manukau ................ 240, 328, 345 Harbour ..................... 240, 328 Maria ....................................... 43 Marlborough Sounds.............. 325 Marsden, Rev. Samuel ...... 30, 77, 204, 205, 480, 515, 533 Martin Collett................... 15, 197 Martin, W................................. 90 Mary....................... 213, 301, 470 Mary Ann .. 15, 48, 223, 225, 227, 229, 237, 251, 252, 270, 313, 405, 492 Mary Ira ................................. 328 Mary Thomson, brig/sch. ....... 321

Maryborough 164, 165, 167, 213, 376, 485, 486 Mason, William ..... 195, 197, 199, 204 Mata Winika........................... 322 Matamata ....................... 411, 412 Mate-Mate.............................. 410 Matouri .................................. 324 Maukin ................................... 307 Mazeppa................................. 302 McAulay, Merryn..... 15, 223, 247 McCrossins, John ................... 168 McElwaine, Mr .............. 196, 204 McLeay Collection ............................ 80 Colonial Secretary ............. 214 McPherson, George ............... 225 Meincke Frederick William........ 15, 452 Meinckie Fred ................... 446, 453, 455 Melbourne . 55, 76, 109, 111, 112, 129, 159, 160, 161, 162, 170, 179, 182, 240, 243, 296, 317, 320, 321, 373, 374, 375, 377, 378, 380, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 388, 394, 395, 403, 413, 418, 419, 422, 423, 447, 470, 476, 483, 485, 488, 490, 491, 505, 506, 507, 509, 530, 536, 539, 542 Meredith Louisa Anne 99, 103, 105, 495, 525 Mr. ............. 100, 101, 102, 104 Merri Creek ............................ 159 Merton College ...................... 283 Mexico .. 458, 459, 462, 463, 464, 467, 468 Milford, schooner ................... 309 Millard, Stan ...................... 74, 75 Milligan, Joseph ............. 472, 473 Milne, Captain ......................... 43 Milton 21, 42, 366, 489, 528, 537

550

M'lnnes, Mr. ........................... 490 Moa ................................ 310, 311 Moffat....................................... 90 Mohawk Valley...................... 371 Molineux, Albert ............ 477, 478 Molloy Captain John ...................... 135 Molloy, Captain John ............. 136 Monarch, ship ........................ 311 Monganui ....... 311, 312, 316, 318 Montgomery, Mr. ................... 473 Moore River ........................... 148 Moore, Samuel ....................... 148 Moreton Bay ..... 24, 36, 112, 156, 159, 163, 164, 167, 172, 210, 212, 214, 425, 430, 431, 434, 504, 509, 523 Morning Star.. 323, 324, 328, 329 Mornington ............................ 160 Morrison, Ian ................... 15, 474 Moses, Samuel ............... 107, 108 Motueka ................................. 349 Motukorea ...... 181, 183, 184, 187 Mount Barker ........................ 456, 457 Duneed ................................ 27 Remuera............................. 186 Mount Alexander Mail ........... 490 Mowle, S.M. ............................ 31 Mrs Padman ........................... 253 Murray, Andrew..................... 168 Murray, steamer ............. 348, 349 Naiad ..... 309, 310, 311, 315, 316 Namoi .................................... 168 Nancy ..................... 310, 311, 315 Napi ....................................... 312 Napier .................................... 413 Naples .................... 149, 151, 412 National Agriculturist and Bee Journal ...... 363, 366, 541, 543 Naumann, Mr ......................... 414 Nauru ..................................... 379 Necro-mancer, schooner 322, 323 Neighbour

Alfred . 15, 227, 266, 292, 382, 458 and Sons ... 227, 266, 364, 371, 458, 499 George ...... 222, 225, 226, 227, 232, 266 Neils ....................................... 167 Nelson ..... 58, 189, 190, 194, 207, 208, 219, 222, 224, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 235, 236, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 254, 258, 266, 278, 296, 297, 298, 300, 301, 303, 304, 305, 308, 311, 313, 316, 319, 321, 322, 323, 327, 331, 332, 333, 334, 338, 344, 345, 346, 348, 349, 350, 351, 384, 490, 494, 497, 498, 499, 501, 538, 540 Agricultural and Horticultural Show.............................. 305 Haven ................ 224, 241, 334 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle .... 190, 239, 241, 246, 248, 296, 297, 298, 301, 303, 304, 305, 308, 311, 313, 321, 322, 323, 327, 344, 345, 346, 348, 349, 351, 384, 490, 497 Nelson Provincial Museum ... 206, 209 Nelson, S.S. ............................ 316 New Caledonia ....................... 443 New Guinea ........... 274, 443, 445 New Holland .............. 34, 36, 502 New Norcia ..... 17, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155 monastery .......................... 147 New Plymouth216, 229, 232, 243, 244, 316, 335, 535, 538 New South Wales .. 20, 21, 22, 23, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 60, 67, 80,

551

87, 89, 91, 94, 95, 97, 109, 112, 115, 122, 162, 170, 172, 179, 195, 197, 202, 205, 210, 214, 215, 219, 239, 242, 243, 249, 251, 296, 298, 300, 301, 307, 357, 382, 387, 401, 403, 406, 418, 423, 426, 479, 482, 483, 489, 491, 495, 503, 506, 513, 515, 516, 517, 518, 520, 521, 523, 524, 525, 527, 528, 530, 531, 533, 534, 536, 539, 540 New Town........................ 82, 108 New York...... 356, 363, 365, 366, 371, 400, 401, 403, 465, 466, 537, 541, 543 New York Times ..... 356, 400, 541 New Zealand ... 15, 189, 195, 236, 237, 252, 265, 278, 279, 290 Company .. 178, 224, 225, 229, 232, 249, 250, 251, 335, 537, 540 General Assembly.............. 400 Government 339, 400, 401, 406 New Zealand Bee Journal ...... 410 New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser 194, 235, 239, 246, 303, 497 New Zealand XE "New Zealand" Farmer 15, 189, 195, 236, 237, 252, 265, 278, 279, 290 New Zealand Farmer, Bee and Poultry Journal ................. 218 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator 192, 241, 242, 248, 296, 297, 300, 301, 302, 303, 497 New Zealand Journal .... 189, 204, 210, 211, 224, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 238, 239, 250, 277, 297, 503, 533 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian ..... 290,

291, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 308, 332, 343, 497 Newcastle .... 52, 53, 71, 112, 172, 282, 485 Newman Alfred H. .................... 362, 406 Mr. A. H. ........................... 406 Thomas .............................. 407 Thomas C. ......................... 357 Newspapers Aberdeen Journal ................ 21 Argus .... 53, 55, 109, 129, 159, 160, 162, 375, 378, 383, 384, 388, 403, 418, 423, 540 Ballarat Star ...................... 159 British Bee Journal ... 217, 227, 265, 267, 268, 278, 436, 437, 439, 442, 492, 541 Coolgardie Miner ..... 446, 448, 541 Cottage Gardener Country Gentlemans Companion and Poultry Chronicle .. 264, 541 Daily Southern Cross . 53, 109, 190, 191, 192, 193, 248, 303, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 338, 342, 344, 345, 351, 356, 390, 490, 497 Glasgow Herald ........ 226, 541 Grey River Argus ....... 357, 410 Illustrated Australian News 34, 506 Illustrated Sydney News ... 384, 541 Indische Gids ..................... 390 Leeds Mercury ................... 390 Liverpool Mercury ..... 256, 541

552

London Quarterly Review 225, 267, 293, 541 Lyttelton Times .................. 189 Morning Chronicle . 33, 36, 44, 523, 524 Morning Herald..... 34, 52, 122 National Agriculturist and Bee Journal .. 363, 366, 541, 543 Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle 190, 239, 241, 246, 248, 296, 297, 298, 301, 303, 304, 305, 308, 311, 313, 321, 322, 323, 327, 344, 345, 346, 348, 349, 351, 384, 490, 497 New York Times . 356, 400, 541 New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser ..... 194, 235, 239, 246, 303, 497 New Zealand XE "New Zealand" Farmer... 15, 189, 195, 236, 237, 252, 265, 278, 279, 290 New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator .... 192, 241, 242, 248, 296, 297, 300, 301, 302, 303, 497 New Zealand Journal 189, 204, 210, 211, 224, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 238, 239, 250, 277, 297, 503, 533 New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian 290, 291, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 308, 332, 343, 497 New Zealander 52, 53, 54, 109, 193, 194, 237, 300, 302, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 315, 336, 337, 343, 497 North American Review36, 543

North Otago Times ... 344, 350, 392, 393, 395, 397, 399, 413, 475, 498 North Wales Chronicle ..... 228, 541 Otago Witness... 194, 203, 209, 314, 316, 320, 321, 323, 342, 368, 370, 371, 372, 381, 384, 388, 392, 394, 395, 396, 397, 399, 405, 414, 415, 476, 497 Polynesian ......... 193, 313, 356 Preston Guardian ...... 228, 541 Register... 21, 22, 35, 182, 216, 275, 454, 456, 477, 495, 522, 524, 532, 536, 542 Riverine Herald . 384, 490, 542 San Francisco Bulletin ...... 356 Sydney Morning Herald 31, 34, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 72, 73, 122, 141, 246, 294, 313, 332, 517, 518, 528 Taranaki Herald . 53, 314, 320, 344, 378, 393, 394, 410, 497, 501 Te Aroha News .......... 411, 497 The Star ............. 403, 405, 542 Timaru Herald ... 397, 403, 498 True Colonist ......... 40, 92, 528 Tuapeka Times.. 377, 378, 412, 498 Waikato Times .. 391, 392, 411, 415, 416, 497 Wanganui Herald ..... 377, 399, 410, 411, 412 Wellington Evening Post ... 395 West Coast Times ..... 350, 395, 410, 492, 497 Newstead ........................ 490, 518 Nias, Captain.......................... 196 Nickols, Mr. ............................. 89 Niue ............................... 443, 445 Norcia, Italy ........................... 148 Norfolk Island ........ 353, 354, 443

553

Normanton ............................. 443 Norseman ...... 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452 North Canterbury Acclimatisation Society ............................... 405 North Island .. 209, 210, 211, 219, 232, 243, 251, 265, 300, 342 North Otago Times 344, 350, 392, 393, 395, 397, 399, 413, 475, 498 North Wales Chronicle .. 228, 541 Northern Territory .... 19, 27, 149, 156, 157, 158, 172, 378, 379 Nowra ...................................... 20 Nutt (Mr. Nott) .......................... 217 Improved Collateral Box Bee Hive ............................... 261 Improved hives .................. 233 Improved Hives ................. 231 Mr. ............................... 84, 262 Nymph .............................. 47, 330 NZ Land Settlement Co. ........ 238 Oamaru .......... 192, 344, 345, 350 Ocean Queen ......................... 320 Oceana ........... 277, 285, 286, 316 Ogilvie, Lieutenant William R.N. ............................................. 38 Ohaupo................... 411, 415, 416 Okouto River ......................... 335 Oldbury .................................... 20 Oldroyd, Ben.... 77, 146, 200, 494 Oliver Cromwell, ship ............ 310 One Tree Hill ......... 180, 188, 189 Onehunga ............... 328, 342, 350 Orakei Bay ............................. 186 Osprey ................................ 2, 316 Ostler, Wm. .............................. 80 Otago .... 194, 203, 209, 314, 316, 317, 320, 321, 323, 342, 346, 350, 368, 370, 371, 372, 377, 381, 384, 388, 392, 394, 395, 396, 397, 399, 405, 413, 414, 415, 476, 497

Otago Agricultural & Pastoral Assocn. .............................. 414 Otago Witness 194, 203, 209, 314, 316, 320, 321, 323, 342, 368, 370, 371, 372, 381, 384, 388, 392, 394, 395, 396, 397, 399, 405, 414, 415, 476, 497 Otaki ...................................... 291 Ottorson, Mr .......................... 247 Oxford ... 196, 273, 281, 283, 285, 286, 296, 396, 505, 530, 532, 539 Oxford Apiarian Society 281, 283 Pacific Islands ........................ 443 Pacific Mail Company............................ 401 Steam Ship Co. .................. 402 Steam Ship Company 365, 401 Paihia .... 198, 200, 201, 202, 204, 251, 290 Palmyra, barque .... 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184 Parawai apiary........................ 410 Parramatta . 22, 32, 33, 35, 52, 59, 297, 359, 360, 361, 362, 437, 479, 480, 494, 495, 516, 518, 523 Parramatta River ...................... 32 Parris, Mr ............................... 305 Parsons, Mr ............................ 391 Paton, David C ........ 76, 451, 544 Payten, Nathaniel ................... 479 Peckwater ............... 282, 283, 284 Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co.................... 447 Peninsular War ....................... 135 Perkin, Samuel ....................... 475 Perth ...... 114, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 133, 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 363,

554

438, 439, 448, 449, 450, 451, 504, 541 Petrel .... 109, 319, 321, 322, 323, 328 Phantom ................................. 319 Philadelphia .... 36, 355, 365, 368, 370, 427, 461, 532, 544 Philip Island ........................... 380 Phoenix . 31, 32, 38, 95, 494, 517, 518, 529 Pickering .................. 58, 163, 544 Picton ............................... 55, 344 Planet ............................. 328, 331 Plymouth . 17, 220, 221, 222, 232, 264, 265, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 278, 294, 296, 333, 373, 374, 403, 417, 419, 442, 443, 499 dock ................................... 271 Sound ... 17, 269, 270, 271, 272 Polynesian ............. 193, 313, 356 Pompelier, Dr. ........................ 215 Port Adelaide ..... 15, 111, 179, 182, 447, 448, 449, 453, 454, 455 Chalmers ............ 320, 342, 413 Cooper ............... 189, 317, 321 Essington ............... 24, 27, 353 Jackson . 34, 80, 120, 210, 212, 307, 343, 353, 518 Lyttelton ............................ 250 Macquarie .................. 167, 172 Nicholson . 192, 194, 208, 209, 212, 229, 232, 233, 241, 249, 250, 300, 303, 353, 501 Phillip ..... 49, 50, 58, 158, 168, 179, 182, 383, 402, 414, 418 Sorell ................... 99, 104, 105 Underwood ........................ 351 Victoria ..... 149, 150, 151, 189, 317

Portsmouth 32, 80, 135, 136, 301, 517, 518 Poverty Bay............ 194, 328, 498 Powers, Mr. ............................ 163 Poyston .......................... 105, 106 Preston Guardian .......... 228, 541 Prince Albert, H.R.H.............. 256 Princess Royal ....................... 385 Promise .................................. 343 Pyke, Graham H. ...................... 78 Quede, Surgeon Superintendent Dr......................................... 32 Queensland 18, 19, 25, 26, 31, 76, 78, 113, 116, 161, 162, 166, 167, 168, 169, 172, 173, 174, 176, 210, 212, 349, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 370, 371, 372, 373, 376, 377, 388, 410, 411, 414, 425, 426, 427, 429, 431, 432, 435, 443, 450, 452, 480, 481, 482, 483, 486, 487, 489, 505, 538, 540, 542 Queensland, steam ship ......... 486 Quenby, M. (see Quinby) ....... 371 Quinby M. (Quenby) ...................... 371 Rangiora . 177, 189, 206, 340, 493 Rarotonga ....................... 423, 443 Rattler .................................... 318 Ravensthorpe ......................... 452 Rayment, Tarlton ..................... 26 Rebecca .................................. 329 Register 21, 22, 35, 182, 216, 275, 454, 456, 477, 495, 522, 524, 532, 536, 542 Remuera ................................. 392 Rev. Ironside .......................... 253 Rhodes ..................................... 76 Richmond ................. 55, 300, 388 Ringarooma, S.S. .. 392, 393, 395, 403 Rio de Janeiro .... 30, 80, 192, 515 Ritchie .................... 241, 242, 248

555

Captain David .................... 240 Riverine Herald ..... 384, 490, 542 Robertson, J.B.R. ..................... 71 Rockhampton .. 15, 164, 165, 166, 167, 349, 485, 486, 487, 530 Roebourne16, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441 Rome ...................................... 147 Rome, S.S. ...................... 447, 448 Roseneath................................. 93 Roslyn Castle ......................... 243 Ross John ....................... 31, 32, 518 Mr. ..................................... 306 Rotch B Esq ................................. 261 Mr. ..................... 226, 261, 262 Rotomahana, S.S. .......... 412, 413 Rowley, G. H. .......................... 54 Royal Commission on Local Industries ........................... 392 Royal Societ of Arts . 16, 223, 254, 262, 499, 501 Royal Society of NZ 187, 192, 211, 238, 542, 543, 544 Russell... 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 316, 318, 322, 323, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 394, 397, 413 Thomas .............................. 397 Thomas, C.M.G. ........ 394, 406 Rutherford, Surgeon Geo S ...... 80 Ruttner, Dr. ........................ 74, 76 Saladin ........................... 440, 441 Salvado Bishop Rosendo ................. 149 Dom Rosendo ............ 146, 147 Rosendo ............. 147, 148, 152 San Buenaventura .................. 409 San Francisco ...... 52, 53, 54, 313, 356, 357, 358, 362, 368, 369, 370, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397,

398, 400, 401, 402, 403, 405, 406, 412 San Francisco Bulletin .......... 356 Sandwich Islands ................... 355 Santa Clara Valley . 365, 366, 367 Saxon Reverend Mr. (see also Saxton)233 Saxon, steamship.................... 417 Saxton J. W. .................................. 238 John Waring ................ 15, 247 Mrs. ................................... 247 Rev. Charles .............. 238, 499 Rev. Mr.............................. 246 Revd Mr............................. 231 see also Saxon ................... 233 Scheffer, Dr. ........................... 390 Scotch Lass .................... 321, 323 Scotia, brigantine ................... 302 Scott, Dr. .......................... 86, 114 Scully, Captain John .............. 148 Sea Breeze...... 317, 329, 330, 331 Sea Breeze, American barque 317 Selwyn Bishop190, 195, 207, 219, 225, 232, 271, 273, 275, 277, 287, 500 Dr............................... 215, 296 Mrs Selwyn ................ 271, 275 Willie ......................... 271, 275 Serra Dom Joseph ....................... 147 Shackell, James .............. 490, 491 Shallard, Major Adolphus ...... 387 Shamrock, Paddle steamer .... 418, 509 Sharp, Captain Joseph ............ 235 ships Warrior .............................. 135 Ships Abyssinia, barque........... 53, 54 Agnes, brig ........................... 44 Agra ................................... 342 Alexander, schooner .......... 472

556

Alexander, ship ............ 53, 312 Alexandra .......... 133, 136, 375 Alhambra ... 380, 383, 384, 386 Ann and Jane, barque 111, 112 Australia, mail steamer ...... 397 Australia, steamship .......... 402 Australind . 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442 Beagle, H.M.S. .......... 130, 539 Black Swan ................ 483, 484 Bonnie Doon, barque ......... 315 Brilliant .... 219, 240, 241, 242, 245, 248, 249 Brilliant, barque 239, 241, 242, 248 Brothers ............. 243, 315, 544 Brougham .................. 232, 250 Calliope ............................. 315 Champion ... 91, 111, 114, 115, 117, 121, 124, 125, 127, 128, 129, 131 Charles Edwards, steamer . 346 Children ............. 240, 310, 311 City of Auckland, ship ....... 351 City of Brisbane . 484, 485, 486 City of Melbourne, barq..... 320 City of New York........ 365, 367 City of Sydney, mail steamer .............................. 358, 410 Clifford 15, 218, 219, 222, 228, 230, 231, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 242, 246, 247, 250, 256, 261, 415, 501 Coaxer, barque .................. 302 Comet, brig ........................ 323 Competitor ........... 33, 523, 524 Constant, ship ...................... 52 Content, brig ...................... 316 Dart .. 180, 184, 308, 324, 327, 328 Dauntless ........... 315, 316, 321 Dawson 58, 169, 177, 298, 331, 332 Deborah............................. 307

Diana ........... 47, 169, 315, 542 Dorunda ... 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 431, 432, 433, 434 Dove .......................... 320, 321 Ebenezer, schooner ............ 343 Elizabeth ..... 22, 23, 49, 80, 99, 120, 147, 148, 163, 243, 260, 311, 314, 475, 516, 535 Elizabeth Jane ................... 163 Elizabeth, schooner ........... 314 Elphinstone .......................... 94 Emily.................. 238, 250, 315 Emma, brig ........................ 311 England ....................... 86, 516 Exert .................................. 315 Fairy .................................. 311 Favourite ........................... 327 Ferrolana .......... 150, 151, 152 Florence Irving .......... 166, 487 Flying Cloud .................. 24, 25 Flying Fish, schooner 109, 342 Gem ................................... 316 George, 16 tons ................. 323 George, schooner............... 316 Greenock ........... 179, 240, 447 Guide, brigantine ............... 301 H.M.S. Buffalo ... 196, 203, 204 H.M.S. Castor .................... 307 H.M.S. Dido ....................... 308 H.M.S. Sloop Racehorse .... 308 Harriet, schooner100, 103, 104 Harwood, ship ................... 320 Helen S. Page .................... 313 Herald ........................ 196, 199 Indus, barque ..................... 179 Isabella ..... 17, 33, 35, 95, 109, 110, 297, 310, 322, 323, 324, 333, 494, 495, 513, 516, 517, 520, 521, 523, 525 James Paterson.......... 485, 486 Janet .................. 193, 322, 333

557

John ...... 32, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 150, 516, 529 John Panter ....................... 150 John Williams ............ 307, 423 Kaiuma, schooner .............. 350 Kate Kearney, brig ............ 319 Kate, barque ...................... 329 Kelso .......................... 239, 474 Keriti.......................... 329, 330 Kiwi ........................... 322, 330 Lady Bowen ....... 166, 167, 486 Lady Lilford ....... 179, 180, 181 Lady Nugent ...................... 300 Lady Young........ 166, 486, 487 Liguria, steamer................. 377 Lion ................................... 320 London 30, 205, 219, 226, 230, 233, 234, 235, 257, 297, 422, 471 Ly-ee-moon ........ 375, 488, 489 Lyttelton, paddle steamer ... 344 Malay................................. 351 Maria, schooner ................. 43 Marquis of Hastings ............ 80 Mary 15, 48, 99, 117, 164, 189, 210, 213, 223, 225, 227, 229, 235, 237, 251, 252, 270, 276, 278, 290, 301, 313, 321, 328, 405, 470, 492, 538 Mary Ann ...... 15, 48, 223, 225, 227, 229, 237, 251, 252, 270, 313, 405, 492 Mary Ira ............................ 328 Mary Thomson, brig/schooner ...................................... 321 Mata Winika ...................... 322 Maukin............................... 307 Mazeppa ............................ 302 Milford, schooner .............. 309 Moa ........................... 310, 311 Moffat .................................. 90 Monarch ............................ 311 Monarch, ship.................... 405

Morning Star .... 323, 324, 328, 329 Murray, steamer ........ 348, 349 Naiad . 309, 310, 311, 315, 316 Nancy................. 310, 311, 315 Napi ................................... 312 Necro-mancer, schooner... 322, 323 Nelson, S.S. ....................... 316 Nymph.......................... 47, 330 Ocean Queen ..................... 320 Oceana ...... 277, 285, 286, 316 Oliver Cromwell, ship........ 310 Osprey ........................... 2, 316 Palmyra, barque 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184 Petrel 109, 319, 321, 322, 323, 328 Petrel, barque .................... 109 Phantom ............................ 319 Phoenix, ship .... 31, 32, 38, 95, 494, 517, 518, 529 Planet ........................ 328, 331 Princess Royal ................... 385 Promise.............................. 343 Queensland ........................ 486 Rattler ................................ 318 Rebecca ............................. 329 Ringarooma, S.S. ..... 392, 393, 395, 403 Rome, S.S. ................. 447, 448 Roslyn Castle ..................... 243 Rotomahana, S.S. ...... 412, 413 Saladin ....................... 440, 441 Saxon ................................. 417 Scotch Lass ................ 321, 323 Scotia, brigantine ............... 302 Sea Breeze . 317, 329, 330, 331 Sea Breeze, American barque ...................................... 317 Sir John Franklin ...... 303, 304 Slains Castle ...... 331, 332, 333 Snaresbrook ....................... 323

558

St. Kilda .... 322, 323, 326, 327, 328, 331 Strathfieldsay ....................... 94 Susan ......................... 255, 330 Sylph .......... 303, 328, 330, 331 Tamar 102, 104, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167 Terror, brigantine .............. 302 The Sisters, brigantine ...... 190, 193, 194, 195, 303 Tomatin .... 219, 220, 221, 222, 225, 264, 266, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 275, 277, 293, 296, 442, 443 Tory ................... 197, 236, 250 Tranby ............................... 113 Tui ..................................... 323 Tyne ................... 109, 320, 326 Tyne, schooner ................... 326 Typo ................... 129, 130, 140 Uira ................................... 339 Victoria, 18t....................... 321 Vision................................. 327 Vivid . 309, 316, 328, 329, 330, 342 Wainui ....................... 344, 345 Wallace, iron steamer ........ 350 Water Witch ................. 46, 323 Waterwitch................. 314, 316 Waterwitch, brig ................ 314 Westminster, ship ...... 196, 197, 199, 204 Whitby........................ 250, 339 White Swan. S.S................. 321 William and James ............ 310 Wonga Wonga, S.S. ........... 318 Yankee Notion ................... 309 Yankee, bark ...................... 356 Yarra Yarra ............... 166, 485 Zealandia... 357, 362, 403, 535 Shoalhaven region................................... 20 River .............................. 20, 21 Shortland, Mr ......................... 198

Silver Isis medal............. 226, 255 Singapore .. 18, 45, 115, 353, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443 Sir John Franklin ........... 303, 304 Slains Castle .......... 331, 332, 333 Slater, Lee .......................... 74, 75 Smedley ................................. 167 Smith Frederick............................ 467 Jessie.................................. 181 Snaresbrook ........................... 323 Snug Cove .............................. 245 Soames, Mr. ................... 229, 233 Somes, Mr Joseph .................. 229 Sorell, Colonel ........... 87, 88, 516 South Australia 17, 27, 44, 46, 50, 109, 110, 111, 112, 115, 133, 159, 162, 179, 182, 250, 296, 378, 452, 453, 454, 455, 476, 477, 478, 479, 504, 506, 507, 533, 536, 538, 542 South Australian Beekeepers Assocn. .............................. 455 South Island .. 189, 219, 222, 232, 251, 317, 340, 357 South Sea Islands ................... 423 Spain ..... 122, 147, 148, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 458, 463 Spanish bee ..................... 146, 147, 153 Government ....................... 149 Special Postal Commissioner, NZ ........................................... 401 Spencer J. H. H. .............................. 159 Sir Richard ......................... 114 Spithead ................................... 32 St. Albans ......................... 75, 218 St. Kilda 322, 323, 326, 327, 328, 331 Stack, Canon J. W. ................. 326 Stafford, E. W. ....................... 298

559

State Library of Sth. Australia181, 203, 455, 456 Stedman, Captain ........... 287, 288 Stephenson, Mr. ..................... 324 Storr Amy ........... 226, 265, 278, 499 Amy G. ...... 251, 265, 499, 500 Strahan ..................................... 76 Strathfieldsay ........................... 94 Sugden, Evan A. ...................... 78 Susan.............................. 255, 330 Sutton Forest ............................ 20 Swale, William....................... 340 Swan Port ......... 99, 100, 103, 104 Swan River .... 36, 44, 91, 94, 113, 114, 115, 116, 119, 120, 121, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 134, 136, 141, 142, 144, 147, 148, 536 Swansea ................................. 103 Sweet, Mr ....................... 247, 305 Sydney 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 38, 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 63, 64, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 88, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 111, 115, 120, 121, 122, 127, 136, 141, 146, 156, 157, 162, 163, 165, 172, 173, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 192, 194, 195, 196, 198, 199, 200, 203, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 214, 219, 220, 228, 232, 243, 246, 248, 249, 264, 267, 272, 290, 294, 296, 297, 298, 301, 302, 303, 304, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 319, 320, 329, 332, 342, 343, 353, 357, 358, 361, 363, 365, 366, 367, 369, 370, 371, 375, 377, 381, 382, 399, 401, 411, 413, 414, 418, 419, 422, 423, 425,

436, 443, 447, 449, 470, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 494, 495, 503, 504, 505, 506, 508, 509, 512, 515, 516, 517, 518, 519, 520, 521, 522, 523, 525, 526, 527, 528, 534, 535, 538, 542, 543 Sydney Botanic Garden 209, 211, 543 Sydney Morning Herald .... 31, 34, 44, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 72, 73, 122, 141, 246, 294, 313, 332, 517, 518, 528 Sylph .............. 303, 328, 330, 331 Tahiti ... 48, 51, 53, 210, 313, 353, 405, 406 Talboys, Henry............... 440, 442 Tamaki ........................... 184, 192 Tamaki River ......................... 184 Tamar.... 102, 104, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167 Tamworth ......................... 16, 168 Taranaki .. 53, 203, 243, 300, 310, 314, 319, 320, 336, 344, 345, 378, 393, 394, 410, 497, 501, 532, 540 Taranaki Herald ..... 53, 314, 320, 344, 378, 393, 394, 410, 497, 501 Taree ........................................ 54 Tarraleah ................ 15, 74, 75, 76 Tasman .. 182, 194, 224, 251, 296, 302, 306, 395 Tasmania ... 15, 31, 41, 47, 50, 74, 76, 77, 94, 96, 99, 100, 101, 103, 105, 107, 108, 110, 170, 210, 212, 253, 265, 425, 469, 471, 472, 474, 475, 476, 495, 500, 501, 517, 528, 533, 534, 535, 537, 543, 544 Tasmanian Beekeepers Assocn. ............................................. 74 Tautari, James ........................ 312

560

Taylor, Rev. Richard 15, 197, 198, 199, 200, 202, 204, 252, 265, 268, 277 Te Aroha News ............... 411, 497 Te Awamutu................... 391, 493 Tegetmeier, William Bernhard341 Templeton, Mr. ...................... 385 Terror, brigantine................... 302 Thames River, London... 219, 336 Thames, Coromandel Peninsula ... 265, 336, 338, 410, 412, 500 The Sisters .... 190, 193, 194, 195, 303 The Sisters, brigantine ... 190, 193, 194, 195, 303 The Star.................. 403, 405, 542 Thomson, A. S. ...................... 203 Thorpe Joshua ................................ 337 Mr ...................................... 336 Throsby, Dr Charles ................. 20 Thursday Island...... 156, 429, 443 Timaru ........... 345, 397, 403, 498 Timaru Herald ....... 397, 403, 498 Tom Quad .............................. 283 Tomatin . 219, 220, 221, 222, 225, 264, 266, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 274, 275, 277, 293, 296, 442, 443 Toodyay ................................. 148 Tory........................ 197, 236, 250 Townsend, Mr .......................... 60 Tranby.................................... 113 Travers W. T. L. ............................. 238 William Thomas Locke ..... 238 Trotter, W .............................. 335 Tuapeka Times 377, 378, 412, 498 Tui .......................................... 323 Turanganui ............................. 194 Tutu................................ 325, 326 Tutukaka Harbours ................ 187 Tuy ......................... 148, 151, 152

Twofold Bay . 219, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 245, 246, 248, 249, 297, 509 Tyne ....................... 109, 320, 326 Tyne, schooner ....................... 326 Typo ....................... 129, 130, 140 Uira ........................................ 339 Ulladulla .................................. 61 Union Steam Ship Company . 393, 394, 402 of NZ ......................... 394, 402 United States ... 51, 357, 365, 391, 400, 401, 458, 461, 465, 505 Centennial Exposition, Philadelphia................... 365 Upper Swan.................... 116, 148 Upper Yarra ................... 159, 160 Uralla ............................. 168, 173 Van Diemens Land .... 36, 78, 88, 96, 98, 99, 106, 108, 110, 114, 115, 117, 120, 170, 243, 244, 245, 296, 303, 304, 472, 504, 519, 521, 537 Royal Society..................... 473 Vaucluse House ....................... 80 Vaughan, Jim ..................... 20, 21 Ventura County ...................... 410 Vera Cruz ....................... 459, 460 Victoria 17, 26, 27, 109, 115, 131, 132, 140, 147, 148, 153, 158, 159, 161, 162, 182, 317, 321, 373, 380, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 388, 389, 418, 471, 483, 490, 491, 506, 517, 530, 533, 537, 542 Plains ................. 147, 148, 153 Valley .................................. 26 Victoria, 18 tons..................... 321 Victorian Acclimatization Society ........................................... 384 Virgil .............................. 282, 436 Vision ..................................... 327 Vivid 309, 316, 328, 329, 330, 342 W.A.

561

Dept. of Agriculture........... 543 Insect Study Society .......... 543 State Library ...................... 136 Waihou................................... 338 Waikato . 190, 203, 218, 391, 392, 411, 412, 415, 416, 497 Waikato river ......................... 203 Waikato Times391, 392, 411, 415, 416, 497 Waimate 195, 197, 198, 202, 204, 252, 500, 531 Waimea .................................. 346 Wainui ............................ 344, 345 Waiomio ................................ 198 Wairoa ........................... 321, 323 Waitangi................. 204, 205, 299 Waitapu .................. 322, 323, 327 Waitemata Harbour 180, 188, 328 Wakefield 18, 197, 232, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239, 243, 246, 247, 250, 251, 254, 499, 539, 540 Capt. Arthur ...... 231, 239, 240, 242, 246, 247, 250, 251, 254, 296, 297 Colonel William Hayward 226, 228, 231, 232, 235, 236, 238, 246, 250, 335 Daniel Bell......................... 250 Edward Gibbon. 237, 238, 250, 251 Edward Jerningham .. 197, 207, 229, 234, 236, 241, 246, 258, 539 Emily ................................. 250 Miss Emily 225, 238, 256, 499, 500 Walker, Robert. 15, 474, 543, 544 Wallace, Captain ... 17, 33, 35, 37, 44, 94, 297, 494, 495, 503, 513, 519, 520, 522, 523, 524 Wallace, iron steamer............. 350 Wallalong........................... 67, 71 Wallis, Captain, see Wallace .. 30, 494, 515, 520, 521

Walsh R.S. .................................... 177 Robert ........................ 177, 178 Robert Sylvan .................... 177 Wanganui ...... 199, 244, 377, 399, 410, 411, 412, 498 Wanganui Herald.. 377, 399, 410, 411, 412 Wanganui Progress & Industrial Assocn. .............................. 412 Wangaparoa ............................. 54 Wangarei315, 318, 319, 321, 322, 323, 324, 328 Wangaroa ...... 309, 314, 315, 316, 318, 320, 321, 323, 324, 328, 329 Warrior ................................... 135 Warrnambool ......... 128, 131, 132 Washington ............................ 400 Water Witch ..................... 46, 323 Waterloo ................................. 135 Waterwitch ..................... 314, 316 Waterwitch, brig..................... 314 Wawaroa ........................ 198, 199 Webster, William ................... 183 Welch, Lawrence .. 129, 136, 137, 139, 140, 143, 145 Wellington .... 15, 16, 55, 86, 179, 180, 191, 192, 194, 195, 206, 207, 208, 210, 211, 218, 219, 224, 225, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 238, 239, 242, 246, 248, 249, 250, 277, 296, 300, 301, 302, 303, 305, 306, 315, 321, 323, 326, 340, 341, 353, 390, 393,394, 395, 413, 418, 453, 498, 499, 500, 502, 531, 533, 535, 537, 540 Wellington Evening Post ........ 395 West Coast Times .. 350, 395, 410, 492, 497 West Norwood Cemetery . 15, 205

562

Western Australia . 17, 18, 27, 28, 89, 109, 113, 114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 121, 123, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 131, 133, 134, 136, 139, 141, 142, 146, 147, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 155, 162, 170, 363, 436, 437, 438, 439, 441, 445, 448, 478, 504, 531, 533, 536, 541, 543, 544 Western Port .......................... 160 Westminster.... 196, 197, 199, 204 Westport......................... 345, 348 Whakapuaka .......................... 332 Whangaroa ............. 187, 316, 323 Whishaw, Francis .. 223, 224, 226, 261, 262, 263, 269 Whitby ............................ 250, 339 White Swan. S.S. .................... 321 Wide Bay ....................... 212, 213 Wilkin, R................................ 409 William and James ................. 310 William River .......................... 72 Williams Archdeacon Henry ............. 195 Marianne...... 15, 200, 201, 202 Mr ...................... 198, 446, 447 Mr. W.H.W. ...................... 446 Mrs (Archdeacon)...... 200, 290 Mrs. ................... 195, 201, 218 Wills Mrs Margaret ..................... 234 Mrs. .... 77, 171, 207, 234, 235, 246, 258, 535

Wilson Dr. T. B. 31, 32, 40, 42, 81, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 88, 90, 93, 94, 96, 108, 114, 380, 383, 384, 385, 406, 503, 516, 528, 529 Edward ..... 381, 382, 384, 385, 386, 389 Mr E. ................................. 384 Mr T. ................................. 399 Mr. Thomas (of Kaipoi) .... 406 Winston .......... 366, 452, 505, 506 Winter, Gillian ................. 15, 474 Wolfhagen, Julian .................... 74 Wonga Wonga, S.S. ............... 318 Woodbury 25, 265, 266, 366, 381, 382, 417, 489 hive ............................ 266, 366 T. W. ...... 24, 25, 264, 293, 416 Woodhouse, Mrs. ................... 300 Wren, Mr ............................... 392 Yankee Notion ........................ 309 Yankee, bark........................... 356 Yarra River .................... 159, 160 Yarra Yarra .................... 166, 485 Yeitch, Messrs. ........................ 26 Zealandia ....... 357, 362, 403, 535 Zelli, Abbot ............................ 154 Ziegler, K.I....................... 77, 544 Zoological Gardens, Buitenzorg ........................................... 390

563

Endnotes
i

Further hives of Trigona carbonaria were to be sent to England. From the Journal of Horticulture, 12 January 1864 (p.46), there is a description of a hive which was sent from Brisbane. It reached T.W. Woodbury who wrote under the name A Devonshire Bee-Keeper. He received the hive from Messrs. Veitch of Chelsea. Entomologist F. Smith provided a description. Although the bees were alive when shipped from Brisbane, in Queensland, but had evidently perished long before the termination of their voyage.
ii

This hive of native bees may have been supplied by his kinsman, Hannibal Macarthur at the Vineyard, Parramatta. From The Correspondence of Charles Darwin:, Volume 10; Volume 1862: "Charles Darwin had asked about the effect of introduced hive-bees on native bee populations in his letter to W. B. Clarke of 25 October 1861."

The Reverend W.B. Clarke, circa 1839, shortly after his arrival in New South Wales. Pencil sketch, Mitchell Library, Sydney. (image and description located at http://www.michaelorgan.org.au/clarke1.htm) 564

Clarke responded in his letter of 16 January 1862, written at St. Leonards: "As to Bees, I will mention only one incident. Some years ago (1844 or 5) I had charge of the country from Parramatta to and beyond the Hawkesbury. I formed acquaintance with the aboriginals. In one tribe (of which none now exist) was a man called 'Captain' who used to get me native honey from Ourinbah and Doural. One day I found him cutting out a large establishment from the top of a very lofty Eucalyptus: and I asked him to bring it to Parramatta to my Cottage, which he did. The hollow in the bough was filled with the harmless native bees and their honey. It lay in the yard for two or three days, till it was discovered by English bees belonging to my friend Dr. Stuart, who lived in another part some distance off. In the course of a day or two these foragers killed off nearley all the little native bees and stole their honey. This I can vouch for. Yet I once saw a native hive under the same shed with English bees at the Vineyard, now Subiaco, Mr Hannibal McArthur's residence on the Parramatta River. The English bees are very common in the bush. They make their hives in hollows in lofty Gum trees. But the native bee is very rare now where it was once common. ..." Rev. William Branwhite Clarke was at that time stationed at St Thomas's Church, St Leonards, Sydney. Clarke has been dubbed the Father of Geology in Australia. He Corresponded with Charles Darwin on questions about Australian flora, bees and geology. Rosss letter of 10 August 1863 was published in the SMH for Thurs. 13 Aug. 1863, Issue #7868, p.5d. Ross signed his letter John Ross, Pilot Station, Moruya. Ross also provided a potted history of the Phoenix on its arrival landed prisoners at Hobart Town in June, came on to Sydney with a part of the 40th Regiment and Government stores; was stranded on the Sow and Pigs, while entering Port Jackson, in July; but got off, and brought up to Sydney Cove; condemned, and sold to Government, and long afterwards a prison hulk at Goat Island. Immediately before Ross wrote I returned to Sydney in February 1825 he wrote After making a voyage to the Islands in a colonial brig named the Haws If credibility was required in support of his tale, the brig Haws of 110 tons did exist. (see Sydney Gazette, 26 Mar.
iii

565

1829, p.2) Unlike the Haws (aka Hawes and Haweis, (from Batavia, Sydney Gazette, 18 Nov. 1827, p.2. Capt. James, and 28 Dec. 1827, p.2; 12 Sept. 1828; 28 March 1829, p.2 re its end in Bay of Plenty) and some of its crew, Ross avoided their tragic end. The trading brig owned by a Mr. Campbell (Messrs. Campbell & Co.) was then under Captain John James. Within the New Zealand Electronic Text Centre web site (http://www.nzetc.org) may be found the unfortunate episode of an English traders visit to the Bay of Plenty In 1829 [2nd March] the brig Haws, of Sydney, anchored off Whaka-tane. Having large quantities of arms and ammunition on board she soon obtained a cargo of pigs and flax, and then moved over to Whale Island, where, by the side of a spring of boiling water, conveniently situated near the beach, the captain and some of the crew proceeded to kill the pigs and salt them and put them into casks. While thus engaged a number of canoes were seen to board the vessel from Whaka-tane, and the sailors, who had taken to the rigging, were shot. The captain and some of the crew with him fled in their boat to Teawa-o-te-atua, and thence to Tauranga. The Natives, who were led by Ngarara, took everything out of the brig and burnt her. (pp.207208) White, John (1888) The Ancient History of the Maori, His Mythology and Traditions: Tai-Nui. (Vol. V), Government Printer.
iv

This article also appeared in The Asiatic Journal and Monthly Register for British and Foreign India (V.18, July - Dec 1824, p.392) Also in The Philosophical Magazine and Journal: comprehending the various branches of science, the liberal and fine arts, agriculture, manufactures, and commerce. by Alexander Tilloch & Richard Taylor, Vol. LXIII, Jan-June 1824. Richard Taylor, London. (p.460) A shorter form appeared in The Christian Observer and Advocate, (Vol. 24, 1824, Ellerton and Henderson, London) The bees taken out by Capt. Wallace are thriving well, and have thrown off many swarms, the greater part of which had escaped into the woods, where they will multiply fast.(p.521) Also in The Oriental Herald and Colonial Review, Vol II, May to August 1824, p.450 Also in The Spirit of the English Magazines, Monroe & Francis, Oct. 1824 Mar. 1825. (p.127) Text slightly changed as in The Hives of Bees taken out to New South Wales by CAPT. WALLACE, were five

566

of them thriving well, and had thrown off many swarms, although the greater part ...
v

Davidson was an active plant collector: he received another mention in Sims, John (1835) Curtis's Botanical Magazine, Or, Flower-garden Displayed: In which the Most Ornamental Foreign Plants, Cultivated in the Open Ground, the Green-house, and the Stove, are Accurately Represented in Their Natural Colours ... Vol.62, June. This very interesting plant [Craspedia macrocephala] was raised by Mr. Curtis, at his extensive nursery-ground., Glazenwood, in the summer of last year, from seeds brought by Dr. Wilson from Van Diemen's Land. They were gathered, Mr. Curtis observes, by Mr. William Davidson, the Curator of the Hobart Town Botanic Garden, on Mount Wellington, at an elevation of three thousand feet above the level of the sea. the smell of the flowers resembles that of honey-comb (p.3415). also reported in The American Gardener's Magazine, Hovey & Co., 1835, vol.1, p.380 From Wikipedia, Tonnage is a measure of the size or cargo capacity of a ship. The term derives from the taxation paid on tuns of wine, and was later used in reference to the weight of a ship's cargo; however, in modern maritime usage, "tonnage" specifically refers to a calculation of the volume or cargo volume of a ship. The term is still sometimes incorrectly used to refer to the weight of a loaded or empty vessel. Measurement of tonnage can be less than straightforward, not least because it is used to assess fees on commercial shipping. Refer http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonnage See also http://www.simsl.com/Articles/Tonnage.asp
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The book reviewed was Rambles and observations in New South Wales, Joseph Phipps Townsend, Chapman & Hall, 1859. The English bee has been introduced into Illawarra within the last few years, and with much success. The power this insect has of producing its own species, appears to be much increased in this climate, where there is no pinching winter. The produce of one hive gave, in three years, three hundred hives; besides those that had escaped into the bush, and become wild. This statement may appear extraordinary at first sight, but a reference to figures will attest its truth; and it must be 567

recollected that the parent hive, and each of its swarms, with their produce again, and so on, are all continually increasing. Some of the housewives manufacture from honey a most excellent wine, which, the longer it is kept, the better it is; and much honey is sent to Sydney for sale and export. By referring to a local paper, I am enabled to give some particulars of the honey trade. One settler sent to England the produce of forty hives, which yielded about 1000 Ibs. of rough comb, and in taking the honey, not a single hive of the bees was lost. The net produce was 7 cwt. and 10 lbs. of honey, and 34 lbs. of wax. This was sold in England for 20 guineas; but brokerages, duty, &c., had to be deducted, leaving only 161. 9s. 5d. I learn from the same source, that another settler sent to England a ton of honey and 4 cwt. of wax; and, of course, the larger the export, the less, in proportion, will be the expenses. (pp.137-139)
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From the Sydney Morning Herald, 9 January 1846 "Wollongong, January 7. - ... The food that is now introduced to make the district a land of milk, white clover, is also useful in furnishing bees with honey, and the flower of this useful plant, as well as that of an indeginous herb, called native flax or cobbler's peg, cause bees to thrive well, and carry on their operations with great success. I have heard of fifteen swarms from one hive in one year; but as the number of swarms depends upon the size of the box containing the honey, this remark conveys only vague information. (p.2) From the Sydney Morning Herald, 8 December 1848 "Camden. December 6 - ... There is a great scarcity of honey this season, and the two last summers having been also unfavourable for bees, the hives are everywhere either scarce or untenanted. We believe it is almost impossible to purchase honey in this district, in quantity, at any price." (p.2)
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The Maitland Mercury and hunter river general advertiser, 30 March 1844, p.2: declared the prize of a hive of bees for the winner: a pigeon match is about to be got up, to come off on Easter Monday, on the ground at the back of Mr. Reeves's, the Albion Inn. In the same newspaper, 13 April, p.2 the contest was held at MDougalls brush and won by Ambrose Smith. 568

By 1845 bees had also made their way west to the Doonside Eastern Creek Bungarrabbee locality, within todays Blacktown local government area of NSW. Reported in Allen's Indian Mail, and Register of Intelligence for British and Foreign India, China, and All Parts of the East, 1845, one William Neeves was giving evidence at an inquest held at Prospect, NSW. His statement begins with On Sunday morning, as I was hunting bees, in company with a man named Carrol, in Bungarrabbee Brush (p.382) To identify the location of this brush I found in the Courier (Hobart, Tas.) for 21 June 1851: The Bathurst Mail was accidentally upset at Bungarrabbee-gate, about twenty-eight miles from Sydney, to which place it was progressing. One of the passengers was severely injured, and died in a few hours. (p.2) The gate referred to was probably the entrance to Bungarribee House, now an archaeological site at Doonside. I also found via Google: The Bungarribee Homestead Complex Archaeological Site represents a rare, intact footprint of a very early colonial farmstead and includes relics of a main house, outbuildings and plantings. Note the slight change in spelling to todays Bungarribee from the 19th centurys Bungarrabbee. Doonside is some 39 klm west of Sydney, near the Great Western Highway, the route then to the west and Bathurst. Prospect, some 8 klm from Doonside, was probably the site of the nearest court house or similar that could be used for an inquest.
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Four years previously, Thomas Parnell of Windsor advertised a reward in the Sydney Morning Herald, 1 December 1845 Five Pounds Reward. Stolen from my residence at Richmond, on Monday, the 24th instant, two Hives of Bees and other articles. The above reward will be paid to any person on conviction of the parties concerned in this robbery. Thomas Parnell, Windsor, November 26. (p.2) Dr. Wilson, R. N. Surgeon and Superintendent of the John, has, we are happy to announce, done the colony the kindness of introducing to it what has so long been a desideratum amongst us, namely, an excellent hive of bees. They have come out in the most healthy and vigorous state, and we doubt not will thrive and multiply throughout the island, the climate and indigenous plants of which (singular enough, though they cannot boast our honey bee,) are nevertheless so
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admirably adapted to the nature of that most useful and interesting animal. Dr. Wilson has also been so mindful as to bring several specimens of the moss rose, the lilac, the laurel, lauristinus, and other plants and shrubs, characteristic of England, but hitherto unknown in the colony.
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A complementary paragraph appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, 25 May 1837: A gentelman named Clayton, has just imported from Hobart Town about fifty or sixty Hives of healthy Bees, which are well worth inspection. Some of the Hives contain, at least, five thousand of these little industrious tenants. The importer has already established the rearing of Bees in Van Dieman's Land, and wishes to introduce them here, without regard to profiting by the speculation. The Bees may be seen as per advertisement. (p.2)
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Tanging the Bees, from Cottager and Artisan, March 1886 570

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A review of The South Australian Magazine for December 1841 appeared in The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser for 14 April 1842, within which I found the description of a naturalists amble in the region of Mount Barker, Adelaide: At one turn of the road the whole atmosphere is scented with the exquisite smell of wild honey, proceeding from a waving sea of small white flowers rustling with the gentle breeze, among which thousands of bees are revelling in undisturbed enjoyment. (p.2) Im not sure if the reference to bees was simply creative license or actual sightings of honey bees at work. I was unsure if the persons name listed after an item or batch of items in ships manifests as published in newspapers was that of the consignor or consignee. The following letter to the editor published in the Moreton Bay Courier for 26 July 1860 explains the context: Sir, - In the export manifest of the Tamar the names of the various consignees have been erroneously substituted for the shippers. On the arrival of a vessel the public are interested in the consignees, but on its departure in the shippers. A. J. HOCKINGS. (p.2)
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Within a 1992 report (Honey Production, Economic Value and Geographical Significance of Apiary Sites in Western Australia ) by Robert Manning of the Western Australian Department of Agriculture, is this note: First honey bees arrived in Fremantle 1846. No source was provided. In Agriculture in Western Australia 1829-1979, in the chapter on The Honey Bee by S. R. Chambers, a Senior Instructor in Apiculture at the W. A. Department of Agriculture There is some doubt about when honey bees were successfully introduced. William Hardey, who established the Peninsula farm beside the Swan River 5 km east of Perth in 1830, is said to have had a hive of bees, but other records suggest that the honey bee first arrived from the eastern colonies about 1846. (Refer the chapter on Lieutanant Helpman, R.N., 1846, in my Volume I) The first record of surplus honey being exported is dated 1873. The honey came from a large bee farm near Guildford . (p.248). (Catalogued in the State Library of Western Australia is a document titled History of the introduction of the European Honey Bee to WA. (Call number Q595.7 New, David Knowles, Newsletter of the W.A. Insect Study Society, August 1991, pp.2-3) Miss-catalogued as you will see, it contains the Editors summary of an illustrated 571

address titled Honeybees Sweet Taste of Disaster, delivered to the W.A. Insect Study Society at their August 1991 meeting. Chambers abovementioned date of 1873 for WAs first recorded honey surplus was incorrectly interpreted as Honeybees were first introduced to W.A. at Guildford in 1873. Rather than the history of beekeeping this address centred on airing concerns about the ecological impact wrought by this insect on the native flora and fauna here in WA.) The SS Catterthun is a very unique piece of Australian Maritime History. Built in England in 1881, she was one of the first Australian ships to have electricity! The SS Catterthun was carrying a cargo of gold onboard when she went down on the night of August 8th 1895. This 92.5 metre vessel struck a reef situated behind Little Seal Rock and is now lying on a sandy bottom in 55- 60 metres of water. It is said that there is still gold onboard the SS Catterthun, with only 7 of the 10 boxes of gold coins being recovered in a salvage operation that took place less than a year after she sank. This once majestic vessel has been surprisingly well preserved considering she has spent more than 100 years in her watery grave, with most of her body still perfectly intact. Refer http://www.actiondivers.com.au/seal-rocksregion/index.php Also a cargo of some 11,000 sovereigns sank to 30 fathoms. From August 17 1896 two salvage divers with specialised diver suits capable of the 30 fathom pressure as brought out from England recovered 9,000 sovereigns after blasting through an iron chamber on the ocean floor. 2,000 sovereigns remain unrecovered.
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From http://adbonline.anu.edu.au/biogs/A090353b.htm

In 1872, after returning to Germany, Maurice William Holtze (18401923) migrated to Australia, landing at Melbourne but travelling to the new settlement of Palmerston near Port Darwin. In 1878-91 he was government gardener of the Palmerston Botanic Gardens. They had been used chiefly to supply government officials with fruit and vegetables but Holtze declared that the raising of cabbage heads was not the greatest ambition of the true botanist and suggested changes of function and site. With his eldest son Nicholas (d.1913) he pioneered tropical agriculture in the Northern Territory. They tested the suitability of a range of crops including rubber, rice, peanuts, tobacco, sugar, coffee, indigo and maize In 1891 Nicholas Holtze [1868572

1913] became curator of the Darwin Botanical Gardens [1895-1912] when his father was appointed director and secretary of the Adelaide Botanic Garden. Of Cottiers other commands, I gleaned the following from FlotillaAustralia: Clarence was wrecked 1 June 1872 off Port Macquarie, New South Wales; Leichhardt sank in the Brisbane River on 22 October 1901 and was broken up totally early in 1902; Williams was removed from the register in 1894 as reported broken up; the Queensland was hulked Dec. 1887; Telegraph was wrecked 9 October 1867 off Camden Head, NSW; Marias fate is unknown; Collaroy ran ashore at Narrabeen north of Sydney and remained there for around two years. The current place now bears her name. Finally refloated 9 September 1884 and towed to Sydney for repairs, work history since reveals little and she was converted into a sailing ship, with engine removed 1888. Wrecked at Eureka California USA July 1889 with a load of coal as cargo from Australia; Florence Irving was wrecked 4 December 1877 near Port Stephens, NSW in heavy fog whilst heading for Cooktown from Sydney; Yarra Yarra was lost when overwhelmed by several big seas on Oyster Bank, Newcastle, 15 July 1877. All hands, numbering eighteen, were lost. Lady Young was broken up in 1881; Katoomba was stripped and hulked at Sydney in 1904, in February 1905 sunk to protect the breakwater at Newcastle, NSW; Boomerang, built 1854, hulked 1894 and sctrapped 1898. Listed as one of Cottiers commands in the Sunday Mail, 9 Jan. 1938. He survived them all.
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s.s. Boomerang

A section of deck on the Boomerang. A nook or a corner might accommodate a few hives of bees Even though mid-1800s is a false interpretation from the evidence supplied by Laurie, its far from inaccurate for some areas. In my Volume III theres the story of King Dicky, an aborigine, felling a bee tree and obtaining a liberal quantity of honey near Singleton on the Hunter River c1850; a report in The Argus for
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August 1861 of numerous feral hives in the Plenty Ranges, Victoria, on the western side of the Yarra Valley. Given the extent of this valley, the feral hives may have been up to 50 kilometers distant from the centre of Melbourne; another report in The Argus for 16 July 1861, where 5 tons of honey was gathered in Dandenong and the neighbouring ranges. For the full text refer my Volume III, p.59. Article also appeared in Sydney Morning Herald, 22 July 1861, (p.3)
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Extracted from New Zealand Shipwrecks, Beckett Books Ltd, 1990 and viewed at http://divenewzealand.com/articles.asp?sid=424 H.M.S. Buffalo, 589 tons, was built of teak at Calcutta in 1813. She carried six 18-pounder carronades and two 6-pounder guns, and her gun deck was 120 feet long. She had a beam of 33 ft. 10 in., and her depth of hold was 15 ft. 8 in. She was under the command of Mr. James Wood, formerly her sailing master, but promoted to mastercommander, and had a complement of 93 men. The Buffalo had made previous voyages to Australia and New Zealand in 1833-34 and 1836, carrying convicts to Australia and loading kauri spars in New Zealand, sailed from England towards the end of 1839 with convicts for Tasmania. Following her arrival at the Bay of Islands on the 16th April 1840 she sailed to Mercury Bay to complete her loading of kauri spars, arriving on 22nd July. She departed from there on 25th July, but in consequence of bad weather was compelled to return on the same day. On the 26th a strong easterly gale commenced and increased in violence until on the 28th she was driven ashore and became a total wreck, two of her crew being drowned.
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A lees detailed account appears in Thomson, Arthur Saunders (1859) The story of New Zealand: past and present--savage and civilized, Volume 1 Honey bees were introduced in 1840 at the Bay of Islands, and numerous wild hives are now scattered over the country north of the Waikato river. (p.158) Mr. James Busby was born at Glasgow in 1801 Suffering from ill-health he visited the south of France in 1822, very carefully studying French methods of grape culture and wine-making. In 1823 he sailed for Sydney with his father becoming Collector of Internal Revenue. In 1825 he published The Culture of the Vine and the Art of Wine-making - the first book printed in Sydney - following up this
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work in 1830 by a further manual on the same subject which was also published in Sydney. Both books are extremely rare. In February, 1831, he returned to England, and spent some months in visiting the vineyards of Spain and France and adding to his already extensive knowledge of viticulture. He collected many thousands of the choicest vine cuttings, which he forwarded to New South Wales under the care of the British Government. His journal of his visit was also published. Brought thus into communication with the Government, he was offered and accepted the post of British Resident in New Zealand, and returned to Sydney in the latter part of 1832, thence sailing to New Zealand, where he acted with great ability as Resident until, in February, 1840, he was superseded by Governor Hobson, when he left New Zealand for Sydney [in March 1840], to return in a short time, [in November 1840] however, as a permanent settler at the Bay of Islands. He brought with him the first hive of honey bees introduced into New Zealand. Elder cited T. M. Hocken, The Governors of New Zealand--The Otago Witness, December 17th, 1896.
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From a manuscript (catalogued F&J-Vol.01, No.060) held within the Hocken Collection, University of Otago, titled Agricultural and gardening reports from The Forbury, April, May, June 1850: Mr John Anderson, gardener at The Forbury reports - 'I have got a hive of bees in to the garden, the parent hive was brought from Wellington last October - threw off 8 swarms - and the first two - 1 each, which made 10 from one in a season [?] I am very quite satisfied that this will be a country of flour & flowers, of vegetables, miel & honey. NB. This is the first appearance of bees in Otago. See report of their success at Wellington by the Rev. Mr. Cotton at p.171 of the Handbook for New Zealand (London, JW Parker) " Anderson reproduced a honey produce table from the offspring of one hive as it appeared in Edward Jerningham Wakefields 1848 The hand-book for New Zealand, who in turn had copied it and its accompanying text from Cotton's series of Essays on the Management of Bees, which began in The New Zealand Spectator, 13 February 1847, and continued in succeeding numbers of that year, and also in that of 22 January 1848, and succeeding numbers. Cottons essays were subsequently published together in 1848 in A Manual for New Zealand Bee Keepers. Cotton did not specify the hives 576

geographical location, however Anderson attributes the parent hive as having come from Wellington. The Hocken catalogue description states, in part: It mentions the success of the introduction of honeybees to Wellington by Rev. W. Cotton Wakefield noted Mr. Cotton has tanght the natives in the Wellington district how to manage bees, and how to make hives for them; and they have already shown the greatest eagerness and aptitnde for doing both. (p.174) Its possible Cotton may have brought a hive or hives to Wellington but he was unlikely the first given Bidwills hive of 1842. Wakefield noted John Carne Bidwill's introduction of "the first bees actually landed alive at Wellington" in 1842 from Sydney. "The progeny of this and other parent stocks has increased in an almost incredible degree ..." (p.171) The table, with Cottons annotations, may also be found on his Manuals pages 51-52: Cotton wrote there is hardly any limit to the quantity of honey which may be procured from an isolated apiary, favourably situated near an extensive tract of wood land. I will give an example: - A single swarm was placed in such a situation as this in the summer of 43-44; by September 44 it had yielded 31 lb. of honey: as it was a single stock, it was not taxed severely. The following little table gives the amazing produce of it and its offspring, up to the respective dates annexed to the weight of honey: 31 205 721 1,211 2,168 lbs Cotton commented "If this, the produce of a single hive, does not make English bee keepers open their eyes with astonishment, I shall be surprised. Anderson continued: So far as the swarming has gone, and from the lively state of the bees, now near mid-winter, the promise of Otago is not inferior to that of Wellington." From Bagster, 1834: When your mind is fully made up to a purchase, adopt the following plan to get your bees home: - A common straw hive, we suppose to be full of bees, and the time of your purchase late in August or early in February: now to move them
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September .. .. ..

44 45 46 47

577

with the greatest ease to yourself and safety to the bees, make a flat square box, to measure as much across as the diameter of your hive, the bottom of which must be free from cracks, the back and sides equally sound, front pierced, with a long opening only large enough to allow bees to pass through, but loose when the pegs are withdrawn. The top to be fastened on; but the centre cut out to within one inch in the narrowest parts. The hive is to be placed thereon with a steady hand. When you wish to remove a hive a considerable distance, put two flat pieces of wood, flush, across the inside of the box, diagonally, to support the combs and prevent their falling, and close the front doorway: when, having spread a large strong cloth on the ground, place the box and hive, with its door stopped by wet clay, in the centre, and then gather up the cloth into your hand and make it fast with cords, especially just above the square of the box and in the middle of the hive: this will keep it from slipping, and it would travel a hundred miles with perfect safety. On arriving at its destination do not take the hive off the box; but open the little cut in front of the box, and let it remain until April, because the bees may be occasionally fed by removing the front board much more safely and cleanly than by the long spouts, and without exposing them to the cold. This box would certainly not cost more than two shillings, and might be kept solely for the removal of hives provided they are placed on their own stool immediately on arrival. Hives should be moved in the evening or very early in the morning, and raised, by three or four wedges, some hours before, otherwise many bees will remain on the floor at the time, and be very troublesome.
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The Shipping Intelligence section of the Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, 18 June 1842, listed the barque Tomatin for Auckland, having sailed the previous day, Captain Macpherson, with sundries. (p.2) The Sydney Gazette, 5 August and 23 August 1842, announced the Tomatin had sailed for India. (p.2) Londons The Indian Mail for 9 February 1844 listed the Tomatins prior departure for London on 26 November [1843]. (p.304b) The New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator, 25 January 1843, announced the loss of the Clifford, from NSW to Singapore by 578

grounding on a coral reef in Torres Straits, on the 16 th August last. There were no lives lost. Geo. McPherson, captain of the ship Tomatin was witness to the grounding, along with G. Sinclair, commander of the barque Isabella, J. Giles, commander of the ship Somersetshire and G. Thebaud, Le Capitaine de barque, Gipsey. The Clifford, Captain Joseph Sharp, was the same vessel which carried some of Mrs. Alloms bees to NZ, arriving Nelson on 11 May 1842. After the Cliffords grounding the Tomatin took on board twelve of its men. (New Zealand Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser, 27 Jan. 1843. extracted from the Nelson Examiner). The phrase in April last it woud seem can be dated to 1844 : From Vincent, Charles W., Mason, James (1845) The Year-book of facts in science and art, David Bogue, London 1845. Mrs. Allom was the first to propose sending bees out to Cook's Straits: a more zealous Anglo New-Zealander than this lady cannot be. The bees she forwarded by the Clifford were sent to Nelson, as a fear was entertained that, if they had been placed at Wellington, the high wind might have prevented them, when out, from returning to their hives; but this, fortunately, is not the case. Colonel Wakefield has received bees from Sydney; in April last he had five swarms New Zealand Journal. This was the issue for 1843, Vol. IV, p.305
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Some of the same facts, word perfect, appeared in the Preston Guardian etc (Preston, England), for Saturday 20 November 1858: Mrs. Allom was the first to propose sending bees out to Cook's Straits; a more zealous Anglo New-Zealander than this lady cannot be. The bees she forwarded by the Clifford were sent to Nelson, as a fear was entertained that, if they had been placed at Wellington, the high wind might have prevented them, when out, from returning to their hives; but this, fortunately, is not the case. Colonel Wakefield has received bees from Sydney; in April last he had five swarms: but what is very remarkable, is that since bees were established at Wellington, clover seeds all over the settlement, which it did not before. Can any experienced apiarist explain whether this can be attributed to the bees. A similar article, word perfect in places, appeared in The Journal of Horticulture, Cottage Gardener and Country Gentleman, 25 Nov. 579

1843 whenever anything is to be done which can serve the settlers at the Antipodes, she is ever alive to it, and to use a common expression, she is up and stirring. (No.102, p.305)
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Web site freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~ourstuff/Clifford.htm states Charles Waring Saxtons first wife Mary (ne Laughlin) gave birth to a son Clifford during the voyage to Nelson. Mary died just 3 months after arriving in Nelson [ie., around August 1842] Charles having to take the funeral service. On 20 May 1843 Charles left Nelson with son Clifford on Essex for England via Valparaiso (The year 1842, which appears on the web site is in error, as explained by the following: http://anglicanhistory.org/nz/jacobs_histories1887/04.04.html states The first clergyman of the Church of England who is recorded as having officiated in Nelson was the Rev. Charles Waring Saxton, M.A., He came out as a private settler, remained about eighteen months [This is in error, as advised by Joanna Broad, pers. corresp, 29 July 2007 he left 20 May 1843, departing Nelson with infant Clifford on Essex for England via Valparaiso. Johns diary was the source for that, & he writes a few weeks later that Charles had written from Valparaiso. The letter is dated 10 July 1843. So it wasnt 18 months, only 12 months & 2 weeks or so.] and returned home. He held services and performed marriages during 1842 and 1843. kinderlibrary.ac.nz/Files/Clergy%20Saddington%20to%20Synge.htm states re Charles wife Mary (ne Laughlin) died 13 Aug 1842 Nelson buried 15 Aug 1842 Hallowell (Shelbourne St) cemetery Nelson; 11 May 1842 arrived with wife and infant son Charles Clifford Saxton, and brother John Waring Saxton, Nelson, on Clifford. 1842-1843 took church services in Nelson; 1843 ministered to people in Wairau incident; [This is in error, as confirmed by Joanna Broad, pers. corresp, 29 July 2007 One book (Nelson Narrative by H. F. Ault) says Charles comforted the families of those killed at Wairau affray in Marlborough - but cannot have because he was gone by then. And the newspaper report says Mr Saxton led the funeral at Nelson, & some have interpreted that to be Rev Charles, but it must have been John. ] 1843 departed Nelson with infant Clifford for Britain. 580

Details on the Wairau Affray may be found on the web site http://library.christchurch.org.nz/Heritage/EarlyChristchurch/Edward GibbonWakefield.asp#WairauAffray On 17 June 1843 a party of 50 Europeans, led by Arthur Wakefield, walked into the Wairau Valley from Nelson. They tried to arrest Te Rauparaha and another Mori chief, Rangihaeata, on a flimsy charge of arson from when a survey party had tried to survey disputed land in the Wairau Valley. The European claim to the land was based on a false deed of sale, which the Mori owners had been tricked into signing. The chiefs refused to go with them, and one of the Europeans fired his gun (probably accidently). Fighting broke out and people were killed on both sides. After Wakefield called on the Europeans to surrender, Rangihaeata demanded utu for his wife who had been killed, and Wakefield and others were executed. - A sad and swift end to Captain Arthur Wakefields enjoyment of Saxtons hive of bees which he had purchased only 2 weeks before! Utu has frequently been cited as revenge, but that is only one aspect of utu. Utu was also a reciprocation of kind deeds from one person to another. Extracted from web site justice.govt.nz
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A stomacher is a decorated triangular panel that fills in the front opening of a woman's gown or bodice. The stomacher may be boned, as part of a corset, or may cover the triangular front of a corset. If simply decorative, the stomacher lies over the triangular front panel of the stays, being either stitched or pinned into place, or held in place by the lacings of the gown's bodice. A stomacher may also be a piece or set of jewellery to ornament a stomacher or bodice. (from Wikipedia) George Grove (1820-1900), from Wikipedia was an English writer on music In 1841 and 1845 he was employed in the West Indies, erecting lighthouses in Jamaica and Bermuda. In 1849 he became Secretary to the Society of Arts, and in 1852 to the Crystal Palace. Just coincidence times three, or were Whishaw and Grove known to each other? (1.) Francis Whishaw, with whom Mrs. Allom corresponded prior to the award of her Society of Arts Silver Isis Medal, was Secretary to the Society of Arts in 1845. (2.) Both Grove and Whishaw practiced as civil engineers, both having railway
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experience. (3.) From Encyclopaedia Britanica online: The Crystal Palace was a giant glass-and-iron exhibition hall in Hyde Park, London, which housed the Great Exhibition of 1851. The structure was taken down and rebuilt (1852-54) at Sydenham Hill at which site it survived until 1936. Whishaw was one of the prime movers behind shaping the Great Exhibition. Had Grove obtained the bee story from Whishaw? Or, more likely, I suggest it was related to him by the Curate of St Bartholomews, Sydenham. The reference Falmouth, made some 56 years after the event, is the first of two of Groves understandable errors, for Plymouth , not Falmouth, was Cottons port of departure. This mistake is forgivable given the lengthy distance in time between his 1897 memoir and the actual events. Secondly, the railway did not reach Plymouth until 1848, nor, for that matter, did it reach Falmouth until 1863. It is possible part of the bishops journey was completed by rail for the London to Bristol line was opened in June 1841. I assume the reputed rail journey commenced from London, for it was at Lambeth Palace Chapel, located by the Thames across from Westminster, that Selwyn was consecrated Bishop on 17 October 1841.
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Exeter, 37 miles northeast of Plymouth, did not connect by railway with Bristol until 1844, so Selwyn likely made his way there by coach. Trewman's Exeter Flying Post or Plymouth and Cornish Advertiser reported for Thursday, 23 December 1841 The Bishop of New Zealand The Right Rev. Dr. Selwyn, Bishop of NZ and suite, who have been on a visit to Sir Thomas Aclands at Killerton, [note: Killerton is 7 miles north east of Exeter] will embark at Plymouth, on board the Pomattin, [sic. should read Tomatin, else a digitisation error] for NZ His Lordship and suite arrived at the Royal Clarence Hotel, in this city, on Wednesday last. From Tuckers 1900 Memoir of the life and episcopate of George Augustus Selwyn: Day by day the bishop came to Exeter and worshipped in the cathedral, and on Saturday December 18th he went to Plymouth, where the Tomatin arrived ... (p.86). Exeter is 37 miles northeast of Plymouth. From Wikipedia, Henry Wentworth Acland was born in Killerton, Exeter, Devon, England, the fourth son of Sir Thomas Acland. An English physician and educator. [Atlay described Killerton as 582

beautiful, with its mighty trap rocks, forest scenery, wild ponies and red deer] Educated at Harrow and at Christ Church, Oxford took a leading part in introducing the study of natural science i nto the university. married Sarah Cotton, daughter of William Cotton From James Beresford Atlays (1903) Sir Henry Wentworth Acland a memoir, Aclands biograpger stated Cotton was distinguished among his fellows by overflowing animal spirits and an inexhaustible fund of humour. Atlay notes at this point in a footnote: Once on a visit to Holnicote [Aclands much-beloved holiday home on the borders of Exmoor] his room was near that of the housekeeper, Mrs. Fletcher. About daylight he used to crow like a cock, and this so exasperated the old lady that she declared to Leopold Acland, whose guest he was, that none of his brothers had ever brought such a riotous-like gentleman to Sir Thomass house before. (p.114) Atlay continued: Cotton had taken a first in classics and a second in mathematics. Devoted to the study of natural history, he had anticipated Lord Avebury as a lover of bees, he had founded an Apiarian Society, and My Bee Book is still on the shelves of those who love racy English and curious lore. In 1842 he went out to New Zealand as chaplain to Bishop Selwyn, whose curate he had previously been at Windsor. Unhapilly his health failed, and on his return to England he buried himself in a country parish where the brilliant promise of his early years was little guessed at. Yet those who knew them both regarded his younger brother, Henry, afterwards Lord Justice Cotton, as inferior to William in many of the qualities which are deemed essential to success.

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Sir Henry Wentworth Acland (1815-1900)

Cotton described Acland as a man to whose kindness and sound learning, coupled with a most cheerful disposition, I owe much, (p.42) Sir Henry Wentworth Acland was a contemporary of Cottons During their undergraduate days in Oxford, William Charles had been a close friend of Henry Acland. On visits to Walwood House, Acland had met Sarah. (Smith 2006, p.167). Sarah was WCCs youngest sister. Acland became WCCs brother-in-law on the formers marriage to Sarah on 14 July 1846. Atlay notes that accompanying one of Cottons letters home he sent a small sample of exquisite Minorca honey from H. Acland, the spoils of a Mediterranean tour in The Lady of St. Kilda. From web site Today in Science History (todayinsci.com) John Lubbock, Lord Avebury, English banker, politician, naturalist and archaeologist. 1st Baron Avebury his scientific work was an avocation. Lubbock was a friend and advocate of Charles Darwin . As a naturalist, he studied insect vision and colour sense. He published a number of books on natural history and primitive man. In 1870, he became a member of Parliament. He was made a peer in 1900. Lubbock authored Ants, Bees, and Wasps: A Record of 584

Observations on the Habits of the Social Hymenoptera (1882); On the Senses, Instincts, and Intelligence of Animals. With Special Reference to Insects (1883)

John Lubbock, Lord Avebury (1834-1913)

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An article announcing the rules and formation of the Oxford Apiarian Society appeared in Loudons The Gardeners Magazine for 1838, (p.345) and in an advertisement in the Oxford Herald, March 31, 1838. W.M. Carrs obituary on Cotton, American Bee Journal, Jan. 1880, gives 1833 as the year Cotton undertook the duties of Secretary of the Society. (p.12) By 1842, the year following Cottons departure for New Zealand, the Society was referred to as the late Oxford Apiarian Society in John Wightons 1842 The history and management of bees: with notice of a newly constructed hive . (Longman, London) Wightons Preface was dated Feb. 1842, Cotton departed Dec. 1841. R.T. Gunthers 1912 Oxford Gardens mentioned It may be of interest to record that in May, 1838, the Oxford Apiarian Society made a rule To keep a garden for experiments on bees. The leading spirit was W.C. Cotton of Ch. Ch. (p.141) The Society, it would seem, could not survive in his absence. From George Valentine Coxs (1870) Recollections of Oxford: In May, the attention of the University was invited to the formation of what was to be called The Oxford Apiarian Society! It was got up in great form by Mr. WC Cotton, of Ch. Ch. Rule 8 was ' To keep 585

a garden for experiments on bees.' It did not last long, and ceased altogether on Mr. Cotton's going ... (p.301) Also of interest on Cottons time at Oxford - from the Life, letters, and journals of George Ticknor (1876) May 15. [1838] - As soon as he [Dr. Buckland] could leave the room, he was hurried away to preside at a meeting held to organise a society for encouraging the cultivation of bees, for he is the centre of all movement and activity at Oxford. He asked me to go with him, and I soon found myself in the midst of a collection of masters of colleges and their wives, and many of the principal persons at Oxford, assembled by the zeal of one of the Fellows of Christ Church, - Cotton, - a man of fortune, who hopes to do much good by persuading the cottagers of the country about to cultivate bees. Buckland made it all very amusing, and everything was done that Mr. Cotton desired. May 16. I breakfasted with Dr. Buckland we had a lively time of it for a couple of hours, and Buckland finally commended me to Cotton and Peters, [the principal person in Merton College] saying he had made the breakfast in order to bring me acquainted with those persons who would be most likely to be agreeable and useful to me in Oxford. Cotton went with me at once to the Bodleian, where I wished to make some researches and inquiries, and where he is himself employed on a manuscript of St. Chrysostom ... May 17. I breakfasted this morning with Cotton, in his nice suite of rooms in Christ Church, and met there Peters, Buneen and two or three others. It was a favorable and agreeable specimen of the University life, something too luxurious, perhaps, but still it was plain there was a good deal of learning and literary taste amomg them (snippet extracted via Google Book Search, p.168). One of Ticknors European tours occurred in 1835. Refer dartmouth.edu/~library/Library_Bulletin/Nov1991/LB-N91KCramer.html
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Additional comments on Cottons book may be found:: In the

Cottage Gardener (1849) within a response to a readers query

regarding the performance of his Cotton hive We admire both Mr. Cotton and his book; they are exceedingly amusing, but not practical. He tells Mr. Payne that his bees are doing admirably in New Zealand; 586

he would not write such a book now, after the experience he has had. (p.223, July) And in a later issue of the Cottage Gardener (1851) I am confident that a narrative of experience in the management of bees, wherein instruction should be agreeably blended with anecdote, would prove eminently acceptable to not a few. I remember, when I first heard of Mr. Cotton's work, My Bee Book, being especially attracted by the title, from which I was led to hope that I should find a detailed account of the author's own individual experience. Probably, some of your readers will recollect themselves to have indulged similar hopes; in which case, I need not remind them of their disappointment in this instance, which they shared equally with myself; for whatever be the merit of that book (and interesting it undoubtedly is), it contains as little of this kind of information as any other bee-book which has come under my notice. Perhaps Mr. Cotton may be induced at some future time to supply this desideratum in apiarian literature; such a work, written in his lively style, would be sure to please. A Country Curate (p.325, 14 March)
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Another book review of sorts appeared in Alfred Noyes Orchards Way (1939) One of the best authors for reading in a garden on a quiet summer afternoon, is a certain William Charles Cotton, almost completely unknown now to the general reader, though bee-men keep him on their shelves, and writers on Virgil occasionally refer to him. About a hundred years ago, he wrote a delightful little book entitled My Bee Book. It was adorned with delicious wood-cuts, and it deserves to stand against Izaak Walton himself, [ed. note. Author of The Compleat Angler, in 1653.] in its exquisitely simple and true love of Nature, and in the curious old moralizing vein of poetry and religion that runs through it. I don t know whether book-collectors have yet discovered its charm; but that beautifully printed little brown book, with its golden bee in a hexagonal cell on the outside cover, and its device, industria et solertia, is one of my treasures. It is worth about fifty thousand Maeterlincks, at my ownrates of exchange. [Maeterlinck, who won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1911, wrote The Life of the Bee in 1901. H. Tucos review on amazon.com states Written in a highly poetic style that blended fact, imagination, and mystical speculation, 587

it became the single most popular book ever written about insect life. Not that there aren't errors in Maeterlinck's observations that subsequent research corrected, but as far as the quality of writing is concerned, no one else can even come close to these amazing descriptions: in fact, some of the best written passages in all of literature are in this book.] In New Zealand the honey-bee was not known till lately, when, as I am informed by my brother, Mr. John G. Fennell, its introduction was effected by Mrs. Allom, the wife of the well-known artist. Having prepared, with much ingenuity, several hives, with extra cases and perforated zinc tops, in anticipation of a swarming on the voyage, she confided the industrious and valuable little creatures to the care of the Reverend Mr. Saxton, who tended them on their passage to the colony, by the Clifford, one of the New Zealand Companys vessels.
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Author of above was James H. Fennell. A similar article appeared in The Mirror of literature, amusement, and instruction (1842) J. Limbird. P.164. notes details as informed by my brother John G Fennell . Text may be found via Google Book Search. See also Fennell, J.H. (July 1847 March 1849) The Journal of Agriculture, William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh, Ch. XXVII. Useful Insects and their products bees. p.468. Text may be found via Google Book Search. The island is composed principally of porphyry, lying over which is a sandstone, which is constantly forming at the present day. It is well wooded, and in some places under the sandstone there are vegetable deposits, but no coal. The fish on the shores of the island are numerous. There are two species of cod eatable, and weighing upwards of 100 lb. There are sharks, but they do not bite. The ringfish is the most dangerous. The trees are numerous, and some of them valuable. The mulberry grows well, and silkworms have been reared: many of the fruit-trees have been attacked by a coccus, which has produced great ravages. European vegetables grow well, and the British system of gardening is found to repay the labour expended on it. Of tropical plants, the arrow-root and sweet-potato produce good and profitable crops. The sugar-cane, Chili peppers, and bamboo grow in perfection. There are several sorts of birds on the island,
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which, on account of the interdiction of the use of fire-arms, will allow themselves to be closely approached. The fan-tail, in the woods, will perch on a stick held in the hand. The island is much exposed to high winds; the hedges, which are composed chiefly of lemon and pomegranate, suffer much from this cause, and the introduction of the hawthorn would be of great service. A hive of bees, which the author took out, have prospered, but they have suffered from the wind.
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On moving bees I found the following in: King, Homer A. and King, N.H. (1867) The Bee-keeper's Text-book with Alphabetical Index: Being a Complete Reference Book on All Practical Subjects Connected with the Culture of the Honey Bee in Both Common and Movable-comb Hives, Giving Minute Directions for the Management of Bees in Every Month of the Year, and Illustrating the nucleus system of swarming and Italian queen rearing. 5th ed., Thomas, Howard & Johnson. "When moving stocks short distances, or only to different stands in the the same apiary, it should be done during a cold spell in winter or early spring, before the bees have fully taken their location. If they are to be moved a mile or more, it may be done, with proper precautions, at any time of the year. The stocks to be moved should be prepared early in the morning or when the bees are not flying. To prepare a stock in a common hive, blow in a little smoke and carefully lifting the hive invert it upon the ground. Have ready four small strips of soft wood and a square piece of wire-cloth, or coarse cotton or linen, large enough to cover the mouth of the hive. Spread the cloth over the mouth of the hive, lay on the strips, and tack through the strips into the edges of the hive. These strips will save tacks and prevent the bees crowding out under the cloth. A sleigh, buggy, or spring wagon, is the best for moving bees, yet, with careful driving, they may be moved on a wagon without springs. Place the hives in the wagon upon a bed of straw, keeping them mouth up to secure ventilation, as bees need much air whenever disturbed. Beside, in this position the combs rest upon their attached portions and are less liable to break by jolting. If the weather be very warm use the wire-cloth to confine the bees, and keep the hives shaded from the sun. In most movable-comb hives, strips must be tacked across the frames to keep them from swinging together. To prepare a stock in the 589

American Hive, simply remove the cap and tack the cloth or wire cloth over the top. Drive upon a walk. (pp.96-97) From Dr. Eva Cranes (1999) The World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting, Italian bees were first introduced into Japan from USA in 1876/1877. (p.367) However, the Italian Bee Company of Beecroft, NSW (previously of Parramatta), thought they were the first. The Melbourne Argus and the Brisbane Courier, 19 November 1890, reported: By the steamer Menmuir, which leaves for the East tomorrow [from Sydney], a hive of bees obtained from the Italian Bee Farm at Beecroft will be shipped to Japan. As these are the first Italian bees sent to Japan, whose modern systematic beekeeping is little known, it is hoped that the venture may prove a success. (p.5) The Menmuir departed Newcastle on the 18th. (Melbourne Argus, 19 Nov. 1890)
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A shorter report appeared in the West Australian, 20 November 1890. The steamer left Sydney for Hongkong, via ports, ou Thursday, the 20th instant. (Northern Territory Times and Gazette, 21 November 1890, p.2) Ports after Brisbane (sailed 22nd) included Townsville, Cooktown (departed 26th), Thursday Island, Port Darwin, Hongkong and Singapore. (Brisbane Courier, 21 November 1890, p.3)

The Eastern & Australian Mail Steam Co Ltd iron cargo steamship Menmuir 590

Beekeeping was certainly being practiced in Japan by 1887, for the following article appeared in the American Bee Journal, 20 April 1887: Bee-Keeping in Japan. From L'Apicoltore, of Milan, Italy, we glean the following item of interest: Chevalier L. Sartori, of Milan, was, a few days ago, favored with the visit of two Japanese delegates, viz., Messrs. G. R. Hida and H. Danke, Councellers of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture and Commerce. The distinguished visitors had not been long in Mr. Sartori's well-known apiary before it became evident that they were not novices in matters connected with beekeeping, as their numerous and pertinent inquiries plainly testified. Nothing, it appears, escaped their observation, and much interest was exhibited when examining the new large plates recently published by Mr. Sartori, with explanations in four languages. In fact, before bringing their visit to a close, they left an order for 400 sets of these illustrations for the Government of Japan, upon which notes will be inserted in the Japanese language. Of course, the natural beauty of the Italian bee was, of itself, an object of no small interest, and a few colonies were ordered for shipment to their country. They were, however, not a little surprised when Mr. Sartori placed before them two large plates illustrating Japanese bee-keeping. Before leaving, they expressed themselves highly pleased with what they saw in Mr. Sartori's noted establishment. (p.243) Confirmation of Cranes timeframe of 1876/1877 comes from the American Bee Journal, 30 November 1881: American-Italian Bees in Japan. Mr. R. Mayerhoeffer of Austria sends us the following translation of a letter received by him from Japan: Since 1877 the Italian bees are imported to this country from America, and manipulated in a hive of American style. Their culture is spreading year after year to every district in Japan adapted to bee-culture. (p.377) And in that same journal for 11 January 1890: The Michigan State Bee-Keepers Association held its 24th annual meeting on Dec. 26 and 27, 1889, at Lansing, in the Capitol building. Mr. K. Shoshima, of Torsys, Japan, who is a graduate of one of the Agricultural Colleges of Japan, and who is now taking a course in Entomology and Bee-Keeping at the Michigan State Agricultural College, was present Mr. Shoshima says that bee-keeping in Japan is carried on in a very crude manner. The honey is dark, and mostly 591

used for medicine, buckwheat being the principal honey resource. Buckwheat is largely raised and used in Japan, of which they have many varieties. (p.22) In the Sydney Morning Herald, 5 February 1877: From California [Angus Mackay] brings ... a huge hive of Italian bees. They are alive, and look in first class order. This is the fourth or fifth effort made from Queensland to introduce these insects - the best of the bee tribe, we believe. The bees will be sent on to Queensland at once, and, we trust, will soon become common all over the country. Mr Mackay speaks highly of the courtesy of the captain, first officer, and indeed all hands on the City of New York, who did all in their power to aid him in bringing over the bees alive - a by no means easy task during a long voyage at sea. (p.4) Far more detail on Mackays voyage may be found in my Volume I.
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From the Brisbane Courier, 9 May 1882: Bee-keepers will be interested to know that the Italian bee is pushing itself about and appearing in other quarters than where it was first introduced. Mr H. J. Hockings, who resides in Woolloongabba, informs us that he reared two young queen bees lately, and quite promiscuously he has discovered that one of them has been fertilised by an Italian drone, as all her progeny show the distinctive markings of this new introduction. Some have two yellow bands round the body, others only one, and yet more have only part of one; the marks of the cross are clear and unmistakable, however, and there is consequently in prospect a large increase of this hardy and serviceable variety. The hybrids are known to be as vigilant and industrious as either of their progenitors, and must prove a very great acquisition to apiarists. (p.3)
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From the American Bee Journal, 1 December 1892: My [beekeeping] experience has been wholly in South Australia, and I have been acquainted with bees which are known as the common black, for 25 years, and not until a few years ago were bees imported into this colony, and those first imported were Italians, and were introduced with the object of getting red clover fertilized; but lately they have been imported to improve the strain of bees until lately they have all been worked in the old box-hive, the bar-frame being
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only a few years old here. I am a bee-keeper, and have 250 colonies, and I imported some Italian queens last year with the object of improving our common race Adelaide, South Australia, 19 Sept. From the American Bee Journal:, 8 September 1892: BeeKeeping in the Pacific Islands. by MALTA. While strolling quietly through the lovely groves of mango, breadfruit, cocoanut, and other tropical plants, the well known roar it was more than a hum of busy bee-life struck my astonished ear, for I had been told that the nearest hives in Tahiti were at least 3 miles from Papiete, [sic. Papeete] and I was actually among the houses and gardens on the skirts of the town; however, very few steps brought me suddenly upon an apiary of nearly 100 colonies, and these I proceeded to inspect. Platforms standing some two or three feet from the ground were scattered about under the trees, and upon each stood about half a dozen hives almost touching one another, carefully pent-housed over, but otherwise very carefully kept; bits of wax, broken combs, empty boxes, etc., laid about anyhow, hives not painted or mended in fact, Tahiti -like in every respect. The hives were peculiar - formed of a series of boxes about 18 inches high, the same across, but only 6 inches from back to front, placed one behind another with a board to close the front, and another the back ; the whole kept close together by a rough cramp and wedge arrangement. They looked exactly as 4 or 5 section-crates or lifts would look standing on their sides, one behind another. The edges fitted badly, or rather didn't fit at all, so that the bees found their way in where they pleased - side, back, front, top or bottom. For the perpetual summer of Tahiti, the arrangement answers well, as it gives the necessary ventilation, while the pent-house takes off the rain and shades the hives from the direct rays of the sun. Internally, each box or section of hive, had two rows of lath battens running from side to side: 4 in each row, one row close to the top, the other row about half way down, and on these the combs were supposed to be built, and then removed, batten and all, when completed and full. The bees appear to be very small, but sturdy, very yellow, quite as much so as Cyprians, but without the delicate figure of that race; exceedingly hairy, and from their shape and make I should say are cross-bred. The drones also are small. Bee-keeping has been largely tried in Tahiti,
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but given up, there being no energy and no market for the honey, and the peculiar flavor of the cocoanut [sic.] did not meet with approval. Probably queens have been imported from California, and hence the cross-bred stock. At Fanning Island, a coral atoll on the equator, I found a hive on the modern plan, the owner, the only white man, told me he knew nothing of beekeeping, but managed, nevertheless, to get 60 pounds of honey in a year from his solitary hive. He had lost 2 colonies by lizards, ants and insects, so had placed the present one on a platform erected in a pond, and now defied the enemy. He said the bees were very savage, and worked all the year around on the cocoanut blossom, but he did not know when they swarmed. The bees were dark, and clustering very thickly outside the hive, owing to heat, as he had no shade-board. The honey he showed me was pale, and without much flavor, but it was difficult to judge fairly, as it was squeezed out by hand, and not given a chance of showing to advantage. (p.334) From Wikimapia: Now known as Rocklea, a suburb of Brisbane. Name originally derived from Rocky Waterholes Creek with the addition of lea=uncultivated field (Old English). Named after a string of waterholes, with a huge rocky outcrop overhanging them, which were near the current railway bridge. When the railway was being put through the area in 1884, it was thought that this name was too long for a station, and so it was shortened to Rocklea. From Wikipedia: The large Brisbane suburb of Rocklea is located 12 kilometres south of the city.
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To the aborigines: The Moorooka-Rocklea area provided plentiful food and water, which made it a favourite hunting ground. Rocky Water Holes Creek consisted of a series of lagoons, which were rich in edible plants as well as fish and waterfowl. The land in Coopers Plains was subdivided in 1885 and called the Orange Grove Estate. Toohey Mountain was also called Pegg Mountain after George Pegg who farmed on the Moorooka side of the mountain. Courtney Spry established his Flowerdale apiary there. Refer ourbrisbane.com/suburbs/moorooka/history
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Refer also Brisbane Courier, 9 Oct. 1894, p8., a supplementary electoral list, which lists the residence of Courtney Spry as Flowerdale Apiary, near Rocklea station
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From the following two clues it seems Spry was travelling alone. The Brisbane Courier for 22 January 1886 reported a statement given by William I. Smith concerning various matters bearing upon the outbreak of disease on board the Dorunda, and regarding the conduct of affairs at Peel Island. Smith was assistant storekeeper on board the Dorunda, and storekeeper at Peel Island In part, Smith stated: One saloon passenger, Mr. A. Spry, went to the City of Melbourne at Cooktown with a view of taking his passage for Brisbane on that account; but was persuaded out of his intention by others. (p.5) Spry was not the only passenger interested in leaving the ship early. Within some paragraphs of news from Cooktown, dated 11 December, reported in the Brisbane Courier for 12 December 1885: Four saloon passengers and seventeen immigrants were landed at Cooktown from the Dorunda, none of whom were suffering from dysentery. (p.5) The history of these two photos is very interesting. After Id located them on the Peel Island history web page I contacted their contributor in April 2009 to see if more were available. Peter Ludlow replied I was originally given the Peel Island quarantine station photos by the photographer of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland in about 1990. The two beehive photos were at the end of a roll of negatives and we weren't sure whether they were part of the quarantine station or not. The RHSQ has all the other photos of which I have copies. This roll of negatives must be a c1990 copy of the very same photos Spry took on the island, being the same as those photos displayed in the window of Mr. Hislop's furniture shop in January 1886. The original negatives would have been captured on photographic glass plates. Peter added many thanks for your email. It has helped solve the question of whether the bee hives were actually on Peel at all. They seemed so out of place. Now you have solved that question that has plagued me for so long!
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Alas, only if it were so! I responded: The hives could be on Peel Is. if the building in view could be identified as such. However, I dont believe the beehive photos you sent me are directly related to the 595

Dorunda - there are just too many hives I counted at least 80. As well, most consist of two boxes, not the kind of hives I would expect for long distance shipping of bees. And thirdly, imagine the logistics of unloading such a large number of hives from a steam ship anchored off the island. What you have are photos of a commercial apiary. Note the corrugated iron covers protection from rain - held down by rocks. Spry likely took the photos after leaving the island, and as such they must picture the Spry brothers' Flowerdale Apiary at Rocklea, then known as Rocky-waterholes. The Sprys left scant historical footprint so the two photos add immensely to their story. The figures in view could include one of the brothers. A 2009 update: On Ebay I found up for auction an illustration extracted from an 1887 copy of The Illustrated London News. Titled An Australian Apiary its similarities with the two photographs are more than just striking - its obvious the photograph was used as a model. Compare the two foreground hives and their covers, the house and verandah, the work shed, the two people inspecting a hive, the fence lines. The 1887 date closely follows the conclusion of the Dorunda affair in January 1886. It seems the Spry camera was used after its return from Peel Island to capture the two views of their apiary. From Dr. Eva Cranes (1999) The World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting: European honeybees (mostly Italian) were introduced in moveable-frame hives from Queensland [to Papua New Guinea] in 1948. Two colonies were taken to the highlands and within two years they had increased by swarming to thirty; in general colonies in hives or nesting in trees did well there but did not thrive elsewhere. (p.437)
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The recent availability of digitized Australian newspapers has revealed the following: Under the heading New Guinea Exploration, the following appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald, 22 August 1887 Mr. Carl H. Hartmann, F.R.H.S., &c., has furnished the Brisbane Courier with some particulars of his observations and experiences in New Guinea, where he is at present exploring. He states that he has landed in a perfectly healthy and thriving condition a large stock of fruit trees, vines, and other plants of commercial 596

value, two swarms of Italian bees, also pigeons, guinea fowls, ducks, &c. (p.5) The same report appeared in the Brisbane Courier, 15 August 1887. Part IV of Hartmanns report in the Brisbane Courier, 12 September 1887: His Excellency the Hon. John Douglas received me very cordially, and invited me to stay with him at the bungalow till the necessary preparations for my further movements should be completed. As soon as my goods were landed, the pigeons, guineafowls, and particularly the two swarms of Italian bees, excited great curiosity and interest. I lost no time in taking out the frames, cleaning out the boxes, and replacing them, and now with the exception of a few dead bees, the swarms are as lively, strong, and vigorous as ever, and are gathering honey fast; the pigeons are flying about the bungalow apparently quite at home, while the ducks and other poultiy naturally much enjoy their return to terra firma and freedom, and excite great wonderment in the natives. ... a temporary plant shade was soon built. ... (p.7) Hartmann operated the Range Nursery, Toowoomba, Queensland. (Brisbane Courier, 16 January 1878, p.5) He was also a lichenologist and was an active collector between 1879 and 1887; in New Guinea from 1885. (National Herbarium of NSW) Hartmann died at age 54 in 1887 from the effects of fever contracted while on a scieiitific trip to New Guinea. (see http://www.archive.org/stream/bulletin1724188891unit/bulletin17241 88891unit_djvu.txt His Obituary appeared in the Toowoomba Chronicle, 16 December 1887. See also http://www.nationaalherbarium.nl/FMCollectors/H/HartmannCH.htm #career John Douglas entry in the online Australian Dictionary of Biography states In April 1885 he was offered the post of government resident and police magistrate at Thursday Island. In July he visited most of the islands of Torres Strait in his charge, and accompanied Captain Everill's expedition for the Geographical Society of Australasia up the Fly River in New Guinea. After Sir Peter Scratchley died in December 1885 Douglas was appointed special commissioner of the protectorate of British New Guinea; he remained in charge until its 597

annexation in September 1888. His general lines of policy followed those of Scratchley and the spirit of J. E. Erskine's proclamation: to protect the Papuans yet to develop the island for Europeans. His 1887 diary shows that he spent the first three and last two months in Australia. In 1888 he returned to Thursday Island where, apart from a visit to Britain in 1902, he remained in charge until his death on 23 July 1904. Douglas bungalow was most likely located at Port Moresby. Given the purpose of Hartmanns visit was for exploration I assume Hartmann brought the bees on Douglas request. Web page http://www.pesa.com.au/Publications/pesa_news/april_05/pesanews_ 7516.html states the Hon. John Douglas CMG [is] considered by some historians to be the founder of Port Moresby, the capital city of PNG. Douglas arrived in Port Moresby on 28th June, 1886 after visiting the capital cities of the eastern Australian colonies seeking financial support for British New Guinea.

John Douglas, 1828-1904

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Web site http://www.physics.adelaide.edu.au/history/First75Years.htm mentions the P and C ship Rome of 4500 tons departing for Australia in January 1886. I think the P and C annotation should be P and 598

O as in Peninsular and Orient. The lengthening of the ship by 18 feet in 1891 could account for the difference in tonnage. Web site slq.qld.gov.au/oh/treasures/boerwar/exhibition/edward_vii?SQ_DESI GN_NAME=text_only&SQ_ACTION=set_design_name mentions the passenger ship Rome, 30th April, 1902, arriving in London 17th June 1902. One passenger for London included Australias Prime Minister the Honorable Edmund Barton Web site http://www.winstonchurchill.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=176 names Winston Churchill at age 22 as a passenger on the S.S. Rome in 1897 at Aden
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Crane (1999) refers to Perkins (1926), his article in Bee World, (14(9):16-17) Is there anything new under the sun?: Perkins quoted verbatim from a report written in the 1600s a swarm must have settled on a ship about to sail from Spain to the New World, and on reaching what is now Vera Cruz the bees flew ashore and settled in a cask which a priest provided as a hive. (p.361b) Its possible The Western Honey Bee carried a copy of Perkins article. While we were at morning quarters off Kimanis, a swarm of bees, attracted perhaps by the sound of the band, came round the ship, and finally settled on the under quarter of the cross-jack-yard, presenting a most extraordinary appearance: by clinging to one another they formed themselves into a bag twelve or fourteen inches deep, the mouth of which, attached to the yard, occupied a space of about two feet in length, by one wide, and which was shaken and moved about by the wind. Fearing that the men might get stung on going aloft, I tried to dislodge them, first by discharging a musket with a double charge of coarse powder at them from the mizzen-rigging, within four yards;, this having no effect, it was afterwards fired at the same distance with a charge of sand, by which a few fell; the vacancies were immediately filled up, and the bag appeared to stick closer than ever. They remained two days, during which time we were twice under weigh, making and shortening sail, in each of which operations the chain topsail-sheet ran through the centre of the bag, and disturbed large portions of them in its passage; but they returned and repaired the damage, as soon as the sheet or clewline had been belayed. (pp.42-43)
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Some notes on the above extract: From Wikipedia: Kimanis is a town in Sabah, Malaysia. From Wapedia: wapedia.mobi/en/Henry_Keppel In 1837 he was promoted post captain, and appointed in 1841 to the service in China and against the Malay pirates, a service which he repeated in 1847, when in command of HMS Maeander. From Keppels online biography at google.com/gwt/n?u=http://www.pdavis.nl/ShowBiog.php?id=546 1 November 1847 - 1851 Captain in Maeander, East Indies, then Australia and the Pacific.
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The following text, with slight variation, appeared in at least three publications between 1822 and 1825: Cuba, a large and very important island in the West Indies, belonging to Spain. In 1763 some emigrants introduced bees, which multiplied with such rapidity in the hollows of old trees, that the inhabitants had ample supplies of honey for their own consumption, besides a surplus for exportation. See Encyclopaedia Britannica; Or A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Miscellaneous Literature: Or, A Dictionary of Arts, Sciences, and Miscellaneous Literature, Enlarged and Improved. 6th ed. Archibald Constable and Company, 1823 (v. 7, p.2) Also: In 1763, some emigrants from Florida introduced bees ... multiplied so rapidly The London General Gazetteer, Or Geographical Dictionary: Containing a Description of the Various Countries, Kingdoms, States, Cities, Towns, &c. of the Known World ..., W. Baynes & Son, 1825 (Vol.1). Also: the same text as shown in the first instance above appeared in: The Edinburgh gazetteer, or geographical dictionary ..., A. Constable and co., 1822, Vol.2. Also: from Loudons 1826 An encyclopdia of agriculture Cuba In 1763 bees were introduced by some emigrants from Florida, and they multiplied so much in the hollows of old trees, that they soon obtained honey enough for their annual consumption. In 1777 they exported honey to the amount of 715,000 pounds. (p.192) From the first part of Gerstackers paper on p.277, his true view on the source of the honey bee in North America, and the possibility of its indigenous form in the south (mexico and Florida), is relatively clear from the following ie., he thinks in the negative: Amongst the reasons which might be adduced in favour of the opinion that the Bee is not indigenous in Northern Europe, but introduced from the south,
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the first to be noticed is the great power of adaptation to external circumstances exhibited by the Honey-Bee where it is known to have been introduced, as in America, which renders the possibility of its southern origin and northern acclimatization indisputable; and had the Bee confined itself within the limits of the warmer parts of America, this would have been evidence in favour of that view. But, from the statements of Barton, Josselyn, and others, it appears that the parts of America which have proved most favourable to the spread of the Bee, and in which it has even become wild, are those under the same isothermal lines as Northern Europe (Germany and Sweden), namely, the central and northern States, up to 47 N. lat., showing that it cannot be regarded as peculiarly a native of the south. Smiths report On the Species and Varieties of the Honey-Bees belonging to the Genus Apis appeared in The Annals and magazine of natural history: zoology, botany, and geology (1865) Taylor and Francis Ltd.
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From http://oceans1.customer.netspace.net.au/nsw-main.html Iron screw steamer, Built London, 1864, as a paddle steamer of 453 tons; Converted to twin screw and re-rigged and lengthened 1873. ASN Co. Length 241 ft. From Sydney to Brisbane, struck rocks on the outer light near Port Stephens and abandoned, 4 December 1877. An attempt was made to raise her but divers reported extensive damage. Refer also flotilla-australia.com/hrsn.htm#florence-irving-asn schooner rigged of 2 masts. Purchased by ASN Co April 1865. Lengthened, in 1873 was 920 gross and 626 net tons. Worked the Queensland ports in passenger-cargo capacity for most of her career. Whilst heading for Cooktown from Sydney she was wrecked December 4th 1877 near Port Stephens, NSWs in heavy fog From Lawson, Will (1909) Steam in the Southern Pacific, Gordon & Gotch, Wellington NZ In the development of the Richmond many steamers, long since passed out of service, were then renowned. The Agnes Irving afterwards wrecked at the Macleay the Ballina, and the Florence Irving sold to the A.S.N. Col for the Brisbane trade were all popular boats in their day, (p.125) Refer web page archive.org/stream/steaminsouthernp00lawsuoft/steaminsouthernp00l awsuoft_djvu.txt 601

The State Library of Queensland has a copy of Lawsons book.

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Details also appeared in the Brisbane Courier, 19 February 1885. The consignors were the Misses Fletcher, the young daughters of the agricultural editor of this paper. So convinced are the Misses Fletcher of the superiority of the Italian bee as a honey gatherer that it is their intention to substitute that strain in place of their present ones. (p.2)

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