The Free Times of 17th of March reminded me of a past life when a honey bee hive came to live in my backyard at the Gold Coast. Then there were two and I headed to Gatton College to do a short course on bee-keeping.
Ignorance of these magnificent insects is to blame for governments not heeding the crisis facing the spread of known exterminators of honey producers. People whimper, shout or bolt at the very sight of their best friends on earth, busily working for free, in their garden or in the fields.
Beekeepers know the worth of these astonishingly organised families as they go about their daily lives. The Queen, the drones the nurses and workers remind us of the old saying “as busy as bees”.
Gatton College educated a large group of us to not fear but to respect these insects of distinction. However this phobia of fear is so prominent that it overrides commonsense. Governments felt they can ignore those whose experience is priceless in foretelling a future without the work of European honey bees, because the voting population felt, as I did, before Gatton College sent me home to eventually care for around 60 hives. Beekeepers, you are on a desperate journey alone. Look about you, and you will see government money allocated to voters not to food planners.
Another government will be elected by the time the food runs out. However, this letter to the
editor seeks parents who are aware of the impending crisis to educate
their children on the subject.
Perhaps a kind beekeeper could assist because seeing really is believing, especially if a taste of honey comb is available.
Melba Morris,
Allora
