This substance is "scientifically tested and certified `active' because of its `antibacterial activity' properties. Being `active' it is an excellent alternative to traditional antibiotics. Ideal for burns and skin problems and may help the symptoms of stomach ulcers." You would never think the substance was honey. Don't know what the law is here, but remember that, years ago, a French honey producer complained that the law now prevented him from even saying that the honey was good for your health in a general way. Anyway, this claim comes on a jar of Active Manuka Honey, brought back by a young friend from a tour of New Zealand. He had a lovely trip but reminded us that it's winter down there. However, much impressed. Went up almost to the snow-line of the Southern Alps of NZ, travelling from Christchurch on the spectacular Trans-Alpine train to Arthur's Pass, and having his jet-lag blown away on the open-air viewing carriage. In winter, remember. On walking about, he found signs warning not to feed the "keas", which turned out to be green, parrot-like birds with a kinky liking for rubber even to the extent of pulling the rubber from around a car windscreen for the amusement of seeing the glass fall out. The information centre where he read this sold products made from possum fur, all carrying the notices that people should not feel guilty about wearing their fur because they are vermin.
In his three weeks there he spent one sunny day following a pod of about 30 bottlenose dolphins around the bay in the North Island. They put on a great show, following the boat, swimming under and all around it and then got into hunt mode when they came across a school of fish. Our friend was sorry to see two calves among them, for that meant he and his friends were not allowed to swim with them. The bond between mother and calf, he says, is so strong that being caught between the two would lead to a dangerous situation. So it can't be so bad a winter? No, he says. It was pleasantly warm as long as the sun shone, and chilling as soon as it disappeared. Winter, after all. And that honey .. . You may recall Dr Jarvis of Vermont, with his Folk Medicine which advised it for all sorts of ailments, including smearing it on for skin burns.