THE HONEY INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 165, 14 July 1928, Page 4

THE HONEY INDUSTRY.

GOVERNMENT GRANT. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, 'this day. Important changes in the honey industry are likely to follow the grant of £9000 which the Minister of Agriculture "(Hon. O. J. Hawken) is reported to be about to- recommend Cabinet to approve. This is the lirst time since the honeygrowers' began their endeavours 13 years ago that the Government has granted any financial assistance to the industry, and the money voted will be a •recognition of what thS producers have accomplished on their own account. By reason of the heavy export of honey this season —a probable total of 1200 tons, against a total of 40<J last year —the Control Board anticipates that the £3000 per annum which it has been expending in advertising the New Zealand product in England will he insufficient and that the advertising bill will have to be increased by at least 100 per cent. Thus Government assistance has been sought, andean early statement by the Minister is anticipated.

More than a mere increase in advertising is involved, howevr;-, for it is understood that the Honey Control Board is considering taking over the New Zealand Co-operative Honeypackers' Company, which now handles over 95 per cent of .the total export, fcnd becoming its own distributing agent. The company, the capital of which is about £8000, consists of the growers themselves, many holding email allotments of shares. This action by the board is stated to be the only logical way out of the existing export difficulties.

In addition to a much-increased export this year the board is faced with the prospect of having to clear stocks held over from last season, aud to accomplish this and maintain the price level vigorous action is needed. There is, of course, 110 suggestion of price regulation.

Meantime the fact that New Zealand honey commands £20 per ton more than excellent grade honeys from other lands continues to attract attention to the Dominion. From as far afield as California, Singapore and growers with some thousands of pounds capital are now on the way to the country to set up in business here.