MARKETING OF HONEY

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23942, 8 May 1943, Page 6

MARKETING OF HONEY

BEEKEEPERS REVERSE DECISION WILLING TO CO-OPERATE WITH GOVERNMENT •After a long debate in Christchurch yesterday, during which the president of the Canterbury Beekeepers’ Association <Mr W. B. Bray) announced that ho was prepared to go to gaol in support of his convictions, beekeepers decided that they would co-operate with the Government in the marketing of honey. There were threats of a breakaway movement in the South Island from the National Beekeepers’ Association: but, eventually, the following resolution was carried:— "Owing to the urgency with which honey is required for essential services, this meeting of producers is willing to co-operate with the Government and supply their honey, provided a guarantee is given that the whole price situation and grade schedules are reviewed in the light of proper representation from the honey industry.” This was moved by Mr T. E. Pearson, of Barfield, and seconded by Mr W. Watson, of Geraldine. Refusal to Supply

The past attitude of Canterbury producers in refusing to supply honey was criticised by the president of the New Zealand Beekeepers’ Association, Mr E. A. Field, at the convention (which was called by the Canterbury branch). "It is wrong for beekeepers to go on strike.” he said. “The proper procedure in war time is for you to send your honey to the Internal Marketing Division, and negotiate about the price later.”

“Unfortunately, we cannot get anywhere without fighting,” declared the Canterbury president (Mr Bray). “We do not trust the Government to give us a fair deal after we have given them our honey.” “Well,” replied Mr Field, “this action is going to bring prosecutions." Mr Bray: We are quite prepared to fight a prosecution. If necessary wc will go to gaol. “That would be a fatal thing to do at a time like this,” said Mr Field, “when any Government has difficulty in controlling strikes.” Mr L. K. Griffin, of Woodlands, Southland, declared that refusing to supply honey had the same implications as a coal-miner who declined to produce coal. “It is just a rotten attitude.” he said, “especially in war time.” At this stage of the debate Mr Bray threatened that Canterbury would sever its relations with the National Beekeepers’ Association if that step were considered necessary. “We want a fair deal,’’ he declared. Mr Field said that he would accept Mr Bray’s challenge to form a separate organisation in the South Island, and, if necessary, he would canvass that area in support of the National Association. Furthermore, he claimed that the majority of beekeepers in the Dominion were in favour of the honey marketing regulations. “It is difficult to understand just what you people in Canterbury really want,” said Mr Field. “You do not want any form of control, and you do not know what price you want. Destructive criticism will not get any of us anywhere. In war time we have, to. accept some form of control whether we like it or not. But Canterbury is evidently not prepared to do so.” “We have offered the Government priority over our crops,” said Mr Bray. Mr Field: Yes, at a price. Mr Bray: No price has been mentioned. We want to sell direct. There was no question of being disloyal to the Government, Mr Bray continued, but rather a question of principle. He challenged the statement by Mr Field that the majority of beekeepers were in favour of the regulations.

Bee Stings Eventually: after further discussion, the resolution was drafted to meet with the wishes of the meeting, and it was carried unanimously. Before the convention terminated, Mr Bray thanked Mr Field for his presence. “Even if we say some hard things in debate,’’ he added, “no personal reflections are intended. Perhaps we get the habit from the bees—we' are apt to sting at times! (Laughter.) If we get a little hot under the collar we do not take that feeling outside this room.” Mr Field: As you know," a bee stings only once. Mr Bray is apt to sting mote than once! (Laughter.) Nevertheless, I have no ill-feelings, and I thank you for the invitation to be present at the convention.

Mr Griffin, who admitted that he had also said some hard things, agreed that the convention had been extremely useful, and that the trip had been "well worth while.” The convention passed a resolution of appreciation to the press for its fair and impartial reports of proceedings.

BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT

DOMINION PRESIDENT’S OPINION

In a statement issued following the close of the convention the Dominion president of the National Beekeepers’ Association, Mr E. A. Field, of Foxton, said: "I hope that beekeepers throughout New Zealand will send in their honey immediately as it is required urgently by the Internal Marketing Division.”

The action of Canterbury producers in refusing to supply honey, he said, had been given considerable publicity throughout the country, and it had left the impression in the public mind that beekeepers generally were not supporting the Government in its efforts to distribute honey to the armed forces and any surplus quantity equitably among the civilian population. “As Dominion president I wish to state emphatically that the majority of beekeepers, in both islands, wholeheartedly endorse the Government's policy." said Mr Field.

He also alluded to the fact that the convention which passed a resolution yesterday expressing willingness to cooperate with the Government had been very largely, composed of Canterbury producers.

SUBSIDY ADVOCATED

WAY OUT OF IMPASSE

Addressing the annual meeting of Ihe Canterbury branch'of the National Beekeepers’ Association in Christchurch last evening, (he president. Mr W. B. Bray, explained the point at 35MIC between Canterbury producers and (he Internal Marketing Division. “the point at issue between ourselves and the department is the reimbursement of the producer for the reduetiori in hit mcome as a result of the Internal Marketing Department fnC’-int: the distributive trade," said Mr B'-ay.

■ The Free Tribunal protect? the umer with a price ceiling established on tlm basis of free marketing,’’ he said. "Therefore, the Infernal Marketing Division's own costs, plus the extra costs of centralised distributee, must come out of the producer's return. This impasse can be overcome m tilt- same way as the Government settled similar difficulties in the distribution of sugar, coal, and bread, i.e., oy payment of a subsidy to liquidate added costs "

PRICE ORDER FOR HONEY

PROTEST ENTERED BY BEEKEEPERS A piotest against the action of the Government in bringing down honey regulations and fixing a price order without first consulting (he National Beekeepers' Association, was entered Ta--t evening at the convention called b v the Canterbury branch of the asienaUen. The convention, which concluded la- 1 * v *mng re-elected Mr W. B. Era-' as president cf the Canterbury branch.