MARKETING OF HONEY

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25226, 3 July 1947, Page 3

MARKETING OF HONEY

PRODUCERS ASK FOR SAY IN CONTROL

MINISTER ANXIOUS TO PRESERVE I.M.D.

(P A.) WELLINGTON, July 2. A warning that no honey would be supplied' by beekeepers next season to the Internal Marketing Department uniess some move was made to grant producers a direct say in its management was given by the president of the National Beekeepers’ Association (Mr Field) in an address to the annual conference at Wellington to-day. Before this statement, the Minister of Marketing (Mr E. L. Cullen) told the delegates he was anxious to keep the Internal Marketing Division operating and he was keen to place the marketing of fruit, honey, and eggs under the control of the department. The marketing of honey would shortly be considered by the Government and he wished to obtain the views of the organisations concerned. The time was not far off when the production of honey in New Zealand would overtake the demand, the chairman of the New Zealand Honey Control Board (Mr D. Wallace, of Nelson) told the conference. Increased production, accentuated by a normal supply of sugar, would drive producers back to a policy of organised marketing. The Director of the Internal Marketing Division (Mr R. p. Eraser), addressing the congress, said the' Government would not coerce an unwilling industry and honey producers must do their part by providing supplies for the efficient operation of the Internal Marketing Division honey depot. On behalf of Central Otago, Mr W. j. Lennon put forward a remit which asked for consideration of a two-year plan for the reconstruction of marketing. The remit was divided into six parts, four of which were carried. The abolition of the Control Board as at present constituted, increased export of honey to England, negotiations to begin again for the basis of a Honey Producers’ Board (elective and with executive powers), and the preparation and presentation of a case for increased prices were carried after a lengthy discussion.