HONEY INTERESTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 257, 27 September 1935, Page 5

HONEY INTERESTS

MINISTER’S STATEMENT. Per Preyts Association. WELLINGTON. Sept. 26. The affairs of the Honey Producers’ 'Association, Ltd.. which went into liquidation in 1932, have been engaging the attention of the Government for a considerable time, said the Minister of Agriculture (Hon. C. E. Macmillan) in a statement to-day. The liquidation of the company was brought about through advances made against consignments of honey and advertising costs in the "United Kingdom incurred by the company’s London agents on behalf of the company largely exceeding the amounts realised on sales. The principal creditor was Messrs C. and E. Morton. Ltd. Owing to the depression and other factors the .progress of liquidation was retarded and at July 31 last the net deficiency was £17.527, on which interest wa.s accruing at the rate of 5 per cent per annum. Negotiations took place and these left £7400 to be found in order to make up the £IO,OOO that Messrs Morton. Ltd., were prepared to accept. The Government, while making it perfectly clear that it was in no wav under any, obligation to assist in the settlement of the affairs of the Honey Producers’ Association, Ltd., recognised that it was desirable in the national interest, and in the interests of the honey industry, to effect a settlement of overseas indebtedness and enable the New Zealand Honey Export Control Board to obtain possession of the London depot and institute a more satisfactory marketing/system in the United Kingdom. It desired, too, to safeguard contributories. who were in most cases honey producers in a small way of business, from the hardship that would result from the hastenins: of the liquidation proceedings. The Government had decided to act on the recommendation of the Executive Commission of Agriculture and advance to the liquidator £IO,OOO, which would he made available in London for the •settlement of Messrs. Morton. Ltd.’s clhim. The advanced would .-he repaid by the hoard and the liquidator on certain terms. “It- is desirable that I should take this opportunity of refuting statements that have gained currency ' artiong honey producers to the effect that the Government or Honey Export Control Board 3; intends to levy a tax' by way of contribution to the settlement oh all beekeepers, whether producing for the local or export market. The statements have no foundation,”, the Minister added.