THE HONEY INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21333, 7 November 1932, Page 12

THE HONEY INDUSTRY

Sir, —If Mr. Geddies chooses to accept the fact that practically all the honsy exported went through the Honey Producers' Association % as proof that tha Control Board made it compulsory f c » producers to export through this channel then we must simply agree to differ on the point. I claim that anyone can export honey to the United Kingdom provided the board's regulations are observed. Further, I should he glad to learn if Mr. Geddies can name any firm or beekeeper who has been refused such permission by the board. During my visit to London over two years ago "foreign honey was offering at 28s per cwt. (3d per lb.). I had to confess that I had seldom seen better grade honey and I have had beekeeping experience in every English speaking country. Now 3d per lb. less freight and commission chargeswould net the New Zealand beekeeper approximately 2d per lb. The same season I received a fraction under Sd per 1b.,: from the Honey Producers* Association operating under the Control Board and my honey was of no better quality than the foreign honey referred to. New Zealand honey is divided into many varieties and this country cannot successfully compete with the U.S.A. and Canada under open market. These countries produce large quantities of uniform quality. It ig only our superior marketing arrangements that secures "us the premier position .on the English market. The "distressed beekeepers" sold their honey months ago to obtain ready cash and it "is questionable if sufficient honey is cow available to provide local market requirements until next season., Wallace Nelson, President,— South Auckland Branch' N.B.A.