BEEKEEPERS' NEEDS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22431, 29 May 1936, Page 14

BEEKEEPERS' NEEDS

CONTROL OF INDUSTRY STATE ACTION DESIRED [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON. Thursday Matters concerning the honey industry were discussed at the annual meeting of the South Auckland branch of the New Zealand Beekeepers' Association, which was held at Hamilton today. The president, Mr. T. H. Pearson, presided. Tho yeaT, on the whole, had not been favourable to the industry, the annual report stated, the exceptionally wet spring and summer retarding production. In spite of the continued efforts of beekeepers, nothing had been done by tho Government in the way of admitting sugar for feeding purposes freo of duty. However, it was hoped that the new Government would consider the matter. "Our co-operative company, New Zealand Honey, Limited, has done good work in stabilising local market prices," the report said. "Wo can see trouble ahead, however, unless the Government takes control of the industry and places all producers on the same footing." Apiarists' difficulties had been further increased by the sharp rise in the price of tins. The hope was expressed in the report that the Government would re-establish the system of local inspection and appoint more instructors. Although disease was being kept weil in check, it was thought that tho inspection was desirable. Mr. C. A. Barrell, M.P. for Hamilton, attended the meeting and agreed to bring the branch's views in regard to control of the industry and kindred matters before tho Minister of Agriculture.

The election of officers resulted as follows:—President, Mr, T. H. Pearson; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. Trounson and G. B. Cow; committee, Messrs. J. Schmidt, G. Hull, A. L. Pearson, P. A. Hillary and E. D. Williams.