MARKETING OF HONEY,

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1931, Page 8

MARKETING OF HONEY,

Elsewhere in this issue is published a letter in regard to the marketing of honey, which merits most serious consideration. It refers to an attempt that is being made to bring the marketing of honey raised in the Dominion under compulsory control, lhe writer shows what has happened in regard to the control of exported honey and, to sav the least, it is not very cheering for the producers. Notwithstanding this, or possibly, as our correspondent suggests, because of these disappointing results, the latest suggestion is to brhi" the local market under control as well as the export. One would have thought Taranaki settlers had experienced enough of the ‘'control” marketing methods without it once more being advocated. The dairy farmers in this province are still paying -dearly for their excursion into this alleged avenue to better financial results for the producer. If those engaged in beekeeping are wise they will have nothing to do with compulsory control in any shape or form. If by amalgamation of interests-' better marketing is feasible it will demonstrate its efficacy in the increased returns it brings, and there will be no need for compulsion. Directly that is introduced .other evils follow and the end of the “pool” or “control board” 'or any other fanciful organisation is alwavs the same. It does not matter upon" what scale it is tried. New Zealand toyed with a dairy industry worth millions. More recently Canada did the same with a wheat industry worth even more, and even in the United States, with its unparalleled home market, the end of all efforts to control the markets' of the world has been disaster to the industry making the attempt. The laws of supply and demand may be dodged temporarily, but they can never be defeated, ami the sooner primary producers of all classes recognise this the less likely are they to fall into foolish ways that are allegedly a short cut to better times ami greater earnings.