BEEKEEPERS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20503, 22 August 1936, Page 6

BEEKEEPERS

CONFERERNCE IN TIMARU MEMBERSHIP PROBLEM A conference of the South Canterbury Beekeepers’ Association, attended by beekeepers from Ashburton, Timaru and Oamaru, was held in Timaru yesterday, Mr W. Watson presiding. A long discussion on the best method of increasing the membership of the National Beekeepers’ Association took place. Mr Watson outlined the necessity for unity in the industry, stating that the present Government had declared its intention to deal only with organised bodies, as opposed to small groups. Mr L. Robbins, president of the National Beekeepers’ Association, said that committees had been set up to investigate various phases of the production and distribution of honey. With the introductioh of new legislation, it was essential that the National centre should be properly strengthened, that the best means of reaching the producers could be obtained. At present there was little money for organising, and it was only by the cooperation of the individual members that the power of the centre could be increased. At present 60 per cent, of the smaller centres’ funds went to the branches and 40 per cent, to the National Association, with the result that the branches were in a sound financial position, while the Dominion body was in an unsound state.

It was suggested that the membership fee. for smaller aparies was out of proportion with the fees paid by owners of larger aparies. At present the larger producers were buying the small producers’ honey at low prices and reselling at a great profit. Discount Suggested Mr W. B. Bray suggested that if the bee supply dealers were to give a discount to members of the Association, the value of membership would be considerably enhanced. “We must be frank,” said Mr Bray. “There have been suggestions that we should organise lectures and instruction meetings for small holders. What man is going to give the benefit of years of experience to the first man that comes along?” Mr Bray contended that the benefits obtained from the National Association were not consistent with the membership fee. Mr L. Robbins: Those who join cannot count the cost. The benefits received in the past have outweighed the value of the fees paid. Mr Bray: It is what is to be done in the future that concerns us. We cannot expect to increase membership on our past achievements. With the industry up against other organised bodies, it was necessary to have efficient organisation.

On the motion of Mr G. H. Keen, it was agreed to compile a list of nonmembers, with a view to approaching them on the question of joining the National Association. It was also recommended that the membership fee be reduced and a series of lectures be organised. Processing Department The advisability of establishing a central Processing Department, for the treating and distribution of honey, was discussed by the conference. Explain’ ig the advantages of such a system, Mr Robbins said that the industry as a whole, was suffering from a lack of efficient packing-plants. The operation of a Processing estab shment, would be much the same as that of a dairy factory. All the honey produced, would be sent to the department where it would be treated and distributed under one brand. No matter who sent the produce to th department the honey would lose its individuality, when it was packed, and would all be marketed under one brand. Although there were some beekeepers who were experienced packers, the majority of producers did not have packing knowledge. When the producer was relieved of the work of packing and selling, he would be able to pay more attention to his equipment and to the producing of higher grade honey.

The opinion that only by establishing a un’versal blend and brand of honey could the consumption be increased was expressed by Mr Bray. “When we have uniformity we can advertise, and organise a regular system of publicity for our product, and so bring our produce more forcibly' under the notice of the buying public,” said Mr Bray. By an organisation of producers, wholesalers, and retailers, the Government could be approached and asked to assist in placing the industry on a footing with other primary industries. Scientific Top-Dressing It was certain that all beekeepers were not experts in treating honey by the scientific processes to which it was subjected to-day, apart from the fact that the equipment was expensive, said Mr Bray. There were, however, not the technical difficulties to-day there were a few years ago. The introduction of scientific top-dressing in the North Island had placed that part of the Dominion in a position to produce 10 times the quantity of honey than the South Island could produce, and this was but one illustration oi thr way in which the introduction of scientific methods, had assisted beekeepers. There was no question of t’z 2 quality of South Island honey, and all that was necessary was universal decolouring and deflavouring. “To be attractive to the public, honey must be of fine grain and even consistency. This can only be obtained by a central Processing Department,” concluded Mr Bray. Mr H. H. Dunn said that processing was necessary for the domestic market. With processing honey stayed in the same condition for years. There were no instances of it becoming sugary. It was decided to discuss the subject with other branches.