AN ULTIMATUM

Grey River Argus, 2 June 1943, Page 2

AN ULTIMATUM

To Beekeepers “KNOCK BACK” LIKELY. CHRISTCHURCH, May 31. An ultimatum has been issued to eight Canterbury beekeepers to supply honey to the Internal Marketing Division in accordance with the Marketing Regulations, which place 70 per cent, of the crop under State control. The Canterbury Beekeepers’ Association had undertaken to defend them in the event of any prosecutions. This was announced to-day by the President of the Association. Mr. W. B. Bray, who said that the whole position had been, further discussed at a meeting of beekeepers. It was agreed that, the producers who were prepared, to supply the Division could do so. Some producers were already supplying the Division under protest and without, preiudice to their demand for a higher price. While some producers had received a demand for their honey, others had not received replies from tho Division when they had written for instructions up to a month ago. said Mr. Bray. He also knew of one producer on the-West Coast who had complained about the price he would receive from the Division and was given permission to sell his honey locally. That action showed that the Division had a selective policy which would permit Canterbury producers to be left out of the Marketing Department’s control. The meeting, said Mr. Bray, also took strong exception tn remarks made by the President, Mr., E. A. Field, when, accusing Canterbury producers of obstructing the war effort. It was decided to send; a. protest to the National Executive.

WEST COAST REQUISITION, So far, West Coast apiarists, as a whole, have not received any instructions from the Internal Marketing Division regarding the 70 per cent. Government requisition of honey, although they have their quotas ready for transportation. However, it is stated that one apiarist has been instructed to place his quota with a Greymouth firm.