HONEY CONTROL.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1927, Page 1

HONEY CONTROL.

(Totlie Editor.)

Sir Honey Exports in Saturday’s

‘‘Guardian ” make interesting reading to those who are in the know. First the heading ‘‘Figures Show Big Increase” is contradicted ill the opening sentence: “ Honey’exports for the season just closed are 30 per cent below the total for 1026.” Further on It says: “ Less honey was offered for export because growers chose to send supplies to local markets. It would have been nearer tho mark if certain official's of tho Department had said that the Honey Producers’ Association are advancing only 3d to 5d per lb. whereas locally honey is selling from fid to 8d per lb. The above Association is practically in charge of the Control Board and 1 doubt if 10 tons of Honey last season was shipped hv the Control Board outside the Honey Producers’ Association. The latter Association two years ago issued a balance sheet showing a loss of over €1(5,000 and the last Balance Sheet shows the same loss. Last Week ! was told the Association was paying a bonus of one farthing per Vb. How is it done? Nearly 12 months ago Air Benloiil (Chairman of Directors of the lI.P.A.'i told us that he hoped the Honey Producers’ Association would ho taken over by the Control Board. Does this mean that the taxpayers of Now Zealand would have to pay this loss of £16.000 and take over all other liabilities? I hope not. Ask any Westland beekeeper if lie is satisfied with the returns obtained by the “ experts ” who control our honey.

There is a tendency for beekeepers in a, large way, say, 400 colonies, living near the large centres, being in favour of control. They want to squeeze out tin- small’ beekepeer and get control oT the market. When ( started the agitation against control Mr Rentoul said tin l l there were only a few beekeepers dissatisfied with the prices obtained, but since then quite a number of complaints have been voiced all over New Zealand. Appended is a copy of a letter which was sent to the Conference but needless to say it was not read. I am, etc., JOHN MURDOCH. Boss, August loth, 11)27. t ENCLOSURE.! The President. National Beekeepers’ Association, Christchurch. Sir. 1 am one of those individuals who have been stung by tho Honey Control Hoard. T sent my 1925 and 1926 honey through the Control Board, so far receiving' no money through them for it. although the Control Board say the 1925 honey was all sold in December. 192(5. I have had no returns from A. .1. Mill’s or anyone else. Whilst tho present conditions exist it is my intention to export no more honey until control is abolished. T have no confidence in the men at the head of control, nor do T intend to go to the conference at Christchurch this rear. I am that disgusted with tho way that they are dealing with the control of my honey and money that T would not cross a street to attend any meeting held by them. Like many more I was offered the miserable advance of L;d per lb for my honey, hut I preferred to wait until my honey was sold, in case \ had to pay interest on this enormous outlay, until such time as mv linner was sold. Now that mv 1925 honey is sold, who has the cheque? IVlint have they done with it ? T see one member of the Control Board was presented with a cheque for £2OO, and now Mr Rentoul has gone home. Beekeepers wonder where the money is coming from to pay Ills expenses. Arc they the advertising agents who have nearly Cfi.ooo a year to spend? Being a producer of about 8 tons of honey per year 1 can only say tliat T have absolutely no confidence in the management of the present Control Board. (Signed) G. A. HOBBS. Foxton.