THE HONEY INDUSTRY

Hokitika Guardian, 18 July 1928, Page 1

THE HONEY INDUSTRY

GOVERNMENT GI(ANT

WELLINGTON, July 10

Important changes in the honey industry are likely to follow the grant of £9OOO which the Minister of Agriculture (Hon. 0. J. Tlawkon) is reported to be about to recommend Cabinet to approve. This is the first time since the honeygrowers’ began their endeavours 13 years ago that the Government lias granted any financial assistance to the industry, and the money voted will lie a recognition of what the producers have accomplished on their own account! By reason of the heavy export of honey this season—a probable total of 1200 tons, against a total of 400 last year—the Control Board anticipates that the £3OOO per amium which it has been expending in advertising the New Zealand product in England will bo insufficient and that the advertising hill will have to bo increased by at least 100 per cent. Thus Government assistance has been sought, and an early statement by the Minister is anticipated. More than a mere increase in advertising is involved, however, for it is understood that the Honey Control Board is considering taking over the New Zealand Co-operative Honeypaekers’ Company, which now handles over 95 per cent of the total export, am* becoming its own distributing agent. The company, the capital of which is about £BOOO, consists of the growers themselves, many holding small allotments of shares. This action by the board is stated to he the only logical way out of the existing export difficulties.

111 addition to a much-increased export this year the board is faced with the prospect of having to clear stocks held over from last season, and to accomplish this and maintain the piicc level vigorous action is needed. There is, of course, no suggestion of price regulation. Meantime the fact that New Zealand honey commands £2O per ton moie than'excellent grade honeys from other lands continues to attract attention to the Dominion. From as far afield as California, Singapore and Burma, growers with some thousands of pounds capital are now on the way to the country to set up in business here.