PRICE-FIXATION URGED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 853, 23 December 1929, Page 10

PRICE-FIXATION URGED

CONTROL IN MARKETING OF HONEY BEE-KEEPERS’ FIELD DAY An appeal to apiarists to enter into a contract to stabilise the market price of honey was made by Mr. P. A. Hilary, president of the Auckland Central branch of the National Beekeepers’ Association, addressing members at the annual field-day demonstration on Saturday. The meeting was held at Mr. R. Woodhern’s apiary, Tamaki Heights, and was well attended. The necessity of price-control in the marketing of honey was dealt with by Mr. Hilary, who said that if the producers entered into a contract they would be bound to sell to storekeepers and merchants at a fixed price. He condemned “cut-throat” selling of produce, stating that while the producers received less for the honey the public did not receive any advantage by reduction in price. It was authoritatively asserted that had the policy of price- fixation been in vogue last year the producers would have received a lb more for their honey. Mr. Hilary issued an invitation to members to prepare good honey exhibits for the February and July shows. Technical advice to beginners concerning the dangers of foul brood was given by the president, who described the disease as the worst confronting the beekeeping industry in the Dominion. He emphasised that the first signs of the disease must be reported to the nearest apiary inspector. He declared that, although unfavourable weather had affected the flow of honey up to the present, an average season’s production could bo expected. Demonstrations and addresses were also given by Mr. L. Wintle, Mr. E. V. Westbrooke, apiary inspector, Mr. D. a! Jones, Mr. 11. Thomas and Mr. P. C. Hayes.