1937
The New Zealand Smallholder ceased publication in early 1937, leaving the NBA without an ‘official organ’.
At some point, probably early in 1937, the Dominion Beekeepers’ Association was formed.
The 1936/37 season was described as one of the worst in over 20 years for the Waikato. While some areas of the country had a satisfactory surplus, areas such as Taranaki and Otago had disastrously small crops.
There would be a minimal amount of honey available for export to the markets that had been developed by the Honey Control Board. The Honey Control Board and the NZ Honey Company directors made a decision which was to ultimately bring about the demise of the NZ Honey Company. They decided to import honey from Australia to meet part of the shortfall estimated at 600 tons.
They argued that the import was only to allow them to maintain existing markets, and that the honey was never destined to be sold as New Zealand honey. Mr JR Butland, Chairman of the Honey Control Board, said the 100 tons of Australian honey was to be supplied only as manufacturing grade, and was never intended to be sold in New Zealand or as part of the blend in the Imperial Bee pack.
Mr PA Hillary, involved with both The NZ Honey Company and a member of the Honey Control Board, went to Sydney and arranged the purchase. The initial shipments arrived in April.
Mr WB Bray wrote to the major New Zealand newspapers questioning the wisdom of the Honey Control Board’s actions. His criticisms made for a lively discussion at the NZ Honey Company meeting and at the Annual Conference that year!
At the annual conference in Wellington in June, Mr PA Hillary announced his intention to publish a journal. The first issue of The NZ Honeybee was issued in middle August. The journal was to continue on a monthly basis for 18 issues.
NZ Honey Ltd traded for 4½ years, providing a degree of stability and increased returns to producers during that period. While at one time the best price obtainable was 4½ d per pound, NZ Honey Ltd managed to lift it to 6 d.
With producers selling in competition to the NZ Honey Ltd, the industry drifted into perilous conditions. Prices obtained on the market did not even meet the cost of production.