BEEKEEPING

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 39, 11 January 1944, Page 5

BEEKEEPING

INSTRUCTIVE FIELD DAY

PROSPECTS IX AYHAKATANE

, Ideal wea t.llc.f favoured, the been keepers, of the AVhakatane district who attended a Field Day arranged by the Department, of Agriculture at the apiary of Mr 15. Mi. Mahon, James Street, Whakatane;, on Saturday afternoon. Mr C. 11. Paterson, Apiary Instructor, stationed at HaHilton, in opening proceedings expressed gratification at. the very largo attendance of beekeepers and explained that tlie Field Days were arranged .so that beekeepers could gather together and. learn the latest methods, of beekeepiaig. The speaker .said he hoped the attendance was-an indication of the interest that was going to be taken in beekeeping in the near future.

The programme was arranged by Mr Paterson and covered a demonstration in handling bees and a brief talk on foul brood. During this demonstration a very fine. Italian Queen was located in tlxe hive and shown to all present. Then followed. a talk on the introducing of Queens and a description of the differe.nt types of Queens., sold by Queen Breeders. At this juncture Mr Paterson took the. opportunity of. stressing to all present the necessity of registering every apiary even if it contained only one hive, keeping the bees in proper hives with removable frames and securing a permit before bees are removed to another site. The gathering then assembled in tlie honey liouse and were given a demonstration in the extracting of honey by up to date methods. During the afternoon many questions were asked the Apiary Instructor on matters relative to beekeeping in the Whakatane district-.

"While refreshments were being, handed, round the suggestion was put forward, that those present should organise, themselves into a Beekeepers Association, and in the near future something along these lines will be discussed.

In closing proceedings Mr Paterson said he wislied to thank. Mr and Mrs McMahon for allowing him. to hold the Field Day at their place? and many thanks for ' the refreshments. This was endorsed by all present with a round of applause. Mr McMahon in reply said he was only too pleased, to assist- and only hoped that more such demonstrations would be held in the. near future. Mr Petty .supported the sug-t gcstioii of further Field Days. Mr Paterson in reply to a hearty vote of thanks for his services said he' Avould endeavour to arrange a lantern 'lecture: at a later date and.

thanked all present for turning u]> in sucli good numbers.