BEEHIVE DEMONSTRATION.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1873, 24 February 1880, Page 2

BEEHIVE DEMONSTRATION.

Yesterday afternoon, at four o’clock, the Rev. G. Wilks lectured in the publis gardens on the bar-framed beehive, as adapted by him for the use of cottagers and others in this colony. The rev. gentleman explained that he had no pecuniary interest whatever in this or any other form of hive, his sole desire being to induce people to venture upon an interesting and profitable undertaking. He then showed one of the hives, as manufactured by Mr W. Lucas, of Knightstown, and in explaining the details of its construction and management, ho pointed out how various modifications might be adopted to suit individual tastes or requirements. The audience was a numerous one, and amongst the gentlemen present was Mr Earle, of Blenheim, who, for many years has practised bee-keeping on a large scale, and with highly satisfactory pecuniary results. Mr Earle decided to adopt the bar-framed system for the future, feeling perfectly satisfied that he will thereby largely increase his profits. At five o’clock, when the attendance had been considerably increased, and included a fair sprinkling of ladies. Dr, Irving once more afforded enjoyment by exhibiting the working of his experimental hive. The amount of work which had been accomplished by the bees, and the admirable regularity of the sheets of comb, astonished and delighted every one. As a point of interest, it may be mentioned that this season bees generally are producing an unusually large amount of brood, in addition to a very fair yield of honey. This forms a marked contrast to the results of last season, when both broods and honey could be obtained but sparingly. Most of the bee-keepers present were decidedly of opinion that the form of hive shown by Dr Irving was by far the best, affording more easy manipulation, and in every way enabling the apiarian to control the bees to any desired extent. The only drawback hinted at, was the primary cost, but Dr Irving showed in a practical way how this objection could be met, by exhibiting a modified hive which might be manufactured for a few shillings. A number of members were added to the recently formed Apiarian Society, and a meeting of the members will be held in the course of a few days.