KAIAPOI FARMERS’ CLUB.

Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 2044, 11 September 1880, Page 3

KAIAPOI FARMERS’ CLUB.

The monthly meeting of members was held in the club’s chamber, Oookson street, on Thursday evening, the 9th instant. Eight were present, Mr Pashby, chairman of the club, presiding. Letters were read from Mr J. A. Williams, referring to a newspaper report, pointing out he was not singular in the random remarks he had made on cattle breeding, and from Mr E. P. Dumcrgue, secretary Opotiki Farmers’ Olnb, thanking the Eaiapoi club for the recipe for sparrow poisoning. Parts 111. and IY. of “ The Indigenous Grasses of New Zealand,” presented by Mr O. O. Bowen, were received, and from the Native Industries Association a number of copies of the report on the Industrial Exhibition, the same being simply a reprint of a cursory description of the exhibits which appeared in a local paper. On the motion of Mr Parnham, seconded by Mr Stanton, a hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Bowen for the great interest manifested from time to time by him in the welfare of the club. Mr H. T. Thompson then read a lengthy’paper upon “ Bee-keeping, considered as a Source of Profit to Farmers.’’ Having given several items of general information on the various kinds, the swarms, queens, workers, and drones, he entered into a description of the management of hives, the methods now adopted for increasing and improving bee colonies. The Italian bees wore referred to as the best kind for producing honey, and besides being capable of more improvement then the black bees, were asserted to be of great service in inoculating the red clover plants. Mr W. Broadley then proceeded to explain the merits of three or four improved bar frame hive, with supers containing bars and sections. He also exhibited an extractor on an improved principle, showing its practical working. A slinger was also shown in use. He gave what might be termed a lesson on the taking of swarms and transfer of bees to new hives. On the motion of Mr Parnham, seconded by Mr E. Wilson, a vote of thanks was passed to Messrs Thompson and Broadley. It was resolved that if sufficient inducement offered for bringing out tan swarms of Ligurian bees, the club take the matter up. The olnb then adjourned.