BEEKEEPERS' FIELD DAY

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 67, 6 April 1937, Page 5

BEEKEEPERS' FIELD DAY

Instructive Gathering The Hawke's Bay Beekeepers' Assoeiation held a very successful field day at Mr H. Shepherd's apiary, Riverslea road, Hastings. The field day was well attended in spite of unfavourable weather conditions. The president, Mr J. N. Walker, who opened proceedings touched on various matters of interest ad welcomed the beekeepers who attended. The first demonstration, the treatment of cappings, was ably dealt with by Mr W. J. C. Ashcroft, who deseribed various methods of dealing with the wax cappings, showing the necessary equipment for each method. v Fortunately the rain ceased temporarily in time for Mr L. Riesterer, apiary instructor, to give a demonstration on wintering hives. Mr Riesterer dealt very efficiently with the essentials for successful wintering. Some of the points mentioned were the necessity for a good queen, a strong force of young bees, ample stores, protection and freedom from disease. On conclusion Mi; Riesterer answered several questions in connection with the demonstration. and other matters. A very appetising afternoon tea, which was much appreciated by all, was served by Mrs H. Shepherd and vIrs V. Shepherd. Mr H. Shepherd gave an address on tlie control of robbing. Mr Shepherd spoke of fJiG precantions necessary for the prevention of robbing and then explained the remedies to apply should the trouble occur, mentioning the dan- \ gej- of wholesale robbing. The next item on the programme caused much interest. This was a demonstration on extracting lioney, which was capably dealt with by Mr V. Shepherd. After uncapping the frames, Mr Shepherd extracted the honey by means of a large power extractor. Miss D. M. Dalgli.csh tlien gave a brief address on the advantages of being a member of tlie assoeiation. Tlie field day was brought to a closo by an address by the president. On belialf of the Assoeiation, Mr W. H. Ashcroft thanked Mr and Mrs Shepherd for their hospitality. Mr V. Shepherd replied on behalf of his parents. Beekeepers are reminded that Mr Riesterer, will give a lantern lecture in the Dominion Buildings, at 7.45 p.m. on May 5,. ;