BEEKEEPERS’ FIELD DAYS PROVE POPULAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22698, 24 July 1948, Page 8

BEEKEEPERS’ FIELD DAYS PROVE POPULAR

A successful year in the affairs of the Gisborne branch of the National Beekeepers’ Association of New Zealand was reported by Mr. D. A. Barron. who presided over the recent annual meeting of members. He said efforts to conduct evening classes with lecturctles had not been too successful owing to inclement weather, but field days had been most popular and had resulted in the enrolement of 12 new members. The balance sheet showed a credit of £3 12s after all expenses had been paid. Members expressed general satisfaction with the report and balance sheet and the president and secretary were complimented on the outcome. Some discussion ensued on the subject of licensing of apiary sites- The need for protection against monopolists was stressed and the question of the attitude of the branch to the whole subject was left to a meeting to be conducted before the next national committee. Flood Relief Grants Reference was made to losses sustained by. beekeepers in the May flood. The secretary, Mr. A. G. Gosling, reported consulting with members in an endeavour to learn what losses they had suffered. It was asked how much beekeepers would be entitled to Government flcod relief grants and it was decided to make further inquiries. Tlie general opinion was that applications for relief on the loss of bees alone were unlikely to be viewed favourably. but Ihere was no reason why that item should not be included in a general claim. It was pointed out that if members had lost bees and had managed to salvage the hives they would be given heart to continue if promised swarms or nuclei. The secretary was requested to pursue his inquiries with a view to further action in tiie spring. The election of officers resulted: President. Mr. Barron: vice-president, Mr. A. J. Evans; secretary, Mr. Gosling: committee. Messrs. F, ,T Lloyd. S. R. Hillyard, P. G. Bell, J. S. Thompson, A. J. Rennie, and G- H. Dunn. In view of the popularity of held days it was decided that an extended programme should be arranged 'for the coming season. The committee undertook the canvassing of members to arrange locations and speakers.