CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATIONS.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 153, 2 July 1914, Page 2

CONFERENCE OF ASSOCIATIONS.

The most important conference of beekeepers yet held was Concluded in Wellington on the 19th June, after a three days' sitting. The conference was under the auspices of the

National Beekeepers' Association of New Zealand, and there was an attendance of about fifty beekeepers from all parts of the Dominion. As a result of the conference it is now possible for existing .associations to join the National Association on equitable terms, as a constitution was adopted which should meet the needs of individuals, as well as those associations which have up to the present time been unattached to the National body. A sliding scale of fees was adopted, which will secure for the affiliated associations sufficient^ funds to be oil good service, and still contribute a substantial sum to the National's funds. In the absence of the Prime Minister (the Right Hon. W. F. Massey), the conference was opened by the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes, who assured the conference of the interests of Mr Massey in all subjects relating to agriculture. He quoted figures illustrating the progress of the industry, and promised, for Mr Massey, sympathetic consideration .of any requests that might be laid before him. The- repprjfc stated that the membership was now 256, and it was expected that this would be doubled during the coming year. It had been found impossible to do anything in the matter of advertising honey in the local market, on account of the lack of funds. The balance-sheet showed a small debit balance. Three sessions were held aaily. The evening sessions were devoted to bee subjects only, and some interesting and instructive papers were read, and demonstrations given. Mr T. W. Kirk (Director of Orchards) gave an address on the Department's intentions in reference to the Apiaries Acit. When these were given effect to, New Zealand would have an Act which will be ahead of anything of the kind in any part of the yorkl. Mr Geo. Buckridge gave an address on his personal observations of the American and British honey markets. The British markets, he said, were not in such a flourishing condition as he would like to see, and money was not passing very freely. He -thought there was a. great future for New Zealand honey if exported through the proper channel, and marketed on well-organised lines. The desirability of establishing a queen-rearing apiary in the Cook Islands, under Government oontrol, was discussed, and a deputation waited on the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes to lay the wishes of the conference before him. A sympathetic reply was given, but nothing definite settled.

During the conference reference was made to the forthcoming Panama Exposition, and it was stated that the Canterbury and Waikato Associations would both be sending exhibits. It was learned 7 that Mr J. S. Cottrell, president of the Waikato Association, and vice-president of the National , Association, would be attending the Exposition, and he was unanimously appointed to acit as representative of the National body while-there. ■ .

Mr H. 'W. Gilling (Taranaki) gave an address on "Co-operation," and explained the lines on which Taranaki beekeepers were working. The New Zealand Co-operative Honeyproducers' Association was recently formed in Taranaki, and during the conference the opportunity to discuss the situation was taken advantage of by the Canterbury and Waikato Associations. As a, result it is probable that both these associations will join in the.scheme|^nd a- very, strong co-operative association of honeyproducers will, thus be formed. A demonstration of the methods of grading was given' by the Government inspectors, and was attentively watched.

* It was stated that Mr T. Hopkins would be leaving the Dominion during the coming 'year, and it was resolved to place, on record tne sincere appreciation of all beekeepers of Mr Hopkins's many years of work in (the interests of -the industry. > The- following officers were elected: - —-President, Mr. James' Allan (Southland) ; vice-president, Mr J. S. Cottrell (Waikato); secretary and treasurer. Mr R. W. Brickell (Dunedin); auditor, Mr Bairies; North Island rsp'resentr.tives, Messrs H. W. Gilling and Hutchinson; South Island representatives, Messrs-A: .Ireland and C. A. Jacobsen. r