BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 10593, 24 October 1910, Page 2

BEEKEEPERS' ASSOCIATION.

The North Otago Beekeepers' Associa-; I tion held its first field day on Saturday afternoon at Mr Headland's apiary in South Oamaru. The attendance was, even larger than had been expected,- and seems to point to the popularity of these, practical demonstrations. Before starting the beekeepers were' entertained at afternoon tea by their hostess, Mrs Headland. After enjoying the good things provided the demonstration was commenced. Mr Allan took charge of the manipulations in the unavoidable

absence of the Government- expert. Mr Allan said that the first thing to be looked to was the smoker, and having explained its construction, pointed out the necessity of keeping it clean to get satisfactory results. "While opening a hive it was necessary to do so without jarring; which would disturb the bees and stings would be the result in hand-ling-the combs. He pointed out eggs and young bees in all stages, and "explained that a queen at will could lay : either worker or drone eggs, and that to avoid having too many drones beekeepers must see that the foundationused is full-sheets and that it does not sag. After mentioning most of the interior workings of the hive Mr Allan i -then went on-to give advice on feeders and on a number of the' subjects con-, nected with beekeeping whicli often puzzle a beginner. : : | A number of questions, were asked: and were answered by the demonstrator in a way which should help, beginners considerably. A group was. formed on the lawn for the purpose of obtaining a photograph, after whicli Mr: Nelson : in- calling for three cheers for Mr and' Mrs'-Headland said that the Association were! greatly indebted, to them for -the use of their apiary,-. and also for .-.the refreshments wliich they had so liberally provided. In the course of his remarks Mr Nelson pointed out the benefit to the Association holding field days. They (encourage the industry 'by giving it a stimulant which would- be' lacking without "field days." The, : ambition •of the members should big to increase the membership of the Association until itwas the largest in New Zealand. This seems very possible, for although the Association is newly formed it is already nearly as strong as those of Taranaki and Canterbury with 56 and 52 members respectively.

Very heartv cheers were then given, and Mr Headland very suitably replied, and .said that it was a pleasure to him to have so manv enthusiastic beekeepers about him and hoped that oil some future occasion they would come along again. Cheers were then given for Mr Allan for giving the demonstration. A large number of new members were enrolled, and the Association is now in a flourishing condition. j