THE APIARY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3196, 16 June 1915, Page 6

THE APIARY.

By J. A

SOME notes of national beeKEEFERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Friday, 4th June, saw the end of what P lm 1° be probably the best conference that this association lias yet held. From beginning- to end the business of the conference, while it led to a good deal of discussion, was carried through in a way satisfactory to ail, as every decision was arrived at unanimously. On the opening day the report and balance sheet submitted were so satisfactory as to induce very little discussion. The small debit balance shown by tire balance sheet, in view of the fact that it included the accounts of the Bee Journal, and that the year was started with a debit balance, could but be regarded as satisfactory. It may as well be said here, however, that the executive of the National rcit that much more satisfactory work could be done if its revenue were increased, and with that view a committee to discuss finance was set up. In the report of this committee no suggestion of raising the amount of foes was made, but dependence was put on increasing the membership, and it suggested that the 800 Journal be sent free to anyone getting two new members. The suggestion was also made to provide an organising agent, but whether the now executive will tackle this proposition remains to be seen. The technical side of the conference work, as was to be expected, was the most interesting to quite a number of beekeepers, especially the newer members. The writer’s paper on the best means of keeping colonies strong, and so getting the fullest advantage of the honey season, was taken on the first evening. The comment Was favourable, and a good many now suggestions were added to those made in the paper, the text of which appeared in last week’s notes. On the same evening a discussion took place on the best size of hive to use —eight-frame, 10-frame, or 12-frame. Taranaki beekeepers declared for the 12frame almost unanimously; other beekeepers seem to regard the standard 10-frame hive as the most suitable. The eight-frame hive was generally regarded as too small. Further technical work was taken later in the conference, the question of foulbrood receiving a good deal of attention. A discussion on how to assist the instructors in regard to the disease suggested the appointment by the department of suitable assistants in the various centres. It was felt by the conference that no local beekeeper could be appointed to do this work in. his own district, as such action would almost certainly lead to trouble. Generally the feeling was that the registration of apiaries and the increasing of the number of instructors was the only road to success. Mr Clayton, of Rangitata, read a paper on a short out in foulbrood treatment. I believe this paper is to appear in the Journal, and I shall take an opportunity of dealing with it later. Suffice it to say now that df _Mr Clayton can make good his claim, it is a real short cut in method. Mr Barker, of Peel Forest, opened a discussion on the question of improving the locality by increasing the flora of the district. The main idea was to fill in gaps in the continuous supply of nectar for the bees and to increase the growth of clover. For the latter purpose the top-dressing of pastures by either baskT slag or lime was generally recommended, and for the former the planting of gums, also of willows and tbc utilising* of waste places for the growth of Bokhara clover. Mr Barker also read a paper on the value of the honey bee in fruit culture. Some unique instances were given showing the groat advantage of having the bees in close proximity to the orchards. The last discussion on the technical work of beekeeping was for beginners, and the writer is sorry that the call to other work prevented him from hearing much of this discussion. . , The writer must ask a little patience with this rather cursory run over the technical work of the conference, but promises to return to it. These notes are being written by the wayside in Motueka, in tire apple country of Nelson, so that there is some distraction—too much to attempt a report of the commercial side of the conference work, which also must stand over. Mr J. S. Cotter ill. of Waikato, was elected president, and Mr Rcntoul. of Cheviot, vice-presi-dent, while Messrs Barker and Bray, for the South Island, and Messrs Askew and Nicholas, for the North Island, complete the executive who have charge of the work of the executive for the incoming year.