BEEKEEPERS

Southland Times, Issue 19457, 22 January 1925, Page 6

BEEKEEPERS

ANNUAL FIELD DAY. PROCEEDINGS AT ROSLYN BUSH. The annual field day of the Southland Beekeepers Association was held at Roslyn Bush, Mr James Allan kindly placing his apiary at the disposal of the Association for the day. There was a good attendance of enthusiasts and although the weather was not the best some interesting demonstrations were carried out. Mr E. A. Earp, senior apiary instructor, gave an interesting address on-the eradication of foul blood, and the methods taken by the Department to control this fatal disease. The local inspection system was favourably commented upon by all present and three local inspectors, now in their second year, said the apiaries were fully 90 per cent, better than last year, due solely to the inspection of' hives. Mr James Allan, one of the pioneers of the industry in Southland, talked on swarming and swarm control, which was closely followed. Fie also spoke on the use of excluders and the importance of having frames scale high. . His address was followed by a demonstration in extracting. Mr S. C. E. Rhodes, instructor stationed at Dunedin, also spoke on foul brood and its identification and eradication. Mr H. N. Goodman, Clutha Valley, handled the* subject of hive construction, and the economy that could be effected by those anxious to do so. All his hives were made out of petrol cases, and were much cheaper than the ordinary hive. He extended an invitation to those present to attend the field day of the Clutha Valley Association at Kaitangata. Mr L. Irwin, secretary of the Southland Beekeepers’ Association, spoke of the work of the Association was doing and urged all present, not only to become financial members, but to take a live interest in the Association. They could always get a good gathering at the field day, but it was sometimes difficult to get a quorum at the annual meeting. Mr R. Gibb gave those present some par ticulars of the work accomplished by the Honey Producers' Association, and the application of the honey control. He also touched on the probable prices for next year and the general prospects of the industry. Luncheon and afternoon tea were provided by Mr and Mrs W. Caldwell and at the conclusion of the day a hearty vote of thanks was carried to them for their hospitality. This was earned by acclamation, and concluded an instructive day.