BEEKEEPERS’ FIELD DAY

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 79, Issue 7139, 30 November 1949, Page 6

BEEKEEPERS’ FIELD DAY

WAITOMO BRANCH EVENT The newly-formed Waitomo branch, of the National Beekeepers’ Association, held a most interesting and instructive Field Day on November 26, at Mr W. Purves’ apiary, Te Kawa. In spite of unsettled weather, there was a good attendance of beekeepers from surrounding districts. The apiary, with its background of trees and garden, looked most attractive —the hives standing in groups on long concrete platforms. Those who investigated further found two attractive lily ponds in the garden beyond the apiary. The branch president (Mr A. Mawhinney), welcomed the visitors and introduced Mr C. R. Patterson, apiary instructor who gave most instructive demonstrations and talks oh fireparing hives for the honey flow, he use of excluders, queen rearing etc. Mr Patterson also demonstrated the use of honey house equipment—honey pumps, electric honey grainer etc. Great interest was taken in Mr Patterson’s glass observation hive. Mr E. D. Williams, Dominion vicepresident of the National Beekeepers’ Association, in a brief talk, expressed the pleasure of the- Dominion Executive at the formation of the branch. Mr Wiliams also spoke of the seriousness of the wasp menace. Afternoon tea was served by Mrs Purves.

At the conclusion of the Field Day a vote of thanks was passed to the speakers and to Mr and Mrs Purves for their hospitality.