BEE-KEEPERS CONFER.

Waipa Post, Volume XIX, Issue 1054, 12 February 1921, Page 5

BEE-KEEPERS CONFER.

DISSATISFIED WITH NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. FORMATION OF LOCAL CLUB. There was a small but representative gathering of local bee-keepers at Victoria Park, Te Awamutu, yesterday. The meeting had been convened with the Object of forming a bee-keep-ergMub for Te Awamutu and district. AmiOTig those present were Messrs H. Bartlett-Miller, C. Smedley, Hugh E. Jones, and a number of ladies. Mr Miller acted,as chairman. Mr Jones, as convener of the meeting, explained that much dissatisfaction existed among bee-keepers generally with the management of the National Association and the Honey Producers’ Association, and the conflicting interests which existed between the latter two bodies. He described the association as having “ gone to sleep,” while a director of the Honey Producers’ Association must be a member of the National Association,

and that position led to much confu

sion. As a result of much dissatisfaci tion generally it was felt that a beekeepers’ club should be formed for the district—not against either association, but simply that s'ome stimulating action could be taken as: an organised club to bring about a better state of affairs.and to put the Honey Producers’ Association on a more businesslike basis. He had no desire to divide the National Association, but to bring organised effort to bear on it so that it would become a more progressive body and reflect tthe interests of bee-keeping generally. Among other things, he was in favour of the

association meetings being held in Auckland next year instead of in Canterbury. Mr Smedley, who was a member of the committee of the National Association, reminded Mr Jones that although he was a member Mr Jopes had not kept in touch with the association. t Mr Jones replied that he felt that they must all push for themselves, and the object of the gathering was to form a bee club.

Mr Smedley remarked that the organisation was already established, and he thought that the association had done good work in fighting disease. He did not see the necessity for such a club. He found that those who did so much criticising and pulling dtown brought about very little good. What was wanted was more constructive work.

Mr Miller,’ in criticising the lack of proper business methods of the Honey Producers’ Association, sad that in England the association had been a failure, while"’ in New Zealand the business controlled by Mr Ryland was a signal success. Speaking of the 'lack of business methods and the low prices obtained by the association, Mr Miller'said that on application to a certain Auckland firm he himself had obtained ll|d for his honey, whereas the amount received by the Association was much lower.

Mr Smedley, who knew that the Association was not perfect, was satisfled that if it was properly supported better results would be obtained. He objected to under-cut prices. Mr Hugh Jones advocated that the Bee-keepers’ Association should link with the Farmers.’ Union. If this could be arranged better results would follow. He believed in cooperation. Mr Miller expressed dissatisfaction with the small returns received from England.

Mr Holmes said he was in favour of the New Zealand manager (Mr Ryland) being sent to England to manage the business there. Mr Miller at this stage said it was necessary that - a bee-keepers’ club be formed as a separate branch of the association. of the present members were slowly drifting away from it. The Honey Producers’ Association must be controlled by business men, and then improvement would follow. At present there was no confidence in tire directors. They must see that business men were elected to , the position.

\ Mr Jones explained that what was desired was a club so that local men Could meet and talk over the affairs of their business. At present it meant a journey to Hamilton, where the Waikato association met. More local meetings were desired. Some discussion took place about the elimination of foul brood. Mr Smedley thought that while the proposed club might do something in favour of getting rid of it, it was largely an individual responsibility. He, however .thought that the club could do some good work in the direction, and favoured the organisation of such a club. When discussing the formation of the club some difference of opinion existed with regard to linking with .Hamilton, Mr Miller strongly objecting to such a proposal, while Mr Hugh Jones favoured it, thinking it would strengthen their position, but on a vote being taken the formation of a local club was agreed to as a branch of the association.

Ultimately it was resolved to, form a club, entitled “ The Te Awamutu Bee-keepers’ Club.” 'Other details weje left for a future occasion.