Present: Doug Purdie (Pres.), Frank Lindsay (Treas.), John Burnet (Sec.) and 29 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

Apologies: Andrew Beach, John Robson, Tony Hopkins, Laurie Williams

Minutes of meeting held 8 September were read and confirmed.

Matters arising: Highlights of Southern North Is. Field Day held at Waireka on 27 Sept. -

• Competition was won by Wairarapa with Wellington second.
• Export Honey Group to be set up by commercial beekeepers.
• Vehicle loading presentation was given by Kevin Kibby (policeman and ex beekeeper).
• Disease recognition demonstration.

Correspondence: Letter of resignation and appreciation received from Lawrie Dennis, a member for many years who had also served as club secretary and on the committee. Lawrie was moving into an inner city apartment and therefore giving up beekeeping.

• Assistant Treasurer reported the General Bank account balance was $1727.20 and the BL account $1469.22.
• Heavy rain with resultant flooding on 4 Oct had affected some members several hives lost. It was agreed that extra entrances/exits could be a distinct advantage on these occasions.
• Ivan Pedersen reported that to sell comb honey direct to downtown restaurants he was required to obtain a Health Certificate.
• Queen cells and virgin queens now evident with many queens not mating due to poor weather i.e. too windy or too cold. Frank Lindsay suggested it was best to make nucs with any surplus virgin queens.
• Exporting honey to Australia - members outlined recent experiences with Aust customs.

Presentation: Club member Richard Hadfield spoke on spring hive maintenance and gave a demonstration on nailing boxes and frames. Other issues covered - wiring board construction and electrodes, queen cell cups, saving wax scrapings, using a solar wax melted, hive roof and floor construction

Meeting closed at 9:30 p.m. with supper.