PRESENT: Doug Purdie (Pres.), Frank Lindsay (Treas.), John Burnet (Sec.) and 35 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

APOLOGIES: Shauna Tate

NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS: Lynne Long, (Ngaio), William Hurley (Wainuiomata).

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Minutes of meeting held 13 October were read and confirmed.

MATTERS ARISING: Richard Hatfield and Frank Lindsay outlined events and general success of the Whiteman’s Valley Field Day held on the previous day.

TREASURER’S REPORT: Treasurer reported that the current account balance was $1,506.59

CORRESPONDENCE: Treasurer advised details of letter received from Peter & Judi Ferris of Honey Bee Apiaries, Masterton outlining their services, 48 hour turnaround on orders and freight arrangements as stockists of Ecroyd beekeeping equipment.

• In answer to a member’s query Frank outlined the procedure and likelihood of success in uniting a swarm with the original hive. Absconding swarms were also discussed in general.
• Doug produced a sample of brace comb and explained to members the importance of accurate frame placement and bee spacing to prevent brace and burr comb being produced.

PRESENTATION: James Driscoll, MAF Apicultural Advisory Officer gave a presentation to members using OHP transparencies on all aspects of Brood Diseases in particular AFB symptoms, destruction of infected hives, sterilisation of equipment and regulations concerning disease control. James also showed a video detailing the 1991 Nelson EFB scare and MAF’s handling of the disease outbreak.