Present: Richard Hatfield (Pres.), Mary-Ann Lindsay (Treas.), John Burnet (Sec.) and 30 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

Apologies : John Robson, Andrew Yung, Marie & Chris Christofel, Tony Buder, Terry Moore.

New Members And Visitors : Michelle Knight (Te Horo), Fred Bailer (Johnsonville with hives in Masterton).

Minutes Of Previous Meeting : Minutes of meeting held 12 July were read and confirmed.

Matters Arising : DECA TRAINING : Contrary to minutes of previous meeting proposed training and exam for club members will be held in Nov with another training and exam in March 2000. Both training courses and exams for Club members will be paid for by the Club however non members will be invited to participate on a user pays basis. Members were advised that Frank Lindsay and Andrew Beach would be attending the NBA training course in Hamilton on 2 Oct with the Club meeting the course cost, petrol for one car and $30 meal allowance. Mary Ann had organised private accommodation for Frank and Andrew in Hamilton.

General Business : SWARMS : Season appeared to have recently started and James Scott advised of the availability of a swarm at Haywards for any beekeeper interested in collecting it.

SEASONAL MANAGEMENT : Trees and shrubs currently in flower and attracting bees - tree lucerne, five finger, kowhai, gorse, broom, willow.

Presentation :

Frank Lindsay reminded members of the necessity to look for signs of disease when completing their spring inspections in particular AFB but also chalkbrood, sacbrood, nosema and paralysis.

Slides showing various bee diseases were shown to members and several AFB infected frames were produced to enable members to closely examine and familiarise themselves with AFB symptoms.

Meeting closed at 8.30pm with supper.

John Burnet