PRESENT : Richard Hatfield (Pres.), John Burnet (Sec.) and 30 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

APOLOGIES : Cliff Hulston, Ross Jensen, Bill Allan, Ray Baker, Vicki Alexander, Wayne Wild, John Wallace, Frank Clark, Keith Huntingdon, Mary Ann Lindsay.

NEW MEMBERS AND VISITORS : John & Jill van Northwick

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING : Minutes of meeting held 13 March as detailed in April newsletter were confirmed.

MATTERS ARISING: Deca Training/Exam: 25 attended training session and exam held Sat 1 April and 20 passed. Latest NBA statistics indicate there are now 2633 DECA approved beekeepers 45% of NZ’s 5800 NZ beekeepers, 260 of these having passed the exam. It was agreed that the free exam offer to members would apply for the remainder of this year only. The Club will need to agree if this arrangement would be continued next year. All members expressed their appreciation to Frank Lindsay and Andrew Beach for their time and effort as course instructors.

Members were reminded that the Apiary Levy (applicable to beekeepers with more than 3 apiaries or more than 10 hives) was due by 30 April 2000.

TREASURER’S REPORT : Working account balance $2259.50 and details of all recent deposits and cheques issued totaling $650 were outlined to members. Other balances were $3,105.81 (Goal Saver) and $330.68 (BL account).

CORRESPONDENCE : Letter received from Upper Hutt City Council inviting the Club to participate in the Summer Carnival in February 2001. Issue will be further discussed at a later date.

The issue of participation in the Upper Hutt Science Festival Thurs 20 - Sun 22 July was again raised and retired or nonworking members assistance requested to assist in staffing the club stand.

GENERAL BUSINESS : Issues discussed -

Doug Purdie’s surplus plastic jars available through Frank - 102 x 750 ml at 90 cents each.

Cheap paint for beehives currently available through most hardware shops - cost usually $45 - $55 per 10 litres assorted colours.

Richard Hadfield advised his wax dipper would be available shortly - cost $5 per box which preserved box for approx 10 years.

Requeening now too late as queens generally unavailable and climate too cool . Members should order now for spring requeening.

Wintering down should be underway - hive entrances should be reduced, floorboards scraped, and mouse or rat bait placed underneath.

Empty supers should be stored and stacked with PDB crystals placed on top super to prevent wax moth infestation. Crystals will vaporise and gas being heavier than air will filter down through the stack.

In response to a member’s question it was confirmed there was no truth to the belief that beekeepers should not donate blood. Regular receipt of bee-sting venom did not damage or contaminate human blood.

A 1982 British video on AFB and EFB was shown. Obvious differences noticed when compared with NZ - acceptance of scorching hive parts instead of total hive destruction and use of drugs to control diseased hives.

HONEY COMPETITION :

Liquid Honey : 1st - John Robson (hedge honey with taste of blackberry)

2nd - Wrae Duncan (pasture honey)

3rd - Fritz Fuchs (clover based honey)

Ivan Pedersen was commended for his perfect honey frame (ideal for comb honey)

Meeting closed at 9.30 pm with usual supper.

John Burnet