PRESENT : Frank Lindsay (Pres.), Mary Ann Lindsay (Treas.), John Burnet (Sec.) and 30 members and visitors as listed in the attendance book.

APOLOGIES : Amor Walter, Wrae Duncan, John Robson, Fred & Robert Thomson.

NEW MEMBERS & VISITORS : Noel Boulton (Totara Park)

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING : Minutes of regular meeting held 12 June as detailed in August newsletter were confirmed.

MATTERS ARISING :

Upper Hutt Science Festival : Accounts Payable $21 to Bill Allan, $72 to Frank Lindsay. Payments authorised.

GENERAL BUSINESS :

Seasonal Hive Management : Drones were populating hives now and the first swarm of the season was reported earlier this month - seven weeks earlier than usual. As swarms were often a result of overcrowding, members were advised to check their brood now and provide additional supers in need.

Meeting Program : Planned program for meetings Sept - Feb, diseasathon and DECA training/exam dates were briefly outlined to members.

PRESENTATIONS :

Kate Lynskey from Workfit Physiotherapy explained and using a plastic model demonstrated the structure and workings of the backbone and described various methods beekeepers could comfortably and safely lift heavy supers.

Paul Bolger (ex AgriQual, Palm Nth and currently MAF Varroa Control Program Co-ordinator, Wgton) outlined MAF’s forthcoming control program, the various chemical treatments available (in NZ and overseas) and explained the compensation arrangements available to commercial beekeepers who were adversely affected by the hive movement restrictions.

Meeting closed at 9.45 p.m. with supper.

John Burnet