PRESENT:

Frank Lindsay (President), and 35 persons as listed in the attendance book

VISITORS:

Jack Strong from Holland, here on a working holiday for a month; and John Pallisen, Otaki

APOLOGIES:

Andrew Yung, Pam McDowell. Moved by Ken Breden that these apologies be accepted, seconded Amor Walter, CARRIED

MINUTES OF THE MEETING held 11 November 2002:

It was moved by Amor Walter, and seconded by Andrew Beach, that these Minutes be accepted, CARRIED

MATTERS ARISING:

DECCA Course went well, all but two passed. About 1400 have passed nationally, about 200 haven’t, mostly through mistakes with pictures.

Swarms appear to be over.

Because it was such a warm winter last year, there are mice everywhere. Be aware and put guards on early, before the flow finishes. In some areas the flow is finishing now. This season has been one out of the box. To kill mice, put a plastic bottle with crushed Talon tablets under the hive.

Start testing for varroa now, sugar shake or new bottom boards and observe over a week.

Order your new queens now because we don’t know what spring will be like.

Mesh: Thanks to Fritz for organising the cutting of the stainless steel mesh and bringing same to the meeting. There are 150 ‘squares’ available at $8.00 each.

Andrew Beach pointed out that it is illegal to use your Smoker during the current Fire Ban. After considerable enquiries on Andrew’s part, Wellington City Council advised him that "providing the smoker was lit in a building, away from combustible material, or in a car, and that a fire extinguisher was taken along with it, it would be permissible to use a smoker". Kapiti Coast advised that they would give a Fire Permit valid for one month.

Cappings: In response to a query as to how to separate manuka cappings from honey, it was suggested that a heat lamp be suspended over the cappings, which should be sitting on a mesh so the honey can get away without getting too hot. The melted wax will float on top of the honey and will have to be separated afterwards – a lovely sticky job and, according to Mary-Ann Lindsay, the bath is the best place to do it!

Alternatively, wash the cappings, save the juice and make mead.

Plastic Frames: Frank Lindsay interspersed plastic and wooden frames and the bees have not drawn them properly. He didn’t have time to brush the plastic with wax first. Dipping the plastic frames for 5 seconds in melted wax has worked perfectly for other members.

Ingredients Labelling: From 19 December 2002 ingredients must appear on labels on your honey; eg ‘honey’ – so much fat, calcium etc. The only exception is if you pack in front of somebody. A sample of a label is to be included in the March Newsletter.

Comb Honey: Ivan Pederson told how a customer at his stall asked what one did with comb honey? Ivan explained that "you ate it". The customer then bought a punnet of comb honey, acquired a spoon, sat down beside Ivan’s stall and ate the lot, wax and all!

Insecure loads!: Frank Lindsay dropped a Honey Box full of plastic frames (but no bees) off his truck. The Policeman was really nice and Frank thought he had got away with it but the $600 fine arrived in the mail a couple of days later! Incidentally, plastic frames are very durable and almost survived being run over by a truck. They went back on the hive regardless.

NBA: James asked as to the current situation with the NBA. Frank advised that there are now two groups, Canterbury Branch and South Island beekeepers are going with the Federated Farmers. The President and executive member resigned and set this up. The secretary has carried on. The NBA is currently being carried on by a beekeeper’s wife. A vote will be held, possibly in April, whether the magazine will be monthly, quarterly or whatever, yet to be decided.

Pest Management Strategy: Stalled at the moment. With the MAF who are looking at the proposal.

Varroa Line: The line is scheduled to be removed in April. Frank Lindsay and Vaughan Keans would both like to see the line stay. Vaughan has previously suggested a five year moratorium to negate any possible benefits from "salting" below the line. The Meeting endorsed these sentiments.

Cappings Fork: Amor Walter advised that an aluminium horse mane comb, with sharpened tines, will work about as well as a cappings fork and can be conveniently carried in a pocket. Approximate cost is $3.

Honey Pots: Stowers, Sydney Street, Petone, 60-80c per plastic pot; and Moore Wilson. Arthur Holmes for glass containers.

Honey Competition: Coming up. Mary-Ann will bring containers to the March meeting.

FINANCIAL:

The Club has $7155.23 in the bank, following payment of the Church annual rental.

Levies: The PMS is currently before the Minister, $23 plus so much per hive. Yet to be approved so probably a couple of months away.

A Varroa PMS is currently under discussion, though only for the South Island, to fund surveillance of the line and the hives.