PRESENT: James Scott, (Acting Pres.), Mary Ann Lindsay (Treas.), John Burnet (Sec.) and 28 members as listed in the attendance book.

APOLOGIES: Frank Lindsay, Andrew Beach, Chris & Marie Christoffel, John Pedersen, Pam McDowell, Les Solomon

MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: Minutes of meeting held 10 March 2003 as detailed in the Apr newsletter were confirmed. (Moved: Amor Walter, Seconded: Ken Breden - CARRIED)

Varroa Update: Fritz Fuchs confirmed presence of varroa at Cambourne. Despite hives testing negative in Feb, 50 mites were discovered in one hive in March. He suspected source was feral black bees discovered in his hive about this time. He has subsequently requeened and strips have been removed (previous week).

Ernst reported moderate varroa infestation in one of his hives on Haywards Hill (close to Frank’s apiary site infected six months earlier).

Vaughn Kearns advised he had received a request from MAF to test all his hives throughout Wgton area. This was obviously part of MAF’s Wgton varroa surveillance program as mentioned at last month’s meeting. It was suggested that the Club should purchase a bulk supply of Apistan strips and on-sell to members. Details should be advised to members via the Club newsletter. It was decided that the Club would not now proceed with purchase of acids due to distribution work involved and protective gear required. All beekeepers in the Hutt and Porirua should now be monitoring their hives and co-ordinate treatment to ensure optimum control. Vaughn advised he was prepared to bet $100 of cream scones against any member losing a hive to varroa over the winter.

NBA Membership: This issue was again raised and the suggestion was made that membership of Federated Farmers should also be considered. However it was agreed that more information was required, as no-one knew of the benefits if any. Secretary will investigate/discuss further with President and Treasurer.

Field Day: Suggested date & venue: 5 Oct Judd’s farm on SH58 opposite Brittons House Movers yard. Field day should include spring management and varroa inspection.

Diseaseathon: This will likely be held in Nov and following a member’s enquiry, it was confirmed that any Diseasathon inspection was normally only authorised by MAF to inspect for AFB not varroa. This issue however would be clarified prior to Diseasathon and associated hygiene requirements and issues would also need clarification/adoption to prevent any risk of spreading varroa.

Spring Queens: These should be ordered now. Suppliers often advertise in the NZ Beekeeper (Wgton’s queens must be sourced from south of the movement control line) are nearest commercial queen breeders will be included in the next Club newsletter.

Propolis: Treasurer advised that due to the SARS epidemic Comvita had recently in one week sold a year’s supply of propolis to Hong Kong.

Bee Suits: In response to a member’s query, the merits of the different styles were discussed. It was suggested that propective buyers should check out the range available at Waireka Apiaries (SH1 between Foxton & Sanson).

Wax moth control: Ivan Petersen recommended use of queen excluders, as moths target brood-boxes with cellulose larval casings. He also suggested keeping winter hives to 2 boxes.

Liquid Honey : 1st Fritz Fuchs, 2nd Amor Walter, 3rd Max Aston

Creamed Honey: 1st Mary Ann Lindsay, 2nd Ken Breden, 3rd Mary Ann Lindsay