136 
THE AUSTRALIAN BEEKEEPERS’ JOURNAL, 
more in reference to it to-day than I ever had j 
the opportunity of previously learning. For 
one thing, I have learned that there is a very 
great difference of opinion among the gentle- ; 
men present as to the existence of foul brood 
in the colony, and consequently as to the 
cause of foul brood. One would imagine from 
the remarks made that the Government of 
day were responsible for the introduction of 
this measure. The Bill was introduced by a 
private member (Dr. Cockburn) at the insti- 
gation of the Beekeepers’ Association, who 
held several meetings in Adelaide on the sub- 
ject. I think the proper time for you to have 
raised your objection was when these meetings 
were being held, and when it was contem- 
plated that the Legislature should be asked to 
pass this measure. They had nothing at all 
to do with it. You are a little in error . 
in saying that the Bill was passed hurriedly, i 
Every reasonable time was given for any 
opposition that might be offered to it I 
think the principal opposition came from the 
beekeepers in the neighborhood of Williams- 
town. Their petition was considered, but the 
evidence brought before members as to the 
desirableness of this measure was considered j 
so overwhelming that although the majority | 
of the members had no practical knowledge i 
of beekeeping, they felt compelled to vote for , 
the Bill. It was with a view of protecting the I 
bee industry of the colony that this measure 
was introduced and passed. Of course, if the 
Parliament had thought the Bill would have 
had au injurious effect on the bee industry of 
the colony they and the Ministry would not 
have supported it. If any blame was attribut- 
able to any one it must be to those who were 
the means of introducing the Bill. The 
memorialists ask the Governor to postpone the 
operation of the Act for twelve months, and 
you ask me to advise him to adopt that | 
course. With every desire to meet your i 
views as far as I can possibly do, you must 
admit that the step you propose would be a 
very serious one for the Governor to take. 
The Act was passed by both Houses, and the 
Parliament and country expect that effect j 
will be given to the legislation of the session, 
unless there are very grave reasons to the 
contrary. However, I promise yon that the 
statements made by Mr. Warren will be laid 
before my colleagues on their return from 
Sydney — nothing will be done in the mean- 
time — and the decision of His Excellency will 
be communicated to you at the earliest possi- 
ble moment. I am a little afraid that some 
of those who object to the Act have perhaps 
scarcely studied it. The bogey seems to be 
the Inspector. Most people agree that foul 
brood is a bad thing that should be got rid of, 
and all that the Act gives the Inspector power 
to do is this, that if he finds a person has in 
his possession or care a hive or swarm affected 
with foul brood to see that the person shall 
destroy them. Without expressing any 
opinion as to whether the Act will be post- 
poned or not, I may say that no person may 
be appointed by the Government as Inspector 
unless the Government are convinced that he 
would have no other aim than that of fulfill- 
ing his duty, and that he had a full know- 
ledge of the work with which he is entrusted. 
The objection taken to the Inspector is simply 
like fighting a shadow. I will lay your 
petit'on before my colleagues. 
The deputation thanked Mr. Coles and 
withdrew. 
proceedings of .iBeefceepers’ 
associations. 
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN BEEKEEPERS 1 
ASSOCIATION. 
The monthly meeting of the members of 
this Association was held at Esselbaeh’s Coffee 
Rooms on Thursday, J anuary 5 ; Mr. C Dickins 
in the chair. The members were unable to 
meet in the Chamber of Manufactures, in con- 
sequence of the attendant being absent with 
the key. 
After some formal business had been trans- 
acted, Mr. H. H. Dollman read the following 
paper : — 
“ I first commenced the importation of 
Ligurian Queens from Italy three seasons ago, 
ffnd during this time have received 110, hut 
only 54 were alive on arrival, and this year 
the average has been lower than usual, for 
out of 50 imported 21 only arrived in good 
order. This great mortality was principally 
owing to the ravages of the bee-moth in the 
two first shipments of the season. The eggs of 
the moth had evidently been laid in the combs 
before the boxes were packed, and had hatched 
on the voyage, possibly through the heat of 
vessel. The Italian moths and grubs are veiy 
much larger than those here, and if there are 
any signs of them when the packages are 
opened, I take care to promptly destroy all 
boxes and combs immediately the queens are 
taken out, for fear of introducing another pest 
to worry beekeejiers. On two occasions I have 
received the whole shipment alive, but it will 
be seen by the above that the importer cannot 
reckon on more than 50 per cent, arriving in 
good condition. Another risk to be taken is 
the introduction of these queens, for I find 
t hat far greater difficulty exists in introducing 
them after their long sea voyage than a queen 
hatched in your own apiary or one from our own 
colony. I have lost several in this way, some 
by carelessness and haste in introducing, and 
others through no fault of my own. On two 
occasions, after having be*m accepted and 
laying one or two days, they have most 
unaccountably disappeared. Another one per- 
sistently swarmed out after laying for three 
or four days, but I at last succeeded in forcing 
her to attend to her duties by taking all the 
