First reference I have to paraffin wax dipping here in NZ is back into
the '40s or '50s.  Its quite common, combined with Metel-X (copper
natpthenate) and paint.  Got to paint while its steaming hot out of
the dipper to be effective.  Dippers sometimes electric heated, some-
times fire.
 
NZ beekeepers do use multicoloured hiaves.  oops hives.  Some/most do it
simply by getting the el cheapo end of the line paints, or mix mixups.
 
One beekeeper who buys white always mixes in a small amount of another
colour just enough to barely tinet the paint.  He then knows which 'year'
a particular super was made, and is doing longer term comparisons of
wood types and pereservative methods.
 
 
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          Nick Wallingford
      Bay of Plenty Polytechnic
  National Beekeepers Assn of NZ
(Tauranga, North Island, New Zealand)
     Internet [log in to unmask]
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Posted:
29 Apr 1993 7:03PM NZ time
 
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