MEDICAL BENEFITS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 146, 2 April 1941, Page 2

MEDICAL BENEFITS.

ALLEGED THREAT TO' DOCTORS REPORTED' APPROACH TO ALIENS J (P.A.) AUCKLAND, April 1. A statement that a member of the Government had threatened some doctors im an Auckland suburban area that unless they linked up with the Government’s - State medical scheme and became “blacklegs” he would turn away their work for Government employees to a new doctor who would be introduced, into the district, was made to-night by Dr. L. Gordon Drury, president of the Auckland branch of the British Medical Association, and' one of the members of the branch which conducted negotiations with the Government on the scheme. “What would trade unionists call that?” asked Dr. Drury in his statement. “The Government says it is not force, but gentle persuasion.” Da*. Drury said that alien doctors were being approached by persons holding the highest Government positions, and were being told that as they were enjoying the hospitality of New Zealand through the Government they also must become “blacklegs” and enter into the Government scheme, or else . . . Dr. Drury said that therefore other doctors and alien doctors were to be used' to break down the loyalty of doctors to their association.