DISPUTE WITH B.M.A.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 241, 11 October 1929, Page 7

DISPUTE WITH B.M.A.

"BIG STICK" METHODS.

WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.

BOARD MEMBERS EMPHATIC.

DEPARTMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY,

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.)

HAMILTON, this day.

Several members of the Waikato Hospital Board, when invited to-day to comment on the attitude of the New Zealand Council of the British Medical Association in objecting to the formation of a medical club at Huntly, made it quite plain that they would not be dictated to by the B.M.A. Members said they would tolerate no "big stick" methods. The Huntly scheme was the culmination of years of negotiations. The board's one desire was to serve the people. The Health Department had asked a number of questions bearing on the Huntly proposal. The board would answer these, and if the Department failed to give its consent to the scheme, which the Minister himself, when in Hamilton some time ago, had applauded, then the responsibility would be the Department's. Members remarked that the Health Department dare not refuse its consent, despite any influence the B.M.A. might bring to bear. If the drastic action were taken affecting those members of the profession who at present were working for the board, than the public voice wouid doubtless be raised. The residents of Huntly and district propose to form a medical society by the amalgamation of the various existing miners' medical societies, together with other residents of the Huntly town and district. It is proposed that the society charge each member £2 per annum subscription, and that £1 of this be paid directly to the Waikato Hospital Board and the other £1 used in connection with the society. According to the amount paid to it the Waikato Hospital Board is to supply one or two doctors who will attend the members of the society and take charge of the Huntly cottage hospital.