WAIMAIRI WATER

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30233, 11 September 1963, Page 14

WAIMAIRI WATER

Fluoridation Opponents

Compulsory fluoridation of the Waimairi county water supply is being opposed by the Waimairi Action Group, the chairman of which, Mr J. L. Milbum. has issued a statement of policy.

“We will endeavour to avoid encounters with the British Medical Association, the New Zealand Dental Association and individual doctors and dentists," he says.

"We are convinced that large numbers of doctors and dentists are opposed to compulsory fluoridation.

“Becoming engaged in a wordy battle with members of the above professions could create an unseemly, undignified and embarrassing situation between them and their patients. We do not wish to be responsible and members of these professions may rest assured that if such an event comes to pass the situation will be one of their own making.

“This, of course, does not apply to the Department of Health. With this department we will pull no punches." Mr Milburn says the group is not against fluoridation, but against compulsory fluoridation. It believes that a minority has no right to impose fluoridation upon the majority and that the majority has nd right to deprive the minority of fluoridation if it desires it: but that the tablet form of fluoridation is the only democratic solution. The group intends to link with other organisations in New Zealand, the Commonwealth and the United States resisting the introduction of compulsory fluoridation.