REORGANISATION OF B.M.A.

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30602, 19 November 1964, Page 7

REORGANISATION OF B.M.A.

Proposals To Be Considered

The general method of conducting business within the New Zealand branch of divisions of the British Medical Association, the election of executive members, the numbers of council meetings, the size and voting powers of divisions and many other matters retain their Victorian character, says an editorial article in the “New Zealand Medical Journal,” the official journal of the branch. Submissions have been sought from divisional executive committees on the need for changes in “operative machinery” within the branch, and on a proposal for the branch to re-form as an independent New Zealand Medical Association, the journal says. The submissions will be considered by a steering committee set up by the branch. Members of this committee include Mr N. F. Greenslade (Christchurch) and Dr. P. J. Fogarty (Blenheim). The chairman is Mr E. H. M. Luke( Kerikeri). The committee will meet in all four main centres to hear the views of B.M.A. members in each district. “In the matter of changing our status to the New Zealand Medical Association, it is felt in some circles that whereas our ideals and standard of ethics are the same (as those of the parent body), our methods of practice are entirely different and our constitution should suit our conditions,” the journal says. “It has also been suggested that we have attained a stature that warrants our following the lead of Canada and Australia and forming an entirely autonomous association. Actually our relationship with London would hardly be disturbed, as we would retain affiliation with the parent body.”