PHARMACISTS AND WAR.

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2788, 5 June 1916, Page 8

PHARMACISTS AND WAR.

Sir,—Apparently the Honourable the Minister of Defence fails to grasp the situation as regards tlie granting of commissions to fully-qualified chemists., In, the interview with the deputation from tho New Zealand Pharmacy BojU'd, he in reported to have said that the B.A.M.C. had applied for commissions in their corps, but Great Britain did not think it uecessary. And that is just the point. They did not. think it nece.=sary. When tho late Lord Roberts went aroimd the country imploring the people to go in for compulsion—Great Britain did not think it necessary—then; she thinks otherwise now.

It was reported in tho papers that tho Fokker flying* machinfe ivas offered to the British Government first, but they would not buy . as they did not think it necessary. And where do we find them now— longing and longing to build a flying machine to equal—if not better—the "Fokker." If great Powers such as Germany, France, Austria, etc., think it Accessary to grant commissions to pharmacists, surely the time is ripe for Great Britain to do likewise. That commissions to pharmacists in the near future will be granted is a certainty—so why not now? New Zealand has led in many thing?—whs. not in this? Tf the Minis-

tor of Defence can grant commissions to dentists, surely it is in his power .to treat pharmacists likewise. He spoke of the medical training acquired at Palmerston Military Camp. ' This statement alone shows that ho _ fails to grnsj> the situation, as before one is nualf(ied to dispense at all, it requires a three years' apprenticeship under afiillyqualifiei pharmaceutical chemist. That is according to the law. So all the experience they gain at Palmerston is very, very harmless. —I am, etc., BRONLEI" HALL, Manager, ■Wanganui. Gnteby's Pharmacy;