ACUTE SHORTAGE OF CHEMISTS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 121, 15 February 1941, Page 12

ACUTE SHORTAGE OF CHEMISTS

Statement By Member Of Pharmacy Committee

Dominion Special Service.

DUNEDIN, February 14.

“The position is acute and the health authorities are very concerned about it,” said Mr. J. A. Race, a member of the New Zealand Pharmacy' Planning Committee, giving evidence before the Armed Forces Appeal Board on the shortage of chemists in the Dominion. “If an epidemic broke out in New Zealand at present the pharmacies would be very hard-pressed to cope ■with it “I have information to show that uo qualified chemists are available in New Zealand today,” Mr. Race said, "and the same applies to unqualified chemists. In 1934 the number of apprentice chemists was 63, but there has been a gradual decline, till in 1938 there were only 32. Each year since then the supply of potential qualified chemists has fallen. The general position in Dunedin is not so acute as in the North Island.” „ , Turning to the calling up of chemists for military service, Mr. Race said that the Director of Medical Services, Lieu-tenant-Colonel Bowerbank, had stated that no registered chemists were to be called unless required for service as dispensers in base hospitals-or on hospital ships. Those called up before July 22. 1940. totalled 45, and the num her who had enlisted but were not called up was 37. The evidence was given in support of an appeal for exemption from military service by two chemists. The board reserved its decision.