CHEMISTS MEET

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 9, 11 January 1923, Page 8

CHEMISTS MEET

PHARMACEUTICAL DELEGATES 1

CONFERENCE

MANY IMPORTANT MATTERS.

The conference of Australian and New Zealand pharmacists commenced active business this morning. The agenda was a long one, including many important matters, such as the institution of a school of pharmacy; a suggestion that the Friendly Societies Act be amended restricting friendly society dispensaries to the supply, to their own members; only, of medicine and surgical appliances ; and a suggestion that the Pharmacy Act, 1908, be amended to give the Pharmacy Board power to remove from the register the name of any chemist who, in the opinion of a majority of all the members of the board, is unfit to remain upon the register owing to dis- j reputable character, habit, or practice. Wanganui has forwarded a remit, "That steps be taken to investigate, and, if necessary, to modify., the existing opium laws and regulations." These matters are all connected with the New Zealand section, and will not come before the conference until to-morrow. This morning the conference was restricted to discussion of matters before the Australasian Conference, and the discussion was mainly confined to Australian delegates. Mr. A. R. Bailey made a brief presidential'a.ddress. He said the business was lengthy and must be proceeded with as soon as possible. He said it was very necessary for Australia and New Zealand to foster close relations, especially as the two countries had more community interests than any other portions of the British Empire. Co-operation was very necessary in regard to defence, and the Pharmaceutical Society must organise a scheme of training to meet any emergencies. With this in view it was submitted that apprentices on a per capita basis should bo specially trained to take charge of their branch in the army services. Not sufficient attention had been paid to pharmaceutical research, and the efforts of pharmacists had been confined principally to establishing themselves individually. New Zealand, with its various soils and varying climates, could produce everything required for medicinal purposes. The duty on medicinal alcohol was an anomaly, and they had not received the assistance given by rebates in England and Canada. The code of ethics, had been formed, and the step had been a big step forward. The report of the secretary (Mr. C. L. Butchers) on matters dealt with during, the year, and his financial statement, showing a good credit, were adopted. Mr. A. R. Bailey, who has been president for some ten yaars, was accorded a hearty vote of thanks for the excellent work done during his presidency. Several members eulogised his services to the cause of pharmacy and in the control of the conferences. The motion was carried amid loud acclamation. The election of officers: President of session and until a successor is appointed, Mr. F. Castle (president New Zealand Pharmaceutical Society); hon. treasurer, Mr. J. W. Cochran (Victoria.) ; hon. general secretary, Mr. C. L. Butchers; executive, Messrs. A. R. Bailey, A. Wadsworth, F. P. Gulley, J. Lunn, and ■C. L. Butchers; delegates, Messrs. A. Wadsworth (N.S.W.), A. R. Bailey (Victoria), S. Crawley (Queensland), F. Castle (New ZealandJ, F, P. Gulley (Western Australia); auditors, Messrs. S. Crowley and W. Archer (Sydney); scientific secretary, Mr. S. Crowley (Brisbane). GENERAL BUSINESS. It was decided on the motion of Mr. A. R. Bailey to levy annual subscriptions on a membership basis instead of on a flat rate. The subscriptions were fixed as follows: £1 for under 100, ■£2 fw under 200, £3 for under 300, £5 for 300 and over. A committee was set up.to draw up a list of possible and desirable subjects for research, and draw up some scheme to encourage students to make research in the subjects chosen. The conference adjourned till this evening., ■