THE FINAL DAY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1937, Page 10

THE FINAL DAY

B.M.A. CONFERENCE

PRESIDENT'S COMMENTS

Today marked the final session of the biennial' conference of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association, and, in addition to questions of scientific interest, delegates discussed certain matters affecting administration.

This morning demonstrations were given at the Wellington Hospital and were largely, attended. Dr. F. G. Morgan (Melbourne) and Professor E. F. D'Alh (Dunedin) read papers to the pathology and bacteriology section on poliomyelitis, and Dr. T. A. Mac Gibbo- (Christchurch) and Dr. W. Main (Auckland) addressed the eye, ear, nose and throat section. The annual meetings of the New Zealand Medical Assurance Society and of the New Zealand Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society were also held this morning. •Two further annual meetings were held this afternoon, that of the branch itself, and that of the New Zealand Medical Benevolent Fund. Also, there was a special meeting to discuss national health insurance, the main ob-ject-of this being to acquaint medical men in the country districts with the progress that had been made with this Reviewing, the conference, the president Dr T D. M. Stout, said it must oe considered one of the most successful the branch-had ever held. "It has been attended by nearly 300 doctors from all over the Dominion," he told a "Post reporter today, "and the scientific discussions have been of very great practical importance. The contributions of distinguished delegates from overseas have been notable. Particular mention must be made of the addresses given by Sir Edmund Spriggs, who represented the British Medical Association and also the Royal College of Physicians, Sir Robert Muir, the eminent pathologist, and Dr. F. G. Morgan, director of the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. Their assistance was invaluable." Dr Stout referred to the close cooperation between the Health Department as represented by the Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser), and the profession. The doctors attending the conference were unanimous in expressing their great appreciation of the contact that had been made with the Minister, he said. Probably the most important single discussion that took place during the business session of the conference was that yesterday on coronary diseases of the heart, continued Dr. Stout. In view of the importance of heart disease in relation to compensation cases, the medico-legal aspects of the matter were given the closest attention. .. "All who attended the conference speak in the highest terms of the facilities made available in the Dominion Museum and Art Gallery, added Dr. Stout, "and the officials who were concerned with the organisation of the conference are very appreciative of the assistance given.by the museum staff." It is understood that the next conference which will take place two years hence, will be held in Auckland.