CHEMISTS’ COMPETITION

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 June 1936, Page 12

CHEMISTS’ COMPETITION

[to the editor.] Sir,— Concerning the protest of the members of the Pharmaceutical Society against the application of the Boots British Drug Coy. in the latter’s endeavour to establish branches in all main towns in this country, it must ue .realised that great hardship would result to Dominion chemists it this application was granted by the Government. Messrs. Boots are in the position to manufacture their own drugs, tablets and medicinal preparations in their English laboratories, by means of cheaper labour and mass production. They would do business on a svstem of cash only, whereas the New Zealand chemists have to be prepared to give credit over long periods to destitute and certain classes of working people. To make a living and be in a position to meet their wholesalers’ accounts for goods supplied. they could not compete with Messrs. Boots in prices, it they kept up the present standard of quality. Chemists have to compete now with very strong opposition from several chain stores and departments, grocers, drapers and fancy goods depots. The Government should seriously consider the bringing in of a Bill making it compulsory for each retailei to stock and sell goods appertaining to their individual trades only. Then prices could be fixed covering all lines apart from produce, etc., and according to localities and distances from cities. Chemists before they become qualified and licensed by registration have to serve long periods of apprenticeships after matriculating and attend University lectures and colleges of pharmacy before they are eligible to sit for their examinations. They must be fully qualified before they are allowed to act as managers of pharmacies and dispensaries or start business on their own account. Their hours of work are long and they have to be on duty with a practicallv continuous service throughout the year. They are always at the service of the medical profession and general public. Considering the amount of capital, their life savings, which thev have to invest in stocking their shops and the continuous service given the public pi ofessionally, they are poorly recompensed and have to save and work verj’ hard in order to make both ends meet. If Messrs. Boots Coy. were allowed to commence in each centre, 1 feel sure half the Dominion chemists would be driven out of business, causing much hardship and unemployment. In the ease of Wellington chemists, for instance, a full enquiry was made recently covering the prescriptions issued" bv all the doctors and those dispensed by all chemists outside Messrs Boots on one day only, and it was found that evidently Messrs Boots had dispensed 95 per cent, oi the number leaving only 5 per cent, dispensed by the 30 to 40 remaining chemists, many of whom have been in business from the very early days of the city. This will result probably in that many assistants will be discharged for lack of work and reduced incomes. The chemists spend all their savings in their own country, whereas the profits made by Messrs. Boots would be sent overseas. In ’certain cases, protection must be given to retailers. The New Zealand chemists will surely do their part and o-ive the consuming public the square deal which the Government expects. Yours, etc.. ~ “LIVE AND LET LIVE.