NEW SYSTEM OF CHARGES ON TRIAL BY VET. CLUB

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22707, 4 August 1948, Page 6

NEW SYSTEM OF CHARGES ON TRIAL BY VET. CLUB

To find a flat-rate solution to the vexed problem of mileage charged by club veterinarians when -travelling to and from their cases throughout the district members of the central executive of the Gisborne Veterinary Club discussed all aspects of the question at a meeting yesterday. Finally, after an amendment, supported only bv its proposer and seconder, had been lost a compromise was reached and as from August 1 until the situation is further reviewed in six months the following flat-rate system of charging mileage will be adopted:—Mileage will be charged for each case on the rate of 15s within a radius of 12J miles. 21s within 13 to 20 miles, and 25s beyond 20 miles.

Introducing the subject, the president. Mr. Lawson Field, stressed tw. point that the co-operation of members and veterinarians would be essential. The club was endeavouring to reduce the mileage charges to assist those members some distance from the centre. The scheme could be operated quite effectively if members requiring ve.erinary advice, particularly those a distance from a headquarters, could arrange for two or more visits on the one trip The system was likely to break down if that co-operation was not forthcoming, Mr. Field said. Other Suggestions Made

He was speaking to the original motion, which fixed the charges at 15s for a visit involving travel up to a radius of 10 miles and 21s over 10 miles. Mr. R. H. Biggar drew attention to the fact that the 10-mile radius would cut through centres of population and that would be undesirable'"as it might cause some feeling among members living just beyond the 10mile line. On the other hand, 12 J miles would embrace within its radius Manutuke, Patutahi and Ormond.

Several other rates were proposed before Mr. E. Rowse, the proposer, arid Mr. J. Wood, the seconder, agreed to amend their motion to the terms of the one finally adopted. During the discussion, Mr. J. W, Gardner moved an amendment, supported by Mr. S. B, Monck, that the charges be as follows:—A minimum of 15s up to a raduis of 10 miles. 20s for 10 to 15 miles, 22s 6d for 15 to 20 miles, 25s for 20 to 25 miles, £1 6s 6d for 25 to 30 miles, £1 8s for 30 to 35 miles. £1 9s 6d for 35 to 40 miles, £1 11s for 40 to 45 miles, with a maximum of £1 12s 6d. Old Rates for Piece-work

In reply to a question by Mr. G. W. Powdrell, Mr. Field said the old rates would be payable, members sharing mileage, where piece-work was involved. Piece-work would include dogs, heifers, rams, pregnancy testing and herd examinations. Mr. Wood: As far as we are concerned on the Coast it is the best news we have had for a long time. When members of the executive were asked to vote on the Question the amendment was lost and the motion carried with one dissentient voice.

It was decided that charges to nonmembers woulcl remain as at present, but wjth a minimum charge exclusive of drugs and dressings at £1 Is per visit.

A scale of minimum charges for professional services to non-members, pronosed bv the New Zealand Veterinary Services Council, was adopted.