DISPUTE WITH B.M.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 270, 14 October 1929, Page 7

DISPUTE WITH B.M.A.

“BIG STICK” METHODS. WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. HAMILTON. Oct. 12. Several members of the Waikato Hospital Board, when invited to comment oil''the attitude of the New Zealand Council of the British Medical Association in objecting to the_formation of a medical club at Huntly, made it quite plain that they would not be dictated to by the B.M.A. Members said they would tolerate no “big stick” methods. The Huntly scheme was the culmination of years of negotiations. The board’s one desire was to' serve the people. The Health Department had asked a number of questions bearing on the Huntly proposal. The board would answer these, and if the department failed to give its consent to the scheme, \vhicn the Minister himself, when m Hamilton some time ago, had applauded, then the responsibility would be the remarked that the Health Department dare not refuse its consent, despite any influence the B.M.A. might bring to bear. If the drastic action were taken affecting those members of the profession who at present were working for the board, than the public voice would doubtless be raised..

The residents of Huntly and district propose to form a medical society by the amalgamation of the various existing miners’ medical societies, tof ether with other residents of the [untly town and district. It is proposed that the society charge each member £2 per annum subscription, and that £1 of this be paid directly to the Waikato Hospital Board and the other £1 used in connection with the society. According to the amount paid to it the Waikato Hospital Board W to supply one or two doctors who will attend the members of the society and take charge of the Huntly cottage hospital.