PHARMACISTS CONFER

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11416, 12 January 1923, Page 9

PHARMACISTS CONFER

DELIBERATIONS COMMENCE SUGGESTIONS FOR ARMY TRAINING. PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. The fifth annual conference of the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Society in conjunction with the Australasian Pharmaceutical Conference commenced in the Dominion Fanners’ Institute yesterday. Air A. R. Bailey, president of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Society, was in the chair, and present were the following delegates: J. AY, Cochran (Victoria), T, Smith (Sydney), W. Archer (Sydney), S. Crowley (Brisbane), F. V. J. Gray (Sydniey), Wadsw/orth .(Sydney), D. Page (Sydney), C. L. Butchers (Alelbourne), IL. Rankin (Victoria), H. B. Taylor (Sydney), A. T. Sissons (Victoria), F. P. Gulley (Perth), F. Castle, F. A. Provost, A. G. Glenny, C. T. Arthur, F. B. King, J. C. Burbery, R. Johnston, G. Castle, S. Bredin, Toomath, B. Donaldson, R. H. B. Good, H. H. Furneaux, B. (VConnor, Ballinger, F. Ingram, AlcMdlan, G. W. Morey, L. J. Williamson, L. S. W. AloKenzie, J. Castle, A. A. Alee, O. B. AlcDougall, H. R. Gibbs, G. Baylev (all of Wellington), J. Baillio (Hamilton), C. Kiver and W. F. McArthur (Christchurch), G. C. Woodward (Hastings), J. A. S. Tingey (Feilding), L. Longny>re (Pahiatua), R. S. Fear 'Pubekohe), Topplis (representing Burroughs, Wellcome and Co.), ft- Gardener (Dunedin), W. H. Wilton and R. C. L. Laird (Auckland). PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.

This was the first time that the conference had been held in New Zealand, said the president, and he hoped that it would be the forerunner of many other similar conferences. Tlio Dominion was nearer to them in spirit, language, and sentiment than any other portion of the Empire. The two countries were similarly placed as far as military' position was concerned, and should endeavour to present a united front to the world. In the early part of the war the Defence Department had not been well organised in its medical department, and in the early part of 1922 a deputation waited upon General Sir Neville Howse, DirectorGeneral of Aledical Services, and laid before him a scheme : that the pharmaceutical officer should be attached to the staff of the principal medical officer in each State, so as to be in immediate readiness for mobilisation, to take charge of the base depot of the medical stores and act as advisory officer to the P.A1.0. on pharmaceutical matters, and, also, that this officer should be called up periodicals. It was suggested, also, that the societies in each State should be asked to nominate each year, on a per capita basis, a number of pharmacy students, who should receive special training in camp hygiene, water, and food analysis, bacteriology and quartermaster’s duties, to submit themselves for examination subsequently, and, if qualified chemists, to be posted as lieutenants if successful. By this scheme it was estimated that within twenty years Australia would have 100 highly trained pharmacists on the resorvo of her medical corps. THE TIME FOR CHANGE.

It was in times of peace that the greatest efforts should bo made to seoure such readjustments on the army medical side as would lead to increased efficiency pi war time. Wo had not as yet done as much in the direction of pharmaceutical research as we might have done, being new countries, but we might endeavour to provide our quota. In this respect he thought that a survey and classification of Australian native plants might be made, with a report upon their commercial possibilities. He deprecated the Australian Government’s Customs levy upon alcohol used in medicinal preparations, which was anomalous, and congratulated the Australian Society upon its action in enlanging the scope of the “Pharmacy Journal." Another cause for satisfaction was the drawing up of a code of ethics upon which professional men could work.

A vote of thanks, proposed by Air Wadsworth and seconded by Mr Fraser, was carried by acclamation. The secretary’s report and financial statement which showed a credit balance of £53 6s 2d, were adopted. Air F. Castle, president of the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Society, was elected to the chair as conference president. OFFICERS ELECTED.

The following officers were elected:— Hon. treasurer, Air J. W. Oocliran (Victoria); hon. general secretary, Air O. Butcher; scientific secretary, Mr K. O. Cowley; lion, auditors, Alessrs K. C. Cooley and W. Archer; Federal committee, Alessrs A. R. Bailey (Victoria), J. Imnn (Queensland). A. Wadsworth (New South Wales), F. P. Gulley (West Australia), and C. L. Butcher.

IN THE EVENING

DELIBERATIONS CONTINUED, ’ Tlie deliberations of the conference wero continued last night. The matter of controlling the traffic in narcotics and hypnotio drugs was discussed. It was pointed out that the existing regulation in several States was hardly in line with the opinions expressed at the conference at Versailles. At present in New Zealand, under the system of signing it was ouite possible to become a drug-fiend. In New South Wales, West Australia, and South Australia, as well, the matter’ needed attention, and a motion .in this direction was carried. A resolution affirming the conference’s belief in the Federal legislation «n pharmaceutical matters was earned. 'Che question of a test bock of pharmacy was abandoned for the present, as the expenses would bo too heavy, and the number of students small.

During the evening, Air F. P. J. Gray read an interesting tiaper on “Some Recent Dispensing Difficulties.” Yesterday afternoon the visitors .journeyed across the harbour to Eastbourne. A friendly game of bowls was played, in which the New Zealanders proved victorious. The conference rose at a late hour until 10 a.m. to-day.