OTAGO PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12351, 13 May 1902, Page 3 (Supplement)

OTAGO PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION.

p the annual ruoeiing of the Otago Pharmaceutical Association, held on April !!6, was presided over by Mr T. W. Kempthorne. There was fl good attendance.

The report (already published) and the balance sheet were read.

The Chairman, before moving the adoption 0/ the report, desired to say that tho thanks of all Hie chemists of Duncdin and throughout Otago were due to the members of the Executive Committee for the work they had so unselfishly performed for the good of all, and he could not help expressing regret that some of the chemists in the city had not attended the monthly meeting; of the nsoeiation to assist the otha: members in pushing forward many needed reforms.- Hβ ventured to predict, however, that the present members were not likely to be discouraged by this fact, but tlioy would stick to their posts and continue to do such things as they believed would bo beneficial to all, and that by this persistent and unselfish action would induce otlier members to gradually fall in and give them aid. The committee had always endeavoured to co-operate with tho other kindred societies-throughout the colony, so that by muted efforts (hey might carry greater weight in respect to further desirable legislation. Prom the beginning this association had steadily urged a reduction in tho hours of business, which iK-re considered unnecessarily long and could be advantageously shortened, and by persistent efforts, bnded'hy the other members of the profession throughout the colony, they had secured an appreciated boon—namely, a weekly half-hoiidty lor all chemists, an unprecedented achievement, he might say, in tho history of chemists and druggist;. A further advance had also been secured in the amended l'oicon Act passed for the regulation of the silent strychnin?, and arsenic, and whilst admitting these improvements they would continue to urge for the public safety that further legislative action should bo taken in regard to the soiling and control of poisons, and that the registration of oil persons who were licensed to. soil such should be under the bo'.o control oi , the Pharmacy Board, and that such registration should carry a license feo of, say, Ids Gd per annum, such lees to form a part of Pharmacy Bor.rd reveuue. Tim committee believed that by persistency in relation to this reform, and by urging on membra of Parliament in each respective district the necessity oi this course, it would Eoou bfeomo law, and this commitlec was desirous to work witiv the other kindred association* throughout the colony to bring this about, so that the pharmacists ot New Zealand might secure for themselves a position equal to their comrades in Great Britain and the sister colonies. It was a pleasure to know that the social side of these gatherings had done much to foster triemliy intercourse among the members, but. regret was expressed that a greater interest had not been shown in attending the scientific lectures and business discussions. The speaker was hopeful that an improvement in this direction would take place as they went on. AVith regard to educational matters, this had been carefully considered - and it was suggested that the association elect a board to formulate a plan for conducting such classes at their own room and give facilities for those who choose to study an opportunity to qualify themselves for the Pharmacy Board's examinations. In the report'they would notice that- the committee expressed desp regret for ttoloss of two of their members by death during the past year, one of whom was their esteemed auditor, Mr John-Thomson, who was a man to finish effectively anything ho undertook to do. H:s less km rendered doubly sad 10m Iho.fnct that he had only been married a cur months, and the members of the ossocialion, deeply sympathised with the friends of the two lost members. The financial position enables them to meet all present requirements, but it wa.i well that all members should bear 111 tnilicl that prompt payment of subscriptions when due showed methodical habits and business capacity. Amusements were not overlooked, and the committee hoped to add some further attractions in thi, direction. They' would also remember that the last annual dinner was a very enjoyable affair, and it was to be hoped that tho next, which they were looking forward to, would be equally enjoyable The •speaker concluded by moving the'adoption of the report as presented The motion wr.s adopted unanimously. Ihe following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:-President, Mr T. W Kempthorne; vice-presidents, Messrs W. Wardrop and 1. Johnstone; hon. treasurer, Mr It. A lAfing; lion, secretary, Mr J. Ilceion; com-mittce-Messre H. Grocott, (i. Hoffman, A. Has cy, W. Elder, F. E. Willis, I). White; auditor, Mr K. C. Woodward

After some general business was disposed of a vote of thanks to the retirins office-bearers and to the chairman terminated the meeting.