THE CLOSING OF CHEMISTS' SHOPS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13136, 21 November 1904, Page 3

THE CLOSING OF CHEMISTS' SHOPS.

TO THE EDITOR. Sin,—ln this morning's issue of the Times Messrs ii. Bagley and Son instance two examples of what they considor necessitous urgonbies, mid request opinions or advice as to how tho>- should act. Newspaper correspondence is not the medium, and I think that Messrs 13. Bagley and Son would have much nioro served tlio object they desire, if tlioy be earnest, and obtained fullor and more satisfactory information, by appealing to tho local association, or consulting privately with the majority of Dtmodin_ pharmacists. Their letter opiyis up a wido Hold for a discussion which, after much attention to all aspects, has convinced kill) modern pharmacist that the " urgont medicine " business of chemists is a more "bogey" of some, to gain an advantage ovor their neighbours with more advanced ideas. I do not hero intend lo debate "urgent mcdicincs," as it would take up too much of your space and my lime, but I must that tho majority of chemists know tho valuo of *the results of modern pharmaceutical research and 1 production, and are not ignorant of the proficienoy of the medical profession of to-day;

and it is an insult to both professions to assume 'Jiat they , have/not made progressive strides along with all other phases of civilisation. So much for an opinion: Now as to advice: If the firm asking it consuits the principal.act which governs theirs and all other pharmacists' businesses, the Pharmacy Act, they will therein find that "chemist" is .1 person "who keeps open shop for the dispensing and compounding of prescriptions"; and if this portion of tlio business bo properly studied a chemist should be sufficiently educated to distinguish between the stipply of " urgent medicines" and eases of "first aid," such as those quoted l by your correspondents. Two such illustrations only serve to show how weak the argument of urgent-medicine supporters is, and I would respectfully suggest to Messrs Bagley and Son to imagine what would have happened to the cyclist or other gentleman quoted if the accidents Jiad occurred in 0110 of the back streets. Yery nrobably the unfortunate sufferers would Lave been attended by-some modern St. John ambulance student until proper medical or surgical aid was obtained. In conclusion, if t-lic Governor-in-Council has any power to amend the act as regards the supply of urgent medicines, I sincerely hope that the regulation will be so framed as to agree with the resolution of the chemists at last Monday's meeting, which reads: "That clioniisla ho permitted to supply urgent medicines or surgical appliances ordoved by a duly qualified medical practitioner at any hour of day or night." This will very fully and satisfactorily provide for tho urgent wants of the suffering eiclc, and at the same time c-nable the modern chemist, who appreciates some little rest and recreation, to lake the same without the feeling that his neighbour is taking undue advantage of him by selling' the 101 classes of goods .which comprise his stock, and which also comprise part of the legitimate stock of a grocer, hairdresser, or fancy goods dealer. —I am, etc., November 18. No lIcMHUG.