Patent Medicine Regulations

Southland Times, Issue 19471, 26 November 1904, Page 3

Patent Medicine Regulations

Per United Press Association. DUNEDIN, Nov. 25. Replying to a deputation from the drug tratie, Sir J. G. Ward said the patent medicine regulations had been put into operation on the "recommendation of the professional advisers of the Health Department. Medicines had been sold containing a considerable portion *of poison without the slightest indication of .that fact to consumers. It was the law in England. There was a wrong conception in the minds of those making representations to him. Nine-tenths o! what were alleged to be patent, medicines were not so, because there was no patent for them. Be was as adverse as anyone to compelling manufacturers to disclose their secrets or business, but at the same t.ime he wanted to see. the public protected. WELLINGTON, Nov. 25This morning a meeting of chemists, attended by 30 representatives from various parts of the colony, was held for the purpose of discussing the recently gazetted' regulations regarding patent medicines. Opinions were divided. A. motion approving of the regulations was moved by Mr Flean, of Wanganui, and seconded by Mr Wilton (Wellington). A counter motion was moved by Mr Symons (Turnbull and Co.) to the effect that the meeting protest against the regulations. This was carried 1 by a two ,to one majority. Nothing v/as done in the way of appointing a deputation or sub-committee as in other centres.