QUACKERY PREVENTION.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LIX, Issue 9932, 31 July 1908, Page 5

QUACKERY PREVENTION.

{Parliameidary Special)

Tlio Quackery Prevention Bill, introduced by Mr Horusby, passed its second readiug yesterday. It is a material modification of tho measure submitted previously, its.obj.ect being to euable tho Chief Health Officer, if ho thinks it necessary, to invoke the aid of tho Supremo Court iv suppressing the sale or advertising of auy drug, patent medicine, or appliance that may be considered daugerous, pernicious, or a menace to the public health. Mr Horusby, who - spoke at considerable length iv support of tho measuro aud iv condemnation of the practices of advertising practitioners, was followed by several other mombersj'au'd one or two most amusing speeches resulted. ! ' .Mr Flatnmu quoted a high modical authority avlio had discovered a wonderful panacea iv Cockles-' Pills. ,;-: .... Mr -Hauan declared that cure-alls wore often of a diabolical character.

Dr Chapplo gave the House the benefit of his professional knowledge aud somcAvhat sad experiences Avith the victims of quackery aud fraud.

This brought Mr Wilford to the front, repleto with sarcasm and drollery, reciting the names of deadly poisou's prescribed by medical practitioners, avlio, lie said, were ■ the-.luckiest meu iv the Avorld, for if they made a mistake they could cover it ovor.

"That is ii shocking libel on medical men," exclaimed Mr Horusby.

Mr Wilford suggested that; his remarks should not bo takeu too seriously; but lie asked, "Is there a doctor that Avould use those poisous as medicines if he could be held responsible for the life of his patient?" Wood's Peppermint Cure, he declared, Avould cure anything, from a bad cold to the leather strap of a seAViug machiuo if it refused to Avork.

The Houso was in au amiable frame of miud, aud the Bill was sout on to its Committee stage without opposition.