CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2218, 16 June 1908, Page 2

CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION.

DEPUTATION TO HON. FOWLDS. AMENDMENTS TO LEGISLATION. Press Association, WELLINGTON, June 15. A deputation representing the Federated Association of Chemists waited on the Minister of Public Health (the Hon. Geo. Fowlds) to lay before him certain resolutions passed by the conference held last week. The deputation was introduced by Mr. G. H. Izard, ALP., and the Chief Health Officer (Dr. Mason) was also present. Mr. L. McKenzie, the chief spokesman, outlined the nature of the resolutions passed respecting the Opium Act, the Pure Food Act, and the Anti-Quackery Bill. One special request made was that an advisory committee should be set up in connection with tho working and administration of the Pure Food and Drug Act, and it was submitted that the chemists should have representation on the 'Board.

The Minister said he was pleased to meet the deputation and to have the assurance of the president that the Association wished to have the question of pure food and drugs effaced on the most satisfactory basis. The resolution of the conference would receive the earnest consideration of the Government. In the appointment of an advisory committee on the lines suggested, he saw a good many difficulties. Many people thought they should be represented, and the committee was apt- to become clumsy. However, whether a committee was set up or not, in the framing of the regulations the Governinent would be glad to hav© the assistance of the. Federation in seeing that- such regulations were fair and reasonable. The resolution regarding opium would have to be brought- under the notice of tlie Minister of Customs. He did not think there was much probability that the Sale of Poisons Bill would pass this session, which would likely be a short one. The measure, however, could probably be circulated and fully discussed before it came up the following session. lie promised to have the necessary amendments made in the Bill to meet tlio requirements of chemists where they dispensed for veterinary surgeons.