1.—7.

8

[h. p. bawson.

theoretical examination but have been bad at practical work, because the work shown was not done by them. 110. You lay great stress on a knowledge of the practical work? —Yes; we require much higher marks for that than the theoretical work. If a man cannot stop a tooth, well, he will stand a very good chance of being " plucked " on that alone. 111. From your experience, do you think it would be wise for the Government to do something in connection with looking to the teeth of the children at our public schools ?—Decidedly so. This trouble with the teeth has a far greater effect than the decreasing birth-rate. It is of the most vital importance that the poor children at the public schools should have something done to keep their teeth in order. There are millions of teeth lost every year that could be saved if a very little were done at the right time. To go slightly off the subject: there are teeth which are called the six-year-old molars, and there is not one mother in twenty who understands that these teeth belong to the second set. These teeth are consequently allowed to decay, because they are considered to be the first teeth. When a dentist sees the patient these teeth are irretrievably lost. That gives an idea of the ignorance regarding dental anatomy, and what a serious loss children are incurring for want of a little knowledge on the part of their parents. 112. I would like to ask Mr. Hoby if he indorses what you say as to the seriousness to the rising generation in New Zealand of the want of attention at an early age? Mr. Hoby: Yes. I would like to see introduced here what is done by the London School Board —that is, to have dentists appointed to look after the children's teeth —not only the poor children's, but the better-class children's. 113. Mr. Ell.] You say that authoritatively —after years of practice? Mr. Hoby: Yes. As to the seriousness of the matter, I do not necessarily indorse Mr. Kawson's reference to the declining birth-rate question. The thing is to have the children's teeth examined at school. Mr. Rawson: The parents do not bring the children to see a dentist till it is too late. When you see a child the time to do good has passed. Richard Bulkley examined. (No. 3.) 114. The Chaii-man.] You appear as a member of the Dental Board, Mr. Bulkley? —Yes, and as having been sent by the meeting of dentists. 115. Have you any suggestions to make? —I would like to say that I most cordially agree with Mr. Hoby and Mr. Rawson about pupils —that is, that the present system of indenturing should cease. I feel quite certain that we shall never get a really first-class system of dentistry until such time as the matter is taken out of our hands. We have long been willing that it should be taken out of our hands —we have asked the Government to relieve us and to reappoint the Senate, because we have believed that our pupils were not getting justice done to them —I mean the pupils at large throughout the colony. I made a memorandum while the subject of premiums was under discussion. Mr. McNab, I think it was he, said that a poor man's son was placed at a disadvantage, and suggested that the premiums should be of one amount. 116. Mr. Ell.] I suggested that some limitation should be placed on the amount? —Well, I know of one case here in Wellington where, within the last six months, a pupil was taken without any premium being paid. The indentures come before the Board, and show that the amount of premium for apprentices is from £50 to £100 —mostly £100. On the other hand, I know of a dentist who refused £250 within the last fortnight. If you were to put us all on the same footing some dentists would get all the apprentices, if they could take them. Regarding reciprocity with Canada and the United States, I may say that I have lately come from Canada. While there I spoke to a man on the subject, and he told me that he had got his diploma in Toronto, but that he could not go to Halifax or Vancouver, or anywhere else and practise, without submitting himself to examination. 117. Mr. Sidey.] I understand, Mr. Bulkley, that you cordially approve of the abolition of the apprenticeship system? —I do, heartily. 118. As regards these recognised certificates; do you indorse what has been said? —Yes. 119. Mr. Ell.] Concerning the question of attention to the teeth of children while they are of school age, do you indorse what Mr. Hoby and Mr. Rawson have said? —Entirely. My class of practice brings me into closer contact with the matter than those gentlemen's practice brings them —theirs is more conservative than mme —and I can tell you that I have to extract permanent teeth from the mouths of children of six, seven, and eight years of age —teeth that should have been saved. As to the reference to the birth-rate, Ido not want to put myself up as an authority on that, but it is certainly very important that the children's teeth should be attended to. E. C. Evans examined. (No. 4.) 120. The Chairman.] Whom do you appear for, Mr. Evans?—The unregistered dentists practising in the colony. 121. Where do you come from?—l come from England. 122. Where are you living in New Zealand?—Fitzherbert Terrace, Wellington. I have written down my views regarding Mr. Sidey's Bill, so far as it affects myself, and will read them. I am an unregistered practitioner. I have never sat for examination. Have had seven years' experience with some of the best dentists in England, Australia, and New Zealand. 1 served three years' apprenticeship with a registered dentist in England, where I was engaged in the business of dentistry for four years. My employer in England taught me my business as quickly as I was able to learn it, consequently I was able to make rapid progress in my profession. I have practised in the colonies for the past three years. A few months ago I commenced practice on my own account in Wellington, and, if necessary, I could refer you to my past patients for testimony