PREMIER AT DUNEDIN.

Gisborne Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1573, 2 October 1905, Page 2

PREMIER AT DUNEDIN.

REPLIES TO DEPUTATIONS. (Per Press Association.) Dunedin, last night. The Premier had a very busy day of it on Saturday. After receiving deputations he devoted the afternoon to the formal opening of St. Helens Maternity Hospital. The building, formerly the residence of Mr M. Joel, has been converted to its present service, and appears in evory way suitable.

In tbe evening a deputation of dentists waited on the Promier to protest against giving consideration to dental praoitioners other than those qualified by xamination. The deputation considered t presumptions of such practitioners to ask to be put on the rogister. The Premier said the petition was before the Petitions Committee, and was sub judice. He did not think an alteration of the Act in the direotion feared by the deputation was likely. The Government would discharge its responsibility, and the rights of legitimate practitioners would be preserved.

A deputation from the Trades and Labor Council called to congratulate the Premier on establishing the maternity* borne and debarring medical students from attending. They also referred to the securing of sections for workers’ homes near Dunedin, but strongly objeotod to the giving of the freehold. Tho Premier said the St. Helens Maternity Hospital was not in any sense a charitable institution, and medical students would be as much out of place as in a private house or private hospital. Ho admitted the press and medioal faculty were fighting for tbe advance of science. Ho was lighting for the delicacy of womanhood. If the Charitable Aid Board would fit up their old refuge for destitute and tbe outcast o:ass of women the Government would assist with funds, and students would have the opportunities sought. As to workers’ dwellings, ho put in the freehold clause to get the Bill through Parliament. It was a matter on which there was diversity of opinion. Auokland, for [Jo, stance, wanted freehold.