MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2022, 6 March 1907, Page 1

MEDICAL ASSOCIATION.

Press Association. DUNEDIN, yesterday. The annual meeting of the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association was opened in Dunedin last evening under the presidency of Dr. Barnett, of Dunedin. In his presidential address, Dr. Barnett made reference to the fact that at the present time unqualified practitioners had their names printed in telephone lists oil the same page as amongst the names of qualified practitioners, and that representations to the Department to have these names removed had been met with a refusal. The practice of chemist's prescribing for serious ailments was also animadverted upon, whilst it was freely admitted that chemists of the colony as a class were careful and competent for the work for which they wore qualified and registered to perform. The establishment of a school of dentistry in connection with the New Zealand University aiid also of veterinary schools were favorably reviewed, but dissatisfaction was expressed in connection with the friendly societies that well-to-do members of such societies should avail themselves of the services of lodge doctors at ordinary lodge rates. Regarding hydatid disease, Dr. Bennett said that this was far more serious than was generally considered. For five years up to 1900 there were 426 cases in New Zealand, whilst for the following five years up to 1905 the number of cases was 715, showing that the disease was • increasing largely. It was, however, also pointed out that during the five years up to 1900 the deaths from hydatids had been 71, whilst from 19QQ to 1905 the deaths had been 65, or a drop in the mortality of from 17 to 9 per cent l . It was pointed out that the increase of hydatids was only transmitted through the foocal matter of dogs, and that therefore the greatest care should bo taken by country people in regard to their supplies of drinking water