VICIOUS AND VINDICTIVE’

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 40, 10 May 1927, Page 14

VICIOUS AND VINDICTIVE’

VETERINARY SURGEONS ACT PETITION OF PROTEST (From Our Resident Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Friday. It is gathered here that vigorous exception is being taken in certain northern districts to the operation of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. which was passed by the House of Representatives lasts session, and so strong do those concerned feel on the subject that a petition is to be presented to -Parliament during the coming session praying for relief from its provisions on behalf of those who are affected, and prevented from registration. The Act was described by one of the objectors as “one of the most vicious and vindictive pieces of legislation that had ever been placed upon the Statute Book,” and the assertion was

VETERINARY SURGEONS ACT PETITION OF PROTEST (Prom Our Keszaent Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Friday. It is gathered here that vigorous exception is being taken in certain northern districts to the operation of the Veterinary Surgeons Act. which was passed by the House of Representatives lasts session, and so strong do those concerned feel on the subject that a petition is to be presented to Parliament during the coming session praying for relief from its provisions on behalf of those who are affected, and prevented from registration. The Act was described by one of the objectors as “one of the most vicious and vindictive pieces of legislation that had ever been placed upon the Statute Book,” and the assertion was made that the other registration Acts of recent years, such as the dentists’ and the nurses’ registration acts, were milk and water in their effect as compared with the restrictions .imposed upon those wishing to qualify for veterinary surgeons. It is understood that their case will be championed on the floor of the House when the petition comes up for consideration. The Veterinary Surgeons’ Act of 1926, although following in general the lines of similar registration Acts of recent years, contains a provision demanding that the principal qualification to registration as a veterinary surgeon is membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in London. This is considered a hardship upon those affected, although strong exception is also being lodged against the section which, without enabling registration as veterinary surgeons, authorises persons to practice as “veterinary practitioners” who have practised in New Zealand for ten years immediately prior to the commencement of the operation of the Act, and who lodge their names with the Minister in charge of the measure. Hon. Mr. Hawken, ’within 12 months of its coming into operation.