FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND MEDICAL MEN.

Thames Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2914, 18 June 1878, Page 3

FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND MEDICAL MEN.

the Editor of the Evening Star.) Sib,—lf, as I understand from the paragraph which appears in your issue of this date, that the Committee appointed to advertise for a medical officer in various papers have taken upon themselves to state the probable number of members a doctor could depend upon having on his . list as about 800, the Committee have . not only exceeded their duty, but have done a very great injustice to the medical man who may be foolish enough to come here in the hope of realising £800 a year out of Friendly Societies, the above sum - being more than even the late Dr Perston was getting, although lie waa considered a good doctor and very popular. Again, the societies are not likely to be dependent, on two doctors as hitherto, which would also tell against the new comer. No really good medical man cares for societies, as he can make but very little by them, if he treats them- honestly.. As to a dispensary oa the co-operative principle, those who talk about it know little of the cost of such an institution. When the number of members readies JSCO, we may then expect a dispensary of our own, with an efficient staff. However, the societies are at present in an unenviable position, being confined to one medical man, and he is in a very delicate state of health, not to speak of other objectionable traits in his character. —I am, &c,

A Membeb of a Feiendiy Society. Thames, 17th June,; 1878.