A.—l

4

opened in conference on 26th ultimo, when, after due consideration given to the matter, it was decided to reply to the effect following : — Terms Nos. 1 and 2 suggested in the printed memorandum enclosed with your communication present no difficulties, and were not objected to. Term No. 3 requires that every applicant should produce evidence of having served, subsequent to his passing the preliminary examination, at least three years' in translating and dispensing prescriptions in the shop of a registered chemist. In New Zealand the law defining the qualifications required of applicants for registration as pharmaceutical chemists by examination contained in the Pharmacy Act, 1908, requires three years' service under articles of apprenticeship, but it is not necessary that the general-knowledge examination should precede the commencement of service under the articles. Chemists registered by examination in New Zealand would, however, in most cases be able to show that they had obtained three years' experience in prescription-work subsequent to their registration, and thus would be in a position to show compliance with this term. Paragraph 4 specifies that every applicant should produce evidence of sufficient systematic study before entry for the qualifying examination. The language of this condition is regarded as vague and indefinite, and it should be explained what it is actually intended to convey. Most entries for examination are preceded by a more or less systematic effort at study on the part of the candidates, but in many cases there might have been no compliance with a well-defined and systematic curriculum. In New Zealand there is no compulsory curriculum at the present time applicable to pharmaceutical students, and the same position is thought to apply in Great Britain. The Board expresses the opinion that until the establishment of a compulsory curriculum in Great Britain evidence of compliance with a curriculum in New Zealand should not be required. Term 5 was not objected to. Term 6 relates to fees payable by applicants, which would amount to £12 12s. The registration fee payable in this Dominion under similar circumstances would be £1 10s. This Board is of the opinion that a fee of £12 12s. for registration under a reciprocity agreement in the cases of men who have already paid examination fees would be excessive. To terms 7, 8, and 9 the Board offered no objection. I have, &c, Chas. W. Nielsen, Registrar. The Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs, Government Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand.

No. 4. New Zealand, No. 60. Sir, —■ Government House, 9th May, 1912. With reference to my despatch, No. 58, of the 2nd May, I have the honour to transmit to you the accompanying copies of resolutions of sympathy in connection with the recent " Titanic " disaster, which have been forwarded to me by my Prime Minister. . I have, &c, ISLINGTON, The Right Hon. Lewis V. Harcourt, P.C., &c, Governor. Secretary of State for the Colonies. Enclosures. (Telegram.) Hon. Minister of Marine, Wellington. ' Auckland, 25th April. Harbour Board at meeting on Tuesday passed the following resolution : " That this Board expresses its deep sense of the calamity sustained by the foundering of the steamer ' Titanic,' and offers its condolences to those concerned." Please have resolution forwarded to proper quarter. H. B. Burnett, Secretary. Sir, — Miramar Borough Council, Wellington, 19th April, 1912. I have the honour, by direction of the Miramar Borough Council, to inform you that the following resolution was unanimously carried at a meeting of the Council held yesterday, the 18th instant: " That the Council expresses its deep sorrow and sympathy with those who suffered through the loss of the steamship ' Titanic,' and its appreciation of the manner in which the best traditions of the sea were upheld by those on board the vessel." I have, &c, The Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. R. E. Bennett, Town Clerk. Sir,— Borough Office, Town Hall, New Plymouth, 19th April, 1912. I have the honour to inform you of the following resolution passed by the New Plymouth Borough Council last night: " That the New Plymouth Borough Council expresses its sincere sympathy with those bereaved by the appalling calamity caused by the wreck of the ' Titanic,' and also places,on record its deep admiration of the manner in which officers and men upheld the best traditions of the British race in giving the women and children the first chance of rescue. That a copy of the above resolution be forwarded to the Prime Minister, for transmission to the proper authorities." The Hon. the Prime Minister, Wellington. E. T. Bellringer, Town Clerk.