Other speakers generally approved of the paper, for which Dr. Joske was thanked.

Dr. JAS. JAMIESON (Melbourne) read a paper on “A milk epidemic of typhoid."

The PRESIDENT of the section (Dr. Cherry) read a paper on "Six Months' Daily Examination of the Melbourne Improved Water Supply." He claimed that the result was very satisfactory. The lowest number of germs obtained per cubic centimeter was 3; in some cases 6 and 8; average, about 80; 100 was regarded as very good; anything above 300 was looked upon as suspicious.

Dr. HAM (Brisbane) congratulated Melbourne on having such a pure water supply. In his city they had some thousands of germs in the water per cubic centimeter.

Mr. McDOUALL asked if the great amount of sunlight in Australia helped to purify the water?

Dr. CHERRY did not think so. All depended on the influence of sedimentation. In slow running rivers with large bodies of water, like the Goulburn, the sedimentation was good.

Dr. JAMIESON (Melbourne) was very sceptical about the improved water supply of Melbourne, having tended to reduce cases of typhoid. The improvement had mostly been as to reticulation. Parts of Melbourne, up to two or three years ago, were great typhoid centres. Since then there had been a striking decrease, till the typhoid rate had fallen to as low as the London rate, and that was saying a great deal. He attributed this great improvement to deep drainage. Melbourne, like Munich, had not benefited so much from an improved water in regard to typhoid as it had by underground drainage. Port Melbourne, until it had been drained, was a great typhoid centre, but since then they scarcely got a case there. The years when that and other parts of Melbourne, now drained, were most free from typhoid, showed more cases by very many than since deep drainage had been established.

Dr. CHERRY read a paper on an examination of the Melbourne Milk Supply for the tubercle bacillus, and the result was that 2 in 51, or, roughly, 4 per cent. of the unsuspected cows, and 2 in 36 of the suspected cows were tuberculous. The tests were made with guinea pigs, by subcutaneous injections in to the peritoneal cavity.

Dr. MASON (New Zealand) opened a discussion on the subject of "Quarantine." He said the question to be considered was how to secure the greatest safety with the least possible interference with trade. It was difficult to frame regulations for diverse diseases like plague and small-pox. There was an absolute necessity for differential treatment to be adopted for ships arriving from different countries. One important feature to be considered was-Did the disease they were trying to keep out exist in the country that an effort was to be made to protect? Dr. Mason then detailed what steps were taken in New Zealand to prevent the introduction of plague to that colony.

Dr. HAM (Queensland) said he understood the question to be considered was-"Medical inspection as against quarantine." Medical inspection was all right in Great Britain. Such a system required a large, highly organised, and well trained body of officials, health authorities, medical authorities, and police authorities. The system worked well in England, but would it do so here? In Australasia the staffs would be numerically small, and a large extent of country had to be travelled over that was difficult of access, and which offered no hope of tracing passengers. He would be glad to fall in with a scheme of medical inspection if it could be made effective, and properly carried out.

But until such a system could be established they must proceed cautioasly.

Dr. LOVEGROVE (W.A.) agreed that immense injury was done to commerce by quarantine. He had, however, previously taken the stand and he saw no reason to alter his opinion, that commerce, as represented by large shipping companies, could by insisting upon vaccination of their passengers and crew at the various ports of embarkation, protect themselves in such a degree that there would be little, if any, danger of outbreaks of small-pox on the voyage of any vessel so protected. It was, however, necessary for the authorities to take every precaution to protect the public health, and every precaution should be taken to keep small-pox out of the States. He could suggest no better method than that of isolation, though personally he was in accord with the English system, viz., isolation of the case and surveillance of contacts.

Dr. E. J. CROUCH (Tas.) referred to the arrrival of the steamer" Wakanui," and stated when he went on board there was nothing to indicate that small-pox existed on board. He had understood that the object of a quarantine station was to enable a ship to be cleared of a case of small-pox. If the medical officer on board had informed the captain that there was a case of small-pox the latter would surely have notified the health authorities at Capetown, and the patient would have been quarantined there. He favoured a system of isolation in preference to a costly system of quaran tine.

Mr. A. MAULT (Tas.) hardly thought that anything useful could be done by passing a resolution that must to a certain extent be formal, and one that would not do what he understood Dr. Ham required. The whole question was one of arrangement, to decide what could be done to exclude either plague or small-pox. He favoured limiting the arrangement to small-pox, because any precaution against small-pox would be equally effective in regard to plague.

Dr. HAYWARD (S.A.) pointed out that cases of smallpox had been introduced to Australasia despite the existence of quarantine regulations. The doctors on boats had not such a light task, and were naturally biassed in favour of diagnosing the disease as one of mild type.

Dr. KENDALL (N.S. W.) referred to the absurdity of the quarantine stations unless they were located on some isolated islands.

Dr. HAM admitted that a system of medical inspection might also allow a disease to enter a country, as was shown by the existence of small-pox in London.

Dr. CHERRY thought that the following resolution might be agreed to,-"That in the opinion of this Congress vaccination should be uniformly enforced throughout the States, with a view to the early altera tion of existing quarantine regulations, and the Federal Parliament be requested to initiate requisite legislation to give effect to this resolution."

The motion was agreed to.

Dr. BURNETT HAM read a paper on "The Spirit of Hygiene in Australia." This was followed by a discussion. (To appear in a future issue).

Dr. CHERRY spoke on pseudo tuberculosis (caseous lympathic glands) in sheep. It was probable that inocculation usually took place from sheep to sheep through the scratches and cuts produced at shearing time. The disease was spreading. The disease was important on account of the relation of the microorganisms to that of glanders. At present glanders was not known here; but the close relationship was worth pointing out. Should the horse become affected, it

would be exceedingly difficult to diagnose it from glanders.

Dr. MASON mentioned that the disease had been met with in New Zealand, and they had a prosecution for selling tuberculous meat based on this, which fell through.

Dr. CHERRY was not surprised, for the organism was not unlike tubercle. Unless care was taken it might be confused with plague bacillus and Hoffman's bacillus. Dr. CHERRY gave an address on the Colon Bacillus, in relation to water supply. It is an indication in water of sewage contamination. He fully explained the bacteriological process of identification.

Dr. KENDALL (Sydney) made a few remarks, and Dr. CHERRY replied..

The section resolved, on the motion of Dr. HAM, seconded by Dr. GOLDSMITH, to forward a resolution to Congress next day in favour of a school of tropical medicine being established on a federal basis, and located at Brisbane.

The proceedings of the section were then closed, with a hearty vote of thanks to Dr. Cherry, proposed by Dr. LOVEGROVE, seconded by Dr. GIBLIN.

SECTION 6.

COLOGY.

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY, AND PHARMAFresident, Mr. J. H. Scott, M.D., C. M., Professor of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Otago, New Zealand.

Dr. D. M. Officer (Melbourne), read a paper entitled "A case of sarcoma of tongue with microscopic sections."

Dr. J, THOMSON (Brisbane), exhibited numerous lantern slides of micro-photographs, illustrating the micro-organisms found in the blood of typhoid, diph. theria, tuberculosis, plague, leprosy, anthrax, tick fever, and others. Also a series of non-pathogenic organisms.

ENTERTAINMENTS AT THE HOBART INTERCOLONIAL MEDICAL CONGRESS.

The President's Garden Party.-On Monday afternoon, February 17th, the President of the Congress, the Hon. Dr. G. H. Butler, M.L.C., and Mrs. Butler, gave a garden party on the Elswick racecourse to the members of the Congress and a few others. A special train, which left the Hobart station at 3.30, carried 600 ladies and gentlemen to the racecourse, and, in addition a good many went thither in private and other vehicles. Dr. and Mrs. Butler received the guests at the entrance to the course, and gave each a separate and cordial greeting. The vast majority of those present were visitors from the other States and New Zealand, but the few local people who gave a Tasmanian colouring to the gathering were happily representative. The Headquarters Band, under Mr. T. W. Hopkins, played some music on the lawn. The catering was in the hands of Mr. C. D. Haywood, and was done admirably. Refreshments were served in five different places, and thus crowding was prevented. Dr. G. Sprott, the Secretary to the Congress, was unflagging in his efforts to make everything go well. The train started on the return trip at 5.35, and deposited all safe in town again, thoroughly well pleased with their recreation.

The Reception.-The President and Executive Committee held a reception in the Royal Society's Rooms on Monday evening, February 17th, at 9 p.m. Amongst those present were the Vice-regal party, Ministers of the Crown, the President of the Legislative Council, the Speaker of the Assembly, the Judges, and a large number of visitors. The new Art Gallery was opened

Refresh

for the first time, and was greatly admired. ments were laid out in the new northern wing, and the function proved a great success.

River Excursion.-On Tuesday afternoon, February 18th, upwards of 600 persons availed themselves of the river excursion given to members of the Congress, and their friends by the directors of the Union S.S. Co. The steamer "Oonah" left the wharf at 2.30 p.m. for a run down the Channel. Unfortunately, shortly after leaving the pier rain set in, which continued for upwards of an hour, the beauties of Mount Wellington and the Channel being viewed literally under a cloud. However, the clouds soon lifted, and an enjoyable run to Green Island was made in good time, Hobart being reached on the return at 5.50. Hopkins' band helped materially to enliven the proceedings, and the officers of the Congress and of the " Oonah were unflagging in their endeavours to entertain the visitors.

Senator and Mrs. Macfarlane's "At Home."—On Wednesday, February 19th, the members of the Congress and a few citizens were received by Senator James Macfarlane and Mrs. Macfarlane at an "at home" at their residence, "Newlands," New Town. About 400 ladies and gentlemen assembled in the beautiful and extensive grounds of "Newlands," which, with its gate-lodge and carriage drive, and homely residence is reminiscent of the typical country or suburban house of the old country. Senator and Mrs. Macfarlane received the visitors outside a little pavillion on the lawn. The Headquarters Band performed some music in the tennis court, under the direction of Mr. T. W. Hopkins, the bandmaster. Refreshments were served in a tea-house, and in two open tents. The greater number of those present were visitors from the other States, but the local community was represented, A special tram service took a large number of guests to "Newlands," and the others went thither in cabs and private carriages. The weather was beautifully fine, and, in all respects, the function passed off with éclât.

Congress Dinner.-The President of the Congress (Hon. Dr. G. H. Butler, M.L. C.), gave a dinner at the Tasmanian Club, on Wednesday evening, February 19th. to past presidents of congress and present presidents of sections, local secretaries, and Government representatives from the various States, the company numbering about 30.

Dr. VERCO (Adelaide), the senior past president of congress, proposed the health of their host, eulogising the work being done, and the excellent arrangements and the happy combination of work and social pleasure afforded the visitors. The toast was enthusiastically honored, and the President expressed his sincere gratification at learning that the arrangements met with the approval of their visitors.

Dr. SYDNEY JONES (Sydney), by leave of the host, as past president, introduced the toast of the executive, whom he warmly complimented, especially Dr. Sprott.

The President and the General Sectretary (Dr. Sprott) replied, mentioning that they were greatly indebted to members of the profession in Hobart for having so well helped them in carrying out the arrangements.

Garden Party at Government House.-On Thursday afternoon His Excellency the Governor and Lady Havelock gave a garden party to the visitors at Government House. Unfortunately, showers of rain militated somewhat against the attendance, but the function was enjoyable. The Military Band, under Mr. Bandmaster Hopkins, played a nice selection of music.

NEWS.

PROCEEDINGS OF AUSTRALASIAN BRANCHES.

The Mayor's Garden Party at Salmon Ponds.-On Friday, February 21st, at 1.20 p.m., a special train left Hobart, conveying upwards of 600 guests to the abovementioned fête. His Worship and Mrs. Kerr received the guests at the railway station. The train arrived at the Plenty station in good time, and vehicles were awaiting to convey those who chose to drive to the trysting place. Many, however, preferred to walk from the station to the Salmon Ponds. On arriving at the Salmon Ponds it was at once apparent that the hospitality of the Mayor and Mayoress had been displayed with the very best results. After the good things provided had been enjoyed, the visitors had an opportunity of inspecting the hatcheries, and of seeing the fish fed. The company was thoroughly representa tive, and the fête was enjoyable in every way. Hobart station was reached on the return journey at 6.50, and except for one slight shower, the day was fine ant agreeably cool.

Visit to Hobart Quarantine Station.-On Saturday, February 22nd the President and members of the Board of Health, members of the Ministry and Legislature, chairman and members of the General Hospital Board, some of the local medical men, including Drs. Butler, Crowther, and Sprott, Mr. Henderson, local manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, and several members of the Intercolonial Medical Congress proceeded in the s. 8. "Huon" to the Quarantine Station at Barnes Bay, accompanied by Mr. Mault, secretary to the Board of Health. Dr. W. T. Hayward, the South Australian Government representative at the Medical Congress, proposed the health of the President of the Board, and took occasion to thank him, on behalf of brother members of the profession, for the most pleasurable excursion. Incidentally he spoke in high praise of the station arrangements. Replying, the Hon. G. T. Collins expressed his great satisfaction at meeting so many members of the profession, and more especially at receiving, through Dr. Hayward, assurance of their hearty approval.

Mayor's Fishing Excursion.-The fishing excursion organised by the Mayor (Alderman Kerr) for members of Congress on Saturday afternoon, resulted in those who availed themselves of it getting grand sport, all returning to town delighted.

Bowling Match.-On Saturday afternoon a bowling match was played on the Hobart Green, between a team chosen from the club and a team of visiting medical

men.

4.

The Hobart men were: - Messrs. G. S. Seabrook, 1; H. Drake, 2; S. P. Crisp, 3; R. Snowden (captain). And the doctors were::-Drs. Willis (Malvern, Melbourne), 1; Rosenfeld (Port Melbourne), 2; Adams (Victoria), 3; Harold (Adelaide), captain, 4. game was 25 heads, and the Hobart team won, making 27 points against the visitors' 25.

The

New South Wales.

A SPECIAL general meeting of the Branch was held at the Royal Society's Room on Friday, 7th March, 1902. Present Dr. Foreman (President) in the chair; Drs. Lipscomb, Clarence Read, R. Bowman, Hankins, Martin, Todd, Gordon Craig, Traill, Levy, W. G. Armstrong, Spencer, Blackwood, Nolan, W, Odillo Maher, Millard, Tilley, Crago, Trindall, Chas. MacLaurin, John Harris, R. S. Bowker, J. A. Dick, Knaggs, G. L. O'Neill, McDonagh, Gledden, J. Morton, McClelland, Stokes, Walker Smith, Collins, Mary Booth, Beeston, D. Kelly, Hinder, Ludowici, Rennie, Furnival, H. Browne, Frizell, Arthur, Blackburn, Palmer, Marano, MacPherson, Binney, A. L. Kerr, McIlroy, Carruthers, West, Agnes Bennett, Hetherington, Sinclair Gillies, Burfitt, Doak, J. Wade, Sandes, Freyer, Brennand, Cosh, McLean, Megginson, Ludlow, Newmarch, Wood, Isbister, S. H. Hughes, Worrall, Mills. Maitland, Dixson, G. A. Marshall, Taylor Young, D. MacMaster, O'Gorman Hughes, D. Phipps, J. J. Kelly, S. Finlay, and others.

Visitors: Dr. Trotter, Dr. Windeyer, Dr. Edwards, The circular convening the meeting was read.

The PRESIDENT explained that the Council had decided that the business of the meeting should be confined to discussing the relations of the A.N.A. towards the medical profession. He would call on Mr. Hankins to explain the reason for calling this special meeting.

The HON. SECRETARY related the events occurring since the general meeting of the profession on August 31st, 1900, which have led up to the present meeting. In October, 1900, a conference between representatives of the Council of this Branch and the Board of the Australian Natives' Association took place at the request of the latter. There the question of the £200 limit was discussed, with the result that the Australian Natives' Association declined to accede to such terms, In reply to a question as to whether the absence of the £200 limit was the only objection, the members of the Australian Natives' Association Board were informed that there were other objections, which were specified; but for the time being it was sufficient to base our main action on the absence of the income limit: It is necessary to state this fact, because in a circular issued by the Australian Natives' Association, dated February 27th, 1902, it is stated that this (the income limit) has been the only question of difference ever raised by the British Medical Association. On January 7th, 1902, the Council received another request for a conference, with which it could not see its way to comply. On January 21st the general secretary wrote to the effect that the Board of Directors of the Australian Natives' Association had decided to agree that £200 shall be the wage limit allowed all medical benefit members of their association, and assumed that this concession, in terms of the demands of the New South Wales Branch of the British Medical Association, would settle existing difficulties. The Council of this Branch then decided to submit the whole question to the members of the Branch, and informed the secretary

of the Australian Natives' Association that meanwhile the relations of this Branch with his Association would, of course, remain unchanged.

Dr. G. E. RENNIE moved the first resolution :"That this Branch of the British Medical Association, having reconsidered the question of contract medical attendance on members of the Australian Natives' Association, hereby reaffirms the decision of the Council of the Branch of 7th August, 1900, in declaring the Australian Natives' Association a society prejudicial to the interests of the medical profession in accordance with Article of Association No. 35A." In speaking to the resolution, he said he thought before the specific question was discussed they should consider for a moment the position of medical contract practice generally. For a good many years past it had been the custom for members of the profession to recognise Friendly Societies, and to attend such at a reduced rate. Societies so recognised had been established on philanthropic bases, and he maintained that in so accepting and treating these societies the profession had made a concession on its part; but there were other societies that had absolutely no claim whatever on the profession. The former had been leniently dealt with on account of their having discharged a duty towards the wage-earning class. And he would point out that this concession on the part of medical men could be withdrawn at any time by them did it appear that they were being imposed upon. This rule of attendance upon the sick at reduced rates had been in force a good many years, and had been availed of more and more, and though originally granted simply to the wage-earning class, it had been gradually encroached upon by others, He would have them consider the number of persons at the present time anxious to join medical benefit societies for the purpose of obtaining cheap medical attendance, and it had become necessary for medical men to insist upon a wage limit. The wage limit question first came up in the year 1896. At that time a meeting of the profession was held, and the wage limit was fixed at £200 per annum. After long negotiations the Clerks' and Warehousemen's Association ultimately agreed to recognise this limit. The special consideration before them that night, however, was the position of the profession with regard to the Australian Natives' Association. This association had first been converted into a medical benefit society in this State the year before last. It had existed in Victoria for many years previously. He was opposed to this association because it sought to attract members to its organization by means of these medical benefits. The profession had nothing to do with the political aspect of the association, but they objected to it because it was not framed upon a philanthropic but upon a political basis. He considered that the foregoing was the strongest argument against the association. Its secretary, however, was endeavouring to make capital out of the wage limit question. They knew from the experience of medical men in Victoria what the position of affairs had become in that State. Evidence had been given by such practitioners that the members of the Australian Natives' Association demanded the most attention and were the most tyrannical of all the Friendly Societies in Victoria, and paid their medical officers at the lowest rate. Evidence of some of the leading men in the profession went to show that they were afraid to open their mouths because of the influence of the Australian Natives' Association in that State. If New South Wales medical men consented to negotiate with the Australian Natives' Association, the state of the profession here would be

but a repetition of that reigning in Victoria at the present time. He maintained that the profession must refuse to enter into any relations whatever with the Australian Natives' Association, for it was not a philanthropic association. Further, there is no need for this new medical benefit society. Ample provision, exists at present in the form of lodges, clubs, etc., to enable any deserving man to secure medical atten. dance and medicine at reduced rates, and no hardship is forced upon any by their refusal to recognise or treat with the Australian Natives' Association as a medical benefit society. He urged the following three points as grounds for supporting the resolution:-1. That the Australian Natives' Association is not framed on a philanthropic basis. 2. That they knew the experience of medical men in Victoria in their dealings with the Australian Natives' Association past and present. 3. That there was no need for an additional medical benefit society in New South Wales. He begged to move the resolution just read.

Dr. GORDON CRAIG, in seconding the resolution, said that the question before them that night had been very clearly put in the three reasons given for combating the encroachments of illegitimate friendly societies. They recognised the wage earning class as the dividing line but people of quite a high social standing would join the Australian Natives' Association, although they were in a position to pay ordinary fees, and by their example attract others until eventually private practice would be a vanishing quantity. So far from the Australian Natives' Association being a medical benefit institution it was purely a political organisation, and it sought to make use of the medical profession for the purpose of advertisement only. Of those who would join it could be said with safety that one out of every ten was in receipt of an income in excess of the limit fixed, whereas in an ordinary legitimate friendly society the proportion would be about one in a hundred.

Dr. BEESTON explained that he had come from Newcastle on purpose to attend the meeting for members of the British Medical Association in his district, and he believed those living in the country generally did not thoroughly understand the true position of affairs. He would like to ask what were the inducements held out by the Australian Natives' Association to medical men, in order to get them to accept their lodges?

The PRESIDENT replied that the only object of the Australian Natives' Association, which concerned the profession, was contract medical attendance for their members. Their other objects might be admirable, but were beside the question.

Dr. SPENCER remarked that the plea that the Australian Natives' Association was not formed on a purely philanthropical basis, might possibly be replied to that other societies not so based were recognised and treated as medical benefit societies, he would mention Catholic and Temperance Societies; personally he was in perfect sympathy with the object of the meeting, but he held that upon such an important matter as that before them they could not have too much light thrown on the question. He viewed the acceding by the Australian Natives' Association to the wage limit of £200 per annum as being a distinct concession gained, a tactical advantage which should only be abandoned for overwhelming reasons. With regard to the position of the profession in Victoria he would like to point out that their brethren in that State were, unfortunately, hopelessly divided in action and that their interests had suffered in consequence. Speaking for himself he was perfectly in accord with the object of the meeting, and like a soldier, was prepared to follow the leading of the council.