66 66 Other speakers generally approved of the paper, for But until such a system could be established they must which Dr. Joske was thanked. proceed cautioasly. Dr. Jas. JAMIESON (Melbourne) read a paper on “ A Dr. LOVEGROVE (W.A.) agreed that immense injury milk epidemic of typhoid.” was done to commerce by quarantine. He had, how. The PRESIDENT of the section (Dr. Cherry) read a ever, previously taken the stand and he saw no reason paper on “Six Months' Daily Examination of the to alter his opinion, that commerce, as represented by Melbourne Improved Water Supply.” He claimed large shipping companies, could by insisting upon that the result was very satisfactory. The lowest vaccination of their passengers and crew at the various number of germs obtained per cubic centimeter was ports of embarkation, protect themselves in such a 3; in some cases 6 and 8 ; average, about 80 ; 107 was degree that there would be little, if any, danger of out. regarded as very good ; anything above 300 was looked breaks of small-pox on the voyage of any vessel so proupon as suspicious. tected. It was, however, necessary for the authorities Dr. HAM (Brisbane) congratulated Melbourne on to take every precaution to protect the public health, having such a pure water supply. In his city they had and every precaution should be taken to keep small-pos some thousands of germs in the water per cubic out of the States. He could suggest no better method centimeter. than that of isolation, though personally he was in Mr. McDOUALL asked if the great amount of sun- accord with the English system, viz., isolation of the light in Australia helped to purify the water ? case and surveillance of contacts. Dr. CHERRY did not think so. All depended on the Dr. E. J. CROUCH (Tas.) referred to the arrrival of influence of sedimentation. In slow running rivers the steamer “ Wakanui," and stated when he went on with large bodies of water, like the Goulburn, the board there was nothing to indicate that small-pox sedimentation was good. existed on board. He had understood that the object Dr. JAMIESON (Melbourne) was very sceptical about of a quarantine station was to enable a ship to be cleared the improved water supply of Melbourne, having of a case of small-pox. If the medical officer on board tended to reduce cases of typhoid. The improvement had informed the captain that there was a case of had mostly been as to reticulation. Parts of Melbourne, small-pox the latter would surely have notified the up to two or three years ago, were great typhoid health authorities at Capetown, and the patient would centres. Since then there had been a striking decrease, have been quarantined there. He favoured a system of till the typhoid rate had fallen to as low as the London isolation in preference to a costly system of quaran. rate, and that was saying a great deal. He attributed tine. this great improvement to deep drainage. Melbourne, Mr. A. MAULT (Tas.) hardly thought that anything like Munich, had not benefited so much from an im- useful could be done by passing a resolution that must proved water in regard to typhoid as it had by under- to a certain extent be formal, and one that would not ground drainage. Port Melbourne, until it had been do what he understood Dr. Ham required. The whole drained, was a great typhoid centre, but since then they question was one of arrangement, to decide what could scarcely got a case there. The years when that and other be done to exclude either plague or small-pox. He parts of Melbourne, now drained, were most free from favoured limiting the arrangement to small-pox, be. typhoid, showed more cases by very many than since cause any precaution against small-pox would be equally deep drainage had been established. effective in regard to plague. Dr. CHERRY read a paper on an examination of the Dr. HAYWARD (S.A.) pointed out that cases of smallMelbourne Milk Supply for the tubercle bacillus, and pox had been introduced to Australasia despite the the result was that 2 in 51, or, roughly, 4 per cent. of 4 existence of quarantine regulations. The doctors on the unsuspected cows, and 2 in 36 of the suspected boats had not such a light task, and were natorally COWS were tuberculous. The tests were made with biassed in favour of diagnosing the disease as one of guinea pigs, by subcutaneous injections in to the mild type. peritoneal cavity. Dr. KENDALL (N.S.W.) referred to the absurdity of Dr. Mason (New Zealand) opened a discussion on the quarantine stations unless they were located on the subject of “Quarantine.” He said the question to be considered was how to secure the greatest safety some isolated islande. with the least possible interference with trade. It Dr. HAM admitted that a system of medical inspection was difficult to frame regulations for diverse diseases might also allow a disease to enter a country, as was like plague and small-pox. There was an absolute shown by the existence of small-pox in London. necessity for differential treatment to be adopted for Dr, CHERRY thought that the following resolution ships arriving from different countries. One important might be agreed to,—" That in the opinion of this feature to be considerei was—Did the disease they Congress vaccination should be uniformly enforced were trying to keep out exist in the country that an throughout the States, with a view to the early altera. effort was to be made to protect ? Dr. Mason then tion of existing quarantine regulations, and the Federal detailed what steps were taken in New Zealand to Parliament be requested to initiate requisite legislation prevent the introduction of plague to that colony. to give effect to this resolution." Dr. HAM (Queensland) said he understood the The motion was agreed to. question to be considered was —"Medical inspection Dr. BURNETT HAM read a paper on “The Spirit of as against quarantine.” Medical inspection was all Hygiene in Australia.” This was followed by a disright in Great Britain. . Such a system required a large, cussion. (To appear in a future issue). highly organised, and well trained body of officials, Dr. CHERRY spoke on pseudo tuberculosis (caseous health authorities, medical authorities, and police lympathic glands) in sheep. It was probable that authorities. The system worked well in England, but inocculation usually took place from sheep to sheep would it do so here? In Australasia the staffs would through the scratches and cuts produced at shearing be numerically small, and a large extent of country had time. The disease was spreading. The disease was to be travelled over that was difficult of access, and important on account of the relation of the microwhich offered no hope of tracing passengers. He would organisms to that of glanderi. At present glanders was be glad to fall in with a scheme of medical inspection not known here ; but the close relationship was worth if it could be made effective, and properly carried out. 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. ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY, AND PHARMA COLOGY. President, 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, diphtheria, 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. Executive The Reception.-The President and 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. "At Home by the Premier and Mrs. Lewis.—The BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION : Premier, Hon. N. E. Lewis, C.M.G., and Mrs. Lewis were “At Home" at the Tasmanian Museum on Thurs. NEWS. day evening. The function took place in the new large room of the Museum, which is to be used as a trophy and tourists' room. The Premier and Mrs. Lewis received PROCEEDINGS OF AUSTRALASIAN the guests at the entrance to this room. A smaller oblong room, off the large one, was used as a refreshment room, BRANCHES. and the picture gallery above was utilised for an entertainment by Mr. Clifford Walker, the talented monologue performer. Mr. T. W. Hopkins' orchestra played choice selections of music during the evening. The atten. New South Wales." dance included all the members of the Ministry, | A SPECIAL general meeting of the Branch was held at the two Puisne Judges of the Supreme Court, the the Royal Society's Room on Friday, 7th March, 1902. Commandant of the Defence Force, members of both Preeent : Dr. Foreman (President) in the chair ; Drs. Houses of Parliament, the Mayor of Hobart, the Lipscomb, Clarence Read, R. Bowman, Hankins, Solicitor-General, and many others. Martin, Todd, Gordon Craig, Traill, Levy, W. G. ArmThe Mayor's Garden Party at Salmon Ponds.-On strong, Spencer, Blackwood, Nolan, W. Odillo Maher, Friday, February 21st, at 1.20 p.m., a special train left Millard, Tilley, Crago, Trindall, Chas. MacLaurin, Hobart, conveying upwards of 600 guests to the above- Jolin Harris, R. S. Bowker, J. A. Dick, Knaggs, mentioned fête. His Worship and Mrs. Kerr received G. L. O'Neill, McDonagh, Gledden, J. Morton, McClel. the guests at the railway station. The train arrived at land, Stokes, Walker Smith, Collins, Mary Booth, the Plenty station in good time, and vehicles were Beeston, D. Kelly, Hinder, Ludowici, Rennie, Furnival, awaiting to convey those who chose to drive to the H. Browne, Frizell, Arthur, Blackburn, Palmer, trysting place. Many, however, preferred to walk Marano, MacPherson, Binney, A. L. Kerr, Mcllroy, from the station to the Salmon Ponds. On arriving at Carruthers, West, Agnes Bennett, Hetherington, the Salmon Ponds it was at once apparent that the Sinclair Gillies, Burfitt, Doak, J. Wade, Sandes, hospitality of the Mayor and Mayoress had been dis- Freyer, Brennand, Cosh, McLean, Megginson, Ludlow, played with the very best results. After the good Newmarch, Wood, Isbister, S. H. Hughes, Worrall, things provided had been enjoyed, the visitors had an Mills. Maitland, Dixson, G. A. Marshall, Taylor opportunity of inspecting the hatcheries, and of seeing Young, D. MacMaster, O'Gorman Hughes, D. Phipps, the fish fed. The company was thoroughly representa- J. J. Kelly, S. Finlay, and others. tive, and the fête was enjoyable in every way. Hobart Visitors : Dr. Trotter, Dr. Windeyer, Dr. Edwards, station was reached on the return journey at 6.50, and The circular convening the meeting was read. except for one slight shower, the day was fine ant The PRESIDENT explained that the Council had agreeably cool. decided that the business of the meeting should be Visit to Hobart Quarantine Station.-On Saturday, confined to discussing the relations of the A.N.A. February 22nd the President and members of the towards the medical profession. He would call on Board of Health, members of the Ministry and Legis- Mr. Hankins to explain the reason for calling this lature, chairman and members of the General Hospital special meeting. Board, some of the local medical men, including Drs. The Hon. SECRETARY related the events occurring Butler, Crowther, and Sprott, Mr. Henderson, local since the general meeting of the profession on August manager of the Union Steam Ship Company, and several 31st, 1900, which have led up to the present meeting. members of the Intercolonial Medical Congress pro- In October, 1900, a conference between represenceeded in the 8.8.“ Huon" to the Quarantine Station at tatives of the Council of this Branch and the Board of Barnes Bay, accompanied by Mr. Mault, secretary the Australian Natives' Association took place at the to the Board of Health. Dr. W. T. Hayward, the request of the latter. There the question of the £200 South Australian Government representative at the limit was discussed, with the result that the Australian Medical Congress, proposed the health of the President Natives' Association declined to accede to such terms, of the Board, and took occasion to thank him, on In reply to a question as to whether the absence of the behalf of brother members of the profession, for the £200 limit was the only objection, the members of the most pleasurable excursion. Incidentally he spoke in Australian Natives' Association Board were informed high praise of the station arrangemente. Replying, that there were other objections, which were specified ; the Hon. G. T. Collins expressed his great satisfaction but for the time being it was sufficient to base our main at meeting so many members of the profession, and action on the absence of the income limit. It is more especially at receiving, through Dr. Hayward, necessary to state this fact, because in a circular issued assurance of their hearty approval. by the Australian Natives' Association, dated February Mayor's Fishing Excursion. The fishing excursion 27th, 1902, it is stated that this (the income limit) orzanised by the Mayor (Alderman Kerr) for members has been the only question of difference ever raised by of Congress on Saturday afternoon, resulted in those the British Medical Association. On January 7th, 1902, who availed themselves of it getting grand sport, all the Council received another request for a conference, returning to town delighted. with which it could not see its way to comply. Bowling Match.-On Saturday afternoon a bowling On January 21st the general secretary wrote to the match was played on the Hobart Green, between a team effect that the Board of Directors of the Australian chosen from the club and a team of visiting medical Natives' Association had decided to agree that $200 men. The Hobart men were:- Messrs. G, S. Seabrook, shall be the wage limit allowed all medical benefit 1; H. Drake, 2; S. P. Crisp, 3; R. Snowden (captain) members of their association, and assumed that this 4. And the doctors were :- :- Drs. Willis (Malvern, concession, in terms of the demands of the New South Melbourne), 1; Rosenfeld (Port Melbourne), 2; Adams Wales Branch of the British Medical Association, would (Victoria), 3; Harold (Adelaide), captain, 4. The settle existing difficulties. The Council of this Branch game was 25 heads, and the Hobart team won, making then decided to submit the whole question to the 27 points against the visitors' 25. members of the Branch, and informed the secretary of the Australian Natives' Association that meanwhile but a repetition of that reigning in Victoria at the the relations of this Branch with his Association would, present time. He maintained that the profession of course, remain unchanged. must refuse to enter into any relations whatever with Dr. G. E. RENNIE moved the first resolution : the Australian Natives' Association, for it was not a ** That this Branch of the British Medical Association, philanthropic association. Further, there is no need having reconsidered the question of contract medical for this new medical benefit society. Ample provision attendance on members of the Australian Natives' exists at present in the form of lodges, clubs, etc., to Association, hereby reaffirms the decision of the Council enable any deserving man to secure medical attenof the Branch of 7th August, 1900, in declaring the dance and medicine at reduced rates, and no hardship Australian Natives' Association a society prejudicial to is forced upon any by their refusal to recognise or treat the interests of the medical profession in accordance with the Australian Natives' Association as a medical with Article of Association No. 35A." In speaking to benefit society. He urged the following three points the resolution, he said he thought before the specific as grounds for supporting the resolution :-1. That the question was discussed they should consider for a Australian Natives' Association is not framed on a moment the position of medical contract practice philanthropic basis. 2. That they knew the experience generally. For a good many years past it had been the of medical men in Victoria in their dealings with the custom for members of the profession to recognise Australian Natives' Association past and present. Friendly Societies, and to attend such at a reduced 3. That there was no need for an additional medical rate. Societies so recognised had been established on benefit society in New South Wales. He begged to philanthropic bases, and he maintained that in so move the resolution just read. accepting and treating these societies the profession Dr. GORDON CRAIG, in seconding the resolution, said had made a concession on its part ; but there were that the question before them that night had been very other societies that had absolutely no claim whatever clearly put in the three reasons given for combating on the profession. The former had been leniently the encroachments of illegitimate friendly societies. dealt with on account of their having discharged a They recognised the wage earning class as the dividing duty towards the wage-earning class. And he would line : but people of quite a high social standing would point out that this concession on the part of medical join the Australian Natives' Association, although they men could be withdrawn at any time by them did it were in a position to pay ordinary fees, and by their appear that they were being imposed upon. This rule example attract others until eventually private practice of attendance upon the sick at reduced rates had been would be a vanisbing quantity. So far from the Ausin force a good many years, and had been availed of tralian Natives' Association being a medical benefit more and more, and though originally granted simply institution it was purely a political organisation, and to the wage-earning class, it had been gradually it sought to make use of the medical profession for the encroached upon by others, He would have them purpose of advertisement only. Of those who would consider the number of persons at the present time join it could be said with safety that one out of every anxious to join medical benefit societies for the purpose ten was in receipt of an income in excess of the limit of obtaining cheap medical attendance, and it had fixed, whereas in an ordinary legitimate friendly become necessary for medical men to insist upon a society the proportion would be about one in a hundred. wage limit. The wage limit question first came up in Dr. BEESTON explained that he had come from New. the year 1896. At that time a meeting of the pro- castle on purpose to attend the meeting for menibers of session was held, and the wage limit was fixed at £200 the British Medical Association in his district, and he per annum, After long negotiations the Clerks' and believed those living in the country generally did not Warehousemen's Association ultimately agreed to thoroughly understand the true position of affairs. He recognise this limit. The special consideration before would like to ask what were the inducements held out them that night, however, was the position of the by the Australian Natives' Association to medical men, profession with regard to the Australian Natives' | in order to get them to accept their lodges ? Association. This association had first been converted The PRESIDENT replied that the only object of the into a medical benefit society in this State the year | Australian Natives' Association, which concerned the before last. It had existed in Victoria for many years profession, was contract medical attendance for their previously. He was opposed to this association because members. Their other objects might be admirable, but it sought to attract members to its organization by were beside the question. means of these medical benefits. The profession had Dr. SPENCER remarked that the plea that the Ausnothing to do with the political aspect of the asso- tralian Natives' Association was not formed on a purely ciation, but they objected to it because it was not philanthropical basis, might possibly be replied to framed upon a philanthropic but upon a political basis. that other societies not so based were recognised and He considered that the foregoing was the strongest treated as medical benefit societies, he would mention argument against the association. Its secretary, how. Catholic and Temperance, Societies; personally he was erer, was endeavouring to make capital out of the in perfect sympathy with the object of the meeting, wage limit question. They knew from the experience but he held that upon such an important matter as of medical men in Victoria what the position of that before them they could not have too much light affairs bad become in that State. Evidence had been thrown on the question. He viewed the acceding by given by such practitioners that the members of the the Australian Natives' Association to the wage limit Australian Natives' Association demanded the most of £200 per annum as being a distinct concession attention and were the most tyrannical of all the gained, a tactical advantage which should only be Friendly Societies in Victoria, and paid their medical abandoned for overwhelming reasons. With regard to : officers at the lowest rate. Evidence of some of the the position of the profession in Victoria he would like leading men in the profession went to show that they to point out that their brethren in that State were, were afraid to open their mouths because of the unfortunately, hopelessly divided in action and that influence of the Australian Natives' Association in their interests had suffered in consequence. Speaking that State. If New South Wales medical men con- for himself he was perfectly in accord with the object sented to negotiate with the Australian Natives' of the meeting, and like a soldier, was prepared to Association, the state of the profession here would be follow the leading of the council. A Victorian practitioner was present, and he testified to the encroachments of the Australian Natives' Association in that State on the profession; in fact, it sought to dominate it. Although the profession was unhappily to a considerable extent divided in Victoria, yet he gave instances in which good work had been done by the Medical Defence Society in assisting the New South Wales Branch of the British Medical Association. At the inception of the Australian Natives' Association, members had, on joining, succeeded in gaining medical benefits. Some joined as single men, and agreed to pay 25s. per annum, but such men in due course married, and as the A.N.A. grew in strength it resulted in their medical officers being compelled to attend members' families at that rate; indeed, instances had occurred in which a member, by paying 12s. 6d. per annum to the doctor, succeeded in obtaining medical attendance for himself and family, his mother, sisters, brothers, under a certain age, or living with him. In country towns everyone belonged to the Australian Natives' Association, and private practice has declined to the vanishing point. He advised the profession in New South Wales to resist the attempt of the Australian Natives' Association to gain the upper hand in this State, warning his confreres that all baits such as a wage limit, and promises of payment by members of 25s. per annum would be thrown to the winds when once the Australian Natives' Association had obtained a firm footing in the State. Dr. BINNEY asked if the Australian Natives' Association was objected to only on the question of medical benefits? The PRESIDENT said such was the case. Dr. CHAS. MACLAURIN was in complete sympathy Natives' Association. He found the work unobjectionwith the resolution. Dr. CLARENCE READ believed that even if they did agree to accept Australian Natives' Association members at the wage limit of £200 per annum, there would probably be members whose incomes were in excess of that limit joining and claiming medical benefits. Then on the medical officer objecting to such, would not the onus of proof rest on him? The officials of the Australian Natives' Association would not take it on themselves. He strongly advocated the adoption of the resolution. If they yielded once they would have to yield all along the line. Dr. LEVY questioned whether a country practitioner could hold out against the Australian Natives' Association if it established a branch in his district. Another member was of opinion that after the experience of the result of the working of the Australian Natives' Association in Victoria all that remained for the N.S.W. Branch to do was to show an unbroken front. The majority of members of the Branch were those resident in Sydney and its suburbs, and a boycott must if necessary be issued against all who worked against the interests of the profession Dr. BEESTON was convinced that the Australian Natives' Association could never introduce and subsidise a medical man of their own in any district, provided the resident doctors stood together. Dr. HAROLD BROWNE said he thought the fate of the Junee Branch was sufficient answer to the fear expressed by the last speaker. This Branch collapsed, according to the Herald, some weeks ago, owing to the refusal of the two resident medical men to act as medical officers. and to the impossibility of the Australian Natives' Association obtaining a man to start practice there as their nominee. The threat of getting another medical man to start in opposition was a very usual one in a country town where any dispute arose between medical men and lodges, etc. Such threats had, in his experience, come to nothing. Was it likely that a society paying its medical officers as low a rate as 12s. 6d. per member per annum would go to the expense of subsidising a medical man to start practice in a town in the face of united opposition. Such action would cost them, perhaps £500 to fully equip them. Dr. NEWMARCH held that the united action of the Branch so proposed that night would materially help their colleagues in Victoria, and it might result eventually in their being able to cast off the yoke from their shoulders. Dr. SINCLAIR FINLAY mentioned a case in which a suburban medical man on refusing to accede to the demands of the Australian Natives' Association had had an opposing doctor of more complacent disposition placed in his neighbourhood. Mr. HANKINS said :-In the present discussion we have nothing to do with the Australian Natives' Association as a patriotic, national, or political society. There were many natives of Australia, I am proud to say, in the ranks of the British Medical Association, and each member was free to hold his individual opinion as to the objects and doings of the Australian Natives' Association. As a body we were only concerned with the Association in its character of a Medical Benefit Society, and we have met to-night to decide whether we are willing to enter into contracts for medical attendance on members of the association or not. During my recent visit to Tasmania, I have sounded many practitioners how the organisation was working, especially in Victoria. Öne gentleman practising in one of the larger towns said that he himself was medical officer to a Branch of the Australian as to able enough. The members were a superior class of club patients and lived, as a rule, in good houses, and in good style. On enquiry, as to the social and financial position of his patients, he said they included professional men, legislators, bank managers, mining directors-in fact all the "nicest " people in the place. He admitted that the other doctors had just cause for complaint that their patients left them, but that if he gave up his appointment plenty of others would be ready to take it-and the Branch being thoroughly established, it could offer a decent income at first go off, to any man they might import into the town should the resident practitioners stand out. It is evident from this narrative that an organisation conducted on such lines must be a very bad thing for the profession. But it may be argued that if the Australian Natives' Association is willing to yield the income limit, such abuse could not exist. The fact is we have no confidence that the income limit can ever be properly enforced, especially in this instance, where it is conceded very tardily and unwillingly. We could hardly expect assistance from the officers of the association who look to the medical department as a means of attracting members. We have seen that when once a medical officer is appointed and has become dependent upon the association, he is not likely to be very active in questioning his patients' incomes-patients whom he would probably never see in any other capacity than as club patients. The mass of medical practitioners would only suspect what is taking place when they began to lose sight of their old patients, and found their work falling off. And they would find it extremely distasteful, if not impossible, to prove a case and obtain redress. Under these circumstances it would be much better to decline the contracts for medical attendance on members of |