182 
YAW \ V 
THE iJJ STB AT, ASIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACY. 
Air. White pointed out that, with regard to country districts where there 
were no chemists, that difficulty could be got over by having a clause in the 
Act to the effect that all storekeepers beyond a certain distance from a chemist 
could sell drugs, &c., provided they obtained a license from the Pharmaceutical 
Society. He, too, was in favour of an Act if it would be a benefit, but it must 
not be forgotten that, unless it was worded according to our wants, it might 
prove prejudical. It might prevent chemists prescribing for slight ailments, 
and as this formed a considerable part of the trade of many such, a restriction 
would be severely felt. 
Air. Long was of opinion that we knew little of the effect of Pharmacy 
Acts, and thought the appointment of a committee to thoroughly investigate the 
matter, and then report to the society, would be the best thing we could do. 
The opinion of pharmacists liviug where the Acts were in force might be 
obtained. 
The vice-president, Air. Grundy, thought the present time unsuitable for 
obtaining a Pharmacy Act. The members of the Legislature were too much 
occupied with the serious business which the present depression and other causes 
forced upon them to give attention to our needs, and he therefore thought that 
to take action now would be premature. 
Air. Smith and others gave some evidence in reference to the result of legisla- 
tion on pharmacy in England and elsewhere, and the president then reviewed 
the various difficulties in the way. Speaking of the educational advantages of 
an Act, Air. Harrison said that these were great, and had the effect of raising 
the status of the pharmacist to the position it ought to occupy. It also stimu- 
lated the pursuit of knowledge among the younger members. With regard to 
the country districts, that difficulty could be obviated as Air. White suggested. 
In reference to restrictions upon chemists through an Act, these could only be 
prevented by having influence in the Legislature on the side of pharmacy, and, 
inasmuch as we had no advocates at present, while there were several repre- 
sentatives of the medical profession to look after its interests, it was doubtful 
whether this was a suitable time to bring the matter forward. He was in 
favour of an Act when one such as we needed could be obtained. 
Air. Hill then said that his purpose had been partly served by the discus- 
sion that had taken place. He saw, however, the need of obtaining further 
information, but would like to postpone the motion till next meeting, in order 
that some not present might have an opportunity of expressing their opinion. 
He moved therefore that the motion be postponed. This was permitted and 
carried, and the proceedings terminated. 
A somewhat full account of the above meeting is placed before your 
readers in the belief that they will not be wearied by it, inasmuch as it marks 
a noteworthy point in the history of South Australian pharmacy. At the first 
meetings of the Pharmaceutical Society all the members were unanimous in 
their opinion that voluntary methods were the best for them, but now, although 
they have not exactly abandoned that position yet, they are seriously considering 
the desirability of compulsory education and legal status. Bound together as a 
society, we naturally observe the lines which other similar bodies have traversed, 
and cannot help asking ourselves the question whether such a course may not 
be best for us, nor deny that it very likely is. There is very little doubt but 
that a committee to investigate will be appointed, and if their report should 
be favourable to an Act, we trust we may be able to so frame it as to secure 
to pharmacists here all reasonable advantages and prevent all unfair restric- 
tion. 
