402 
HALIFAX CHEMISTS AND DRUGGISTS’ ASSOCIATION. 
which came under your committee for consideration was the removal of the great dif¬ 
ference in the rates of charging in the dispensing of prescriptions. This matter was 
strongly urged for their settlement at the first general meeting of the body after the 
inaugural dinner. They so far exerted themselves in this matter by consulting the 
opinions of the different members of the trade, by the framing of a moderate minimum 
rate, and by laying aside their individual wishes to consult the wishes of the body, that 
they were able to present to a general meeting, held on the 14th of April last such a list 
of charges as, with only two items, “ which were agreeably settled,” met with the 
unanimous support of all present, and with the signatures of every member of the Asso¬ 
ciation with only two exceptions. 
“ Your committee have great pleasure in stating that the plan has been more success¬ 
ful than was at first anticipated. They consider this due, not only to the honourable 
spirit that exists amongst you, but also to the imperative necessity of such an arrange¬ 
ment. Fair prices are the great means to ensure accurate and skilful dispensing of pure 
and reliable drugs. 
“ On the 1st of March the “ Petroleum Act ” came into force. By its operations the 
trade would be subjected to great expense in the payment of a licence, in the construc¬ 
tion of certain vessels for its storage, etc., all of which were precautions intended only 
to apply to dealers in large quantities of such inflammable distillates, yet in its legal 
operation it really affected the sale of benzine, benzilline, etc., and placed the trade in 
an unnecessary and unpleasant position. 
“ Your committee at once took the matter in hand, and communicated with the 
Secretary of the Pharmaceutical Society for advice, which that gentleman kindly and 
promptly forwarded. They appointed a deputation to wait upon the mayor and town 
clerk, consisting of our worthy President, Messrs. Jessop, Farr, and myself. The depu¬ 
tation had an interview with those gentlemen, and explained our peculiar position and 
its injustice, and pointed out to them that the Act was never intended to apply to us. 
This was so effectually done as to receive the assurance of the mayor that the trade 
should not be compelled to obey the stringent requirements of the Act, so long as they 
(the trade) kept these inflammable bodies in such small quantities, and under such pre¬ 
cautions as then stated and exhibited. This would leave the matter, pending further 
instructions from London, of which the Association should receive early intimation. 
“ Your committee are able to state that they have made satisfactory arrangements to 
hold the future meetings of the Association at the Mechanics’ Institute, and desire to 
urge on the members more regular attendance at the general meetings. These meetings 
may be the most powerful means of creating feelings of friendship and brotherhood 
amongst the members, and for the exchange of ideas in reference to trade matters. 
The committee therefore earnestly wish those members who have been conspicuous for 
their absence to favour them with their presence. Oil purpose to raise the status of 
the trade, and to render these meetings more attractive, they are making efforts to in¬ 
duce members to give papers on scientific and social subjects of the trade, and they hope 
such papers will have earnest and large audiences. 
“ At a general meeting, September 8th, the arrangements which had been made with 
the Principal of Haley Hill College, for the instruction of our assistants and apprentices 
in Chemistry, Latin, and Botany, were placed before the members. The very kind 
manner in which the science teachers of that college met the wants of the Association, 
in offering to shape their instruction with a view to the trade examinations, was felt to 
be a very valuable acquisition, and your committee pressed on the members to give them 
speedy and cheerful support, and to induce their young men to a regular attendance 
of these classes. Your committee feel deep regret in having to say that these classes have 
not been supported as well as was expected, or as they deserve, and they now take the 
opportunity of again urging on you to do your utmost to repay this defect by stimulat¬ 
ing your young men, by telling them they can never be able to pass their examinations 
unless they attend them, and the sooner they commence the easier will be the trial; and 
your committee, as a further stimulus, purpose offering annually prizes for competition 
in these essential subjects. The committee would also respectfully point out to you that 
your interests will be best cared for by one who sees you care for his, and that your trade 
will prosper better by well-trained and intelligent youths than by nonentities. They 
say this to induce you to place every opportunity for your young men attending these 
duties. 
