CONFERENCE OF CHEMISTS AND DRUGGISTS. 
505 
Pharmaceutical Chemists, and seven may be chosen from members of the Society. It 
was impossible for the Council to forget the struggle and trials of early years,—how 
only by undaunted perseverance and faith, the founders of the Society had raised them¬ 
selves to the position they now held. They had nothing to gain by opening the doors. 
They were satisfied to go on prospering as they had done of late, and the agitation 
out-of-doors was of more benefit than injury to them. Never had their numbers kept 
up as during the past few years; at no time were there so many apprentices upon their 
books, nor were they ever so sanguine as to the future condition of their institution • 
but yet that was not the only spirit that moved them. When opponents came forward 
and in reason and confidence met them, they could discuss that which was for the 
good of all. It was very easy to discuss among themselves what they would like as pro¬ 
tection to trade interests, but in Parliament they must not even hint at such things, for 
with Government it is not what will benefit a class, but the public. In reference to those 
suggestions relative to the reduction of fees, it was a question of detail; if it was seen a 
large number were likely to pass, some alteration might be made. It had never before oc¬ 
curred to him, and therefore he was not prepared to enter into that question then, or give 
an off-hand answer; but he hoped what he had stated would meet with the satisfaction 
of this deputation. It was not in his power to say that there would be an Act obtained 
this session: for his own part, he much desired it; but he could not disguise from them 
that the multfarious duties of Parliament rendered such a result extremely doubtful. 
Mr. D’Aubney was very glad to hear such conciliation had been offered to and ac¬ 
cepted by the first deputation, and he thought it could not fail to be acceptable to those 
present. As far as the election of the Council was concerned, he was able to appreciate 
the concession, but was of opinion that apprentices should be included in any exemption 
from examination. 
Mr. Potter thought it very necessary that this clause should be understood. There 
were many who took apprentices more for the premium than with any intent to instruct 
them, and he thought that apprentices had a vested interest after the premium had been 
paid. 
Mr. Squire expressed very strong feeling in respect to the education of apprentices, 
and thought that after five years there would be no difficulty, if a lad had made good 
use of his time, passing an examination creditably. 
Mr. Cannon said that it was only a matter of a few years, and he did not think it 
worth while retarding the passing of a Bill on a question like this. 
Mr. Savage made a few remarks upon the same subject. 
Mr. Carteighe also gave his experience of those who came for their examination 
often being deficient in the practical knowledge of dispensing, and thought that nothing 
could compensate a youth for the loss of an apprenticeship. 
Mr. Wade wished to refer to the position of Assistants. The application had been 
made by himself for a deputation of assistants to attend that meeting, in consequence of 
his having heard expressions of mistrust from their body. He had, by the kind help of 
Mr. Bremridge, placed their position before the Committee of the Assistants’ Association, 
and was glad to state that they were satisfied. He wished it to be distinctly understood 
that they had no desire to enter into political action, and he quite agreed with them that 
such a step might be injurious to the objects of their institution, which is intended for 
social enjoyment and mutual improvement; but that every interest should be repre¬ 
sented, and the moral support and acknowledgment of the assistants’ approval should be 
produced. He had obtained the following resolution, passed at their meeting with per¬ 
fect unanimity, on Thursday, the 14th inst.:—“That the Society, having regard to its 
perfectly neutral character, and being desirous to avoid interference in any question in¬ 
volving trade differences, respectfully declines to express any opinion by deputation on 
the subject of legislation for Assistants and Apprentices engaged in the business of che¬ 
mists and druggists. The present meeting, however, accord its support to the sugges¬ 
tions of the Pharmaceutical Council, as published in the January number of the ‘ Phar¬ 
maceutical Journal.’ ” 
A few remarks having been made by various gentlemen present, 
Mr, Wade begged, on behalf of those present, to thank the Council for their courtesy 
and for the facilities offered to discuss these matters. It was gratifying that the Coun¬ 
cil had dropped that course which had guided them, no doubt for various reasons he 
was not cognizant of, and which his friends had thought too conservative; he was 
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