Colonial Despatches

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch No. 132 of the 12th December enclosing a copy of the Ordinance of your legislature No. 31 of 1867, entitled "An Ordinance respecting Practioners in Medicineand and Surgery" and stating that it will be perceived that the provisions of that enactment are not at variance with the views of the Imperial Government. I am unable, however, to assent to this opinion, since by the 4th section of the Ordinance a person is not entitled to be registered who cannot produce a Diploma or License from a School, Society or College, where a compulsory course of study of not lessthan than three years is made a condition precedent to Colonial registration. It is clear, however, from the terms of the proviso at the end of the 3d. section of the Medical Act Amendment Act 1868 (31 Vict. C. 29) that no condition of any kind except the payment of fees and proof of registration under the Medical Act of 1858 can be imposed upon those who have registered under the last mentioned Act.

The Ordinance therefore requires amendment, and Ihave have to desire you to take the necessary steps to bring it into conformity with the Imperial Legislation upon this subject.