Introductory speeches at the New Zealand branch of the British Medical Association Conference in Dunedin, 1948. [This was the name of the New Zealand Medical Association until 1967.]
The recording opens with attendees singing “God Save the King”. An opening speech by Dr. T.G. Gray who acknowledges Dunedin's Scottish origins, Dunedin’s centennial year and the fame of the Otago Medical School. He makes reference to the many attendees who trained at Otago University and hold the city in very great affection. On behalf of the British Medical Association, Gray wishes the city prosperity and declares the conference open.
A welcoming speech by the Mayor of Dunedin Donald Cameron follows. Cameron thanks the B.M.A. for choosing Dunedin and welcomes everyone. He says the city looks forward to honouring the settlers of 100 years ago and acknowledges their debt to religion, education, medicine and commerce.
Cameron holds the present-day members of the BMA and their profession in high regard and affirms a gratitude to their calling; he recognises those who have devoted their lives to diseases in the Pacific Islands and served in recent wars.
Cameron notes how proud he is of the Medical School currently under the direction of Sir Charles Hercus, and congratulates Sir Bernard Dawson and Lady Dawson on their recent Birthday Honours tribute by His Majesty the King. He wishes them well and declares the conference now open.
An introduction to the Minister of Health by Dr. T.G. Gray [Remainder of conference recording is not int he collection.]
[NB. The digital audio file contains significant disc surface noise due to deterioration on the master analogue lacquer disc].