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Story: Medicines and remedies

UFS Dispensary, Dunedin

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UFS Dispensary, Dunedin

Until 1941, when prescription medicines became funded by the government, most people had to pay the full cost of medicines prescribed by their doctors. However, members of friendly societies (mutual assistance clubs for working people) could get subsidised medicines at United Friendly Society Dispensaries (UFSD). In the early 20th century, the UFSD in Dunedin was centrally located on the corner of Moray Place and Princes Street.

Using this item

Auckland Council Libraries − Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau, Sir George Grey Special Collections

Reference: 35-R447

by Frederick George Radcliffe

Permission of Auckland City Libraries Tāmaki Pātaka Kōrero must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Pauline Norris and Rosemary Beresford, Medicines and remedies – Prescription medicines, 1940s to 1990s, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/28227/ufs-dispensary-dunedin (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Pauline Norris and Rosemary Beresford, published 22 March 2011, updated 1 April 2020.