Section 13-109. Purchase of credit for past service as internes

In the same
  manner as hereinbefore provided under section 13-108 of this chapter for
  the purchase of city-service preceding membership, on or before  January
  first,  nineteen  hundred  fifty-three,  or  within one year after first
  beginning membership, credit may  be  purchased  for  service  preceding
  membership  not  exceeding  a  total  of three years as an interne, duly
  appointed by and removable by the city of  New  York,  of  any  hospital
  owned  and  operated  by  such  city,  provided that for any such period
  maintenance,  consisting  of  room  and  board,  was  received   without
  accompanying cash payment.