THE WRONG WAY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 196, 20 August 1930, Page 9

THE WRONG WAY.

PREACHING IN HOSPITAL

TRACTS AND HARMONIUM,

BOARD TO TAKE ACTION.

"It's time the board took some action in the matter," said a, member of the Hospital Board at yesterday's meeting when two complaints were read regarding religious ministrations in the wards.

The first was from a patient who complained about the distribution of tracts, and also of the noise of'singing and a harmonium. The second was from the Rationalist Association, forwarding a large number of tracts which it was alleged had been' handed- to hospital patients by visitors, These were of such a nature as to be considered disturbing to the patients.

The house committee reported that it had been decided that the distribution of these tracts indiscriminately was not advisable, and it had referred the matter to the medical superintendent to take such action as he thought fit. When the matter was being discussed it was suggested that no person or religious denomination should be allowed to hold any service in the wards without the medical superintendent's authority. • "Services at Bedside Only." The Rev. W. C. Wood said his sympathy was with the patients in the matter of the tracts. He was surprised to hear that any group of people could go into the wards and sing, and hold services. Such a thing should not be considered by the board for a moment. He was not by any means against religious services; but they should be held at the bedside of the patient. It was a serious matter and should go before the committee for further report. It was not fair to place the whole responsibility on the shoulders of the medical superintendent. It was the board's responsibility. It was an objectionable practice and should not be allowed to continue. These people should have to make application to the house committee. Superintendent's Views. Dr. C. E. Maguire, medical superintendent, said the people complained of had been going round the hospital every Saturday afternoon for years. He had not had any complaints from patients. "They are a very decent crowd," he said, "and make handsome donations at Christmas." He went on to say that they had promised not to expound the Scriptures; but evidently they were "at it now."

On the recommendation of the chairman (Mr. W. Wallace) the whole matter was referred to the house committee.