BAN SOUGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 17 June 1938, Page 2

BAN SOUGHT

POLITICAL SPEECHES IN HOSPITALS. (Per Press Association —Copyright). INVERCARGILL, June 10. A, that political addresses hrmld not. be allowed in any institutions under its control did not find Livwith the Southland Hospital Board it a meeting to-day. The request- came Yom the Direetor-Gonoral of Health Dr M. IT. Watt). “It has come, to the notice ot the department that a. group of patients it, a hosnitnl board institution has re■nntlv been given an address ot a largeiv political nature,” stated the letter. ‘lt is not. in the interests of patients generally that such facilities bo granted, particularly so as it is obviously difficult to control them. It would be appreciated, therefore, if boards would instruct- that in no circumstances are

facilities to lie granted for political addresses at any institution under their control.’ 1 •■I do not think we should be influenced by this request. If we do, it is interfering with the principles <:f free speech,’ - said the chairman (Mr T. Golden). 1 ‘There would be a. limit 1.0 the amount of propaganda allowed in a.nv institution but I do not think that the problem affects us seriously enough to consider taking the steps/a ski'd.” It was decided that the secretary reply, stating that the hoard was not in favour of the request, which was opposed to the principles of free speech.