TRACTS IN HOSPITALS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20621, 21 July 1930, Page 12

TRACTS IN HOSPITALS.

ARRANGEMENTS CRITICISED.

DEPRESSING EFFECT ALLEGED

Tho distribution of tracts to hospital patients was criticised by Mr. U. F. Way at the meeting of tho Rationalist Association held in the Majestic Theatre

last evening. J Mr. Way said that no one could do anything but praiso tho kindly people who saw to tho supply of books, the arrangements for musical items, and especially tho Waterside Workers' Union, | whose members visited each patient on Sundays with gifts of cigarettes or confectionery. Thero were, however, some religious fundamentalists, who, armed with certain tracts, took advantage of incapablo men, women and children who wero patients in tho hospital. Other parties came with an harmonium, sang hymns, and then someone gave :i sermon. | The hospital authorities wero doing their best to create a happy atmosphere, but j their efforts wero hindered by the effect of depressing tract,?. Mr. Way ques- ! tioned whether the Hospital Board was not neglecting its duty in permitting th.i patients to be worried by cheap American tracts, to which he took strong exception.