BAN ON SMOKING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23425, 15 August 1939, Page 8

BAN ON SMOKING

HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES "HARSH RESTRICTION" request for removal The prohibition of smoking in a sitting room occupied by the female domestic staff employed at the Nurses Home was described as "harsh and unreasonable for the year 1939" by the secretary of the Auckland Hotel and Restaurant Employees' Union, Mr. F. G. Young, in a letter received by the Auckland Hospital Board last night. He said that, as the result of the j enforcement of » regulation by the sister in charge, the girls complained that if they wished to smoke they had to do so in the bathroom. "When I approached the sister in charge, she. said it was a regulation and that it was to be enforced, but the girls could smoke in the laundry if they liked," Mr. Young stated. ' 1 have asked several board members if they know of any such regulation being approved by the board, but they disclaim knowledge of it. In the circumstances, I have to conclude that the regulation in question has been enforced by one of tlio officers of the board." Mr. Young asked the board to consider the matter with a view to removing the objectionable regulation and any others calculated to unduly restrict the freedom of the board s employees. _ M "Personally, I don't like the habit, said Dr. J. P. Hastings, "but under the prevailing customs the restriction seems harsh." Mr. W. K. Howitt: It is common in universities, hospitals and other institutions in New Zealand that there is one room where smoking is not allowed. n , , Dr. Hilda Northcroffc: I understand the regulation was made as a precaution against fire. It was decided to refer the matter to the lady superintendent, Miss E. M. Nutsey, for report.