Magic Wand Waved For the Afflicted

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 210, 24 November 1927, Page 1

Magic Wand Waved For the Afflicted

FUN DOCTOR RETURNS

ENTERTAINING IN A GAOL

There will be one more Baby Austin on the streets of Auckland now that Norman Tate, otherwise “the fun-doctor,” has returned to his native city. Six months ago the tiny car was parked in a suburban garage, the while its owner made one of his periodical visits to. Australia where, visiting schools, hospitals and prisons, he bears a message of good cheer to children, the afflicted and the drear of heart. *‘T~joCTOK” TATJE, who returned by the Niagara, sees human nature on what the American expressively terms “the half shell.” Its major and minor tragedies are exposed in the cross-section thrown open in liospitais and gaols. Just a few days ago Mr. Tate helped,

with his : juggling and cheerful patter, to banish gloom from the over-wrought minds of the Greyclitfe survivors—people sent to hospital after their rescue from the tragic waters off Bradley’s Head. None of the Sydney or Melbourne, bospitats is larger than the Auckland Hospital, but there are many more of a uniform £ize. At the largest Sydney hospital Mr. Tate, in one day went through 23 wards, entertaining the patients in each. Both the Caulfield and Rand wick military hospitals welcome him warmly, and from Caulfield came a gold red cross badge sent to the fun-doctor by grateful patients. AUDIENCE OF CRIMINALS He is welcomed by the doctors and nurses, and gaol authorities, too, know that the spirit he introduces wars at once with the canker imprisoned men may nourish. Mr. Tate has performed at Pentridge Prison, Melbourne, and Bong Bay Penitentiary, Sydney, before some -of the Avorst criminals of the Australian underworld, and he says the gaol audiences are among the best he has faced. In itfew Zealand, for three months or more Mr. Tate will visit schools and hospitals. It is only from the former at which small collections are made, that anything is taken in the way of a fee for the fun-doctor. Thus, Mr. Tate goes juggling and jesting through life, airing, on a stage, where blaze out no spotlights or theatrical trappings, talents which, supported by a quick eye, ready tongue, and nimble fingers make him a clever and versatile entertainer.