SECOND-HAND MAGAZINES

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 943, 9 April 1930, Page 1

SECOND-HAND MAGAZINES

DIFFICULT PROBLEM TO TO DEAL WITH SEARCH FOR BACTERIA Special to THE SUN WELLINGTON, Today. Complaints at the importation of second-hand magazines to New Zealand are now being investigated by the Health Department, but the problem is a difficult one with which to deal. Recently complaints were made that such magazines were arriving in the country at the rate of 15,000 a month, mostly well-thumbed cowboy and adventure stories. These magazines are some of them in a dirty condition, and representations have been made that they have been circulated among hotels, railway carriages and hospitals and constitute a menace to health. The angle of approach to the matter, ; however, is not very easy. If all second-hand magazines were barred from the country other magazines of quality, and necessary to some citizens, will be included in the ban and hardship will be created. The desirability of avoiding this and of not interfering with anyone’s legitimate livelihood is obvious. In addition, it is by no means certain that the objection to the magazines for health reasons is firmly founded. The fact that the magazines are imported from so far afield is in itself a safeguard, as the germs which they might contain will not live without moisture and favourable condi--1 ions which are usually lacking. Magazines are now being examined for traces of bacteria.