USE FOR READ NEWSPAPERS.

Evening Star, Issue 21743, 11 June 1934, Page 2

USE FOR READ NEWSPAPERS.

TO TUB EDITOR, ' .

Sir,—On two occasions during last month when travelling to Seacliff _to visit-the patients at the mental hospital I went through the train and mentioned’ as I passed through the carriages -that newspapers and other reading matter would be'acceptable and would be delivered by- me to the institution lor the use of the patients. There was a ready response, ■ and on both occasions I left the station platform ’ with a .bundle of newspapers under my arm, and received a good welcome when I arrived with ray parcel at the institution-. . This leads me to the .'conclusion that many folk are glad of an opportunity to pass on their -newspapers and other reading matter if the way,is made easy. Many of your readers perhaps are not aware that all newspapers sent in single copies addressed to ' mental hospitals are sent post free, and I wish to make it clear that this is the case. It would be an easy matter .for many kindly disposed folk after having read their newspaper to wrap it up and address it either to Mental Hospital, Waitati, or Seacliff. Of course, the . greater number; of patients are at Seacliif. The. fact that a .newspaper is a- day old t does not make it any the less acceptable, and illustrated papers, no , matter what date, are eagerly scanned, and magazines, are looked upon as a luxury. Often we have inquiries’ for such papers as the 1 British-Weekly,’; 1 The Christian,’ and the. ‘ Christian Herald,’ etc. These institutions always share in all books and other,’reading matter left at our office, and if notified we arb willing to collect parcels at any address given. ; We are in urgent need of a single bed or a stretcher for a needy patient. Left-off clothing, boots, and shoes are always in demand, and there is a shortage with ns at present. We are confident that there will be a ready response to this appeal.—l am, etc., Ar.-nx. Steven (Agent Patients and Prisoners' Aid Society). June 11.