p. 17 | A Few Observations by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 6, 1916

A Few Observations

By L. A. Hansen

A Literature Record

A DOCTOR showed me a notebook in which he kept the names of people to whom he was lending books for missionary reading. Dates were kept of the time each book was lent, and when it was returned. The list of books was a good one, including a number of pamphlets and large bound volumes. The list of names of readers was a fine one, including persons of influence and prominence. Some of these were evidently pursuing a regular course of reading. The doctor said that the record enabled him to keep in touch with the readers' progress, and to make appropriate inquiries and suggestions from time to time.

This plan seems a splendid idea, and we pass it on.

Antifriction

The superintendent of a certain sanitarium said to me, in reply to my inquiry, “Yes, I like my work, and am satisfied to stay. But I was going to leave when I saw the prospects of family difficulty arising. I cannot maintain a spirit of missionary labor in the midst of discord.”

He surely stated a truth, did he not? Family friction kills cooperation, and drives out that which binds workers together.

It is also true that cooperation shuts out divisions. It is the genuine antifriction as applied to the working machinery of an institution. Its supply should not run low. A good stock of it will leave no room for family jars.

Attending Worship

I have noticed that the best-attended worship exercises in our sanitariums are those where the heads of departments attend. This is not because these persons number so many as to make a big increase in the attendance, but because their example causes others to attend. These leaders seem to think that they must lead where they want others to follow, and that if they wish to impress others with the importance of attending worship, they must show that they believe it is important enough for them to attend themselves. Is there anything in that?

Cow Efficiency

The Florida Sanitarium has a small dairy. There are only seven cows, but they are made to do efficient service. A record is kept of the milk yield of each cow at every milking. Any variation can be readily noted, and proper attention be given. Intelligent feeding is followed, and everything done for the cows that can be done to make them pay. If a cow proves unprofitable, she is sold.

An examination of the records of the cows showed how it might be easily possible to keep poor stock that would cause a loss. The same thing might apply to a poultry yard and to various auxiliary departments. There is good business sense in the keeping of such records.

L. A. HANSEN.