RESIGNATION ACCEPTED
Director of Institute For Blind
SIR CLUTHA MACKENZIE’S LETTER TO BOARD (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELZGSAiI.) AUCKLAND. September 14. In tendering his resignation to Mr A. J. Hutchinson; chairman of the New Zealand Institute ■ for the Blind, Sir Clutha Mackenzie wrote:— “For some weeks I have been thinking over my position as director of the institute. I am deeply sensible of the confidence and consideration which you and all members of the board have extended to me during the recent difficult time. “From the beginning to the end of that trying period I- have maintained, that there was no action of mine which could possibly justify the charges made against me, and when legal proceedings terminated in my favour I- concluded it was my duty to myself, notwithstanding the publicity given to the charges, to continue my work at the institute. “Since then, however. I have reflected long and anxiously on the whole situation from the point of view of the institute', rather than my own, and have decided to ask you to accept my resignation. , ~ . “It is not without sincere regret that I am taking this step. As you know, since being blinded on Gallipoli 23 years ago I have devoted practically my whole life’ to the" welfare of the blind in England and .New Zealand. Mv special task during my association with the institute has been the broadening of the basis of blind welfare work in New Zealand • along lines evolved by Sir Arthur Pearson in Great Britain. “Still Misjudged” “Although the task 'to which I set my hand 17 years ago has been substantially completed, there remains the necessity for careful administration and public support if the work .of. the institute is to.progress. Nevertheless, no one will be more aware than the trustees how difficult it -is in the treatment of the blind , to avoid even the slightest suspicion of bias or partiality, however unfounded such suspicion may be. and I feel that, my continued direction.of the institute might lead to suggestions of partiality on my part in the control of the inmates, some few of whom have been active against m “Again, I am told that some of the public still misjudge me and that therefore their generous help to the institute may be withdrawn. “Finally. I must confess that experience has not been without its bitterness and that for the time being, at any rate, my enthusiasm for the work at the institute has been somewhat blunted. In these circumstances. I think the difficulties with which the board may be confronted by my continuing in office require the sacrifice of my own deep and lasting desire to continue the work. “I know that my present action may be misunderstood: in fact, by my personal opponents, it may be deliberately misconstrued, but as the • more vital considerations and interests of the institute must come first, I feel I must take that personal risk. “I cannot close without acknowledging most gratefully the splendid support of the trustees and staff, "the’ cooperation of the Government and public bodies, and the generous response in money and service from men and women all over the Dominion. I also warmly thank many who have encouraged and supported me in the recent trying time.”
Acceptance by Board Mr Hutchinson replied as follows: “Dear Sir Clutha—Your letter resigning from the position of director of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind has been received and was read by me at a board meeting held on September 1. In advising you that the board has decided to accept same. I have been requested to write and tell you that the trustees recognise and appreciate the motives inducing you to take the action you have done, and after full consideration it is with deep regret that they have come to-the conclusion that the course you are adopting is the wisest in the-circumstances. .. .. . “I am asked to tell you further that the board was unanimously of the opinion that no man could have worked harder or achieved more outstanding success than you have done in your service for the welfare of the blind in New Zealand. ■ “Although greatly regretting that the blind people of the Dominion will lose that service members of the board deeply regret the outrageous rumours which have gained some circulation throughout the Dominion and which they know to be untrue.. They desire me to assure you of their entire confidence that your every action has at all times been dictated solely .by your thought for the welfare of those at the institute. . , * “Kind regards, yours very truly.
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Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22507, 15 September 1938, Page 16
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765RESIGNATION ACCEPTED Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22507, 15 September 1938, Page 16
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