THE BLINDED BRAVE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 21, 19 October 1917, Page 6

THE BLINDED BRAVE

FUNDS fO BETTER THEIR LOT

"OUR DAY" APPEAL

YESTERDAY'S EFFORT IN THE CITY

/yesterday was "Our Day" in Wellington, and efforts' were made' to raiso iunds to help the blinded hailnrs rnd eoldiers. All day long collectors were busy in the streets. Thero were stalls for the salo of beautiful flowers and dainty needlework. Bands played in the thoroughfares, and vaudeville and concert artists (with a lorry for a stage) lent a willing hand. At half-past ten in the morning the Prune Minister (the Eight Hon. W. F. Massey), accompanied by the Mayor ot the city (Mr. .). P. Luke),, drove up to Government Buildings to address those assembled.

The Mayor said a few words before the Prime Minister spoke. He said the money which would be raised would bo used for the injured soldiers and sailors. The people who helped would pay a tribute to the brave men wiio had done their part in the war for freedom. At the Mayor's request three cheers for tho Prime Minister were given. Mr. Massey said it pleased him to be present. Ho knew of no nobler work, than that about to be undertaken, and none more deserving of assistance. He was sure the results would bo better than ever before. He understood that the funds were to go to the Eed Cross, particularly to the blinded soldiers and sailors. He could speak of the goo'cl work being done in England for these men, because he had been through St. Dunstan's Hospital and had seen the wonderful results from the training given. The institution was mannged by Sir Arthur Pearson, .who was blind. Hej, bad seen several Now Zealanders there learning the Braille system, and lie had noted how the inmates were encouraged to bear up. Mr. Massey said he had just been handed a message which had been sent by His Majesty the King to His Excellency the Governor-Genor.il, as follows:— .

. Buckingham Palace.—During the last twelve months I have had constant opportunity of -witnessing afresh, both at homo and in Flanders, the great work of mercy carried on by the united efforts of the British Rod Cross Society and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England. In every theatre of the war, regardless of distance, discomfort, or danger, the task of alleviating pain and suffering and of .ministering to those in need is performed with unparalleled devotion by the men and women who have taken service under tho Red Cross. The prompt and .unstinted provision of medical and general stores and comforts is an all-important work, and ,marks the main responsibilities undertaken'by the Joint Committee. In hospitals and convalescent homes, hospital trains, motor ambulances and launches our sick and wounded, as well as those of our Allies, are, I know, indeed grateful for the aid and co-operation which the joint societies bring to the medical services of the armies; nor have the needs of our prisoners of war been forgotten in the allocation of your funds. I trust, therefore, that there will be no falling off of generous financial support on the part of everyone at home and in the Dominions,,overseas, without •which this work cannot be maintained. During the war I have satisfaction in sending to the joint committee on October 20 a donation of .£SOOO. This year for the 'Our Day* collection on October 18 it is a pleasure to me to contribute .£IO,OOO to mark mj appreciation of what Las ■ been achieved by tho British lied Cross Society and the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England in the past, and my deep sense of the importance of continuing Miese achievements in the future. (Sgd.) GEORGE, E.I. Mr. Massoy flaid this message was another proof of the intense interest His Majesty took in everything which made for the welfare of the troops ajid of his practical sympathy with hw people in their time of stress. Happy .was tho Empire, happy were the people, who li.-.d such a man to lead them in a time such as this.

Three cheers for His Majesty were given. Mr. Masaey again wished the. campaign every success, and then put the first contributions of money into tho scales against the weight of a returned soldier. The scales were on a big lorry. On one side sat tho soldier, on the uther side was a capacious empty basket. The idea was to so fill the basket with money that the soldier would be ontweighed.

In the ovening a procession through the streets was held. Large crowds lined tho route, and collectors, of course, renewod their efforts and added to the day's takings. The procession, accompanied by bands, started from the Government Buildings and proceeded along Lambton Quny, • Ayillis Street, etc., and ended at the Town Hall, where the Mayor, speaking from a lqjtty, addressed a few final words to the people. The procession was not a long one. Besides the bands, there were a naval gun, decorated lorry, soldiers, collectors with flags, and so on. Up to 11 o'clock last night} the committee had in hand a sum of .£IOOO,