Page 5 Advertisements Column 1

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2086, 11 January 1908, Page 5 (Supplement)

The blind man is constantly reminding the public that lie is not so helpless as pity oft believes him to he (says the Sydney “‘Daily Telegraph”). An excellent illustration of liis ability to overcome the very severe handicap placed upon his activities was given at the annual picnic of the Sydney Industrial Blind Institution. There the blind workers were seen competing in footracing and swimming contests and other athletic events wil.i as much success as could he achieved by those possessing all the great advantages of eyesight. As showing how capable the blind man can become, it might be mentioned that the 100 yds was covered by H. Christie in 11 1-5 see., and another negotiated the threequarter mile walking contest in six minutes. The track is roped off in the ordinary way. Each competitor takes hold of a ring running upon one of the ropes, and this serves as a guide, the blind man only requiring confidence and quickness to accomplish the result. The idea originated in Sydney, and since it was put into practice the manager of the Philadelphia Institution (U.S.A.) wrote to Mr Hedger (manager of the Sydney institution) asking for particulars. The system was subsequently adopted there, and Mr Hedger has been Informed that inter-Stato sports meetings for blind people have been carried out- at Philadelphia and New York with as much success as any