Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1922, Page 2

Tiik advent of Mr Clutlia Mackenzie Mr Clutlia Mackenzie M.P. the coming week-end to enlist public sympathy oil behalf of the blind, will no doubt evoke a wave of interest in a. very desirable object. The affliction of blindness is not pleasant to contemplate, but such a dire visitation can be made more than humanly bearable if the patient gets n Juir chance. The late Sir Arthur Pearson (who was himself blind) did an enormous amount of good for both the civilian and military blind, Mr Mackenzie’s effort on behalf of his fellow blind (for he also is totally blind) is to raise a sum of money which witTl Government subsidy, will assist to make the lot of the civilian blind, more endurable. It is to the credit of the conn, try that it has given every considers- ■ tion for the soldiers who suffered blindness in the war service. No doubt ren- | lising what has been done in that res- j pect and sympathising with the lot of ] the civilian blind, Mr Mackenzie has felt impelled to take up the case of others not placed so fortunately. The pqjjlic are invariably responsive in case qt' this nature, and Mr Mackenzie's ijjisfilßn throughout New Zealand is Sijre tq jneet with a large mensuye of The Retail of that mission to will pjafifi before the public at the Town j Hull op 9un%- tftenw!; \m\, f»i it - “ i-

has a concrete proposal for the administration of the iund, which is to receive a Government subsidy. The : 1-- | lie will make should reach all, and the response should be bota wide and

generous. Tim annual meting of the Westland lb-ogress League takes place to-night, and should command the attention of the general public. Since its formation, the League limngement has been left largely to a few enthusiasts, b t seeing that the interests of the whole community are taken up in the work of the League, it is not right that the few should carry the burden of the many. By being linked up with tho Canterbury Progress League, the local branch has been able to secure influential support to many of the matters brought forward. There is no doubt the watchfulness and Interest of the paient League in the progress of the Otira tunnel works has assisted to advance that great work considerably. In a very short time the iine will operating and this district will be reaping great° advantages from the ready means for direct communication. It be something to be thankful for anu a special mead of praise is due to the the I-eague for its help in the matter. The local League has been meeting monthly and doing good work. Next week it will achieve an important event for the district by the holding „f the Winter School for farmers and students.. The value of this is not realised locally as yet, but to secure the ready co-operation of influential Cm istchureli people in the success of tae School, as is being done, signifies that the league has been alert and awake to the advantages to be derived from the fortunate alliance with the parent branch in Canterbury. No doubt it. will be an encouragement to the management to see a good attendance of the public at tho meeting tonight and a practical interest will be taken in a body the sole aim of which is to advance the material interests of flic district at large.