AN APPEAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1922, Page 1

AN APPEAL.

FOR THE BLIND.

There was a crowded attendance at the Town Hall at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon, when Mr Clutha Mackenzie M.P. addressed the assemblage on the subject of “How the Blind Livj.” tl is Worship the Mayor (Mr G. A. Perry) presided, and briefly introduced the speaker. Mr Mackenzie was received very cordially and entered at once into his subject, a plea for the civilian blind. The address was followed with the closest | attention by the large audience. Mr Mackenzie spoke fluently and the subject matter was quite engrossing. 110 made an instant appeal to his hearers.. j and the interest never flagged. He told the story of Sir Arthur Pearson's life, apd how that noble Englishman had worked for the blinded soldiers of the Empire'. Sir Arthur was himself overtaken with blindness through strain and stress of work, but be readily gave himself to the task of helping others. ~\fr Mackenzie a- most interesting . account of St. Dunstau’s and the life of tho blind soldiers there. It was a gripping story and enlisted the fullest sympathies of the audience. What Sir Arthur Pearson did for the blind soldier, it was the desire nowof the blind soldiers to do for the civilian blind. Tlie soldiers recognised the value of what was done for them, and instances were given of several cases from the North Capo to the Bluff when the tho soldiers had made good out* here after their training at St. Dunstan’s. Mr Mackenzie referred to the lack of attention to the civilian blind by this country, am} that omission was now to be made good. He described the Jubilee Institute for the blind as a pre-Pearson institution, which for the lack of funds could not be brought up to date. The money now being rnis. ed was for the subject of transforming the Institute into a modern institution capable of doing as much for the! (/Lilians afflicted with blindness as had been done at Home for the soldiers. An Advisory Board would control the funds to lie meted out to the Institute, which was a part Government institu-

Mr Mackenzie spoke for over an hour and at the close of His address received an ovation. Hon. 11. L. Michel moved a vote of thanks and appreciation to Mr Mackenzie for his able and instructive address and promising all support to the movement. Rev. P. B. Fraser seconded the motion which was carried liv acclamation.

Subsequently a committee of fifteen was set up to further tlie object in view, and lists were handed round the Hall and a collection taken up. Between £3O and £4O was recorded. The Committee will meet next week to organise « general collection throughout tlie district. The proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.