The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, MAY 16th, 1922. AN APPEAL.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 May 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY, MAY 16th, 1922. AN APPEAL.

TnEttF. is no doubt that Mr Clutlia Mackenzie in his moving appeal at the Town Hall oil Sunday afternoon on how the blind live, created a great impression on his hearers. The hall was crowded to the doors and every word of the speaker was followed with the closest attention. The charge that was made against the Dominion, and unfortunately is ali too true, namely that in New Zealand less is done for the civilian blind than in any other part ol the Empire, should not l>e allowed to remain to be debit of Uie country. Apart from the emulation of what other countries are doing, New Zealand as a simple 'inattei of duty, should recognise the claims of the sightless, und do all that is reasonable towards making their lot better ‘Kid brighter. What has been done elsewhere this country can well afford to do. The great example of Sir Arthur Pearson should not have been exercised in vain. In Mr Clutha Mackenzie the late Sir Arthur lias a very earnest disciple; So far as this Dominion is concerned, we are persuaded Mr Mackenzie will do a great deal in arousing public interest in the matter, and that accomplished no Government can neglect to do what is light and just. But whatever the Government may do, there is just pow the call for individual action. Mr Mackenzie asks for a fund with which a beginning might be made to take c-ue

tiie blind, affording them the means o training and personal equipment so that they will lie taken out of themselves and made productive members of the community, Air Mackenzie bases the extent of the fund at an amount equal to what a .shilling per bead of the population would produce. The lust census gave the population of Westland County and the interior Boroughs at 7401. Upwards of £'4oo would be, therefore tiie quota from this district to meet the financial requirements of the case. That amount would be subject to a subsidy of 24s in the £, so that the total contribution from the district would be worth in nil £BBO. It would be verypleasing to see the district achieve its quota, and the committee which has been set up, will no doubt organise in that direction. Mr Mackenzie’s story of the case for the blind must have impressed all with the value of taking up every case, and giving the individual the opportunity of combating the handicap of blindness by learning a trade or acquiring an occupation which will place the individual in an independent position and make tlio person feel that he or she is a valued member of the community. The humane side of tho question makes the strongest appeal in this matter for all must prize tho value of seeing, and realise what a loss it is to miss the sight. But the loss is to a great extent repairable if tile sightless get tile opportunity' which Sir Arthur I’erson in his foresight and generosity gave our New Zealand soldiers. To mark his niemoiy and as some tangible appreciation for the noble work he performed no better memorial could go to his memory than that of taking up his unselfish work, and doing like, wise for' our own civilian blind. Mr Mackenzie is working on the right lines to achieve that desirable end, and finance alone is required. If all will help readily the work will he achieved.