BLIND INSTITUTE

Hokitika Guardian, 5 April 1927, Page 3

BLIND INSTITUTE

EX-OFFICIALS CRITICISM. AUCKLAND, April 1. Allegations of maladministration at the .Jubilee Institute for the Blind were made last evening by Mr Morton Aldis. late secretary, who addressed a gathering in the Newmarket Town Hall, including a large proportion ol blind men. Mr Aldis concluded with an attack on the methods of Mr Chitlin Mackenzie, the present director, who, lie said, had no special training for the position, was too lordly and superioi altogether, and was too loud ol rules and regulations.

Alluding to his own position Mr Aldis said that it had been represented that he had been dismissed, hut he lull resigned, and could nave withdrawn had lie so desired.

A statement replying to Mr Aldis has been forwarded to the Press signed by Mr H. E. Yaile, chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Hon. G. Fowltls, lati chairman and trustee, and Mr N. Alfred Nathan, trustee. It says: “Mr Aldis was appointed secretary in Julie. 1922. At that time tile secretary was virtually chief executive officer. In 1923, however, the principal and the Director of Education. Mi* J. Caughley. who was then sitting as chairman ol a Commission of Inquiry into the welfare of the blind, recommended that the director of all work done lor the blind throughout New Zealand under the hoard should he appointed chief officer. Mr Clutlm Mackenzie took up this post in September, 1923. Mr Aldis fought strenuously against Air Mackenzie's appointment. Ihe trustees embarked upon a progressive policy to carry out the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. Air .Mackenzie having been a member of tile Commission was of great help and remarkable results were achieved, but- despite this. Air Aldis’s attitude became so extraordinary that ill September. 1925. the trustees were compelled to write him a letter signed unanimously by the full board expressing itt most .stringent terms dissatisfaction with his conduct. On the face of it. it was an invitation to resign. There was. however, no noticeable change in his attitude and in AI ay, 192 G, the trustees accepted without question the resignation which he tendered.

"His departure has been a relief to the internal running of the institute, but he lias continued to stir up feeling both inside and outside, against the administration. As far as discontent is concerned the trustees regard it as unavoidable among a small section of their people, so long as this exsecretary with a grievance remains a frequent visitor at the institute.”

On Tuesday Afr Aldis and Airs Al. Dreaver contest vacancies with the retiring trustees. .Messrs Yaile and F. \Y. Wake.