WORK FOR THE BLIND.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5211, 2 December 1927, Page 4

WORK FOR THE BLIND.

HOW THE CHURCH CAN HELP. Wc learn with interest of the steady growth being made by the Blind Institute in Auckland, where now no less than 115 men., women, and children are receiving primary education, or training in trades, or are engaged in permanent employment. The Institute also administers a very useful fund for the welfare of the blind people, numbering approximately 550, scattered throughout the Dominion ; and as the outcome of sound training, and generous financial assistance, a large proportion of the capable blind have gained their complete economic independence.

Through the liberality of the public, and of the Government, the trustees .have recently been able to replace# the old wooden buildings, which comprised the original institute, by sunny, healthy, brick buildings. In consequence of this, and of a reorganisation of methods, the courageous blind workers are now making a large quantity of., most atractive wares—baskets and wickerwork of all kinds, colours, and shapes ; door mats, strawberry chips, ships’ fenders, socks, hammocks, halters, and so on. Last year’s sales amounted to £6OOO. What the institute now needs more than anything else is an extended market for its goods. Upon the sale of these the blind workers are dependent for the support of themselves and their families.

Our churches can help in two ways: Firstly, by taking one or two crates of goods to be sold at a. special stall at a,sale of work or bazaar. The Institute takes all responsibility, and makes everything as easily as possible for its helpers. Secondly, by securing from the institute such articles as are useful in the church or Sunday School, door mats particularly. These are of’splendid quality, and are used by Post Offices, Schools, Government Departments, and many business houses whose door mats arq subjected to constant'heavy wear.

There is no more practical way of, helping the blind than by giving them pleasant and useful tasks to fill their dark hours. The institute will be profoundly grateful for help in these directions.