BLIND INSTITUTE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4508, 23 September 1930, Page 3

BLIND INSTITUTE.

WEEK-EN'D VISIT TO FOXTON. iCIIjE'VEiR ENTERTAINERS AND MUSICIANS. During the wedki-end a band of musicians and entertainers iroin the Blind Institute, Ponsohby, Auckland, visited Foxton. The company was billeted by local residents. On Sunday afternoon the hand rendered a much appreciated programme of music in Ihakara Garden. On Sunday evening, at 8.30, in the Town Hall, before a large audience, the company submitted one of the most entertaining concert programmes presented locally for some considerable time. ' One forgot that those taking part , were handicapped with blindness, and the unstinted applause and recalls were due to the merit of the performers. ft is not to he wondered at that there were hospitable receptions when the band carried out an extensive tour of both islands in 1908, and when one has heard the band one realises the- popularity the combination enjoys with the musical folk of Auckland. ' There were several interesting, expressive full hand selections in which many novel effects were admirably introduced, including “Happy Days are here Again,” the tune of which is as optimistic as its title. Two amusing recitations by Mastes J. Shortt, formerly of Foxton, whom Mr Glutha McKenzie referred to from the stage as doing remarkably well at the institute, were vociferously applauded. There are fifteen in the Institute band, and the master is Mr G. W. Bowes. To show their versatility, there a m a number of pipe organists who have been trained by the Rev. E. Chittv, of Auckland, also blind. Two of these (Mr iStevvart Gordon and Miss M. Bray) presided at the organ of the Anglican and Presbyterian Churches on Sunday. Miss Bray also played the accompaniments at the roneert. Piano solos were contributed by Mr R. Martin. Thie soloisls were Mr J. Papesch (baritone), Cahn’s “Ave Maria” and “When You Pass By”; Mr B. Cheradi (tenor), “Mona Rosa”; duet, Master J. Shortt and Mr A. Morton, “O’er the Mountains I Freely Wander.” The vocal quartette, “O Peaceful Night,” by Messrs .T. Papesch, B. 'Ohcradi, S. Gordon and A. McLaren, was one of Ihe most delightful items of the J evening. Tn response to a vociferous encore they sang the Maori love song, “Po Kari Kari.” Mr F. Oaple provided an interesting interlude by reading in the Braille

typie from a volume which he had not previously handled, the Mayor opening the book at random. His reading was as rapid and as accurate as a person reading ordinary print. i Mr Olutha McKenzie thanked the audience and the public generally for the welcome and support accorded the band. The blind people were just ordinary normal people, with the same deisre to live independent, useful lives that sighted people had. The blind people wanted to earn , their own living and go their own way, “and what the institute wants,” added 1 he speaker, “is that the public will employ those who had undergone a course’ of training there. Music R only one of the.side-lines at the institute, where last year we paid out £0,500 in wages to the workers hi the shops.” Mr McKenzie said that Foxton had always treated the institute well. He made special, reference to Mi' C'aple, who had taken up his residence in our midst, and commended him to those who desired a capable musician and tuner.

The Mayor (Mr Perreau) extended a warm welcome to the visitors, and expressed the pleasure of the townspeople at their visit. He also made reference to Master Jack Shortt, whose parents reside at the local seaside, and was pleased to know that, he was doing so well. He also made reference to Avis Barnett, a local inmate of the Institute. • 'The visit of the Band and entertainers was due to the representations • of Mr Gaple, who also desires to p express his personal !thanlkis to'the public of Foxton for l heir splendid hospitality and pat3on age. He also desires to thank Mrs Walls for the loan of her piano. A special word of praise is due to Bandmaster G. W. Bowes upon the state of proficiency of the performers. The collections taken up during the afternoon and evening resulted in about £ls .'being handed over. 'Slpecial thanks were accorded all who had extended hospitality to the visitors.