NEW ZEALAND LIND.

Otaki Mail, 7 February 1923, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND LIND.

MEETING AT OTAKI. Whilst other countries have recognised in the care of the blind a national responsibility there is comparatively , little being done in this direction in ' New Zealand. This is clue in the main to lack of supervision of them, and the only institute is so handicapped by want of funds that .it is quite unable to deal effectively with the proportion : of blind within its walls. Appeals are : being made to the people of New Zea- j land by organisers of the tjir Arthur. 1’- arson Memorial Fund, whieh-is doing [ sc, much for those affiliated by loss of sight. The mayors of boroughs and the chairmen of town boards,'as well as many other municipals officials, are

acting as agents for the institution and strenuous efforts are being made to help the blind. Occupation is what is required—not so much pity or charity. The appeal of Mr Clutha Mucker.:;:o says: “The blind do not want pity; they do not want charitable doles —all they want is the opportunity of earning

an ordinary living in a useful trade and of being normal, serviceable citizens. The deaf man may be a farmer, but not a schoolmaster; the blind man may be a masseur, a woodworker, a clergyman, an organist, or the follower

of many other trades, but he cannot be a seaman or the driver of a vehicle. There is work for all, and in tho economic fitness of things, if for no other reason, no man should be idle.” Last night a meeting was held at Ota--1 ki, the Mayor presiding. The attendance was not large, but it . was fully expected that there would be a large I and representative attendance at the [•public meeting. Mr F. G. Davies was • appointed secretary and treasurer, and I was instructed to get into touch with representatives of adjacent towns.