BLIND WORKERS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 824, 19 November 1929, Page 1

BLIND WORKERS

MARKETING THEIR GOODS PUBLIC HELP NEEDED The assistance cf the public in the disposal of articles manufactured by the blind is being sought by Mr. A. J. Hutchinson, chairman of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind. It is the aim of practically all people so afflicted to become selfsupporting as quickly as possible. Those who reside at the institute or in Auckland, and who can obtain regular employment iu suitable Industries can become, with the pension and subsidies ou their earnings provided by the Government, practically selfsupporting, but a number of the bliud throughout the Dominion have felt the effects of the trade depression aDd unemployment has affected them. The goods manufactured include high-grade mats, seagrass chairs, cane chairs, commercial and fancy baskets, full-size perambulators and toy ones. The output of these articles has developed to such an extent that their disposal has presented a real problem.

When the new men's quarters were erected the director aud the board of trustees considered ways and means of disposing of the large increase of articles which they knew would take place, and satisfactory arrangements were entered into with the fruit and produce merchants and auctioneers in Auckland and other centres for the sale of strawberry and other smallfruit boxes. ACTIVE CAMPAIGN

At the agricultural and other shows throughout the Dominion if. was decided to establish annual sales of work of the blind, as being the most economical and profitable means of disposing of these goods. In this campaign the Rotary Clubs and other voluntary workers were asked to assist. A remarkable response was received from all over the Dominion. The Red Cross societies offered their services, and agricultural associations gave free space for which the institute was deeply grateful. Sales are showing a remarkable increase, and to voluntary workers is due the fact that the output of fancy baskets, etc., is maintained. This year, to date, sales have totalled over £ 1.000, as against £SOO for the same period last year. At this year's voluntary sale, conducted by the Rotary Club at Timaru. over £l2O worth of goods were sold. The Women's National Reserve, Thames, is conducting a Eale on November 22, and it is hoped that this sale will be a record one. In spite of the generosity of the public, and the assistance of the Government, the institute's subscription list this year is below what it usually is, and it is in need of more aid.