METHODIST CHURCH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 October 1938, Page 10

METHODIST CHURCH

LADIES’ GUILD MEETING. WORK AMONG THE BLIND. An enjoyable gathering of the ladies of the Masterton Methodist Guild was held at the residence of Mrs W. H. Saunders, Essex Street. The Rev F. J. Parker presided. After Guild matters had been disposed of Mr Parker welcomed Mrs H. E. Pither to the meeting and called on her to give an address on work among the blind people of New Zealand. In her address Mrs Pither stated that she had never met happier people than those who had lost theii’ sight, that was after they had learned to read by the Braille or Moon systems, to work at a trade, to use a typewriter, to become a musician, as many did, even to gaining degrees in the R.A.M. and T.C.M., and many other avenues of usefulness. All the netting in the railway carriage racks in New Zealand was ’ made by the blind. The punnets for holding small fruits, baskets, trays and many articles too numerous to mention were work from the sale of which many blind people make their living. The 40-hour week had somewhat hampered their efforts, curtailing their working hours; consequently they had now to charge more for the articles they manufactured. Mrs Pither referred to the Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund which did much to establish the Blind Institute and its wonderful work in Auckland. She also spoke of the work for the blind carried out by the late Mr Norris in the Wairarapa, and the great joy and comfort the gift of Lord Nuffield brought to many blind people in New Zealand, with special reference to. the gifts supplied to those in the Wairarapa area. A hearty vote of thanks and appreciation for her excellent description of the work among the blind was accorded to Mrs Pither, Mrs Judd and Mr Parker speaking to the motion which was carried by acclamation. Items were rendered during the af-\ ternoon by Mrs G. Milne and Miss Thelma Saunders and were much appreciated. A “Bring and Buy” table in charge of Mesdames Milne and McEwen brought in a satisfactory sum. Votes of thanks were passed to the hostess, Mrs Saunders, to Mrs Milne and Miss Thelma Saunders and others who had assisted the meeting.. Mr Parker closed the meeting by pronouncing the Benediction.