FOR THE BLIND

WORK OF ST. DUNSTAN'S

HOSPITAL

The report of the work accomplished in the interests of blinded soldiers and sailors at St. Dunstan's Hospital and Annexes is a very interesting one. The annexes includo The College, Regent's Park; 12, Sussex-place, N.W. ; West House; Portland House; 104, Queen'sroad, Brighton; 40, Lee Terrace, Blackheath; Brownbrook, Wells's Wood, Torquay ; and Newington House Hostel, Edinburgh. The house at Torquay is set apart for cases which require a long period of convalescence, while the Portland Place houses are used as residences for officers who have lost their sight. These go over to St. Dunstan's to learn tho essential things for a blind man to know. Most of the officers seriously take up some some useful occupation ci aer for pleasure or profit, and in establishing intercommunication with the sighted world find exhilaration and new interest in life. It has been found that prompt comradeship prevents the newly blinded soldier from sinking into the despondency which usually engulfs the man who has lost the precious gift of sight, therefore every effort is made to create interest and participation at once.. The occupations include massage,- shorthand, telephone operating, boot repairing, basket and mat making, joinery, poultry farming, and market gardening. Braille is taught at once, also typewriting, as the writing of a blind man usually deteriorates rapidly. Each man is given a typewriter as his own personal possession when he lias passed the writing test, and on leaving St. Dunstan's the men are well supplied with Braile literature. St. Dunstan's is principally staffed by members of the V.A.D.. strengthened by a sufficient number of paid orderlies and trained nurses. In the workshops, while thero are sighted foremen in each department, the instruction is mainly given by men who are themselves blind. The hours of work in all branches axe two hours and a-half in the_ morning and two ih the afternoon.' This short period is planned of set purpose, as working under handicap of blindness imposes a much greater mental sti-ain than those who can see would imagine. Tile result is .favourable, as the men at St. Dunstan's become proficient with remarkable speed. Netting is a very favourite pastime, it is easy and profitable, and at the entertainments men often work away at it contentedly. With regard to poul-try-farming, tho men aro taught on practical and up-to-date" lines, and learn to distinguish birds of different breeds almost instantaneously by touch., to manage incubators, to' 'prepare and truss birds for the table, and generally to conduct the farcn so as to ensure paying results. In connection with this, wives, mothers, and other relatives of soJ/isrs learn the same at a

I'Stdlands farm, where six weeks' instruction is given free, to enable them to help efficiently when the soldier can take up work for himself. With regard. to telephone operating, the soldier must, of course, be employed in establishments where th« drop-shutter system is. installed, and soon can tell from sound exactly whichl shutters have fallen. The men aro taught to ploy as well as work. They row, swim, compete in walking and running races and tug-of-war. Pushball is pkyeck. and physical drill is regularly practised. They.have two dances a weak, one an instruction night, and the next a "ball," where lady friends are invited. Dominoes, cards, chess, are enjoyed, and there is a debating society with sessions which are well attended and greatly . liked. Almost every blinded soldier can play some kind of musical instrument, from the humble tin whistle to the piano or violin. Those with good voices receive instruction in sineing.

.The report, after mentioning the great assistance given by the clergy, oceulists, throat and nose ' specialists, and dental surgeons, says : "To thank in adequate terms the multitude of others, who, from sheer kindness and sympathy, aided and encouraged (the men' of St. Dunstan's,' would involve the printing of a list of many hundreds of 'names. Will the V.A.D.'s who so cheerfully and readily perform the domestic work of St. Dunstan's and its annexes, find whose bright companionship is so delightful a solace to the officers and men who have made so great a sacrifice for the cause of the Allies, accept this very inadequate acknowledgement of their sympathetic services." Other services in teaching, taking men for walks, reading to them, etc., are also gratefully acknowledged, 'as well as the munificent donations from all"parts of tho world. i Appreciative thanks are also given to the press throughout the British Empire, as the co-operation has been generous and helpful. The "after-care" schemes for the men settled at their occupations is proceeding satisfactorily. This provides for supervising the men's work, which otherwise would deteriorate, also the buying of the best raw materials, marketing their goods, and securing continuity of employment in massage, secretarial work, etc. In conclusion, Sir Arthur Pearson, chairman of the committee, asks for continued help from the Dominions, as. well 1 as the United Kingdom, to continue and extend this splendid work. '