NEEDS OF THE BLIND.

Auckland Star, Volume LVI, Issue 83, 8 April 1925, Page 10

NEEDS OF THE BLIND.

BETTER BUILDING WANTED.

INSTITUTE'S SHORTCOMINGS,

APPEAL FOR FUNDS.

The inadequacy of the Jubilee Institute for the blind, in Maiiukau Road, particularly in respect to the men's quarters, was commented upon by Mr. H. E. Vaile, chairman of the board of trustees, at the annual meeting of the subscribers yesterday afternoon.

There was, said Mr. Vaile, a most pressing need for fireproof quarters for the men and also modern fireproof workshops. The dilapidated old wooden buildings were discreditable to the institute, and dangerous to the life of the inmates. The (Jovernment was aware of the position and had voted £5000. Tenders were now lioing called for a building to accommodate 40 at a cost of £10,000. An appeal v.oiiUA have to be made to the public for at least £1.1,000 to provide absolutely necessary accommodation for the pupils. He trusted that the board's solicitations would not be in vain.

The number of inmates at the institute is now ninety-eight, an increase of ten in comparison with last year's roll. The inspector of schools, said the chairman, had complimented the stall' on the instruction given. Mr. Vaile eulogised the work of Mr. C'lutha Mackenzie, particularly his building up of the Pearson Fund,' which now amounted, with the Government subsidy of £10,000, to £40.272. Blind people had been helped from this fund to the extent of £2200.

Dealing with contributions to the institute, the chairman said they showed a small increase over tho previous year. The interest which Karl and Countess Jellicoc and their successors, their Excellencies Sir Charles and Lady Fergiisson evinced in the institution was commented upon by Mr. Vaile. He mentioned that the trustees had endeavoured ,to arrange a superannuation system for the stall' of the institute, but the Government had been unable (o agree to the proposal. It was hoped, however, that a system that would meet with approval would sliortlv be devised.

The retiring trustees, thf Hon. Ci. Fowlds and Mr. ('. K. Abbott, and tho chairman, were re-elected. A vote- of thanks was passed to the director and slafi", the voluntary workers, trustees, chairman and secretary.