THE BLIND INSTITUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 43, 21 February 1927, Page 17

THE BLIND INSTITUTE.

RECEPTION TO LADY PEARSON. A reception was given at the Blind Institute on Friday morning to Ladv Pearson, -wife of Sir Arthur Pearson, who was the founder of St. Dunstan's Home for the Blind. An impressive little ceremony was the placing of a wreath by Ladv Pearson on the tablet erected to the memory of her husband. Mr. H. E. Vaile, chairman, on behalf of the trustees, extended a hearty welcome to Lady Pearson, and spoke of their deep appreciation of Sir Arthur Pearson's work in the interests of the blind. The institute in Auckland has been in existence for 3o years. It was founded largely by the "late Mr. John Abbott, who took initial steps towards organising the training of the blind so that they might go out into the world and earn their own livings successfully. Finances were strengthened by the generosity of the people and the help of the Government. The institute was the only one of its kind here. Mr. M. A. Carr, representing the Commercial Travellers' Fund Blind on behalf of the trustees, expressed a deep sense of gratitude of the noble service rendered by Sir Arthur Pearson whose deeds, he said, would exist to the end of time. The inauguration of the fund was due to Mr. Clutha McKenzie, and at the present time there was a balance of £5000 standing to its credit. Mr. Clutha McKenzie, who was at one time a patient at St. Dunstan's, said that it was one of the cherished ideals of the blinded soldiers and sailors that Sir Arthur Pearson should come here and see them doing the work and carrying out the ideals inculcated at St. Dunstan's. Sir Arthur Pearson was a personal friend of those at St. Dunstan's, and was a man of efficiency and cheerfulness. In response to the addresses, Lady Pearson expressed her appreciation of the very cordial welcome extended to her. She was very proud to see the result and appreciation of the efforts of her husbbnd and the beautiful memorial erected to his memory. Lady Pearson paid high tribute to Mr. Clutha McKenzie by saying that he was a splendid example of what Sir Arthur Pearson wished his people to turn out. Lady Pearson regretted very much that she had not longer to stay in this beautiful country, but she would leave New Zealand with a happy impression of New Zealanders for the great assistance they were giving the fund, and she hoped to return. On the request of Lady Pearson, the Institute was granted a halfholiday to commemorate the occasion. Beautiful bouguetg frqm : the Ladies' Committee and th« grrlS Institute were presented to Lady Pearson, by two of the little blind girls. Also seated on the platform were Mrs. Wake, Mrs. Tole, Mrs. Clutha McKenzie, Mrs. H. E. Vaile, Mrs. Percival James and Mr. Alfred Nathan.