CARE OF THE BLIND

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 85, 11 April 1945, Page 7

CARE OF THE BLIND

RETURNED SERVICEMEN TRUST BOARD MEETING "This meeting denotes a milestone in the lives of blinded servicemen," said Mr. F. Hackett, M.P., when presiding over the inaugural meeting of the Blinded Servicemen's Trust Board yesterday afternoon. The board, said Mr. Hackett, had a big job to perform within a limited space of time. Staff had to be employed and equipment and furnishings purchased so that no delay would be experienced when the board's building was completed. This would be at One Tree Hill and would be known as New Zealand's St. Dunstan's.

The men not now immediately under the board's wing would have to be contacted without waste of time, continued Mr. Hackett. To do this it would be necessary to consider the services of an organiser. The necessary funds for maintaining the board's responsibilities would come from all sources. While the Government realised that all kinds of people would be keen to show their appreciation of the services rendered by the men under the board's charge, no public appeals would be made. If necessary, the Cabinet would vote funds from time to time in order to meet the board's financial liabilities. That, however, did not mean that any bequests or gifts would be frowned upon. They would, in fact, be welcomed. The board approved the appointment of Lieutenant J. May as acting-director of the home. It was decided to invite applications for the postions of director, at a salary of £500 a year, and house, and of matron at a salary of £280. > The principle of a blind serviceman being sent to England to gain first-hand experience of the latest training methods at StDunstan's was approved, the matter of appointment being left to a later date. The following sub-committees were anpointed, the chairman being a member of all ex officio:— Executive committee. Messrs. J. Seabrook. D. McPhee, H. Simmonds; finance, Messrs. W. H. Newall, W. Prentice, S. K. Langstone; house committee, Messrs. H. C. Aekins, Simmonds, Langstone: training and vocational committee. Messrs. Newall. Simmonds, McPhee: entertainment committee, Messrs. Langstone, Aekins, Seabrook.