SWIMMING BATH FOR THE BLIND

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 21024, 28 November 1933, Page 7

SWIMMING BATH FOR THE BLIND

ANONYMOUS GIFT TO THE INSTITUTE ITHE PEESS Special Service. 1 AUCKLAND, November 27. Through the generosity of an anonymous benefactress, a swimming bath is to be provided at the New Zealand Institute for the Blind. On Saturday the chairman of trustees, Mr A. J. Hutchinson, mentioned the need of a swimming bath at the institute. "Yesterday an unknown woman rang me up," said Mr Hutchinson this morning, "and made enquiries as to the cost of a swimming bath. She assured me that our hopes would be realised. She said she and her friends had been talking it over, had fully considered the question, and that within a few weeks arrangements would be made. She stipulated that her name should not be disclosed. The cost of installing a swimming bath is a considerable one. The promised gift is most generous, and when the work is carried out we hope to have the pleasure of publicly announcing the donor's name." Mr Hutchinson said that swimming was a great joy to the blind, but visits to the public baths had been a cause of anxiety, as some did not always realise that others were blind. The blind themselves were disinclined to visit the public baths. Therefore a swimming bath at the institute was regarded as necessary. He wished to thank the unknown benefactress on behalf of the blind residents, workers at the institute, and his fellow trustees.

A CASE OF DISTRESS The honorary director of the Metropolitan Relief Association, Mr T. H. Cape-Williamson, asks "The Press" to publish the following appeal:— A case of quite exceptional hardship impels the honorary director to ask the assistance of a generous donor to obtain a single bed. This is an urgent, sick ease, of which particulars will be given if desired. A ring to telephone 36-625 or a note to the honorary director, Mr Cape-William-son, will ensure the collection of the bed at any time most convenient to the donor.