PARTY FOR THE BLIND

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23746, 18 September 1942, Page 2

PARTY FOR THE BLIND

MR AND MRS W. T. WOODS HONOURED Yesterday the blind of Christchurch and surrounding districts were the honoured guests at an afternoon party given in the National Club rooms by the local advisory committee of the Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund for the Blind. The chairman of the committee (Mr H. Holland) presided, and amongst those present were the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews), the Mayoress (Miss E. Couzins), and Mrs Holland. The Mayor, in acknowledging the welcome accorded him. said that as long as he was in office he would try to help the.blind from the Mayor’s fund. Songs were sung by Miss Margaret Hamilton and violin solos played by Miss Romola Griffiths, for both of whom Mrs J. C. Cullman was accompanist. Mrs D. P. Dickinson gave pleasure by her interesting talk on life in Bagdad, where she lived for some years. Presentations were made to Mr W. T. Woods, who has been secretary of the local committee since its formation in 1923, end to Mrs Woods, who has loyallv supported her husband in every phase of his work for the blind. _ Mr Holland, who made the presentations, said that Mr Woods had carried out his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to the committee. In appreciation of his work. Mr Woods had been elected an honorary life member of the committee and the Board of Directors of the Institute for the Blind in Auckland, in approving of his election, had asked to be associated with the committee in making a presentation to him. Mr Holland read letters from Mr J. E. Broadfoct. director of the Institute for the Blind in Auckland, and from Mr D. McPhee. representing the War Services Blinded, expressing admiration of Mr Woods’s faithful service. He then presented Mr Woods with a badge of life membership, an address, and an order for a Braille watch. To Mrs Woods was presented a posy and a tea set. ... , ‘‘l am proud, elated, and honoured by this gesture of the committee,’ said Mr Woods in acknowledging the gifts. “At St. Dunstan’s," he continued, “we were taught to do as much as we could for as many as we could. I have tried to do that, and to carry the torch and spread the spirit of St. Dunstans. He paid a warm tribute to the loyal help given him by his wife. A life membership "badge'was'also presented ,to .Mr Holland, who is a foundation member of the committee, and a posy to Mrs Holland.