HARD OF HEARING LEAGUE

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24370, 23 September 1944, Page 3

HARD OF HEARING LEAGUE

* WORK OF CHRISTCHURCH BRANCH

“Much good work has been done, with the result that the inhabitants of this regional district of Canterbury are discovering that those suffering from the disability of loss of hearing need not hide themselves away from their fellows and take a back seat, or no seat at all, at social and other gatherings,” said Mr John Montgomery, president of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand League for the Hard of Hearing, when he reviewed the year’s work at the annual meeting. He added that by means of lip reading and the use of suitable hearing aids many people could overcome their disability. Mr Montgomery said that the branch had acquired suitable rooms for audiometer testing, and now was able to advise those needing help just what they should do and how best to go about it. This service was recognised as having an official status, and doctors, aurists and the Army send their cases to the branch for testing and report. The organising teacher (Miss E. M. Ash) in her report, said that assistance in lip-reading lessons had been offered to a number of servicemen—Army. Air Force, and hospital cases. The honorary acoustical engineer' (Mr J. A. Sandle) in his report also referred to work done for the armed forces. He said that tests had been made for aurists, the War Pensions Department, and the Army Department. The following officers were elected, —president, Mr John Montgomery; vice-presidents. Archbishop West-Wat-son, Mr Justice Northcroft, Dr. T. A, Mac Gibbon, the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews), Miss R. Macalister, Miss M G. Havelaar; executive, Bishop Lyons, Mrs J. A. Crawford, Mrs J. Johnston, Miss M. E. Saunders. Sister Francis, Dean Warren, Miss E. Jennings. Messrs A. J. McEldowney, M. Hullett, C. Barton, and F. H. Sandall; honorary secretary, Mrs I. C. Nome; assistant honorary secretary, Mr F. H. Sandall: honorary treasurer, Mr W. S. MacGibbon; honorary solicitor, Mr A. C Brassington; honorary acoustical engineer. Mr J. A. Sandle.