INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25365, 12 December 1947, Page 2

INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND

BRANCH TO BE OPENED IN CHRISTCHURCH

The Christchurch Advisory Committee of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind has been notified that the Board of Trustees of the Institute in Auckland has decided to open a branch of the Institute in Christchurch in the near future, and that Mr G. Ashdown, who has been field officer at Auckland, will.probably take charge of the branch. Approval of these tentative arrangements was given by the local committee yesterday after hearing a report from the president (Mr H. Sweney), who recently visited Auckland on business connected with the institute. In appreciation of his splendid work for the blind since the inception of the Christchurch committee in 1923, Mr W. T. Woods was elected a life honorary member of the committee. High tributes to Mr Woods’s invaluable work, especially as secretary of the committee, were paid by several members. He has now relinquished his post as secretary, as he and Mrs Woods intend to leave New Zealand in February for a visit to England. In compliance with the wishes of the Department of Health, it was decided to postpone the Christmas party which was to have been given next Wednesday in honour of » the blind of Christchurch and surrounding districts. It is hoped the gathering will be held at a later date. Donations were received as follows: Mr Loomes £1 Is. Mrs Garnett 10s, and £5 5s from the Hyman Marks Trust for Christmas fare for the blind.