PARTY FOR BLIND

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25679, 16 December 1948, Page 2

PARTY FOR BLIND

The blind of Christchurch and surrounding districts were the guests of honour at a Christmas party given yesterday at the Wentworth by the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind. Other specially invited guests were those who had helped with transport and occupational work for the blind during the year. Including escorts for the blind, the number present at the party exceeded 200, and all were entertained at a sitdown high tea.

Mr H. Sweney (president of the Christchurch advisory committee of the institute) presided, and members of the entertainment committee waited on the guests and ensured their comfort and enjoyment. The Christmas cake was cut by two of the oldest of the blind—Mrs L. Cole and Mrs Mitton.

Mr Sweney thanked all who had helped the advisory committee in carrying out its work during the year, and Mr G. F. C. Ashdowne (secretarymansger for the Christchurch branch) said that it was by the co-ordinated efforts of all interested in the welfare of the blind that the best results could be attained. Mr W. S. Raine and Mr C. H. Lennon (chairman of the social committee) thanked the institute, the advisory committee, and all who had helped in the occupational work and in arranging social gatherings for the blind. Mr Raine particularly mentioned the visiting of the blind in their homes and said that these visits paid by women members of the advisory committee for many years were greatly appreciated.

A Christmas gift was presented to each blind guest and a concert programme was presented by Misses Muriel Stanley and Doreen Jones (piano duets), Mr , Campbell Brown (recitations), and I the Risingholme Choir, conducted by Mr A. N. Wilson, which sang several carols,in many of which the audiehce joined.