CARE OF THE BLIND

Dominion, Volume 16, Issue 169, 5 April 1923, Page 6

CARE OF THE BLIND

A COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

EDUCATION AND AFTERCARE

The education and after-care of the blind was the subject of an important statement yesterday by the Minister of Education (Hon. C. J. Parr), who announced that Cabinet had decided to appoint a committee to inquire into and report upon the condition of tho blind, as regards their education and further career.

Tho Minister of Education and the other members of tho Government have given careful consideration recently t-o matters connected with the welfare of the New Zealand blind. Mr. Parr prefaced his remarks by a reference to tho activities of the Jubilee Institute for tho Blind, whose funds were administered by a board of trustees, elected by various interests, with three Government nominees. The financing of the institute has been carried out from trust funds, supplemented by a subsidy of £25 per annum from the Government, in respect of each pupil. ■ - Efficiency of Instruction. - “Some doubts have been expressed as to the efficiency of the course of instruction of bliyd children,” said the Minister. “Moreover, as the fund raised largely through the efforts of Mr. Clutha Mackenzie amounts to £22,000, the managers of the fund are anxious to co-operate with the Blind Institute, more particularly as regards the aftercare of the blind, and it is expected that they have suggestions to make as to tho curriculum of the institute. I am anxious to. co-ordinate the work, and I think it is opportune that an inquiry should bo made into the whole question of the proper nnd systematic education of tho blind. A good deal has been said lately about pensions for tho blind. The pension might be necessary, but it is my opinion that it would be far better so to train the blind that, with adequate assistance, they could be assured of a prospect of earning their own living. 1 am sure that this is the ambition of every blind person, rather than |o obtain a pension.” /

The Minister added that lie had an interview with the Hon. George Fowlds and Messrs. Caughey and Vale, representing the trustees. They welcomed the suggestion that there should be ia committee of inquiry, to investigate and make recommendations for the co-ordination of the work of the institute with that of tho Mackenzie Fund Trust Management. The trustees agreed to nominate one of their number to sit on tho commission, and subsequently nominated Mr. J. W. Tibbs, formerly headmaster of the Auckland Grammar School. . Personnel of Commission. Cabinet decided, said Mr. Parr, to appoint the following gentlemen to the commission Mr. J. Caughley, Director of Education (chairman). Mr. Clutha Mackenzie (Auckland). Mr. J. W. Tibbs (Auckland). Mr. Robert Nolan (Auckland). The commission will commence itl work on April 16, on an order of reference to be decided by the Minister. Tho main business will be to consider the present condition of the blind, and the means available for. their industrial and professional training, and to make recommendations. The commit-' tee will have power to take evidence from persons interested, and to call for papers and reports. Hopes of Cure for Blindness. “I want to. emphasise this point,” said the Minister, in conclusion. “Since the war, great importance is assigned to the medical treatment of the blind, with a view to their cure. In some cases, which? have been n>. garded as chronic, it may be found that modern medical science is able to do something for these unfortunate sufferers. The' Government hopes that m thia as. well as in. tho practical pursuit of its ideal to improve to the greatest possible extent the conditions of life of the blind much will be done to ameliorate their unfortunate state.”