THE BLIND AT PLAY

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 50, 22 November 1928, Page 10

THE BLIND AT PLAY

PICNIC AT RIDDIFORD PARK

The people of Lower Hutt turned out in force to welcome the band of the Jubilee Institute for the Blind and the blind of Wellington yesterday. The outing was arranged by the Red Cross Society. Some 72 blind people in all' were conveyed by motor-cars to Riddiford Park at Lower Hutt, and there received the warmest of welcomes from the Mayor (Mr. W. T. Strand), who said how glad they were to see the visitors. Mr. D. T. Watkins also spoke briefly on behalf of the Rotarians. Mr. Clutha. Mackenzie, on behalf of his charges, -returned thanks to the Red Cross Society for the splendid outing, and to the Mayor, and citizens of Lower Hutt for the hearty welcome accorded them.

The blind people then scattered over the park to enjoy in their own quiet way the lovely lawns in the brilliant sunshine. At-noon they were given a sitdown luncheon in the Town Hall building, and during the afternoon several of them enjoyed a swim in the baths, amongst the expert swimmers -, being the Rev. Ernest Chitty, who has been blind since birth. As the weather was on the warm side the splash in the cool waters was tremendously enjoyed. After the bathing was over the party was entertained at afternoon, tea and'then: returned to town. - • ■ ■ The Blind Band left for Lyttelton last evening. From there they will proceed to Timaru. Oamaru, Dunedin,: Gore, Balclutha, and Invercargill before returning north. '