THE BLIND

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 81, 5 April 1923, Page 4

THE BLIND

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

CARE. TRAINING-, AND EDUCATION.

The Minister of Health (the Hon. C. J. Parr) stated last evening that the Government had decided to appoint a Committee to inquire into and report upon the condition of the blind as regards their care, training, and -education.

The Minister stated that the financing of the Institute of the Blind at Auckland has Deen. carried out from trust funds, supplemented by a subsidy of ±!2o per annum trom the Government, in respect of each pupil. "Soma doubts have been expressed as to the efficiency of the course of instruction of blind children," he remai'ked. "Aloreover, as the lund raised largely through the efforts of Air. Clutha Mackenzie amoTints to i!22,00U, the managers of the fund are anxious to co-operate with the Blind Institute, more particularly as regards the. aftercare of ithe blind, and it is expected that they have suggestions-to make as to the curriculum of the institute. I am anxious to co-ordinate the work, and I think ifc is opportune that an inquiry should he made into the whole question of the proper, and systematic education of the blind. A good deal has been said lately about pensions for the 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. I am sure that this is the ambition of every blind person, rather than to obtain a pension." , The Minister added that he had an interview with the Hon. George»Fowlds and Messrs. Caughley and Vale, representing the trustees. They welcomed the suggestion that there should be a Committee of. Inquiry, to investigate and make recommendations for the co-ordinu-tion of the work of the institute with that of the Mackenzie Fund Trust Mo.nagement. The trustees agreed to nominate one of their' number to sit on the Commission, and subsequently nominated Sir. J. W. Tibbs, formerly headmaster of the Auckland Grammar School. Cabinet decided, said Mr. Parr, to appoint the following gentlemen to the Commission:—Mr. J. Caughley, Director of Education (chairman); Mr. (Slutha Mackenzie (Auckland)"; Mr. J. W. Tibbs (Auckland); Mr. Robert Nolan (Auckland). The commission will commence its work on 16th April, on an order of reference to be decided by the Minister. The 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 Committee will have power to take evidence from persons interested, and to call for papers and reports.

"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 regarded as chronic, it may be found that modern medical science is able to do something for these unfortunate_ sufferers. The Gov° e.rnment hopes that in this as well as in the 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 etate."