PICNIC FOR THE BLIND

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 144, 15 December 1933, Page 4

PICNIC FOR THE BLIND

A very successful outing promoted by the local branch of the ICew Zealand Red Cross Society, on behalf of the blind, took place at Day's Bay yesterday. Approximately 50 blind people were present, the party being picked up at the Hotel Cecil at 10.30 a.m. and transported to the Bay. The operations "were in charge of Mrs. C, H. Chapman, assisted by members of the special committee set up by the society to care for the blind. Before departing,' Mr. Clutha McKenzie, director of the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, Auckland, and Mr. Broadfoot, secretary, met the party and said a few words. UnfortuI nately they were unable to take part in the outing, having important engagements with Ministers of the Crown, affecting the welfare of the blind. On arrival at the Bay a quiet and happy time was spent, lunch and afternoon tea being served in the pavilion, interspersed with musical items. Among those contributing was Mrs. Curie, who is 75 years of age, her husband being 82, and both of them blind. Mrs. Curie was vociferously encored for her sweet singing of "Happy Days Of Long Ago." During the day opportunity was taken by the Red Cross Society to present each of the blind people with a email monetary Christmas gift, carrying with.it the warm wishes of the Red Cross. Members of the party returned to town at 5 p.m., having thoroughly enjoyed the outing. For 'hose who by age or infirmity; found difficulty in getting to and from their homes to the point of assembly of the party, transport was provided.