THE HARD OF HEARING

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 55, 3 September 1934, Page 11

THE HARD OF HEARING

NEW ZEALAND LEAGUE

MEETING IN WELLINGTON

The New Zealand League for the Hard of Hearing which was founded two years ago in Auckland, is to extend its activities to Wellington. Tho patron is the Governor-General of New Zealand, the vice-patron, tho Mayor of Auckland, and tho president is a prominent medical man. The list of vicepresidents includes tho Minister of Health, the Primate and Archbishop of New Zealand,' tho Ronian^ Catholic Bishop of Auckland,.a.rabbi, and a number of other prominent people. Mrs. G. A. Hurd-Wood, who. is the founder and life governor, as well as the honorary organising secretary, has organised a public meeting, to which all citizens aro invited, and it i? hoped that public interest will be fostered in this most humane activity. Tho meeting will bo held in tho Red Cross Hall, Dixon Street, at 3 p.m. tomorrow. In an interview with a "Post" representative, Mrs. Hurd-Wood said that less had been done for the deaf than lor tho blind. It was true that the blind wore more helpless and were denied the beauty of the physical world, but the deaf wero cut oft: from social intercourse to a much greater degree. "The disabilities from which the deafened and hard of hearing suffer is realised by very few people in the community," said Mrs. Hurd-Wood. "A study of tho question in New Zealand and overseas has shown mo tho great possibilities for. good that can be developed by an organisation for help-, ing the deafened to help themselves. Very often when the otologist can do no more for his patient except to recommend him to learn lip-reading or uso a hearing aid, the league brings him renowed hope. To encourage these people to syercome'their disabilities in so far aslihey affect their livelihood and recreation is one of the chief aims lof the league. It is: proposed eventually to establish branches of the league throughout New Zealand. r "My experience as a voluntary teacher.of lip-reading," continued Mrs. Hurd-Wood, "has'shown .me the wonderful results than'■'can.bo."obtained, and the-pleasure which can bo brought into the lives of those who, through being afflicted, are. often cut off from everyday intercourse with their fellow men. There has, however, been no organisation to help hatd-of-hearing people 'generally; . , . ■ ,f'lTi-Qm, .an educational, medical, moral, and economic viewpoint the league can bo judged-to bo of national importance. I want to emphasisp the need for co-operation, as much depends on the support given tho league. The successful establishment of the league lies in the hands of those publicBpirited men and women who are willing to add yet another claim to, their time and energies,, and who will help all thoso interested on behalf of their deafened and hard-of-hearing fellowmen. ; Once the public realises the I significance of tho work I am sure it '.will be ready to' co-operate."