HARD OF HEARING

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 42, 18 August 1939, Page 4

HARD OF HEARING

WELLINGTON BRANCH

A SUCCESSFUL YEAR

"Each year brings the branch nearer the fulfilment of its desire to do all that is possible for the hard of hearing, and to help them to face their misfortune with courage and cheerfulness," stated the fourth annual report of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand League for the Hard of Hearing, which was presented at the annual meeting last night. During the year, stated the report, 80 people had attended lip-reading classes, the total number to receive tuition since the branch commenced being 135. The ordinary (non-student) membership was 75. Under the guidance of Miss M. Eggletori, the branch teacher, who was an expert lip-reader, students had learnt not only to converse more easily but to regain their self-confidence and normal cheerfulness. A new phase of the branch's work made possible by the group hearing aid had been instruction in first aid.

The teacher's report stated that the average number of lip-reading groups throughout the year had been six. They had maintained. a satisfactory rate of progress.

The president, Dr. W. Macdonald, said the league had originally started in Auckland, where the national governing body had been formed, but now there were branches in the four main centres. Owing to the necessity of travelling, the board of governors at Auckland was not truly national, but it was hoped soon to alter the constitution so that ■ a more representative governing body could be obtained. He paid a tribute to the fine work done by the branch's officers. The year had heen a successful one, he said, and the financial position was satisfactory.

In reply to a question asking if the Auckland branch had been given the, grant received by the board of governors at Auckland from art union funds, Dr. Macdonald said that the grant had been largely held in reserve with the view of meeting expenditure in estab' lishing new branches.

Mr. A. E. Boyes considered that the branch should obtain larger and more suitable premises, as the present rooms were inadequate for conducting large social functions. It was expained that the lease held by the branch did not expire until another two years, when it was hoped to obtain more commodious premises.

Officers were elected, for the ensuing year as follows: —President, Dr. W. Macdonald; vice-presidents, the Hon. P. Fraser, the Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Myers, the Bishop of Wellington, Archbishop O'Shea, Rabbi Solomon Katz, Sir Donald McGavin. Sir Alexander Roberts, Colonel A. Cowles, Captain M. S. Galloway, Dr. G. W. Harty, Mrs. G. A- Hurd-Wood, Mr. A. L. Hunt, Mr. J. Mai ton-Murray; executive committee, Miss R. Scott (students representative), Mrs. M. H. Watt, Dr. R. Elliott, Messrs. T. R. Clarkson and 3F. Nicholson; honorary secretary, Mrs. J. F. Nicholson; honorary treasurer, Mr. J. McDermont; honorary auditor, Mr. J. Hi Barnett; honorary solicitor, Mr. P. Brandon; honorary acoustical engineer, Mr. T. R. Clarkson.