DISABILITY IN HEARING

Evening Star, Issue 23146, 21 December 1938, Page 17

DISABILITY IN HEARING

PRACTICAL HELP FOR SUFFERERS LOCAL BRANCH OF M.Z. LEAGUE ESTABLISHES The fact that one in six suffers to some degree from hardness of hearing and that there are about 14,000 people throughout the country whose hearing is definitely defective were illuminating statements made at a meeting held in the University Club Rooms last evening, when those present decided to form a local branch of the New Zealand League for the Hard of Hearing, which in the north has for some years pronioted the social and industrial welfare of people suffering from a disability in hearing. The mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) presided, and after Dr W. E. Carswell had addressed the meeting it was unanimously decided to put the movement on a practical footing in Dunedin. There were about 30 present. Mr Allen, in stressing the importance of assistance for those hard of hearing, pointed out that at the present time aid was given to the mind, to crippled children, and other unfortunate sufferers. The New Zealand League for the Hard of Hearing now had branches in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, and it was highly desirable that a branch should be established in Dunedin. Dr Carswell said that the league had been in existence in the north for some years, and the fact that there was n 0 branch in Dunedin was rather a reflection on this city. Its objects, he added, were to promote the industrial, social, and general of those suffering from n disability in hearing. “Few people realise the magnitude of this problem,” said Dr Carswell. 1 To some—those who suffer in this way it is, of course, a very real problem. Actually one in every six in Dunedin and New Zealand has a disability in hearing to some extent, and throughout the whole Dominion there are about 14,000 people who may be regarded as having definitely defective hearing. In some countries it has been proposed that there should be an old age pension for these sufferers, payable at an earlier age than_ is iisual, to compensate them for their difficulties in securing employment. If that were adopted in New Zealand about 6,000 people would be affected.” Dr Carswell stated that the local branch, would require an instructor in lip reading. There was one such teacher in Dunedin at present, but a full-time instructor would bo necessary. Ho mentioned here that people hard of hearing experienced difficulty with consonants, the vowel sounds being comparatively easy for them. It a teacher could be secured the central body would he prepared to pay his or her rare to and from Auckland for training purposes, which would also be free, and there would be an allowance given towards living expenses. The salary of this teacher (at least £166) would be the problem of the branch. Dr Carswell then outlined the other objects of the league, which,,could give material assistance, both social and industrial spheres, to those in need. At present there were two picture theatres in Dunedin equipped to aid hearing, and it was hoped that this system would he extended. If silent films could bo brought back this would also be a God-send. “ Those who suffer from the disability frequently begin to crow sensitive about it, and are inclined to separate themselves from their fellows,” said Dr Carswell, “ and it will he our object to promote then general happiness. There is provision for the blind, but none for the hard of hearing, who receive little practical svmpathy and are often carrying on under considerable stress and strain. We want to make accessible to these people, not only proper aids-to hearing, but better financial conditions. I might say that the Government has been approached by the league, and the Minister of Internal Affairs and others have been most helpful. One of their gestures was to remove the duty on certain spares for hearing aids. We also wish to be in a position to help people when they are threatened by loss of employment, and to endeavour to have them transferred to departments where the disability might not be such a big handicap.” In conclusion, Dr Carswell mentioned that the central body would make a grant of £25 to the local branch, but the salary of the teacher and the other necessary funds wou.d have to be found here. After Mr Allen bad read the constitution of the league, a Dunedin branch was then formed. Officers for the first year were elected as follows: —President, Dr Carswell; vice-presidents, Dr W. H. Borne and Mr F. W. Mitchell; committee—Miss E C. Gawn, Messrs H. L. Gibson, W. E - Earnshaw, R. Fraser, E. L. Eastrrate and T. A. Moreland; secretary and treasurer. Mr J. Harris; hon. solicitor, Mr A. T. W. Wood; hon. auditors, Messrs M'lnnes and Company.