BLIND EX-SOLDIERS.

Grey River Argus, 24 February 1927, Page 5

BLIND EX-SOLDIERS.

ST. DUNSTAN’S INSTITUTE. LADY PEARSON VISITS N.Z. BRANCH. WELLINGTON, Feb. 23. The New Zealand branch of St. Dunstan’s Institute for blind soldiers and sailors held a small gathering this morning so that Lady Pearson, widow of the founder of St. Dunstan’s, might have an opportunity of meeting blinded soldiers who live in and around Wellington. Lady Pearson, who is now President of the St. Dunstan’s Institute in Eng land, is a passenger by the Franconia and on her world travels she is getting into touch with “St. Dunstaners” in all the Dominions.

AV. T. Woods (President of the New Zealand branch of St. Dunstan’s) pre sided and other sightless soldiers pres ent were, G. AV. Macintosh (Christ church), Secretary of the Branch. G. Al’Gowan (Wellington), J. N. Thomp son (Wellington), G. Hooper (llutt x T. R. Roberts (Christchurch), and J Johnson (Christchurch). An apology for absence was received from J. P. Robinson, of Nelson. Five trustees oi the Commercial Travellers and Ware housemen’s Blind Soldiers and Sailors Fund were also presei t. In welcoming Lady Pearson, the Pres ide nt said they were pleased and lion cured to have her among them. The memory of Sir Arthur Pearson was re called with both gratitude and respect and they felt that if he was not pres ent in person, he was in spirit, ami al ways had been, and this was to them a source of encouragement and moral support. Lady Person was presented with an artistic bouquet by Airs Alaclntosh, ami was greeted with loud applause when she rose to speak. It was a great pleasure to her, she said, to have the opportunity of meeting so many happy St. Dunstaners. Si. Dunstan’s at Home had sent greetings to them, ami Ihe.se Lad.v Pearson read in a cheery message from ( aptain L. Fraser, the Chairman o* St. Dunstan’s in England. It had t ways been Sir Arthur Pearson’s wish tj visit St. Dunstaners in other coun tries, but as that was not to be she had come herself, and she was greatly pleased Io find that they were “all up to the hilt” fulfilling Sir Arthur’s wish.