PICNIC FOR THE BLIND.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 27, 29 November 1928, Page 2

PICNIC FOR THE BLIND.

IN REDDITOKD PARK.

About 70 inmates of the Jubilee Institute for Blind visited Riddiford Gardens last week under the auspices of the Wellington Bed Cross Society. Mr. L. T. Watkins, on 'behalf of the Rotarians, introduced the visitors to the Mayor" and Mayoress, Mr. and Mrs W, T. Strand. Mr. Strand said he was honoured and proud to extend to the visitors a most cordial welcome. He hoped they would enjoy their vsit and invited them to compare the waters of the Hutt wich those of Auckland by plunging into the Riddiford baths if they felt so inclinI cd. He paid a warm tribute to the j Red Cross Society for the magnificent Avork they carried out so cjuietly and well. He also thanked Mr. Clutha : Mackenzie for the noble work he had undertaken amongst the blind people. Mr. Clutha Mackenzie, thanked the Mayor anil Mayoress for their kindly interest in his blind friends and thanked Captain Galloway of the Red Cross Society for arranging the day's outing. "There is no special self-sacrifice on my part," sad Mr. Mackenzie. "There are no happier and good naturcd people than my blind friends.'' He also pointed out that people are coming to forget that 'blindness is a great disability as they acquire so many compensating faculties which tho Institutiis endeavouring to tlovolop. Captan Galloway said, "the fact that the Bed Cross Society had done something to .help Mr. Mackenzie and his blind friends was ample reward." He then described some of the wonderful work that was being done by the Bod Cross Society, such as finding food and clothing for the poor in time of need, organising a eafotaria at the public hospitals, entirely staffed by voluntary lady helpers. They had a staff of 350 trained wo-men -ready to take up nursing work at any time they were re^ quired. His society was anxious to place another nurse in the Mflcra district but they were largely handicapped, by lack of financial support. He outlined the difficulties of maintaining a satisfactory Bank balance but whatever their financial worries might be they always had the satisfaction of knowing that they had "a credit balance of achievement.'' , Cheers were called for the Mayor and Mayoress, Captain Galloway and "Clutha." ' The visitors then scattered over the park to enjoy, the lovely sunshine in their own quiet way until noon when they were entertained at luncheon. In the afternoon the Rev. Ernest Chitty, who has been blind since birth and several others, enjoyed a swim in the baths. After afternoon tea .had been served the party returned to town to connect with the ferry steamer for Lyttleton.