A BLIND TROOPER'S OPTIMISM

Nelson Evening Mail, 15 May 1917, Page 6

A BLIND TROOPER'S OPTIMISM

* WELCOME-TO "CLUTHA ' MACKENZIE. Trooper Clutha Mackenzie, blind, as a result' of operations in the present war, was a guest of honour at the Soldiers/ Club in Sydney-street, Wellington, on Saturday evening, says the Post. A reception was also accorded two other soldiers: who have done their part nobly and well, arid who- are now more or le.«s broken, namely, Corporal Lennard and Corporal J. M. Earle. There was a large number of soldiers present, besides the members of the General Committee and representatives of the Returned Soldiers' Club. An enjoyable musical programme was provided. Quite informally. Trooper Mackenzie talked of his experiences, particularly as far as they concerned the famous St. Dunstan's "institution for the Blind. He would not allow that loss of sight was any worse than many other "deprivations Buffered as the result of the war, and when somebody told him he was "too modest,' 'he denied that strenuously. He stated that wonderful work was being done at- St. Dunstan's. There were about 600 soldiers there, of whom at the present time ten were New Zealanders. They were all being helped to readjust themselves to their altered conditions of life. Braille was taught them (and Braille he was by no means in love with as a subject to'learn). If you had a praver book given you in Braille, and you wanted to take it to church with vou yon would have to have it wheeled there, he told his audience. Trades—- • bootmaking. basket-making, carpentering, etc., etc., were taught, and typing, massage, poultry-farming, market gardening, and many other occupations. Of Sir Arthur Pearson, the founder and controller of St. Dunstan's, Trooper Mackenzie spoke in high terms_ of praise. "People have such fallacious ideas in regard to blindness," he said, "arid Sir Arthur Pearson often receives invitations from people asking that different officers may visit them for a while." The host or hostess would saythat they would do everything for their " cuests—wash their faces, comb their hair, bath them, and put them to bed. Nothing would be left undone; "and vou know it was quite unnecessary. We can- do all that." When one was out in the street, and wanted to get into a taxi, three or four people would rush forward, catch one's arriis and legs, and almost lift one. bodily into,it. It was an embarrassment of riches 1 in the way of- help. „, _ , While they worked at St. Dunstan s thev also played, and the social life of the* place was very pleasant. Sport held its place there, as it did elsewhere, and bv no means one of the least of the compensations to the. soldiers who had tost their sight was'the privilege of being read_to by a nice girl, as they of ten were. Sometimes, it was true, accidents , would happen through not being able to «ee; and he told of one that happened when he went' to church one Sunday. He arrived there somewhat late, when a hymn. was being sung,' and as he stood tip after having been shown into a pew. he felt his arm pulled, and thinking it was the collection plate, he pulled out a coin and carefullv placed it on a hymn book, which a lady, his next door neighbour, not- knowing his blindness, had placed in front of him. However, it was useful later .in the service. At the close of this talk, Mrs Coleridge, acting-president, thanked Tpr. Mackenzie, and remarked that he had brought a great deal of sunshine into the club. They felt better for hearing and seeing his cheerful optimism. _One of the returned comrades of Tpr. Mac- - kenzie had stated that the latter was too modest about himself, and yet that soldier (Cpl. J. M. Earle} was extremely reticent' himself. He had been thrice mentioned in despatches, and had also been recommended for a Military Medal.