ELECTION NEWS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14809, 12 October 1911, Page 9

ELECTION NEWS.

THE-PARNELL CONTEST.

SIR, J. FIND LAY'S CAMPAIGN,

&MONG THE BLIND ELECTORS,

CHEAP RAILWAY FARES.

StR John Findlat paid a visit yesterday afternoon to the Jubilee Institute for the Blind, where, after a brief inspection, he met the small community of electors, both whole and afflicted, and spoke briefly to them :on political matter?. Accompanied by a small party, he made the round of the schoolrooms and workshops, where tho ordinary work of the day ' was in progress, - from the instruction of the very young in the beneficent mysteries of Braille to the making of heavy mats, and Elaborate basket and rattan work by the adult inmates.

Speaking to the gathered grown-up inmates and the staff, he stated first that he had been asked by the principal of the institute to endeavour to secure for the inmates a concession granted by the English railway companies to people similarly situated at Home—the substantial reduction of railway fares. It was usually necessary, when they went upon a holiday, for them to take an attendant with them, so that the fares, charged at the- full rate, were a heavy burden. This was, he felt,"a very strong plea, and he would recommend to the Minister for Railways as strongly and feelingly as he could that a substantial concession should be made. ' The amount involved would not be very great, or impose any considerable burden on the taxpayer; and he believed it would commend itself to the Hon. Mr. Millar as it did to him. (Applause.) He warned them that he was not making a definite promise, but hoped" that when he returned he would be able to confirm it.

Speaking of the Government's attitude towards such institutions generally, the candidate said that many Acts had been passed indicating their status, and last session the legal importance of the Institute for the Blind had. been established in that way. The State had a distinct duty towards those who had not the full equipment given to most ' men and .women, and it should. be a parent, intelligent-, and though not over-indulgent, at least kindly and humanitarian. The Government, therefore, made itself responsible for everyone who entered these institutions, and while those who could might contribute towards their upkeep it yet practically guaranteed ' their maintenance, itself looking after the question -whether anyone else should be asked to contribute. That, policy, against which no one could cavil, would be pursued still further.

' Sir John proceeded to state very briefly the basis of the policy for which he stood —the provision of reasonable facilities to as-, sist everyone to reach i some measure of independence and security. The State, he said, no longer intended to be a coldhearted policeman, calmly, watching while the people starved, but should attempt m some measure to be an intelligent -and beneficent parent doing what a wise father would wish to :do v for his sons and daughters. He believed that if this policy was properly followed out it would do more for the community than any , other could towards the general happiness and welfare. At the conclusion of the address, which was listened to with much attention and many; expressions of approval,; a vote of thanks, proposed by one of the inmates, was "carried by hearty applause.