BLINDED SOLDIERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18685, 15 April 1924, Page 11

BLINDED SOLDIERS.

MEN FROM ST. DUNSTAN'S.

FORMATION" OF ASSOCIATION.

The formation of an association of exSt. Dunstan's men to be called the St Dunstan's New Zealand Association, was decided upon at a conference of blinded soldiers, held at the Jubilee Institute yesterday afternoon. Thirteen blinded men were present at the reunion, which was the first held since they left St. Dunstan's Hospital, London. The objects of the association are to keep alive the old spirit of St. Dunstan's, to consider all matters connected with the welfare of blinded- soldiers, and to assist by practical means the improvement of the organisations for the blind in New Zealand. The association also aims at' reunion ;of blinded men and the tion of news among its members. The subscription for the first year was fixed at 10s, and 5s per member is to be handed to the Jubilee Institute annually as a tribute to that excellent institution. A resolution was passed expressing deep gratitude to the many individuals, organisations, public bodies, and Government departments that have done so much to lighten the burden of war injuries members had sustained. The resolution concluded: "We know that we, in return, have a duty to discharge, which is to do our best to continue to render service to the community. We beg to ask the public and the Government to remember that we have many comrades who, though they do not bear such outward and visible signs of war injuries, yet suffer as much and more than we do, their whole health being undermined by the ravages of gas, tuberculosis, or nerve injury." - In reply to the Napier Returned Soldiers' Association which asked for advice as to the disposal of £25 anonymously donated to blind service men, it was decided to recommend that the donation be handed to the Jubilee Institute, with a recommendation that it be expended in obtaining typewriters for two ex-service men who have lost their sight in New Zealand since the war. ■ t • * The next reunion is to be held in Onristchurch. r _ ' . .j The following officers were elected Chairman, Mr. W. T..Woods; committee, Messrs. J. W. N. Mcintosh (hon. secretary and treasurer), Christchurch C. M. Johnston (Christchurch) C McKenzie (Auckland), *nd J- McGill (Christ- ° In°the evening an enjoyable social and dance was held at the institute, a large number of guests being present.