CARE OF THE BLIND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20842, 8 April 1931, Page 11

CARE OF THE BLIND.

THE JUBILEE INSTITUTE. REVIEW OF PAST YEAR. HIGH STANDARD OF WORK. A decline in the returns from the sale of goods manufactured at the Jubilee Institute for the Blind was reported by the chairman of trustees, Mr. A. J. Hutchinson, at the annual meeting of the institute yesterday afternoon. " I regret that our trade returns have suffered a very considerable decline," said Mr. Hutchinson. " Had we not extended the variety of goods manufactured and our voluntary sales, this would have been a, most serious matter. Subscriptions show a decline. Several valuable legacies left to us during the past year will not be available for a number of years, owing to other beneficiaries coining before us. " Notwithstanding theso facts, we decided to proceed with tho extension of our workshops, for two major reasons. First, wo badly needed the extra room for both stock and accommodation for the workers, while wo also required extra room for the purpose of opening an adult school to train the blind in basket, seagrass and other furniture work. We also felt that it was the most economical time to build and that it would give employment to men badly in need of work. The building was completed in February and is now fully occupied. The adult school has started and* is proving most satisfactory. We have also started an adult Braille reading and typewriting class.

" At the last annual meeting I referred to the plan of erecting a home for the aged blind," continued Mr. Hutchinson. " This has not been overlooked. Much valuable and necessary information has been gathered, and as soon as possible we shall carry out this plan." In conclusion, the chairman paid a tribute to the work of the director, Mr. Clutha Mackenzie, and the staff at the institute, also referring to the services of Mr. F. Wake, a trustee, who had been compelled to retire from the board on account of ill-health. " 1 think tho institute has reason to be gratified at the work which has been done at the school, as well as in other parts of the institution," said Sir George Fowlds, who moved a vote of thanks to the director and the staff. " During the past few years our staff has been greatly improved and the work we are turning out from our workshops is of a very high order."

Mr. Hutchinson was re-elected chairman of trustees, while Messrs. Alfred Nathan and H. C. McCoy were elected unopposed to fill two vacancies on the board.