AID FOR THE BLIND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21329, 2 November 1932, Page 14

AID FOR THE BLIND

JUBILEE INSTITUTE'S WORK FAIR TO RAISE FUNDS A largely-attended meeting of helpers at the Jubilee Institute for tie Blind last evening formed itself into a general committee to promote this year's fair at the institute. It is to take pla.co in the institution grounds on December 1, 2 and 3, and is to be on similar lines to that hetd last year. Mr. Clutha Mackenzie, dirsctor of the institute, said the last fair had yielded a net profit of £1353, comprising £7OO for sales of blind people's goods and £653, to go toward the ordinary running expenses of the institute. This had been invaluable. The institute dii not want to make any unnecessary csll upon the public, but, owing to the elimination of Government subsidy and the falling off of income from other sources, the institute's income this year would be less'by about £4OOO. The important point, however, was the necessity of marketing the goods mado by blind vorkers. The function of the institute wrs really the relief of unemployment among the "blind. Members of the institute appreciated to the full the debt of gratitude they owed to the public for providing the money necessary for carrying on the work of the institute during its 42 years of life. In this year of distress, they had been doing their best to make some repayment. Within the last 12 months they had given 30 concerts and band performances for other charities,, including 14 concerts in aid of unemployment distress. These latter had been the means of raising approximately £2lO. The chairman of the board of trustees, Mr. A. J. Hutch;nson, ga.vo some interesting figures illustrating the growth of the institute's work. Nimj years ago, when it had /6 inmates, its income from public subscription and Government subsidy amounted to £6746, or £B7 a head. Ihis year, public subscriptions having fallen seriously and the Government subsidy having been withdrawn, the figure would be not more than £2300, with inmates numbering 140, an average of £lB 8s a head. The blind workers were doing all they coyld to contribute toward their own support, and sales of goods, which had averaged £3054 nine years ago, had averaged £10,335 for the "past three years Nevertheless, the institute could not work on such a reduced income, as many of the workers were elderly and had to bo subsidised. There was the school for children and also many free services, such as the circulation ol: Braille literature throughout New Zealand. He earnestly hoped they would not have to curtail any of their activities for making life brighter for blind people. Committees were set up to deal with tho various activities connected with the fair, many public bodies, such as the Rotary Club, the Yictoiia League and the Legion of Frontie'rsm ;n, promising active support.