WORK FOR BLIND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22355, 28 February 1936, Page 15

WORK FOR BLIND

1 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ACTIVITIES OF INSTITUTE VISIT BY ROTARIANS "A modern institute such ns ours, rei presents tho mobilised goodwill of the ■ public toward tho blind, so that its ! generous gifts of money may be translated into tho best practical service," i stated Sir Clutha Mackenzie, director of tho New Zealand Institute for the Blind, when addressing Rotarians and their wives at "the institute yesterday, when a garden party was held as part of the programme of tho New Zealand Rotary District Conference. Sir Clutha said that until the last century or so, in western civilised countries, and even up to the present day in more backward communities, the vast majority of the blind had had to live in poverty and soul-destroying idleness. , Gradually, however, through outstanding blind people showing the less able how to acquire capaoity, and through financial assistance being forthcoming from an ever-sympathetic public, schools, workshops and homes had been established—at first bare and institutional in character and outlook, but steadily becoming better equipped and moro liberal. "So now we have these special organisations to give to the blind, within their somewhat lesser scope, the same services as are available to the sighted in education, opportunities for employment, access to literature, and participation in social life," continued Sir Clutha. For the smooth running of its various activities, the institute required an income of £9500 a year in the general fund. There were three main sources of income Government grant, revenue from investments, and subscriptions. The Government made a grant of £ISOO, while interest and subscriptions totalled about £6OOO. For the past four years income had fallen short of the institute's requirements by about £2OOO a year, and assistance would be appreciated to make up this leeway. Sir Clutha continued that the workshops account showed a loss of about £IOOO a year, which it was hoped in time to reduce gradually, though it was difficult not to pay the workers somewhat iri excess of their.commercial earnings. Sales last year reached nearly £13,000, giving employment and wages to over 100 blind workers. "Many of our people, however, are doubly handicapped, and some, losing their sight'in later life, cannot acquire high speed," said Sir Clutha. "Much of our work is unremunerative, and for these reasons we must always depend upon a steady revenue from the public, and upon the generous voluntary services of our many workers. Rotary s service to our community has proved invaluable, and we trust that for many years to come we may continue to have its warm friendship."