AIDING THE BLIND

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24132, 26 November 1941, Page 8

AIDING THE BLIND

ST. DUNSTAN'S GREAT WORK The 26th annual report of St. Dtmstan's Institute for the Blind, appropriately headed "Victory Over Blindness," is an inspiring record of service to soldiers, sailors and airmen. Indeed, the scope of the work goes even beyond that now, and, as Sir lan Eraser points out, more women are being included than in the last war because they are taking a more hazardous part. The total admissions to St. Dunstan's Hospital and Training Centre at the time the report was issued were 101, including 86 from the fighting services and home defence organisations and 1c civilians. Sir lan is of opinion that those admitted are more serious and thoughtful and better educated than were their predecessors from the last war, and their instructors have been surprised at the speed with which thej are learning to be blind. Some idea of the extent and cost ol the work is conveyed' in the balancesheet, which is balanced at a total oi £1,734,752. The income and expenditure account balances at £243,802. and includes an item of £35,000 transferred to a reserve for the welfare of new war-blinded ex-servicemen. The- report is attractively illustrated with photographs accompanied by brief life histories of men of whom St. Dunstan's is proud and who have every reason tc he grateful for the strong help St. Dunstan's has given them in their desperate need.