HELPING THE BLIND

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11437, 6 February 1923, Page 5

HELPING THE BLIND

THE PEARSON MEMORIAL FUND. Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, February 5. Mr Clutha Mackenzie, who promoted the New Zealand Pearson Memorial Fund for the Blind, explained the present position of the fund to the Christchurch committee to-day. He said it was hoped the final objective would be reached within eight or nine months. Mr Mackenzie said there was evidently some misapprehension concerning the disposition of the fund. There had been no departure whatever from the original intention. There were a great many cases to he dealt with, and these fell into at least three classes:—(l) Children who were born blind; these needed a specialised institution for their instruction. (2) Adult blind: many of these would require to be taught at their own homes by voluntary teachers; others would have to go to a proper school. (3) The aged blind. These would require to he taught at home. Social committees could supervise the arrangements for voluntary teacners. He hoped these would be blinded soldiers and civilians, assisted by others who took an interest in the work. When a blind person was sent to the Auckland Institute for the Blind it did not mean that the Pearson Fund was called upon to hear the expense. The amounj, was paid ly the institute’s own fund. This should be very clearly understood. The Auckland Institute had been long established, and it would not he economical to establish another institute. Only 75 people attended tho Auckland institute, and 45 of these were adults, most of whom did not reside in the institute. .

Mr Martin moved a hearty veto of thankß to Mr Mackenzie, whose statement, he said, would greatly Assist the committee in raising, the rest of the quota. Mr Fairbairn, who seconded the motion, said he felt the greatest sympathy wifh the noble work donq by Mr Mackenzie. Mr Mackenzie, who was received with applause, thanked the members for their help to the fund. The approval of Canterbury had procured support for the movement throughout New Zealand, and he felt that the additional £20,009 required would be raised.