BOOKS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9117, 16 May 1891, Page 5 (Supplement)

BOOKS.

« LIGHT ON DAKK PATHS." (By Robkht Mbldbum. Edinburgh i John Meuzles and Co.) It is wonderful how little most people in these colonieß know about what has been or is being done for the care and education of the blind. They are, of course, comparativelyfew in number—probably some 30 or 40 in the whole of Otago — (we speak under correction of the census returns to be shortly published), but the great deprivation involved in the loss of sight must always command pity and attention for those suffering from it. On the occasion of a recent visit of the teacher from an institution started some time ago for the benefit of the3e unfortunates in Auckland, the Rev. Dr Stuart made an impassioned appeal on their behalf. He had taken great interest in the subject during his visit to Scotland, and wa3 chiefly impressed with the fact which, at first sight, seems almost incredible, that blind children hold their own with their seeing compeers in the public school.. Believing that some further information on a movement so eminently philanthropic may not be altogether unacceptable, we readily call attention to the brochure whose title heads this notice. "Light on Dark Paths" is a species of handbook bearing upon the training of the blind, compiled, as we learn, by one who has laboured for 20 years as a missionary teacher of the blind in Scotland. There is an introduction by Mr John Dove Wilson, Sheriff c£ Aberdeen, who is well known as taking an active part in various charitable movements in the north. The training of the blind, as we learn from this book and other sources, would, in so far as this colony is concerned, divide itself naturally into two parts—first, the education of children who are born blind, or who, from fever or other causes, have become blind in infancy; and secondly, the subsequent teaching of trades and occupations to these children, and more or less to adult blind persons who may not have had up to this time any opportunity of learning any trade or occupation. With regard to the first of these —the early education of the blind—this writer emphasises . tb.6 statements made by Dr Stuart, to the effect that the best way of teaching these children is not to segregate them in some special institution, bat to send them to the public schools to learn the usual lessons with phe seeing children there, it is now accepted, we are told, as an axiom that the less the blind are isolated, whether for education or work, and the more they are allowed to live exactly as persons who are able to see, the more happy and useful they are likely to be. On the first mention of sending blind children to our schools, teachers might very naturally shrink from undertaking any such responsibility; but experience appears to make lighc of it, There can be no better testimony on this point than that of teachers themselves. The following letter is written by the head master of the King street School, Aberdeen :— I have very great pleasure indeed In replying to your inquiries, and am very glAd I can do BO without reservation. 1. The progren of oar blind pupib has been sseady and highly satisfactory Refbrence to our reoord Bheetß shows that under examination they more than hold their own. This refers to all the subjects—raiding, writing, arithmetic, geography, history, anrl elementary Bcience. 2. Their names have annually appeared on the schedules, and they have paßsed the standards and received certificates. 2. The several teaohera (four) have so kindly taken to this work that in no sense has the ordinary class work Buffered. The Buocessof these pupilßhas not been without influenoe on the other pupils. I cannot close without relating the result of a test examination in arithmetic, against lime, which occurred yesterday; Standard V wa« under examination, and the sums were dictated. Maria Carr, a blind girl, was correct la all, and among the first finished. Another from a country schoolmaster may be quoted for the guidance of our teachers who are doing useful work away from the city. It is dated from Kintore, a small rural town in Aberdeenshire :— Dear Sir.—Jemima Oruickshank, a Wind girl, aged 13 years, has, ai you know, attended the Publio Sohool, Kintore, for the past three years. I feared wheo. you first allied me to take her as a scholar that her presence would interfere with other BCholars in her class, but this has not been so. She is now one of Cbfi best soholars in the Third Standard, and the acouraey and rapidity she displays in arithmetic produce a stimulating effect on others. She ia a bright happy girl, and a particular favourite with the other scholars. It Is but right to say. however, that the female teachers have utiliied odd minutes an<} sometimes school Intervals In giving her extra help They have taken a special interest In her progress, and the help they gave her has been given oheirmlly.-I am, So., Wm, Kki-s. ?fc does not appear necessary to add a frord to the above in reference to v!r a I,'^tdreß- Touching $ha teaching of mind en. to them when they trades or l ;, ad lt bUna person? an leave school v ( , a and the institution will be V;^ although undone referred to at Au, :^ £ th6 5 j tunately at the extreme "*^ - • Eei ; at( w may be utilised for the V™^%Ji%?fa& the occupations of the adult i- %j c ' chairbasketmaking commended as suita -Lj su ;^.'. making is said to be simple to learn a. • :,i ' able for both sexes. The other blind iu.ltie^ tries are weaving, brush-making, knitting]' mattress-making, rope-making, and the making of ship fenders and rope mats. Music is specially suited to the blind. All should geb some training, but only gifted - ones need pursue music as a means of livelihood.