THE BLIND MUSICIANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2298, 17 March 1898, Page 39

THE BLIND MUSICIANS.

There is no form of infirmity which so much appeals to the sympathy of the general body of people as does that of blindness. by the establishment of schools for the blind, much is now (?one to lighten the lot of those who have been deprived of, or have never posse?spd, the jeuse of s'gb.t, and_ their lot iss thus ameliorated to an exteut and in a wvy that, cot so many years ago, was unheard of, but their condition is still exceptionally hard and cinnot in ths nature of things be otherwise. JTew are the avenues that are open to the blind, but it is astonishing what proficiency and aptitude r.ie ofLen shown by them in musical matters. This is all the mcrp satisfactory, because while music i-? an acciropliilur.^nt that will tend *o enliven many an ooiu th*,u f>erfoivc luvst other wise be spent In t. mill ar.ti a.mless manner, pleosuie can also be given to others. Thus nothing could be better than the idaa of a ninnber of first-class artists— although blind— banding themselves together, and in thia way net only piovidinsf the means for a livelihood, but impairing leal enjoyment in returu to all who assist the~n l:v patroui' ing treir entertainnients 1 . A party of libnd musicians, vho were 1 raited at tlie Ko^'&l Victorian \Vl*ege fo.- xhe lUint!, will visit !Oaacdin next vtfcek, opening iheir reason at the City Halloa Monday night. They do not want to be a bufthec upon anybody, snd 60 they invite the public to their concsns, feeling sure that in their laudable desire to help themselves a generous atd kindly support will i;e extended them, and in return thfty pioni'se their patrons not only ai_ entertainment of merit, but a couple of hours of solid pleasure.