FUND FOR THE BLIND

Otago Witness, Issue 3596, 13 February 1923, Page 65

FUND FOR THE BLIND

EXPLANATION BY MR CLUTHA MACKENZIE. 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 that 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 be dealt with, and these fell "into at least three classes: (1) Children who were born blind. These needed a specialised institute for instruction. (2) Adult blind ; many of these would require to be taught at their own homes by a voluntary teacher, others would have to go to a proper school. (3) The aged blind. These would require to be taught at home. Special committees could supervise the arrangements for voluntary teachers. 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 bear the expense. The amount was paid out of the institute’s own fund. This should be very clearly understood. The Auckland Institute had been long established, and it would not be economical to establish another institute. Only 75 people attended the Auckland Institute. Forty-five of these were adults, most of whom did not reside in the institute. Mr Martin moved a hearty vote of. thanks to Mr Mackenzie, whose statement would greatly assist the committee in raising the rest of the quota. Mr Fairbairn, who seconded the motion, said he felt the greatest sympathy with the noble work done 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 £20,000 required would be raised.