ST. DUNSTAN'S

Southland Times, Issue 20112, 24 February 1927, Page 8

ST. DUNSTAN'S

NEW ZEALAND BRANCH

(Per United Press Association.)

Wellington, February 23.

The New Zealand branch of St. Dunstans held a small gathering this morning so that Lady Pearson, widow of the founder of St. Dunstan’s, might have an opportunity of meeting blinded soldiers who live in and around Wellington. Lady Pearson, who is now president of St. Dunstans in England, is a passenger by the Franconia and on her world travels she is getting into touch with “St. Dunstaners” in all the dominions.

Mr W. T. Woods, president of the New Zealand branch of St. Dunstans, presided and others present were Messrs G. M. Macintosh (Christchurch), secretary of the branch and G. McGowan (Wellington), J. N. Thompson (Wellington), G. Hooper (Hutt), T. R. Roberts (Christchurch) and J. Johnson (Christchurch). An apology for absence w-as received from J. P. Robinson, of Nelson. Five trustees of the Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Blind Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Fund were also present. In welcoming Lady Pearson, the president said they were most pleased and honoured to have her among them. The memory of Sir Arthur Pearson was recalled with both gratitude and respect and they felt that if he was not present in person he was in spirit and always had been and this was to them a source of encouragement and moral support.

Lady Pearson was presented with an artistic bouquet by Mrs Macintosh and was greeted with loud applause when she rose to speak. It was a great pleasure to her, she said, to have an opportunity of meeting so many happy St. Dunstaners. St. Dunstans at Home had sent greetings to them. Lady Pearson read a cheery message from Captain L. Fraser, the chairman. It had always been Sir Arthur Pearson’s wish to visit St. Dunstaners in other countries but as that was not to be she had come herself and she was greatly pleased to find that they were “all up to the hilt fulfilling Sir Arthur’s wish.”