BLIND CRAFTSMEN

Southland Times, Issue 21263, 9 December 1930, Page 7

BLIND CRAFTSMEN

A FINE DISPLAY AT THE SHOW. The sale of goods from the Blind Institute in Auckland at present being conducted at the Summer Show, is proving a great success. The great variety of basketware, cane and seagrass chairs, hampers, laundry baskets, doormats and other goods find ready buyers, and all are astonished at the beauty and perfection of the work. The Jubilee Institute is the only blind institution in New Zealand, and its scope has been widening steadily in recent years, following closely upon the latest methods in vogue in Europe and America. With the tour of the Blind Boys’ Band and these sales of goods, the public has come to know first hand how practical the work is. The figures given by the trustees indicate sound expansion. The sales of goods last year amounted to £11,600 as against £9,000 in the previous year, and £2,466 in 1922-23. The number of blind men, women and children at the institute during the same period has increased from 76 to 138. and equipment, buildings and the general activities of the institute have expanded in like proportions. The old-fashioned ideas that the blind must of necessity be helpless members of society, fit only for refuge homes or dependent upon the generous alnisgiver is now' dead. Though lacking sight, these men and women have still abilities and capacities to turn to profitable use, and it is the function of the Jubilee Institute to provide the outlet—to give the training, and to find work for willing hands. So comes it that there is at the show a stall, piled with skilful wares made by unseeing hands.