THE ANNUAL APPEAL FOR THE BLIND.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20673, 11 March 1937, Page 8

THE ANNUAL APPEAL FOR THE BLIND.

Although the average citizen is genuinely sympathetic with all who suffer the disability of blindness, it is only on the occasion of the annual appeal for contributions towards the upkeep of the Institute for the Blind in Auckland, that the real problem of the education of the blind is given more than a moment’s thought. For some years, the controlling authorities of the Auckland institution have been forced by the stringency of finance to embark on a Dominion-wide appeal for funds to augment the very restricted stream of revenue that flows into its coffers, and the response invariably reflects the high appreciation the community feels for this fine work. The annual appeal is now being made in this district. The financial position of the institution, it may be mentioned, is almost disquietingly unsatisfactory, but the authorities of the Institute are cherishing the fond hope that the rapidly improving economic position of the country will be so materially reflected in the more generous response the community makes this year, that the finances of the Institute will be re-established upon an unassailable foundation. It is timely to mention that last year, the contributions fell so far short of equalling the ever-increasing expenditure, that the authorities were compelled to face up to the heavy burden of a deficit of £1209 with which to open the new year. The current year, however, promises to be the most interesting in the history of this valuable institution. Activities commenced this year with a roll numbering 170 blind persons drawn from all parts of the Dominion, and although the opening of the activities of the Institute was delayed, the authorities have the satisfaction of knowing that all the young pupils who were doing well last year, have returned this year to continue their studies. From time to time considerable improvements are made in the facilities provided, and this year welcome consideration is given to married blind mon from the south, who, although suffering the loss of sight and being in need of expert guidance and instruction, will not now be separated from their families while in pursuit of that expert training that will give them economic independence. It is not necessary for us to draw attention to the splendid work the Institute for the Blind is doing. That is universally recognised; suffice it for us to make an appeal for such a generous response that will relieve the authorities of all financial worries during the current year.