FUND FOR THE BLIND.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17189, 5 November 1923, Page 7

FUND FOR THE BLIND.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTED.

A Canterbury Advisory l olnmn.li)* m connection with the' Sir Arthur Pearson Memorial Fund for the Blind was set. up at a meeting in the City Council Chambers to-day. Air Clutha Mackenzie presided. Mr Alackenzie said that he made the visit at the request of the trustees of the Jubilee Home. The Sir Arthur Pearson Fund was now becoming active, and certain money had accrued for which application had been received from various parts of New Zealand. A committee, it had been suggested, should be instituted in each centre* the committee to consider applications and report to the trustees. The Hon G. Fowlds, chairman of the trustees, has suggested that six or eight persons should comprise the committee, and they should have business and legal knowledge and be social workers visiting th© blind- The Jubilee Horn© was a hospital and charitable aid board, with the same authority as the Canterbury Board and had the responsibility of accounting to the public for the funds. The work would not be great as the income was not large. There would not be more than five or six a year. The first thing was the registration of the blind throughout New Zealand. As complete a register a 3 was possible was wanted. The complete register would be in Auckland, but a copy would be sent to th© committee. which would then have the full particulars of a case before them. Air H. Holland said that the local centre had not been active lately, as it was understood that matters were going well. .Mr A. Fairbairn said that there were very few blind people in Canterbury. The idea of an advisory committee was excellent. The wrong impression that the fund was being centralised in Auckland would be refuted. In reply to Mrs W- S. Bean, Air Mackenzie stated that the fund was separate from the Jubilee Home. A blind person could be sent t© the liom© and the education, travelling and maintenance expenses would be a charge on the homo and not on th« board. The Alayor of Christchurch (Afr ,T.A. Flesher) was elected chairman of the committee and Air Holland was appointed deputy chairman. Subject to the approval of the trustees, th® following permanent committee was selected, with oower to add;—Airs AY. S Bean. Alessrs AV. T. A\ood. A. A\ illiams, Kellaway. A. Fairbairn and Major Barnes. Air Woods was elected secretary.