BLINDNESS HOLDS NO TERRORS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 136, 10 June 1937, Page 8

BLINDNESS HOLDS NO TERRORS

PERTH, May 22, Although he has lost his eyesight, Mr. Albert Russell Mill, 67, is still able to make his life interesting and useful. Five years ago his sight began to fade and doctors warned him of the approach of total blindness. He fell into no despairing panic, but turned to his beloved chessboard, and began to experiment with pieces that he would be able to manipulate in the dark. Four years ago he had devised means of continuing his chess. Today he is playing 20 games with blind friends in Perth, Adelaide and even Brisbane. He also possesses an elaborately designed trailer caravan, wholly built by himself during the past year. Today he proudly displayed the completed work that would do credit to a trained cabinetmaker. Interstate Players. Mr. Mill said to-day that he corresponds regularly witn another blind chess enthusiast in Perth, the moves being communicated by Bailie letters. Three years ago he wrote to the’ Adelaide Chess Institute inquiring whether there was any blind player who would like to play with him. He was put in touch with the Rev. E. G. Radcliffe, theological lecturer at St. Barnabas’ College, who was blind from birth. "We have kept it up for three years," said Mr. Mill, and although Mr. Radcliffe is a busy lecturer in Theology, I am sure he would not like to be deprived of his correspondence chess.” Mr. Radcliffe put him in contact with other blind players in Adelaide and Brisbane. “Now I have 20 games going in Braille—ten in Adelaide, eight in Brisbane, and two In Perth," added Mr. Mill.