The Waimate Advertiser. (Established 1898). Published every evening since 1914. MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1926. BLINDNESS IN BRITAIN.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume XXIV, 20 December 1926, Page 6

The Waimate Advertiser. (Established 1898). Published every evening since 1914. MONDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1926. BLINDNESS IN BRITAIN.

Blindness is slightly moreprevaient among men than women, states the sixth report to the Ministry of Health, of the Advisory Committee on the Welfare of the Blind, which was published recently, dealing .with the years 192426. On March 31, 1925, says the re port, the gross total of the blind population was 42,140, representing a proportion of one blind person for every 911 of the general population. In 1923 the blind population was given as 36.518. This considerable increase in ti e number of the registered blind in the two years between 1923 and 1925 is notable, says the report, but in the absence of any evidence of an actual increase of blindness, it must be set down to better registration. ‘lt is, perhaps of some importance that the average expectation of life of the general population is stated to have improved,” adds the report. ‘Consequently there is likely to be more ordinary senile blindness, and, in fact, much the greater part of the increase is found in the age periods over 50. It would seem, therefore, that without any alteration in the present rate of incidence of blindness there will be a natural increase in the blind population of approximately 1800 every ten Years. Forty-seven per cent, of the general population are males, but in the blind population 51 per cent, are of this sex; indicating that blindness is slightly more prevalent among men than women, probably because the former are subject to greater risks in industry.” The report records that the introduction of State and rate-aided services for the blind has not had the effect feared in some quarters of reducing voluntary subscriptions and donations, but has actually been accompanied by a substantial increase in the income of voluntary agencies from these sources. Among suggesitons made by the Committee are that local authorities, in cooperation with the appropriate boards of guardians and voluntary agencies, should make a survey of the position as regards the unemployable blind in their areas and consider proposals for dealing with their requirements according to a definite policy or assistance. It wauld not bein the best

interests of the blj n( ] system of payment i n had no relation to that the present be maintained. Much Jc’ reduce losses of the 1,||.,.’ ! good salesmanship and i** duction of a system 7 < selling among the Worl ? should be no alteraf' present procedure j n J* voters at polling presiding officer is the assistance of blind * cording their votes. gested that a blind votA? titled to bring a guidf to assist him