BLIND BOYS' BAND.

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17554, 8 November 1928, Page 7

BLIND BOYS' BAND.

VISIT TO HAMILTON. CONCERT TO-MORROW EVENING. Not enough is known in this district of the extremely interesting and productive work being carried out by the Jubilee Institute for Ihe Blind, Auckland. It would lie better described as the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, as it is Ihe only organisation of its kind in the Dominion, and it embraces the whole of Die blind population within its varied activities. Away hack in 1890, however, fate decided its name, for it was the surplus money from the 50th jubilee celebrations of the colony which formed the first nucleus of its funds. Prior to that date New Zealand children had bVen sent to the Melbourne Institute for training. A blind man from Australia, Mr John Tighe, endeavoured to interest the New Zealand people in the question of, establishing a much-needed local training centre, and with Hie hearty co-operation of the lale Bishop Cowie and the late Mr John Abbott, this was achieved. Supported by private generosity, subsidised by Government grant, and assisted from time to time by kindly bequests, Ihe institute and its organisations have steadily expanded, until to-day there exists in Auckland an active, busy centre, occupying attractive grounds of about, five acres, with three handsome, buildings, where J 1 1 blind men, women, and children are either in permanent employment, or arc receiving vocational training or primary school education. The people of the Waikato district, will be able to gel some idea of the results being achieved by attending the concert which the boys will give in the Hamilton Town Hall on Friday evening. Fourteen of the Institute boys are louring as a band, which was formed some eighteen months ago. The hoys have other items with which to interest and amuse —pianoforte solos, and duets, songs, recitations, Braille readings, and so on.

Mr Chitha Mackenzie, the Director of the Institute, will he present, and will speak briefly on the work of the Institute.