The Jubilee Institute for the Blind.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue VI, 11 August 1900, Page 249

The Jubilee Institute for the Blind.

For several very insufficient reasons —and perhaps one is its unpretentious appearance from the road, the Jubilee Institute for the Blind at Auckland is not half as well known as a show place as it should be. I believe, if Aucklanders themselves or visitors to the North were any way aware of how interesting an hour can be sp lit at the Institute under the genial guidance of the head of the establishment, Mr. Tighe, the stream of visitors would become perhaps even something of a nuisance to those in charge, though on the other hand this would be fully compensated for by the wider knowledge of the excellence of the Institute, and all the arrangements thereof, and the noble and useful work it is carrying on. No doubt some are deterred from going, by the fear that such a place, where there are gathered together men. women and children affected with the deprivation of the greatest of God’s gifts, would be inexpressibly sad and painful. The idea is natural, but it is wholly and absolutely incorrect. To be sure, no person can enter the establishment without an aching heart for those suffering so grievous a misfortune, but when one sees how much has been done to lighten their burden, when one finds how cheerful and happy and even high-spirited they have become — thanks to the amelioration of their lot here effected, when one sees them, not

helpless and hopeless, but actively useful, self-reliant and self-confident. When one sees and realises all this an enormous lode is lifted off one’s mind, and with this lightening of one’s spirits it is strange if there does not

come some determination that one’s own personal responsibility in helping to support and carry on such work shall no longer be neglected. Selfish and unemotional indeed must be the

person, who, possessing sight, and realising what it must be to be helplessly blind, could see all the arrangements here made to teach the blind to support themselves and enjoy the other pleasures of life, without feeling

profoundly grateful for the existence of the Institute. The institution, it may be explained for those who have not been in Auckland, is situated in the Manukau Road. Parnell, and, as

has been hinted, few persons driving or walking past would have any idea of the extent and completeness of the establishment. Into its history space will not permit us to go. Suffice it to recall the fact that it was founded mainly through the exertions of Mr John Abbott, of Auckland, whose indefatigable labours in collecting subscriptions and donations must still be remembered literally by thousands of his fellow-citizens. Thinking that a brief illustrated account of the Institute would ;e of interest to our readers, the writer, with a friend with a camera, visited the home (for that is the most fitting name) one day hist week. Mr. Tighe, the superintendent (who is him elf totally blind), promptly acceded to outwish. and no words can convey an adequate impression of the jovial good nature and unwearied kindness with which this gentleman put himself about that we m’ght see and photograph everything of interest. A preliminary walk round was first suggested. The extent of the grounds, and number and size of the building's, came -as an immense surprise, ns will readily be guessed by anyone who looks at our photos of the frontage and then at the general view of the establishment. taken from the paddock. Moreover, since even the widest angle lens will not work impossibilities, one of the largest blocks of buildings is missed out of the picture. Our first visit was to the dormitories. The men. boys, and girls are all domiciled in entirely se-

p:ira.te and isolated buildings, each with its own bathrooms and lavatories complete. Hot and cold water are laid on to each, and each Iwithroom is in addition, fitted with a califont for use in winter. As specimens of spotless, perfect clean Iness, the welllighted and scientifically ventilated dormitories would be hard indeed to beat. The boards are scoured to a whiteness which seems to rival the snowy linen on the neatly made beds—and you would not find a dust speck if a fortune were to be your reward. The men’s dining room is in the same building as their dormitories, and a kitchen is also attached, but is not now used, the matron. Mrs. Tighe, having found that the men much prefer it when she herself superintends the cook. The blind, especially the elderly blind, are naturally fastidiously particular in the matter of the care and cleanliness with which their food is prepared. They have to take it on trust, they cannot see if it is clean or not. and they must have absolute confidence if they are to enjoy their food. With Mrs. Tighe to look after their interests they feel safe. When the cooking was done away from her overlooking they were always suspicious and unhappy. From the domestic departments we now visit the workshops. Here we find a regular hive of industry. Huge crates of si rav. berry boxes are being carried out. others are in course of construction. and the air is full of the hum of machinery and busy operations. Surely, you ask. these men art* not blind? 'They go about their work with a rapidity and confidence which seems to make tin* supposition impossible. et all are blind, as one s°es by looking closely. One is then shown how careful is the construction of all tin* machines. They are arranged so that by no possib’lity can any ent or injury be inflicted on those using them. Even a most formidable

machine, like a mammoth lawn mower, ami used for cutting' off the rough tops of hall mats, and giv'ng them a neat finish, even this, with its ten or twelve razor l‘ke knives, etut be used with absolute security by the practical touch of the sightless operator in charge. A glance at the picture of the workshop will give a good idea of the strawberry box department, while in the far corner may be seen where the mattress makers and wicker workers turn out their goods. It will be understood that owing to the room being somewhat dark, it was impossible to take the men positively at their work, the photo requiring some twenty minutes to “take." To the right, and not included in the picture, are the frames at which the rugs are made. The dexterity and deftness shown in this, as in all the other industries of the blind, is simply amazing, and the finish ami neatness of the work certainly exeels that of persons endowed with sight. This, it may be explained, is not entirely “virtue,” so to put it. A workman with sight may skimp his work, and still lie able to get along. A blind man is absolutely dependent on touch, and if he was to “skimp” that, all would be thrown out of order. and he would be unable to get on. Perfection therefore is absolutely forced upon him. It would I>e impossible to enumerate all the things here manufactured. Baskets in every shape there are. from the mammoth affairs for carrying goods and merchandise to the toys for children, or delicate work-baskets for ladies. Then, too, there are here made the rope fenders, used for the protection of ships' sides as they come up to the wharves, etc., etc. A glimpse at the showroom photograph will convey a better impression of the variety of the articles made than a column of letterpress. It will be seen. too. that the girls and women are not behind the men, the sewing

and knitting with which one ease is tilled being their work. The picture cannot, however, show the neatness and delicacy of the workmanship, which simply could not be excelled. Stockings are, it will be noticed, prominent amongst the useful manufactures of the blind, and one of the best photographs obtained is of two girls working the knitting machines. The next place of call was the schoolroom for the children. Here they are taught everything a sighted person learns at school. The reading is. of course, on the Braille system of raised letters, and the writing likewise. Geography is taught by maps, with mountains raised and rivers and lakes, etc., depressed. Arithmetic is managed with a series of cubes fitting into a perforated box, a device too

complicated to explain, but which a mite of seven or eight was manipulating with the greatest ease. One lad was at a typewriter, and all seemed brightly interested in their varying studies. Suddenly the clang of a monster musical triangle announces the fact that it is dinner time, and school breaks up with all the usual clatter of tongues incidental to the operation at ordinary schools, only there is no rush for the doors. Every one moves with a curious sedateness. which for one thoughtless moment strikes one as strange in children till, with a catch of the breath, one realises the cause. The blindness of the little ones affects one more than that of the elders. All of those at the Institute are bright, and one or two are pretty, and as one watches them one positively aches with pity for their affliction. Not that they are in any way depressed. Once out of doors they run about and swing ami play games just as gaily and just as carelessly as ordinary children. A’ first sight it would indeed be really impossible to guess they were blind, but one soon notices a singularly intent expression—an expression as of someone always listening for something. This is common to them all. Swinging and sea-saw are the favourite games, and the uninitiated person gifted with sight cannot understand how it is the children escape half killing themselves and each other at either one or the other dozens of times a day. There is also a gymnasium, where the lads show that blindness is no absolute bar to becoming a. practised gymnast. After dinner —for the excellence of which both the writeof this article and the photographer can vouch, having been hospitably bidden thereto by Mr and Mrs Tighe--there was an hour of play, during which we visited the farm, seeing the cows, ami the ponies (for riding is taught). and marvelling at the way in which Ihe youngsters career hither and thither without injury. When school time begins again there is an object lesson on the form and shape of birds and animals, being taught by touch, instead of by sight. Bui our space has already been over-run. It was late in the afternoon when our friend the photographer had finished his labours, and then, having again been hospitably entertained by Mr Tighe, who is a most entertaining and instructive companion, we took our leave after one of the most interesting days within our remembrance. But, before concluding, somethingmust be said of what, after all, is the most striking characteristic of the Institute. Imperfect as this account is, it would be infinitely more so, were not some attempt made to convey an idea of the home] nets of the Institute and the "happy family relation ” existing amongst the inmates. All too often, at such establ shmenfs. there is such a rigid code of laws, such a curtailing of all liberties, such a 1 ving by dull rote and routine, with such an endless round of all work and no play, that the life is almost that of a prison, and the dread of such places is only second to that of a workhous". Here, there is nothing- of the sort. Rides there are. but they are those of an ordinary household, fixed horns for meals and work, etc., etc. The obe li-

ence of the children to Mr. Tighe is extremely noticeable, but it is the obedience bred of love, not of fear. The tone of his voice as he speaks to them, the bright, trustful, affectionate manner in which they answer, or tumble over one another in anxious rivalry to do h's bidding and win his approval. would be an object lesson in hundreds of homes, and to scores of parents besides the children. Corporal punishment of even the boys is unknown, not that Mr. Tighe is any weak sentimentalist, far from it, but he is strong enough to manage without “ the strap.” If any serious fault is committed—and this very seldom—the culprit is judged by a jury of his peers. Mr. Tighe finds the system works admirably. If one of the men breaks his leave, and stops out after hours, he answers for the fault to a court of his mates, Mr. Tighe merely pronouncing sentence (usually “gateing") should the verdict brought, in be one of guilty. After work hours, inmates and pupils are at liberty to go where they please, and do what they please. The library, it may be mentioned, is an excellent one, there being books in the blind alphabet to suit all tastes, old and young. Mr. Tighe is an immense believer in amusement and exercise for the members of his large family (for such the inmates most certainly are to him). He takes the lads to football, to cricket, and every sort of sport, and though it would be thought strange that sightless persons derive any pleasure in pursuits of which they can see nothing. Mr. Tighe has found to the contrary. It may be mentioned that Mr T ghe possessed the finest sight imaginable till early in the twenties, when he met with the affliction of his life. The secret of his success, and his intense sympathy, doubtless arise from his so fully understanding exactly what bi nd people feel like. Besides those now in the Institute, a. very large number have, after being enabled to get along independently in the world, set up for themselves, and are doing remarkably well in different businesses, some as saddlers some as storekeepers, and others in various other capacities. The sting of blindness, and its terror, is the feeling of absolute dependence on others; once get rid of this and it is possible to enjoy life as other folk blessed with sight. At the Institure for the Blind this feeling of independence is imparted, and the pup Is and inmates feel that they are able to support themselves, have a work to do in the world, and are playing their own useful part in the drama of life.