THE PARNELL BLIND INSTITUTE

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume VIII, Issue 414, 30 June 1898, Page 16

THE PARNELL BLIND INSTITUTE

— It is probable that many of our numerous readers, especially that portion residing ia the’ South Island, are unaware of the excellent insjtitutiou for the blind which has been established iu Parnell, and most successfully conducted for the past seven or eight years. The starting of • the institute was practically the work of Mr John Abbott, one of Auckland's citizens, and to the untiring efforts of that gentleman are immly due the magnificent home and training establishment for those unfortunates who axe bereft of the blessing of sight. Mr Abbott commenced by canvassing town and country people for subscriptions, being first a large donator himself to the fund, and from the inception of the s 'hemeup to the present time his enthusiasm has never ! flagged or his interest in the institute abated, and he more than any other man deserves the credit for the success obtained. At the present time Mr Abbott is the president, and his active interest iu the inhabitants causes him to be held iu the highest esteem by all the. inmates, jw; , and Mrs Tighe, who manage the Institute, age dearly loved by the children, and axe exceedingly popular with the adult portion, of the inmates. Mr Tighe is totally blind himself, and perhaps- 1 for this reason h.is sympathies with those he has ; to deal with have been broadened and intensified. Mr Tighe is always pleased to receive visitors, and though it is depressing and painful to. see -'d those “ who cannot see,” the sorrow is mitigatied ; by the interesting spectacle presented by their work and teaching, and also from the gratification of witnessing the ease manifested for them, and also the splendid provisions made for their personal comfort. It will scarcely be possible in this briof notice to enumerate the whole work ■ done by the inmates, or the perfect methods adopted to teach the juveniles. Latterly the Institute has been visited by several Members of the Cabinet, and one and all have been enthusiastic in their praises of the great work accomplished. The Hon. J. Cadman has been in a i position to show his practical appreciation of the ; : work, as he has ordered all the mats used in. the trains and railway carriages from the Institute, and the netting used for the hat racks in the - carriages is all made by the deft fingers of those who cannot see God’s blessed light; and it may not be out of place to remind those persons who • may read this brief notice in a railway carriage or elsewhere that they can aid this great lustitui- ~ tion not only with their prayers, but with their - money, too, for sometimes money is urgently needed to meet current engagements. Some three months ago the Hon. J. Carroll, Colonial Secre- “ tary, visited the place for the first time, and saw “ the children at their daily lesson. Obe boy with ’ j marvellous ox pedition pricked off a long state-;-- : ment from Mr Carroll’s dictation, and read it without mistaking a single word; others mani, ; fested great expertness in using the typewriter; while others sang and played, their elocutionary powers were shown to be great, and taken altogether, as Mr Carroll said, it is simply marvellous. The managers of the Institute know nothing of nationality and nothing of creed. The purpose from the start has been aid the blind by the most modern methods, and most nobly- ; has the philanthropic work been done. We feel: certain that Mr Abbott will be much pleased to show any visitors to Auckland through the In- , stitute, and we can assure them of the kind welcome they will receive from Mr and Mrs Tighe and the j staff of officers, and we feel certain that every visitor will leave tbe place assured that those who are conducting and supporting it are serving God ‘' and the state in their day and generation. We may inform our Trade, sporting, and agricultural ; - friends that there is always.alarge stock of hemp ’ halters in hand, and if the stock runs short it can be made up on the shortest notice.