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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

The Auckland Jubilee Institute For The Blind

The Auckland Jubilee Institute For The Blind was founded in the year 1890, with the object of providing the blind with instruction in elementary knowledge, affording technical training in such handicrafts as would enable them to earn their own living as far as possible, and rendering assistance to them in any way that should be deemed advisable. An organisation which then existed under the name of “The Association of the Friends of the Blind,” and which had commenced work the previous year, was merged into the Institute, the funds of which were augmented by generous contributions, and the balance of an amount subscribed by the public to celebrate the Jubilee of the Colony; hence the title, “The Jubilee Institute.” Mr. John Abbott, sometime chairman and treasurer, was the founder, and worked most indefatigably in the cause, and the liberal support accorded was, in a great measure, due to his untiring advocacy. A house and land were purchased in Parnell, and buildings (schoolroom, dormitories, workshops, etc.) were erected, and the school and workshops fully equipped with the most modern apparatus to enable instruction to be imparted by methods suited to the necessities of the blind. Since the foundation of the Institute, over fifty people have been received, maintained, and educated, and have gone out to work for themselves. Some are engaged in trades of various kinds, such as mat, basket, and halter-making, etc., and others are established in business. There are at present thirty-three resident pupils. There are also many blind persons who are non-resident, and the work among them is extending each year. Tuition is provided, books are supplied, and in many ways assistance is afforded where it is required. The carrying on of the work of the Institute necessitates a heavy annual expenditure, and the sources of income are: (1) Maintenance fees (to cover cost of food, clothing, etc.), paid by the Government in the cases of indigent children of school age, in other cases provided wholly or in part by parents, friends, or charitable aid boards; (2) voluntary contributions, with Government subsidy thereon; and (3) interest derived from the investment of funds raised at the commencement of the work to form a capital fund. The buildings are pleasantly and healthily situated in Manukau Road adjoining the Domain, and a visit to the Institute cannot fail to awaken interest in its purpose and sympathy with its inmates. The work has the cordial support of the Government, and visitors from all parts of the world have testified to its efficiency. Visitors are cordially welcomed at the Institute, which is open every week day.

Jubilee Institute for The Blind.

Jubilee Institute for The Blind.