Ephpheta: December 1986 (Vol. 9, No. 3)

Some of the items featured in ‘Ephpheta: December 1986 (Vol. 9, No. 3)’:

• Bruce McHattie MBE, very well known to the Deaf communities throughout N.Z. died very suddenly at his home on 26 October 1986. He was cremated on 30 October 1986. A large crowd was present at the funeral service, about 300 people, including a large number of deaf friends. The service was conducted in Total Communication, and Linda Prouse, one of the first interpreters to be trained in N.Z. interpreted in N.Z. Sign Language for those who do not understand Total Communication.
• Otago Deaf Society celebrates its 25th Jubilee. Mary Johnson, one of the founders of the club, and four of her friends went to Dunedin for the weekend. Mary was surprised and honoured when she was made life member of the Otago Deaf Society for many years of good work for the Deaf Society. 
• The Deaf Awareness Week in Auckland with a Fashion Parade and Opening on 21 September 1986 at ACC Training Centre organised by the Quota Club of Auckland. A good number of deaf people attended and there was a lovely supper served after the opening. 
• On 20 September 1986, about 50 ex-pupils of St Dominic’s School for the Deaf and some of their families helped Sisters Conrad and Emmanuel celebrate their Golden Jubilees (50 years) as Sisters in Feilding. 
• Two of the interpreters at the visit of Pope John Paul II to Auckland were Linda Prouse and Helen Ruddell. They did their interpreting duty very well in spite of having to learn some of the old St. Dominic’s Religious Signs.