NEW BUILDING OPENED

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22336, 25 February 1938, Page 8

NEW BUILDING OPENED

FREE KINDERGARTEN AT NEW BRIGHTON CEREMONY PERFORMED fit HON. D. G. SULLIVAN In the presence fit a large number of parents and friends, the official opening of the new school for the New Brighton Free Kindergarten took place on Wednesday afternoon. The Mayor (Mr E, L. Smith) presided, and among those on the platform were the Mayoress (Mrs Smith), the Hon. D. G. Sullivan' - and Mrs Sullivan, Dr. and Mrs H. T. J. Thacker, and Mrs H. A. Bishop (convener of the . New Brighton committee). The Mayor, for the builder (Mr I. E Johnson), presented Mr Sullivan with a pair of silver scissors to cut the ribbon when declaring the building open, Mrs Bishop extended a welcome to the visitors, and thanked all who had so generously assisted in the committee’s effort in the erection of the school. , , , ~ The Mayor congratulated the committee on the erection of such a fine building, of which, he said, all 'New Brighton residents should be proud. He mentioned the work of the committee and the difficulties with which it had had to contend. The completion of the building was due to the generous gift of Viscount Nuffield, coupled with the effort of the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr J. W. Beanland), the assistance of Mr Sullivan in securing a grant from the Government and the generosity of the Christchurch Kindergarten Association, which had found £250. “The people of New Brighton do not thoroughly understand the value of kindergarten work and what a wonderful preparing ground it is for the children,” he added. Mr Smith paid a tribute to Mr J. H. Shaw, who had given the free use of a building for a considerable time when the school was first started. The design and work put into the building reflected great credit on the architect (Mr W. H. Trengrove) and the builder (Mr Johnson). “The building, comprising a large classroom, small classroom, open verandah, teachers room, and kitchen, all fitted with the latest kindergarten appliances, is the most up-to-date kindergarten in Christchurch," said Mr Smith. ■ Minister’s Remarks Mr Sullivan congratulated the committee and all who had been instrumental in securing such a line building. He fully realised the difficulties with which they had had to contend and the persistent manner in which they had forged ahead. The committee in New Brighton did not know the meaning of the word “defeat,” but persistently kept working away, especially Mrs Bishop, the convener, hfe said They were rewarded for their efforts by having completed one of the finest-designed and equipped kindergarten schools in the Dominion. He said ho had been closely associated with the kindergarten movement for many years, and When the Government subsidy was Withdrawn it was a staggering blow to the Various associations to find that they had

suddenly been cut off from any financial assistance. Though every effort for the reinstatement of the subsidy failed, the women were not downhearted, but showed a magnificent courage and decided to carry on the work and find the funds to keep the schools going. They Worked hard and raised the funds until the present Government granted £ 10,000 fbr the continuance of the Work. Mr Sullivan mentioned the wonderful Work of the committees and the great educational value of the kindergarten schools. Afternoon tea was served, and the building was thrown open for inspection. ,