Significance Of 50 Golden Daffodils

Press, Volume C, Issue 29635, 4 October 1961, Page 2

Significance Of 50 Golden Daffodils

A sheaf of 50 golden daffodils was presented to the president of the New Zealand Free Kindergarten Union (Mrs H. Dormer) by the president of the Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association (Mrs A. F. Johnson) at the official opening of the union’s conference in Christchurch last evening. The daffodils represented 50 years of kindergarten work in Christchurch, 50 “Daffodil Days” held in the city, and carried with than the good wishes of the local association to the Dominion president, Mrs Johnson said. In a brief review of kindergarten work in Christ-

church, Mrs Johnson said the first instruction began in 1878 when a Froebel-trained teacher came from England to introduce kindergarten teaching in the city.

In 1898 Mrs E. McCombs worked for the establishment of the Children’s Aid Society, which set up privately-run kindergartens for children. But it was not until Mrs T E. Taylor called a meeting in 1911 that the Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association was founded, Mrs Johnson said.

“Although kindergartens have been going in Christchurch for 63 years and kindergarten instruction began 83 years ago, this association, as it is at present formed, is only 50 years old,’’ she said.

Throughout this period of 50 years. Christchurch had been well served by women of ability and vision and had been given the best advice from persons of experience and wisdom.

“We shall continue working for our aim that every child who wants kindergarten education will get it,” said Mrs Johnson.

Mrs’ Domer welcomed delegates and guests to the conference and congratulated the Christchurch association on its fiftieth annivetsary.

Visitors were also welcomed by the Deputy-Mayor (Mr H. P. Smith).