Waimairi Kindergarten Opened By Mr Lake

Press, Volume C, Issue 29669, 13 November 1961, Page 18

Waimairi Kindergarten Opened By Mr Lake

Kindergartens gave children the best opportunity of exploring their environment, said Mr H. R. Lake. M.P. for Fendalton, when he opened the Waimairi Free Kindergarten on Saturday. At home a child’s desire to find out for himself was limited. Mr Lake said. He could not assemble boxes in the sitting-room or play with water. Experience at kindergarten gave the child self confidence and provided a bridge between the home and school. Mr Lake spoke about the community spirit behind kindergarten projects. Christchurch had more kinder, gartens per capita than elsewhere in New Zealand. '‘This is an indication of the strong community spirit in Christchurch,” he said. 200 At Ceremony The opening of the new 2000 sq. ft. building in Kendal street was attended by 200. The president of the Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association (Mrs A. F. Johnston) presided. Other speakers were Mr S. IC. Knight, representing the Education Department, Mr A. E. Wagner, a member of the

Waimairi County Council, and Mr F. K. Wardell, chairman of the Waimairi Kindergarten Committee. The new kindergarten is designed to accommodate two classes of 40 each day, according to the secretary <Mr P. S. Biease). There are 200 on the waiting list. The building is made of concrete blocks reinforced with steel. The main L-shaped class-room has a piano, and a “dolls’ corner” furnished with small beds for dolls. For the staff of two there is a kitchen and toilet. The director (Miss W. Halkett) has a room with a window giving a view of the whole interior. Outside the children have a Slide, rocking horses, push cars and other wheeled toys. There is a concrete patio and paddling pOol in front of the building.