M.P. OPENS NEW KINDERGARTEN

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30587, 2 November 1964, Page 2

M.P. OPENS NEW KINDERGARTEN

To arouse and hold the interest of sufficient parents and well-wishers to enable such a project to be completed would have been no mean task, and he congratulated those concerned on their success, the member of Parliament for St Albans (Mr H. J. Walker) said when he opened the new Macfarlane Park Kindergarten on Saturday. He thanked them for the

part they had played in providing such a fine amenity for children living in the area.

“Pre-school education has become a very much accepted part of our education system,” Mr Walker said.

“It has been proved that children who have had the benefit of kindergarten training before attending primary school, find it easier to adjust themselves to school life,” he said. The kindergarten would, over the years continue to have a far-reaching effect on the surrounding community. “Working closely together on a project of this nature builds up a large community of

friends, which tends to hold together and strengthen as their children pass through the various stages of their education,” Mr Walker said. “Remember, this is your kindergarten, too,” Mr Walker told those who attended the opening ceremony. “I feel our youngsters are dependent upon us for such a short time really that by taking a real part in all their associations, showing our interest in their interests, even at this very young age, we have a better chance of holding their confidence in their later years.” The project had been one where a lot of personal effort had been involved, said Mr Walker.

“And it has been my experience over the years to find that where people have put personal effort, not merely finance, into a project, it is appreciated and valued to a much greater degree. Consequently the benefit derived from it is much greater,” Mr Walker said.

The retail price of bananas will rise ljd per lb today. The previous price per lb in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and 21 other cities and boroughs was Is lid per lb. The new price will be Is 3d per lb. In other areas the price was Is 2d per lb and from Monday the price will be Is 3id per lb.