FREE KINDERGARTEN

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 128, 24 February 1938, Page 15

FREE KINDERGARTEN

Lack Of Interest Deplored

The lack of interest in the one free kindergarten in tlie district was deplored by the principal, Mrs. H. Atkins, at the annual meeting of the Lower Hutt Free Kindergarten at Moera last night. She had studied kindergarten and nursery school methods abroad in 1936 and found that their kindergarten, except in the financial support accorded it, compared favourably with those overseas. Mr. H. Baldwin, chairman of the committee, presided. The secretary, Mr. G. Kayes, stated in his report that the past year had been a difficult one from all points of view, particularly financially, and it was only due to the co-operation of the friends of the kindergartep that it had been possible to keep it open. The report of the treasurer, Mrs. H. Baldwin, stated -that the assets exceeded liabilities by £B5/12/1. The expenses during the year were £350 and the Government subsidy £l6O. There was a small deficit' for the year. Mrs. Atkins, in her report, stated that the year was particularly happy and successful. Approximately 50 children attended. That number was rather high and-made it difficult to give the children the necessary individual attention. Particular attention had been paid to the health of the children, the curriculum being arranged so that they might have the maximum of sun, ,pir and rest. The children had responded wonderfully. Beneficial results Had been noticeable as a result of the half-pint of milk daily for each child. Appreciative reference was made to a former teacher, Miss Creagh, who had left to be married. Miss K. Wall had taken her place. It was stated that the mother club had been able to provide additional equipment and give £3O to the funds. The election of officers resulted:— Chairman, Mr. H. Baldwin; secretary, Mr. G. Kayes; treasurer, Mrs. H. Baldwin ; vice-chairman, Mr. F. D. Still; committee, Mesdames Still,' Poynton, Reid, Stevens, Campbell, Wilkinson, Watson, Malin, Baker, Purvis, Growcott, Baldwin, Messrs. Love, G. Sutherland.