PLAY CENTRES

Evening Post, Volume CII, Issue 34, 9 August 1921, Page 11

PLAY CENTRES

FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN

The need for the establishment of a children's play centre in Wellington during the Christmas holidays was stressed by a .deputation from the Women's National Council, which waited on the 'Wellington School Committees' Association last night.

■ Miss N. E. Coad said it was desired to provide the school children with^ a children's play centre during the Christmas holidays. The Basin Reserve, being the centre of a congested area, was considered to be a suitable place,, and it was thought that the association might co-operate with the Women's National Council in asking the City Council to set'apart a portion of the reserve free of cost.

Mrs. Glover stated that in Auckland play centres had been organised successfully, and a couple of ladies had acted as supervisors during, certain hours of the day. There was much need for a children's play centre in AVellington, and its provision would prevent a large amount of juvenile crime. Miss ■ Riley, of the Kindergarten Association, also supported the idea. She trusted that'play centres would be established permanently, for they provided' a valuable means of keeping the children oft' the streets. How conld the future footballers and cricketers be trained unless there were proper grounds for them to play on? "To-day, children did not seem to be'learning to play, but in their spare time were occupied in looking at hideous picture posters—men in gaol— and wondering which show they would go to next." The most essential thing was to obtain the services of a suitable supervisor for the children. Miss Riley spoke of the success of the kindergarten work in Wellington. There was no need to go in for expensive equipment for ;i play centre—the only thing necessary was to get a woman supervisor who knew her business and who had the aptitude for playing with the children. Mrs. Gill, of the Kindergarten Association, dwelt on the need for a trained supervisor having charge of the play centre, which would serve a useful purpose in keeping the children out of the picture shows. Miss Coad said .the scheme would cost a little money; but it would- bo money well spent, in other worda, it would have an economic , reproductive value. In reply to a question, Miss Coad said she did not think the scheme would cost more than £20 or £30. In any case; she did not think that more than £50 would be required The chairman ol the association (Mr. A. J. White) informed the deputation that the matter would receive the careful consideration of. the association.