KINDERGARTEN

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 34, 9 August 1934, Page 7

KINDERGARTEN

NATIONAL BENEFIT

ADVANTAGES STATED

In opening a conference of delegates of the Free Kindergarten Unions of New Zealand yesterday, her Excellency Lady Blcdisloe gave an interesting address ou the advantages of the system. The Mayoress, who presided in the im-.j avoidable absence of the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop), read a note fromolr. Hislop acknowledging the value of the work of the Free Kindergarten Union. He was happy to think that he had been able to render some little help to the movement in Wellington, and that help he would continue to give. 'Ho expressed his best wishes for the prosperity of the organisation. LADY BLEDISLOE'S ADDRESS. Lady Blcdisloo said the kindergarten movement appealed to her deeply; it was a movement of inestimable benefit. "May I offer my sincere congratulations to all those who are so ably carrying it on in spite of many difficulties, for they are really doing a great patriotic work; also, one cannot praise too highly the noble efforts and splendid co-operation and help of the mothers," said Lady Bledisloe. "This in itself shows how greatly the kindergarten movement is appreciated and its value^proved. Its keynote is teaching the little ones to play intelligently, to be creative and self-reliant, and to develop the consciousness that they can do things for themselves. They are taught in a happy way the value of discipline and united action, that the individual belongs not to himself but to the whole human family. They also learn to experience the joy of giving to, and thinking of, others. Never shall I forget the kindergarten Christmas party which I attended in Wellington when each little child's first thought was giving mother a present. There are many joyful incidents that I shall always remember in connection with visits paid to the various kindergarten centres, and not least among them that of hearing the little ones sing a children's hymn, showing that you have care also for the. spiritual side; and the importance of this one cannot stress too strongly—the, inculcation in these young impressionable minds of the-conscious-ness and realisation of an ever-present Heavenly Father in whom wo live and move and have our being. This, Froebel, the- great founder of the movement, so we read in his life, felt very strongly; also, that all education' not founded on religion cannot be fully productive. How much we owe to this great man of humble origin, and his thought which took shape- and became the kindergarten or ■ children's garden movement, where the seed sown in the virgin soil ' of a child's mind should flourish and ; grow into lovable human blossoms! ] What garden could, there bo more deserving of special care! Whatl land where such n garden should flourish i bettor'than in your lovely New Zea- ■ land!" Her Excellency then declared I the 'conference open. ■ . WELFARE OP THE PEOPLE. Lady Sidey (president of the Free Kindergarten Unions) said they were honoured by the presence of their esteemed patroness, Lady Blcdisloe, who had kindly opened the conference. Evct since her arrival in Now Zealand, Lady 'Bledisloo. had shown her interest in kindergartens, having visited ■ many kindergartens throughout the Dominion. Her Excellency had endeared herself to', all by her kindness, graci- . ousness, devotion to duty, and in- ; terest in all that pertained to the welfare of the people. New Zealand . would soon be saying farewell to her , Excellency, and they would say it , with regret. On behalf of the Free 1 Kindergarten of New Zealand, Lady ] Sidey wished her Excellency godspeed i ami. every kind thought for her future, ' and she expressed the- hope that they ' would some day welcome their Excel- j lencies back to our shores. j ■■■ On the motion of Lady Sidey, a voto ' of thanks was accorded to Lady Bledis- , loe for formally opening the confer- ] ence. : ■ i ■ An. address on "Education at. the , Crossroads," with . particular reference 1 to the controversy about, the "five-year- i olds." was delivered by Mr. N. E. ' McKenzie, ox-insnector' of schools, ' Taranaki. . The addre?s is reported ' under a senajate heading.. . ■ (