BRIGHTER PROSPECT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 61, 14 March 1939, Page 14

BRIGHTER PROSPECT

CITIZENS 5 DAY NURSERIES

NEW BUILDING THIS YEAR

"One has only to visit the nursery to realise the good fortune of the mothers whose children are so happy in their daily home at 55 Cambridge Terrace. One wonders at times if passers-by realise what the notice board conveys to so many working mothers," stateH the secretary of the Citizens' Day Nurseries in her report, which was presented at the annual meeting yesterday afternoon. But it was only by careful administration that the nursery had been able to remain solvent, the report continued, and as it was not only a benefit to the working mother but to the citizens in general, it was felt that recognition of its usefulness should be given in a practical manner. During the past year the work of the nursery had been well and faithfully maintained. That its existence was justified was shown by the everincreasing demand for admission. Still, unfortunately, owing to the unsuitability of the present building, every application could not be granted. There was, however, prospect of brighter days ahead. "Practically from its inception," stated Jthe report, "the nursery has had a faithful friend in the Smith Family, which has always shown the keenest interest in a practical way, and when, during the year, Mesdames Norman and Coutts, two of our members, approached them for help, they readily acceded to their request, the object in view being, if possible, a new and up-to-date nursery which would allow for the extension of this very necessary work in the community. After some discussion between the Smith Family and our two members, a special committee was set up consisting of three members of the Smith Family, Colonel Cowles, Messrs. Nimmo and Archibald Treadwell, and Mesdames Clarke, Coutts Norman, and Miss Townsend. Many properties were viewed before a suitable site was acquired for a new home, and so, with something concrete to offer, the committee waited upon the Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser), who sympathetically received them and, after thoroughly discussing the matter, all were unanimous that the Vivian Street property was the most desirable, for, the purpose. The present house is to be demolished and, through the voluntary services of Mr. Dawson, architect, in conjunction with the Smith Family and our representative members, a wonderful plan has been drawn up and approved by all." Great appreciation was also expressed by Mrs. David Coutts on behalf of the committee of the efforts of the "fairy godfathers" who, by organising ways and means for the raising of the necessary funds, had made it possible for them to look forward to the opening of the new nursery this year. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Colonel Cowles presided at the meeting. The election of officers resulted -as follows:—President, Mrs. H. F. Norman (Mrs. F. T. Clarke not seeking re-elec-tion); honorary vice-presidents, Mrs. T. C. A. Hislop (Mayoress), Lady Myers, Mrs. Gordon Coates, Mrs. H. D. Crawford, Mrs. Peter Fraser, Mrs. Forbes, Mrs. McEwan, and Miss Booth; vice-presidents, Lady Elliott), Mrs. R. C. Addison, Lady Frazer, Mrs. P. Firth, Mrs. Kirk, Mrs. Townsend, Mrs. F. T. Clarke, Mrs. David Coutts; council, Mrs. Norman, Mrs. F. T. Clarke, Lady Frazer, Lady Elliott, Mrs. J. Adamson, Mrs. Addison, Mrs. E. Atkinson, Mrs. H. H. Cornish, Mrs. D. Coutts, Mrs. R. C. Kirk, Mrs. A. S. Mitchell, Mrs. G. Scholefield, Mrs. A. B. Sievwright, Mrs. F. E. Ward, and Mrs. Guy Johnston; secretary, Mrs. E. McNeil. Mrs. Norman and Mrs. Clarke, president and retiring president . respectively, were presented with bouquets, and tea was served.