R. S. REYNOLDS'S KINDERGARTEN.

Evening Star, Issue 15174, 3 May 1913, Page 6

R. S. REYNOLDS'S KINDERGARTEN.

The foundation stone of this building, at the intersection of Wesley street and Axacandrew road, was laid tms afternoon. We continue our report from page 11. Mrs Reynolds said: I would ask permission, wuiie laying the foundation stone of this our lirst free Kindergarten building, to be allowed to lay another foundation—in the form of a few facts concerning my own personal connection with this au-important work; for memory is an ephemeral thing, and already the past appears hazy and far away. I know Dr W added has supplied Mr Cohen with his testimony. Eariy in 18L9 I heard whispers and murmurs in connection with the word “ kinuergarten ” —heard even that smad efforts were being tried here and there. Dr Wadded and Mr Cohen both mentioned the matter to me and asked my interest. Eventuady am evening was arranged. Dr Wadded and Mr Cohen came up to my home, “ Montecillo,” and went into the matter thoroughly. There were matiy and persuasive arguments} stid I hesitated to undertake a thing about which I knew so little. On rising to leave, Mr Cohen produced two or three copies of Mrs Sarah B. Cooper's kindergarten reports. I promised to read them, and if satisfied I undertook to interview Bishop Suter, who had lately been on a visit to San Francisco and was shortly to be here, and, we were told, was quite convinced of the importance of the work. Needless to say, 1 was fascinated. Such reports as hers I have never seen. I interviewed Bishop Suter. His advice was: “Proceed at once; nothing could help a nation more than the training which these children receive.” He v.ndingly undertook to give an address in the Town Had, and through the’ efforts of Mr Cohen, Dr Waddell, and other friends a very large and appreciative audience was the result, to listen to an address which to this day is a pleasure to read, so full and far-seeing. Our own much-loved Dr Stuart gave his now celebrated speech; while my good and ever-faithfifi friend Mr Cohen, with the aid of Mrs Cooper, clinched all argument, and a full working committee left the had. As X came down the steps I turned to Miss Freeman, of Girton College, and told her I felt I had undertaken a task far beyond me, and said; “ Wherever shad I turn for a teacher?” Her reply was: “I am going to Christchurch in the morning, and will inquire there for you.” I told her Mrs Brindly had been teaching there, and might recommend someone. After a few days she telegraphed that she “thought sue had found the very one we wanted.” l ids was no less a person than our muchappreciated, well-loved friend and teacher Miss Wienjcke. She came to us, and laid a foundation in her work, both with students and children, which will last throughout eternity. I am certain. This is true as far as I can recall it. Probably Dr Wadded is right in saying he also interviewed Miss Wienicke. One thing I am certain of is that he has been faithful to us at all times, on all occasions. I could close these remarks without naming Miss Kelsey, who is now our demoted president, and .the Hon. Jas. Allen. Both began the work with me, and have consistently given unfailing faithful service from that day to this.

Mr M. Cohen said that his duty was an exceedingly pleasant one. Ho hmd to announce that Mr John Fidcy and 'Messrs- R. Hudson and Co. had shown their practical intercet in tne institution by each making a donat-ico of £SO. but there handsome contributions were earmarked for special purposes, which would be disclosed when the school was opened. His freed friend Dr Truby King h"d undertaken, when he returned fr'm his well-earned furlough, to profound a scheme for the establishment school clinic. This latter would be the first of ;ts kind in the Dominion, and would provide advice and even medical attention for all forms of complaints that affected the youthful solids,rs. Next year would be the silver in hi lew or the association, and he w’s exceedingly hopenil that it would be marked by the planting in the northern nart of the City, where it was much needed, of a similar inctitution to this one, and for which the land had already bean generously provided bv the Harbor Board. (Applause.) Mrs Bateman, as (he representative of (he mothers of the children attending this school who had raised the funds for the purchase of the sit-e. announced, amid general applause, that they determined that (ho school should be opened absolutely free from debt. To that end they had already organised for the purpose of holding early in October another bazaar and a series of entertainments, with the proceeds of which they meant to supply certain conveniences in Mr Mandeno’s original plan, which had to bo temporarily put aside on account of shortness of funds, and due equipment of the class rooms. The mothers appreciated so much the gooo work done by the teachers and the Executive Committee that they would spare themselves no effort and no trouble between now and opening day to cooperate with the executive in their ambition to make the Rachel S. Reynolds institution the mode] kindergarten in New Zealand. (Applause.)