CITIZENS’ DAY NURSERY

Evening Star, Issue 22276, 29 February 1936, Page 3

CITIZENS’ DAY NURSERY

MUNICIPAL CONTROL DESIRES COMMITTEE AWAITS COUNCIL'S REPLY “ Representations have been made to the City Council to assist the citizens’ day nursery by augmenting its grant, or better still, if it so desires, by taking complete charge of it, and the committee is awaiting with high hopes the result of the council’s considerations, which is expected shortly,” stated Mrs Walter Ross’s presidential report to yesterday’s sixth annual meeting of the Dunedin Citizens’ Day Nurseries (Incorporated). “The nursery has grown into a big thing for a few private citizens to conduct, even with the help of the council and the Otago Hospital Board, and we feel we have proved the need for the nursery.” During the past year the work had proceeded quietly but effectively, as shown by a considerable increase in the number *of children visiting it—2,605 as against 1,719 for the previous year—■ the report continued. Nurse Gumming reported that much favourable .comment had been expressed by various visitors to the nursery from all parts of the Dominion, and stated that the public now looked upon the nursery as a necessity to the life of the community. The nursery had been repainted, the playground extended, and many interior and exterior repairs effected at a cost of £l9. The president and Airs T. I‘ergus had been abroad last year, and appreciated the hearty welcome tendered them on their return. Members regretted the loss of Miss Jackson’s valuable services as the honorary secretary and treasurer. She had given yeoman assistance in founding the creche and working for. it right up to the time of her retirement. AH that sho did was perhaps known only by the president and Mrs W. Herbert, the only remaining original members on the present committee. Miss Jackson had been entertained last October, and presented with a handbag in token of the committee’s esteem. At the same • time Miss D. Tucker had been welcomed to take over Miss Jackson’s work, which she has done voluntarily and efficiently. *' As country clients had always been numerous, it had been decided to invite a member of the Women’s Division of the Farmers’ Union to fill a vacancy on the committee, the report. stated. Mrs C. E. Elliott was the nominee, and she was sincerely welcomed to their ranks, though her absence from _ the meeting was regretted. The committee had been fortunate in having had the devoted and loyal services of Nurse Gumming over the past six years, and to her members acknowledged a large share 'of the success and popularity of the nursery. While they regretted her resignation, they congratulated her on leaving to be married, and thanked her for her-work' for them. In moving the adoption of the report, Mrs/ Ross thanked all who had assisted the nursery during the year, including the Hospital., Board, City Council, honorary solicitor, chemist, and auditors, and the Press. Dr D. G. M'Millan, M.P., seconded the motion, and paid tribute _ to the work done by the committee, it being a credit to the movement, and spoke highly of those who bad conceived the idea of having a nursery and bringing it into operation. Obviously the financial aspect of the committee’s affairs was the greatest concern, and he hoped the time was not far distant when the council or Government would assist the movement. Its work was of inestimable value, both to city women and country mothers, and Dunedin had set an excellent example to the other cities, of the Dominion. He hoped day nurseries would soon be introduced throughout New Zealand as a municipal health service, for, h© added, unless they cared for the children of to-day, who were to be the citizens of tomorrow, they could not expect the country to do its work' properly. It behoved all to do their best for the children.

The mayor (the Rev. E. T. Cox) said the council’s interest and sympathy had always been with the nursery. It provided a quarter of the nursery’s annual income of £4OO, and the Hospital Board an eighth.'- The council, however, was limited in its contributions to a great many organisations, as Statute permitted only 1 percent. of the rates collected (£11,000) for unauthorised expenditure, under which these payments were made. . Further help for the nursery should be forthcoming from the Government, and with Dr M'Millan interested in the work this might be obtained. Meanwhile he Congratulated the committee on completing the year with a slightly increased credit balance of £303, and hoped that it would enjoy another successful year. Mr J. J. Marlow said he had watched the growth of the movement, and appreciated its accomplishments. It had been a happy choice in naming it a citizens’ nursery, signifying its service to all, and anything spent on assuring better physique and health for young people deserved encouragement. Money could not be spent to better advantage, but it was desirable that the committee of ladies responsible for establishing the nursery should now be relieved of any financial responsibility. He complimented the officers on their splendid work ‘ during the year, and wished them every success in the future. The report and balance sheet were adopted. TRIBUTE TO LATE KING. A vote of sympathy with the Royal Family in the death of King George was moved by the president, who said that on this side of the world the loss waS' regarded as a national one, but having recently visited London the speaker said she well understood how the people there would feel it, not only as the loss of a King, but also of a friend. He had been very much a people’s King. Those, present stood in silence as the motion was carried. OFICE-BEARERS. The election of office-bearers for the ensuing year resulted.—President, Mrs Walter Ross; vice-presidents Mesdames W. Herbert, J. M'Gill, R. Jack, and Arthur Hudson; committee—Mesdames T. C. Ross. T. Fergus, arid C. E. Elliott, Misses Every, Martin, and Jackson; hon, secretary, Miss D. Tucker. Leave of absence was granted Mrs T. C. Ross during her trip abroad, and the hope was expressed that she would return with many fresh ideas for the improvement of the nursery. Mrs Herbert moved a vote of thanks to the . chair, this being carried by acclamation and terminating the meeting, during which afternoon tea was served.