Creche For Children Of Women War Workers

Northern Advocate, 11 February 1943, Page 2

Creche For Children Of Women War Workers

' (P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Minister for Education last night announced: “In order to help those mothers of children who are engaged in essential industries, the Government is assisting in the establishment of nursery schools in certain centres where the need is greatest. With the absorption of manpower into the armed forces a greater call on v/omanpower has been made by industry. Much as the Government regrets that mothers of children should have to go out to work the fact must be faced that it is unavoidable in some cases and so the Government is making every effort to see that the children’s interests suffer as little as possible. ■ “A beginning is being made in Wellington area with extensions to Taranaki Street and Petone kindergartens to enable these schools to cater f-ventually for 100 children between the ages of two years and six months and four years 11 months, inclusive. A further extension of the plan is contemplated in Wellington and other cities if need is shown to exist. Only those children whose mothers are engaged in work considered by the National Service Department to be of national importance will be admitted. The scheme will provide for the care of children from 7.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. on five days weekly. Meals will be provided and a charge of 1/3 daily will be made for each child:- -

“I hope the Taranaki Street kindergarten will be able to take children within a few weeks as soon as staffing and equipment can be arranged. Pdtone kindergarten may be a little later in starting. - since additional buildings have to be erected.