NOVEL SCHEME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23418, 7 August 1939, Page 10

NOVEL SCHEME

' FAMILIES AT CHURCH

NURSERY FOR CHILDREN CARE DURING SERVICES AUCKLAND INNOVATION A novel scheme under which parents with young families may attend morning church services while the children are cared for in a. creche and nursery was introduced at Beresford Street Congregational Church yesterday. As far as is known, the scheme has been adopted in very few other New Zealand churches. An official of tho church said yestorday that in tho past numerous parents of young children had been obliged to miss morning services through tho necessity for either the mother or the father to stay at homo to mind the children. For many this had been a hardship, while a number .of others had unfortunately tonded to drift away from the church through constantly missing services. By providing a'nursery and creche under capable supervision in tho adjacent kindergarten, both parents of any young children would be able to participate in the services.

Through tho generosity of members of tho church, a considerable quantity of necessary equipment, including cots, prams, blankets, linen and toys, has been donated. Tho church has provided an amplifier through which the services will be broadcast to the kindergarten for tho benefit of those mothers who find it necessary to remain near their children.

Largely responsible for introducing tho scheme has been Miss Amy Wilks, superintendent of tho church cradlo roll, who will bo in charge of the children each Sunday. Assisting her will bo . two girls from the congregation who will bo selected each weok, due care being taken to ensure that they are capable of handling young children.

The introduction of the scheme yesterday wag most successful. Five children were left with Miss Wilks, thoir ages ranging from two months to, three years.