NOTES FOR WOMEN.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7977, 7 December 1911, Page 9

NOTES FOR WOMEN.

AT THE FREE KINDERGARTENS

GARDEN FETE

THE “CONTINENTAL”

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL

For the lover of children (and who does not love them?) there is no prettier eight than "the break-up" at one of these "child-gardons. The very name, in its gentle auggestlvenesa, prepares one for the sunshiny atmosphere of affection and patience in which the human blossoms of the "child garden" grow and expand. Moreover, to those accustomed to kindergarten methods, the "breaking-up" is realised as merely a dress performance, so to speak, of tho pretty action songs and play lessons of every day tuition. Those visitors and parents who were present at tho break-up of the Brooklyn branch of the Richmond Kindergartens yesterday could not be other tLan surprised, as well ae pleased, at the obedience, order, and docility of the troop of tiny scholars. Marching in with much pomp and circumstance, duo to tho beating of a liliputian drum and the waving of liliputian flags, came about forty tiny children, of whom only one had attained the mature age of live I Tho only thing they could not do, these expectant mites, was to keep "eyes right." Eyes would stray to where a noble Christmas tree, laden with gaily coloured and suggestive parcels, stood upon the dais. For on that tree were not only the prizes—and at kindergartens of course every one gets a prize—but tho presents that each child had made for each mother. No wonder it was impossible to keep "eyes front"! The action songs, with their pretty illustrative movements, are always a joy to the little performers. And the farmer's song, with Its simple history of tho ploughing, the harrowing, the seed-sow-ing, and growing, the fluttering birds, the enthusiastic clapping to scare them away, the reapers, and the harvest rejoicing (led, of course, by tho teachers) was given "con amoro" by the tiny performers. In those songs one realises tho education of each faculty in what seems only play. Patience, observation, quickness, harmony, comradeship, obedience, all are implanted and nurtured no less than memory, time and tune, in kindergarten songs and plays. While we watched the action song or the Blacksmith, with one email boy vigorously shoeing another small boy, who made a wonderfully docile horse, I heard one or two interesting side-hghte on the subject of action songs. It sterna that, when practicable, the older children are taken to see the real blacksmith or shoemaker at work, and realise tho appropriate actions at first hand. Then cam© a delightful lapse from the realities of life into the realm of fairy, and the Sleeping Beauty gave the theme for a' sweet little rendering full of childish grace and innocence. The singing of a Christmas hymn brought the short programme to an end, and permitted the really important business of the uay t° begin. Tho presentation of prizes to the children was performed by Mrs James Burnet, who had the pleasant experience of making. about forty little children supremely happy. This part* of the affair occupied some time, as each little pupil had' to present his or her gift to the mother, ond the event was so momentous that the little givers were often in sore straits to remember just where mother V Mias, Richmond (president),- in a .fewkindly and appreciative words, voiced her recognition of the good work of the teachers, ■ and the helpful interest always shown by the parents. She also spoke of the forthcoming fete in aid of the free kindergartens to bo held in the grounds-of Awarua ,house. on Saturday. The Bev. Mr Hinton, of the Baptist Churoh, spoke with warm appreciation of the influence and work of the «ichmond Kindergartens, and the evident success of a rule bom of love rather than A very welcome cup of tea and light refreshments ended a. bright little function - —ZEALAND lA.

Mrs Elgar, who has been. on. a elmrt visit to Wellington, is returning to-day to Foatherston. Mr and Mrs Guy Liicae, who arrived \ esterday, will make a short stay in Wellington before going to Rotorua. Mrs W. G. Beard (Mafitorton) is staying at Seatoun. Mrs and Miss Glasgow (New Plymouth), who are visiting Wellington, are staying at Caulfield House^ Miss Coates is leaving to-day on a visit t > Rotorua and Auckland. Miss Mace is returning to-day to Haste rton. Mr and Mrs Norman Brookes left last evening for Christchurch. Mrs R. J. Collins and Miss Collins, who have been on a visit to the southern Ickes, returned to Wellington yesterday. Qlre Marmaduk© Bethell, who has been staying in Maaterton, left last evening for Christchurch. Mr and Mrs Engelbert (Dunedin) are staying at the Cecil. Miss Vallance (Masterton) is staying with Sirs Drummond at Kilbirnio. Mr and Mrs Conway, who have been staying in Wellington, returned to New Plymouth yesterday. Mrs Harry Rose (Hutt), and her sister,

EDITED BY "ZEAL.ANDIA.”

who have been on a trip to England, arrived back yesterday, Mrs H. Hail has returned from her trip to Sydney. Mrs Schwab© (Otaki) is staying at the Windsor. Miss Sutton, who has been on a trip to Gisborne, returned yesterday. Mrs Barnes (Christchurch) is staying with Mrs Adams (Hutt). Visitors at the New Occidental Hotel: Rev. Mr Cameron and Mrs Cameron, of Sydney; Mr and Mrs McLaren, of Wairarapa; Mr and Mrs Moreland, of New Plymouth.

On Saturday next a garden fete wiU be held at grounds, which have been kindly lent for the occasion by Sir Joseph and Lady Ward, in aid of the Richmond free kindergarten schools.',The grounds form an ideal place for such a function, and the programme which has been prepared will lend .additional attraction to the occasion. There will bo _ floral drills, Christmas carols, tambourine drill, etc., and, an enjoyable afternoon may bo looked forward to.

Wellington citizens are always on the look out for novelties, and those whoso business or pleasure takes them along Willis street to-day will not look in vain, A new cafe,- tho Continental, puts forward a claim, and a substantial one too, for patronage, tho proprietors, Messrs Gallate Bros., having spared neither pains nor expense to render the Continental one of the finest in tho Dominion. The establishment, conveniently situated in the now brick premises recently erected for Messrs F. J. Pinny, Ltd., occupies, in addition to a shop frontage, the whole of the first floor and the roof garden, a most desirable summer ad j unct.—Advt,