DUNEDIN FREE KINDERGARTEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19156, 26 April 1924, Page 2

DUNEDIN FREE KINDERGARTEN

ANNUAL MEETING OF ASSOCIATION

Tho annual meeting of 1110 Dunedin I'ico Kindergarten Association was held in the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon, when tho Mayor (Mr 11. L. Taplsy) presided oyer a, large attendance of members. Apologies were read from tho Hon. Mark Cohen anil Mrs Rutluuu, the Chairman adding also that ho regretted that Mr Cohen was not present, for ho had done some splendid work for tho association. It was gratifying for all concerned to see the great spread of the association's useful work in the city, and he recalled the invaluable services Mrs Reynold? had rendered at flic commencement, and regretted that she was not (here that, day. As Mayor of the city he would like to express tho appreciation of the citizens of the splendid work that had been and was being ('one, and he hoped that tho association would be able in the future to extend greatly its activities. At present finance was one of the principal prc'.lems (he association had to face, lie was glad to say (hat the City Council hod last year given the sum of £SO to the fund' l , and it had also repealed its gift tip’s year.—(Applause.) Personally, .however, ho would like the council to assist further, and he suggested that, if it were approached it might sec its way to do so. In conclusion, he wished tho association every success in its important, undertaking, and promised that ho would willingly do anything he could for it. Miss Alexander (the retiring president), in moving the adoption of tho report and balance sheet, expressed gratification that the committee had been aide to present, so distinctly favourable a report. Tbc work in the schools, she said, had gone on smoothly and pleasantly. 7he Caversham Kindergarten had shifted to temporary promises in Playfair street, and she was glad to Ire able to state (lint it would soon have a homo of its own, as the Messrs Hudson had generously promised to build a kindergarten on a section adjoining the Caversham playing field, ns soon us workmen were available. Ft was pleasing to report that the committee’s enterprise in opening kindergartens at Pt.- Kilda and Kaikorai had ■been well repaid, and the committees and the mothers had worked splendidly. Tho idea of starting one in the North-East Valley had been deferred in the meantime Speaking of the finances, she said that (lia association deserved every support. There were a great many calls on the public, and a. considerable amount of money was snenl. in philanthropic work which brought about no lasting benefit; but this was not so ill their own ease, for if was in tho children that tho hope of the future lay. After acting as president for four years she was passing the office over to Mrs T. K. Sidev. and thev ail felt sure that under her guidance the work would prosper. The speakei concluded by giving an interesting discourse on various aspects of the , work. Dr Lawson. Professor of Education at flio Otago University, was welcomed by the Mayor, and. after returnin'? thanks for his reception, he snokc of the fine work of I Ids ami similar institutions in New Zealand and in other countries. They must remember that they wore moulding the characters of those ’vb in 30 or 4'o years would be bnurm- the burden ot Uio world and the best they could give was due to ihe children of the present day. He spoke also of his impressions of kindergarten work in Australia, and said that its importance could hard'- lie over-estimated. Miss Thornton, of the Dunedin Training College, spoke to the motion, and, after congratulating the association, dealt with various aspects of tho work. The motion for tho adoption of tho report ami balance sheet, was carried. The Mayor thanked the speakers, and subser|ueni(y the Hon. G. AI. Thomson moved the election of the following oUlcebearers;—President, Mrs T. K. Sidev; vicepresidents—Mesdames J. R. Glendining and Isaacs and Miss Alexander- secretary and treasurer, Miss C. E. Glendinning: committee —Mrs Bricked, Mrs Rantham. Airs Cameron, Mrs J. R, Callan. Mrs Coleman, Mrs Hutchison Mrs Gilkison, Mrs ARLean, Airs W. M. Reynolds, Airs Riley, Mrs T . C. Ross, Mis Phillips. Mrs Waddell Smith, Airs Ulrich. -Mrs Solomon, Mrs Taverner, Airs Wright, Airs ,f. ,1. Clark. Mrs Lough, Airs K. Theomin. Lady Ross, Miss Kelsey. Alis.s Ulrich Aids Scott: -\(|vi'»r.y Board Hon. G. AI. Thomson, lion. Mark Cohen, Professor D. R. White. Air T. K. Sicle.r, M l’.. Air Gilkison, Air W. Hayward, Air .tones. Air Eleniing. Air Rennie; hop. physician? -Dr Martin Dr Evans, Dr "Williams. Dr APKr-llar, Dr Marion Whyte; hon. solicitors Messrs R. Gilkison and T. K. Sidev, AI.P. : hon. auditor Air 11. AVilson. In moving their election, ho spoke of the effect of the work on the young 'adles engaged in it. As far as fie could see there was nothing' that helped them mor6 to appreciate (heir responsibilities and give a wider and finer view of life. He speke warmly of (he work Ol Mis* Alexander and Miss Kelsey, and read a letter from die Hon. Atnrk Cohen in which the writer spoke of (he indebtedness of (be kindergarten supporters and the public to Miss Alexander for the work. Professor D. R. While seconded (he motion, and said that he had been present a: every annual meeting «ince the association wa> formed 54 rears ago. He also paid a tribute to Aliss Alexander's work, and. in conclusion. smrl that the students made quite n big sacrifice in taking on the work, pointing out that at tho Training College they were paid sufficient to keep them. He suggested that the committee shculd consider some wav of improving tins position. Vt the conclusion of the business AHss Alexander was voted tin honorary life member of the association.