FREE KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2203, 21 May 1896, Page 11

FREE KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Dunedin Free Kindergarten Association was held in the Town Hall on Thursday afternoon. Tha Mayor (Mr N. Y. A. Wales) presided, and there were also present a number of ladio3 and the Rev. L. J. Harrison, the Rev. W. Hewitson, Messrs W. H. Pearson, M. Cohea, and H. F. Hardy. The Matoh thanked the association for the honour they had done him in asking him to preside at that meeting, and said that he had very much pleasure in doing so, and that he would be alwayß rf ady in hia public capaoiby to do auylhiDg he couid to aEsisfc the objects the j Kindergarten Association had in hand. He j hud the pleasure on the previous Monday foranoon of. witnessing how the classes were cmducted aud the methods of teaohing. Ib was the first time he had seen anything of the bind, and he was very much impressed iudeed with it. No one who had not seen the way the classes were cinducted should rest without going to see them, and they would not come away fro.n them without being very much impressed, sur/M prised, instruoted, and eJified. One could nobhelp reflecting and otfrnpating ihe differences of the methods of the kindergarten teaching and the methods in vogue when Berne of those who were now grown up we-e children. The pdvautngen the children had nowadays wore very mnch superior to what they were in his own young days, and it would be ao advantage, he believed, if all children could be sent to the free kindergarten sohoola before they went to the public schools. He could not help- sayiag tbat the patience and skill with wbioh tile tenohers attracted and rivitt d the attention of tbe childreu surprised him. If he were to say that the politeness these children were taught was somewhat negleoked \u tbe pab!ic.6ohools he would be ti-eadiog on do!ic;te grtund, but he could not help saying th-it there was, at any rate, a lack of it among the boys and girls turned out of the higher sohools. * He did not say tba' the fault was tbat of tho .parents or of tbe teachers or of both, bub the fault was Bomewf ere. He thought that if the kindergarten young people rould only take into their manhood aud womanhood the teachings they received in the kindergaiten they could nnt miss bjing g-od in mbers of the community — (Applause ) ANNUAL REPORT AND BALANCE SHEET. Tbe fol'owirg report; was read by the hon^ secretary : — Another happy, useful year has passed at our kindergartens, and again we are able publicly to thank our generous friends and sub cribers for tbeir kiudnes?, which has made our work possible. Could they see the work in its daily progress, watch the quickened intellig nee of the little ones gathered around each teacher, enter iii to the joyful atmosphere of the kinde g.trten, they would feel that they hid taken shaies in a company whioh pays m st handsome dividend*. Kip.dergar.en has tukeu root so kindly, grown so rapidly, and its blo->oms promise such wealth of fruit tbat the d«nirability of our association is proven without further nrgunient. We earnestly invite all doubt^ra of this statement to spend an occasional inoraing in one pf our schools and be converted. We have still two s -booh'in wotking order— -one in Walker street, one in Great King street. Our Yftralla Kindergarten in Great K'ng street has suffered somewhat through want of a permanent home. In September we \v<ii - o compelled to remove fruin K«ox Church Schoolroom, the Deacon*' Court of Kfaox Ohurch requiring their hall for church purpo-es. The Technical Classes Association came to our help, aud we found most comfortable quarters in their cookery room during the; vacation of their classes. When the classes began in April we moved to tbe carpenters' room. Tbi?, we fear, we may have to vacate by the end of the cunent month, and we have not 'y*t been able to find suitable quarters. We should be deeply grateful to anyone who would grant vis the use of some large vacant work room in the north end of the city. Yaralla Kindergarten is still under the charge of Miss Wieneke. Thora are at~ present 100 children on the roll, but whooping cmgh has bsen so prevalent that our attendance has bean but small. The average for the year h&B be-m 52. Sorn'p of these children are not yet three years old, but their bright looks and love for kindergarten, shows tbat the methods used in their training are those inephvd by Mother Nature. Walker street Kindergarten is under the c»reof Miss Dak. The nam9s of 50 children are on the roll, with an average attendance of 25. The great event in this school has been tbe arrival of " Baby." To outsiders " Baby "in only a doll, but to our children" she is a most interesting personality. The daly "Good-bye, Baby 1" is only second to the "Goodbye, tftaoher." The doll cradle and exquisitely worked clothes were supplied by members of comraittes. We hope soon to bave a similarly pquippe4 doll for Yamlla. This iB to be suppMed by the Otapo Witness little folks. These little folks have been our gieit fr'euds through the y< ar. They have contributed no If ss than £9, mostly in peuuies. Their letters in the Witness -how a keen intere?fc in the children gaihsred together in our sahoolp. Three of thf 89 little folks bave been amons our visitors. They were spending a day iv Dunedin, and considered the kindergarten one of the "sights" of the town. A nio'it enjoyable garden party was given to the Walker stre t t-chool by Mra Sinclair Thomson. It will be a very loug time before teachers or scholars forget the gracious hospitality received that day. The twining class for kindergartners continues ito good work. Mies E. Lp?ie an^ Mi«s M. Ander8 n entered at the New Year, taking t-he place of Mis* Waterp, "Miss MiUer, and Mi-s Denny, who Irft to undertake kindergarten work of their own We constantly receive testimony to tbe good work done in the privafri kindergartens, started by those who have left our twning pchoo l . The first true kindergarten started in our public schools is in charge of onejo* these stud^ntu. The sch ol commirtee Eunply room, material, &c , th« kindergartner ieeeiving all fees. We think ih ! s example m<ght be followed by other scbool committees. Public stshnol teacher.? have from time to time •ent earnest application for Saturday classes to be formed in which they may be taught some of the kindergarten occupations. The committee have, however, resolutely refused all such applications No training can be received except in contact with the child itself, and though the occupations make the most show they aiv. only a minor el-ment in kiodergaiten work; indeed, it is iin■possible for these occupations to be taught in a kindergarten way without a thorough study of kindergarten principles by the teacher. Thanks to the receipt of large par.-els of clothing, we have been enabled to relieve many cases of distress. We would very specially ! mention some very neatl&made garments sent by -the Dorcas Society of the Girls' High School. A case of kindergaiten work for exhibition only was sent to the Juvenile; Exhibition held during the year, competition boipg opposed to all kindergarten principles. The exhibit gained much commendation. So baa our work prospered, and left us doubly sure that " such charities as fres kindergartens speak better for a city than re »l estate booms, oenaus marvels, or low death rate 3."

The balance sheet, read by the hon. treasurer, showed there was a sum of £75 on fixed deposit, and a balance of £81 3s Id on current account in the bunk.

Mrs W. H. Reynolds, in moving the adoption of the report and balanoe sheet, said : We are just contemplating the seventh year of our work in connection with tbe Dunedin Free Kindergarten, and I feel it is a fitting opportunity, on behalf of the association, to thank all those who have helped us, either by interesting themselves on our behalf, giving us money, or by performing deeds of kindness. One end all are acceptable, and all are needed. The association would especially thank Mr James Gray for his muoiflosni donation of £25 at the begin-

ning of the year. Ib brought hope and fresh life with it. They would also accord to Biifnor Squarise their grateful thanks for tbo £10 17s — the surplus from his pupila' conoerb, given early in December. Thia was also a most helpful and acceptable addition to our funds. Aa for "Dot ' and herbsnd of loving little friends, I feel thst words fail us to express our feelings and out- hearty wuh that all those littlo country friendq could spend a forenoon occasionally in our schools, when they- would see for them=elves how happy, well, and wisely our children are employed. Some thoughtful friends have also sent us a few parcels of half- worn children's cloth. s. We wish this example were more frequently followeJ, as many of the little ones attending our schools are in sore need of help in this direction, nlbhough-in the school this does not strike one muob, as they all look so comfortable in their pinafore uniform. Mauy of- the children; have clothes supplied ba'ore they oan oolne. If, therefore, thtre are mothers with any superfluous bundles laid away in cupboa'ds, we would ask them to send a few articles to tha teaohers or to any m^mbdr of our committee. There are also silent frieods who havo been known to make up nice little parcels of sweets and have deemed tha diatribution of them part of tie joy of their holiday. We rejo : cc at all such evidences cf goodwill ; they lighten the work of and supply fresh ene-gy to those in charge of this great work ; i'or a great national work it indeed is, though a» yeo tbe most of one cit'z^ns are almost igno-snt of its ex'stence. We are a very slow-going people, very uulike our brethren ot tho United Spates. In that far-off land they have long ago realised thfj importance of the kindergarten system, and hay« planted it altnos 1 ; broadcast over the country From statesmen to mechanics, from profeoeicinl men to olergy — all are alike warm in their 'admiration of and active in their ptraoual interest in tbe system. The friend* of the system in this part of the colony are confident that kindergarten methods will bamade the foundation ot all instruction in the near future, aod obssiva with py tbe fl'sb step in thia directiou in the opening by (ho Arthur street School Coiiiinifitee ot a kindergarten class under th»j direction of one of cur cxetudent*. In Wellington — at the Tnor^don end of tbe city — they have a liicdtrgarden department ia connection with one of tho public fchool?, and ib-is doing excellent work, as the folio «ing letter from tho head master amply shows : — D^-ar Madam,— ln compliance wiih your requeit I gladly bear witu-ss to th« highly valuable results of kindergarten training ou the young. My li.nE connection with a school i^i which that sy-tam is very largely adopted enablosmeto spe«k confidently on the subject, and 1 do not hesitate to Hay that the beneficent influence of the system upon the tastes, manners, and both intellec'ud and moral preceptions of the childreu can scarcely be over-tstiuuted. The difference befcwe >n ihe rec-ptivity of a c'ass that has passed through such a course a-d that of a class that has not is mobt, marked, and could not fail to strilw auy teacher who lud the opportunity to intku the comparison. So convinced am lof the benefits of the training that I have continued some tf the occupations in the standard classes, and but fjr tho exigent demands of the standaid examinations would attempt much more.— l aw, &c, W. Mowbray. Me Mowbray wax at first opposed to tho system, bus having seen it in operation, and reen witness of ttw exoeliencj of its results, as detailed in his latter, be has become one of its warmest auppoiters. Every year that lam in Wellington I make a point of going to his school, and cau myself t- stify to the splendid results obtained by Miss Page, who has charge of the kindergarten depaittient. From Kte report-) ou our State schools I ccc th«t the authorities estimate tbat the schools contain from 10 t.> 15 per oeut. of what are termed " dull child ea." Now Ife ;1 certain that if the children had been well grounded in kindergarten principles before they entered the primary schools they would rarely, if ever, prove dull when going through their standard work. Learning* tmder [the . kindergarten system is as natural as play to the child, as a'l kindergarten instruction is bas-..d on play, and is presented to ths child in such au attractive form tbat its interest is at once gained, and is maintained from entrance to until it departs from the scbool. The little .mind and body of the child are supplied there with suitable' nourishment, so to spsak, from the very roots. We all know tbe value of placing young plants in good, well-nonrisheJ, wholesome soil, in a sheltered and sunny corner. How strong, symmetrical, and comforting is the growth of plant life in such surrcuodings! How full and developed will all the blossoms be ! Experience teaohes that child life will teapoad just as surely aTid ripidly under similar and right conditions. Oj biba'f of our children I would send forth an invitation to all and sundry among our townspeople to spend in one of our kindergartens the firr t sunny morning they have to spare. Out doors are open from 9.30 till noon and from 1 till 2 30. Such a visit will, I am sure, be amply repaid, and tho cause would bo much benefited. I would here tender the thanks of the association to our untiring friend and energit : c secretary (slis3 Kelsey). The work lives iv her heart, j and is in her life. She nevec forgets ; anything that has even the remo l est connection wi' h our kindergarten*, and shs ia eve' y ready for any emergency. We could Fcarcely get ou without her. Our wutrtrst thanks are also due to our capable and reliable treasurer (Miss Hutchison), whose prompt and business-like habits are a source of strength and comfort to the ontireas-ociation. Ihops before another year expires we may, by good management, have induced the most of our ka-'ing citizen*, members of the Education Board, and heads of families generally, to have visited our schools aud have convinced them that there is no other method equal to tho kindergarten system in it? power of satisfying and fascinating children — no other system of educatiou that will bring forth such ceitua and gratifying results', mentally and morally, ia the children of the nation. — (Applause.) The Hoy. L J. Harbison seconded the motion for the adoption of the report. The work of the association was, he siid, doubly bo be commended. Personally he took a great interest ia kindergarten work, and as soon as he had been el cted a member of a school committee he had made it his business- to move that a kindergsrfceu be. established in connection with that school. Ho was pleased to note that reference had that afternoon been made to tbat;, bub he was sorry that credit had been given to those who did not deserve it — namely, to the Education Board, who had refused to give any assist- j an co towards the work He was pleased to say j that a teacher trained 'under the association j had made a success of the kindergarten at the ! school to which he alluded, and if the association had do io nothing more than train that teacher it deserved all the aupporfe they could give it, for she would be a credit to any school* she might enter. A second reason why the association should be commended was that they did not stop at the instruction of the children, bat, where the necessity arose, pub their hands in their pockets to supply the wants of tho children. Seeing that there was a member of the Education Board present at the meeting, he hoped that member (Mr Cohen) would take

the words of Mrs Raynolds to heart and convey them back to the board. The motion for the adoption of the report; and ba'ancD sheet was carried unanimously. A LIFE MEMBEB. I The Rw. W. Hewitson moved— "Thab Mr William Fenwiok, editor of the Witness, be elected an houorory life member ef the assooiat'ou." From tbo statement; that had been made by those who wer« deeply interested in tho work and were capable of judging, the speaker thought, there could not be the slightest doabt that there was great room for the kindergarten movement in our midst and in education generoily. Qaite oleirly the movement afi present wa? largely one of good women. Oae would readily, he suppoaed, exp?ob that. The meeting could not but sympithise very deeply wibb. their work and wish them Gid sp?ed, and they also appreciated the good work of Mr Fanwick, editor of the Witness, in throwing open the co'umns of his paper ta ass sb the movem -nt. - Mr H F. Hardy sc c >nded the motio a, which wss carried unanimously. KLKCTION OF OFFICERS. Mr Cohen proposed tbe re-eieobion of Mca W. H. Keyuolds as president H« had been associated with Mrs Reynolds in the movement; since it's initiation, and he could speak c >nfitfent'y of her flbne-s for the position. He cjuld testify to the earnestness, the devotion, and the assiiui'y which she showed in the work. If it was only for the very able way in wbioh she had kept tha Yarslla branch" together and' housed it. the members would be wise to keep bar in offioe, and he was sure her devotion would o ly Cdase when the day arrived, which ha hoped was not far di-sraat, when the Education Bjard could see their way to eografbthe kindergarten system on.ta the teaoliing now gvoD iv the public echoo!^ He had urged such a course for 12 years, and hi* activity in that direction would be continued until his feliow ureoibew of the board saw the utility and the good purposj the association served The motion was carried unanimoosly.On the motion of Mrs Q. L. Djjnxistont, Mesdnmss SinoJair Thomson, Tur'oj, and Cameron were elected vic^-presiden-ia of the as Oiiafcion. O.i *-he motion of Mrs J. Sinclair Thomson, Mhh Kulsey was re-elocted hon. seorotiry aad Mi«s Hu f ohi»ou bon. tccasurer. Tbo following Indies were, on ths motion of Mr Coh<sn, appoiutsd members of the comcnittee :— Mesdames J. Allen, Cjlqnhoun, Cohon, Gallaway, Dennisfcon, Joiohim, Ulrioh, JuitooD, Sinclair, Fioch, Hall, Martin, Clark, and Mis» N^visou. Messrs W. S Fi'z^rald, J. Allen, M H R, and the Rsv. R. Wtddell were re-«lec l ed trustees; Miss Frefmin.Mtssrs D. White, J. Allen, M. Cohen, and G. M. Thorn- on the Advisory Comm'tfceo ; and Dr Martin aud ~Dv Colquhoun the hon. physicians. A vote of thanks to the miyorfor placing the Council Chambers at tho disposal of the rs-io-ciation for tho meeting and for presiding terminated the proceedings.