DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE

Press, Volume C, Issue 29498, 27 April 1961, Page 2

DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE

Kindergartens Grateful The Department of Education's assistance to and co-operation with the Christchurch Free Kindergarten Association was emphasised by the president of the association (Mrs A. F. Johnson) in her report to the annual meeting of the association last evening. “The establishment of the new regional office of the department in Christchurch has been invaluable. To the regional superintendent (Mr T. Archer) and his staff, we express our thanks for help freely given,” Mrs Johnson’s report said. Members of the association’s education committee undertook the responsible task of compiling submissions to be placed before the Commission on Education in New Zealand, in March, 1961. This committee’s work had been commented upon appreciatively by other kindergarten associations and the Free Kindergarten Union. “It may well be that these submissions will have a profound effect on the future of education for early childhood in New Zealand,” said the report

Increased Assets The annual accounts for the year showed an increase in capital assets and working funds of the association. The increase in working funds had been brought about by extra moneyraising activities, an increase in the levy payable to the association from local committees, the financial assistance from all kindergartens within the University of Canterbury area towards the cost of student training, and loans from the more established kindergarten committees. The association’s cash reserves had been strained by the exceptional building programme, but these loans had made it possible to meet all commitments. “This spirit of co-opera-tion and dedication to a common purpose, so prevalent in this association, was most gratifying. AU rallied to our assistance in the moneyraising activities," said the report.