KINDERGARTEN WORK

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 415, 25 July 1928, Page 13

KINDERGARTEN WORK

SIR J. GUNSON PRAISES BENEFACTOR

CAMPAIGN FOR FUNDS "We are perpetuating the work of Sir Arthur Myers, who did so much for Auckland with his gifts of the Myers Park and the Myers K indergarten,” declared Sir James Gunson when speaking at the kindergarten this morning. Leading citizens were present to watch the work of the young children at the institution, and speeches praising the objects of the kindergarten movement were made. They were given at a “tea,” one of a series, ending on Friday, organised to raise funds. Sir James and Mr. H. G. Cousins, principal of the Training College, were the guests of honour at the gathering, which was supervised by Airs. C. E. Maguire, president of the kindergarten committee. Messrs. W. Boyle, Consul for the United States, F. W. H. Brinsden, John- Fuller, A. Probert, John Ewen, C. Trevithick and Dr. C. *E. Maguire were among those present. Sir James said that Auckland was to bo congratulated on the work it was doing in developing the kindergarten movement. The Myers committee deserved the success it was gaining in its campaign for funds. WORK OUTLINED An interesting outline on the work at the institution and of the efforts to raise funds was given by Mrs. Maguire. Air. Cousins, who has been actively engaged for some time with the work of the Auckland Kindergarten Association, stressed the value of the instruction given. A child was developed largely on its own initiative, under the guidance of the teachers. The psychological side was considered throughout the instruction; there was no harshness and the environment was entirely sympathetic. Bad weather has affected the attendance, and has reacted on the funds, as amounts from the Government are based on the average number of children. This has been responsible for the present campaign. THE SECRET IS SYMPATHY This morning the children were seen at work and play, under the care of Miss E. Ward, headmistress. It was shown that while care-freeness makes up the surface of the work, there is always the underlying consideration of mental effect. In this lies of the secret of the value of the movement. Jarring influences are avoided and improvement lies wholly in sympathetic handling. An object lesson in the importance of judicious treatment, which has been sufficient to bring the support of the city’s leading residents, was given this morning. Children from two to five years of age attend the kindergarten.