OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1941, Page 4

OTHER PEOPLE’S IDEAS

THE KINDERGARTEN PROJECT (To the Editor) Sir,—May I. as a resident of Masterton interested in the Mastertoq West Kindergarten movement, be permitted space to express my views? Up to date, I understand, the sum of approximately £lOO has been raised, but since the last effort held in the College grounds, a month ago. there does not appear to be any indication of any further effort under way to further this cause. I would suggest that a general meeting be called (not ladies only) in the immediate future, where some scheme could be evolved to speed up this movement. In the first place it appears that plans for a most elaborate building, costing about £l6OO, have been drawn up. This, of course, is ridiculous under the present conditions, because it must be realised that it is practically an impossibility at the present time to raise this enormous sum for the purpose stated. Why not have a one-roomed building, with a gas ring or hot point and conveniences? This would suffice at present and we would see something started, whereas at the moment it appears as if it will be quite a considerable time before £l6OO could be raised. Of course, I realise that this money is subsidised. by the Government' and. if say £3OO could be raised (plus the Government subsidy) then I am quite sure that a substantial building to suit this purpose could be erected with the help of a local builder. I would like to hear further comment in this matter in the near future and I would suggest that this general meeting be called as soon as possible. Thanking you for your valuable space.—l am. etc.. ‘■ACTION.” Masterton, May 1. Commenting on the statements made in the above letter, Mrs C. J. Williams, chairman of the local Kinder- 1 garten Committee, said that arrangements had already been made to call a public meeting in furtherance of the kindergarten project, probably on June 5. The secretary of the Wellington Kindergarten Association had kindly undertaken to attend the meeting. The erection of a small building, suggested by our correspondent, would hardly have been authorised, Mrs Williams observed. A building of. the kind would not have been in keeping with a borough reserve and would have fallen considerably short of essential standards of health and comfort. Moreover, no Government subsidy would be granted on a kindergarten housed in a small and makeshift building. To earn the subsidy, a kindergarten must be up to approved standards of accommodation and organisation. Had a hall been available as temporary accommodation, something might have been done, but no hall was available in the local- 1 ity in which it was proposed to establish the first kindergarten—the first, it was hoped, of a series. ’ :

The Kindergarten Committee. Mrs Williams pointed out, had been in existence for only three months and two months of that time had coincided with .the period of the recent Patriotic Queen Carnival. The committee was meeting regularly and, by holding parties and in other ways, was steadily, if slowly, building up its funds. The task in hand was a big one. and in attacking it the committee would be very glad indeed to have the assistance of our correspondent and of all others anxious to see kindergartens established in Masterton West and in other parts of the town.