WORTHY CAUSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 July 1941, Page 7

WORTHY CAUSE

FREE KINDERGARTEN MOVEMENT ASSISTANCE FROM TRUST LANDS TRUST. SUM OF £5O SET ASIDE. At its meeting last evening, the Masterton Trust Lands Trust had before it the following letter from the Masterton Free Kindergarten Committee: — “We are in receipt of your letter of June 14. There are two counts on which we would like to express our regret. The first is your refusal to give any immediate assistance to the establishment of Free Kindergartens in Masterton. The second is that a wrong impression of the deputation's appeal at the last Trust Lands Trust meeting has gained publicity through the onesided report appearing in the Press. That report gave the impression that we had submitted a 'half-baked’ and immature proposal, when in fact we placed before you a proposition which we considered complete in every detail. It was as follows: “(1) That you give £5OO or lend £lOOO. “(2) That as leaders in the educational sphere you get behind the movement individually. “(3) That you link up with a central committee for the purpose of controlling Free Kindergartens in Masterton. “We pointed out that the matter was of paramount importance, both locally and from a world-wide aspect, and we solicited your moral as well as your financial support. We also stated that we were prepared to accept a small or a reasonable amount of assistance. Moreover, every question asked by the Trust members was answered, apparently to your satisfaction. “Your advice that we should commence in a smaller way means cither the undesirable crowding of the children, or the depriving of a number of them of the essential privileges. Either of these courses would defeat the ends we are striving to attain. The suggestion that we ask the Government to do the work is in effect the upholding of a practice rightly condemned by pub-lic-spirited people. “This is a one-hundred-percent war effort for our youth, who must not be sacrificed —a sentiment which has been endorsed by the World Peace Conference. It is an effort to implement that constructive policy in the interests of the people of training and fostering the best qualities of the only asset a nation possesses—its youth. Incidentally, it will interest you to know that recent tests of children of identical intelligence quota showed that the Kinder-garten-trained child revealed a greater capacity for happiness, constructive manipulation, initiative, co-operation and independence than the untrained child.

“The points set out are a brief outline of the matter presented at your meeting, but are sufficient, we think, to convince an interested public that there is another side to the question—one worthy of your consideration and support. “In conclusion we would appreciate your assistance in the furthering of the interests of this vital movement by publishing this letter and reconsidering our appeal for the financial help within your means at present.” The letter is signed by Mrs C. J. Williams (president) and Mr M. J. Mackay, chairman of the men's committee.

(Our report of the deputation proto which the above letter refers was in no way one-sided. It made no mention of “half-baked” or “immature” proposals, but reported, accurately, though briefly, the altitude of members of the Trust to the request submitted. —Ed.) DESIRE TO ASSIST. “The free kindergarten movement is a worthy cause and should be assisted,” said the chairman, Mr H. P. Hugo. Mr A. Owen Jones also spoke in support of the movement. He considered it would play an important part in laying foundations for the future. Mr E. G. Eton said he was disappointed in the style of the letter. It found fault with the Press quite undeservedly. However, the Press was capable of looking after itself. He moved a motion that £25 be set aside and allocated when the Trust was satisfied that the proposals had been satisfactorily completed. Mr R. Krahagen observed that if the kindergarten movement was essential to education it deserved support. He considered the Trust should make a grant on a capitation basis. If other committees were set up similar assistance would be given.

“I am heartily in agreement with Mr Mackay’s letter that some regarded the proposals as ‘half-baked,’ ” said Mr H. H. Daniell. He pointed out that the people living in State houses were in general a moving population. He instanced the Wangaehu school which had been closed and filled three times in 30 years. He gave the history of the land on which the committee proposed erecting a building. Who held the freehold? he asked. As for the movement, it started 137 years ago in Germany. Mr R. Page: “To stop war?” Continuing, Mr Daniell said the opinion of headmasters should be sought. The Trust should not allow itself to be carried away by a ‘half-baked’ enthusiast.” Mr Page: “Full baked!” Mr Daniell said the kindergarten was not free. A collection would be made. “Let us call it ‘free’ plus silver collection.” he added. PROVISIONAL GRANT. Mr Grey considered that £5O should be set aside. Mr Eton altered his motion to enable £5O to be granted. He said he could not agree with Mr Daniell's contentions. Mr Laing pointed out that there were no concrete proposals before the Trust. Mr J. A. Russell spoke in support of the movement. A motion was carried which provided for £5O being set aside for the Free Kindergarten movement which would be allocated when the Trust was satisfied that the proposals were complete.