SET THE MOTHERS FREE

New Zealand Listener, Volume 4, Issue 97, 2 May 1941, Page 42

SET THE MOTHERS FREE

(Written for

The Listener

HE going-out-at-night problem for young parents mentioned in The Listener of April 18, is one that exercised many of us for some time. So far no solution has been forthcoming. But what of the day problem, and the mothers who cannot’ even get to the dentist in peace, let alone go shopping? It is not always convenient to park one’s children with the neighbour, convenient either to oneself or to the neihgbour. Now, not only would it be possible to find a solution to this problem. A solution has actually been found. And if in a few weeks, on a’nice sunny day, The Listener can spare a photographer, he can even take a picture of it. This boon to harassed parents is in Karori, Wellington, and it could be copied in other parts of the Dominion, as well as in other suburbs of Wellington. It is called a "play-centre" by some, and a "day-nursery" by others, and the mothers have organised it themselves at a minimum cost. Similar schemes have been run in England, and in the Scandinavian countries, with great success, and we are confident that the Karori experiment will have the success it deserves. For Sixpence a Week This is how it is run: All the parents interested in leaving their children under reliable supervision for two or three afternoons per week from 2 to 5 p.m. have been asked to enrol themselves as willing to pay 6d per week (with thirty parents that is enough to cover the rent for the church hall, as well as provide for a supervisor). Parents were contacted in various ingenious ways, A church hall was hired, with tennis courts adjoining, at a very reasonable figure, and Karori has been most fortunate in securing the services of a trained kindergarten teacher. The mothers have promised to take their turn in helping the super-

visor, three at a time, so there will always be four people in. charge. Parents leaving children pay 3d per afternoon for each child, which pays for heating and extra equipment. Parents were asked at a general meeting to lend two or three old play pens, some old .toys, and some butter-boxes,. which perhaps they will paint. Old motor tyres, too, it is hoped, will be forthcoming, to make swings, and they are talking of rigging up a homemade slide and a sand-pit. They might even, who knows, get free apples while the season lasts And there you have it. Children a erly looked after in good surroundings, for 3d an afternoon, plus 6d a week. What could be easier? (Anyone who would like further particulars about the working of this experiment is welcome to write to Mrs. J. M. Wood, c-o "N.Z, Listener," Box 1070, Wellington). " Doctor Mac" Returns ATEST serial feature to be re-played from the commercial stations is Doctor Mac, which is now heard at 9,0 p.m, every Tuesday and Saturday from all stations. "Doctor Mac" is a lovable old Scots medical practitioner in an Australian country town, to whose surgery come the joys and sorrows of the whole district. The name part is played by Lou Vernon, one of Australia’s best known radio stars. During the past six years he has appeared in a large number of serials which have been broadcast in New Zealand, among them East Lynne, The Silver King, and Oh, Reggie! He is such a master of character-acting, however, that his voice has never become a familiar one, New Zealand theatregoers have seen him on the stage in Rose Marie and The Student Prince. :