Page:Picturesque Dunedin.djvu/267

Rh of the Normal School, also delivered a lecture on the subject to the Dunedin branch of the Schoolmasters' Association. The result was the establishment of the Dunedin Kindergarten Society on thoroughly unsectarian principles. After casting about for a suitable field in which to begin operations, the promoters decided upon the neighbourhood of Walker street; and the Rev. Mr. Waddell and Rev. Mr. Yorke having offered the free use of their school-rooms, Walker street Mission House (Mr Waddell's) was accepted. On the 10th of June the Kindergarten School was opened with 14 children, and now, after six months' quiet and steady working, about 60 are on the roll. The object is first to gather in children of six years and under, the offspring of poor parents, and whose mothers, in many instances, are out at work during the day to earn the necessaries of life for their families; and, secondly, to instruct the little ones in all interesting ways adapted to their tender age. The method adopted may be characterised as systematic play, and it comprises object lessons, marching, keeping time with feet, hands, and voice, singing, training of the memory without cramming, drawing, woolwork, &c. The discipline is, of course, strict, but kindly and winning. Samples of the work done by the young people are now on view in the Industrial Department of the Exhibition, and it is marvellously good, and said to be quite equal to that accomplished in the like schools of the northern cities,. [sic] The value of this training, as compared with the baneful influence of days spent without restraint or guidance on the street, and as a preparation for ordinary school work when school age is reached, cannot be over-estimated. Admission is free, and the children are supplied with pinafores while in school. Miss Wienicke, who has had a large experience of Kindergarten Schools in Germany, is head teacher, and she has three assistants. The school, however, is managed by a Committee of ladies, who have the support of an influental Finance Committee of gentlemen. Mrs. W. H. Reynolds is President of the Association; the Vice-Presidents are Mrs. Belcher, Mrs. A. S. Paterson, and Miss Bathgate; Mrs Marsden Smith is Treasurer; and the offices of Secretary and Assistant-Secretary are held by Misses Kelsey and F. Wimperis respectively. Though the work is entirely dependent on voluntary contributions, the success which