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56
The present financial state is encouraging, but it must be borne in mind
that many gifts of money have been made by generous donors which cannot be
repeated. It is, therefore, essential that new sources be found from which
regular income may be derived, and the Nursery placed on a really sound
and independent footing.
There have been many handsome contributions to the funds; there have
been many offers of assistance and services rendered which the Committee has
gratefully accepted. The only possible course is to assure all those who have
shown practical interest that their help is deeply and fully appreciated, and
will be found recorded elsewhere, either in writing or in an even more
permanent form of perpetuation, namely, the present status of the Nursery.
In my position I am best able to realise and understand the tremendous
amount of hard work which has been done by the Committee and voluntary
helpers. They have accomplished a great deal in a very short space of time,
and it is only just that they receive at least this amount of recognition for
their labours.
It was with regret that they parted with the Chairman, Mr. E. F. Reed,
who found it necessary to resign in October. His efforts in the beginning
were of incalculable value, and his resignation was a real misfortune, as was
also the resignation of Mrs. Niblett. Her energetic performance of the
secretary's duties was a revelation and we desire to place on record our
sincere appreciation of her diligence and toil.
During the past year we have gained considerable experience. The building
which was acquired is now as far as possible suited to its requirements,
after undergoing considerable alterations and improvements. The personnel,
too, has undergone some change, but it is to be hoped that the present efficient
and capable Matron and Staff are permanently settled. It could not be
expected that adequate accommodation and a smoothly running organisation
would be achieved at a stroke, but on the whole there is every cause for
satisfaction.
The Committee gave a Party on January 12th in Vernon Hall, at which
the Matron and Staff and the Mothers and children who attend the Nursery
were present. The proceedings were exceptionally pleasant, and evidenced
the utmost goodwill and confidence.
The Nursery is now soundly established and has justified its existence.
It is a fully equipped and efficient organisation coping with a demand which
has for many years been in evidence in the Borough of Hackney.
Although there is still much work to be done there is every reason also to
expect that with the initial difficulties already overcome, the next year is one
which may be anticipated only with optimism and confidence, based on sound
experience and genuine interest in the principles involved.
I specially wish to mention that on October 11th, 1934, the Nursery
was honoured by a visit from Mrs. Baldwin, who expressed, through Mrs.
Yates and myself, as the Mayor and Mayoress of Hackney, her congratulations
to the Borough on possessing such a manifestly much-needed and well conducted
Day Nursery.
We specially record with much gratitude the following Donors and
Collectors of sums of £100 and upwards, and cordially welcome and nominate
them as "Patrons" of the Hackney Day Nursery:—
Mrs. F. B. Glover, Chairman of the Kilburn Day Nursery £100
The Rotary Club of Hackney £200