Kindergarten Schools. The kindergarten system of instruction has been in vogue in Christchurch for a considerable number of years, having been started first in, the Normal School, and introduced later on into the ordinary schools. The value of training both the eye and the hand of a child has been recognised with increasing distinctness year by year, and now, in the public schools, large classes are taught on the kindergarten system, with a thoroughness unknown and almost undreamt of till recent years. For many years Mrs Bendely conducted a very successful private kindergarten in Christchurch. Later on she, in conjunction with the Children's Aid Society, inaugurated free kindergartens, first at the South Belt and then at the Knightstown Library, St. Albans. The former school was conducted very success fully for a time, and had an average attendance of twenty-two children, but various causes have led to its discontinuance. The St. Albana Free Kindergarten continues to flourish. It is in charge of Miss Schofield, who has four assistants, and the attendance is between fifty and sixty, the pupils ranging from two or three to five years of age. The usefulness of the institution is proved by the progress of the children, who, besides being instructed in the use of the school appliances, are taught to walk, march, sing, and take exercise in other approved forms. The Children's Aid Society carries on its work in connection with this school, and supplies children's clothes where needed, but these are paid for by the mothers.