ARMY EDUCATION

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 35, 11 February 1943, Page 3

ARMY EDUCATION

PLAN ABOUT TO OPERATE WIDE SCOPE OF COURSES The army education scheme is about to come into operation in the Auckland district, and civilians' regional committees have been set up for each area in Avhich troops are congregated. The educational work will be organised within the army itself, but civilians will give assistance with lectures and in other ways. These committees are at Auckland, Mangonui, Whangarei, Rotorua and Hamilton. The members of the Auckland Regional Committee are Mr. W. H. Cocker, Professor H. Hollinrake, Miss W. M. Mansfield, the Hon. B. Martin, M.L.C., Messrs. G. J. Park, D. M. Rae, W. R. Tuck, T. H. Macky, W. M. Lusty and P. Martin-Smith. Mr. Cocker has been elected chairman, Mr. Rae vice-chairman, and Mr. Martin-Smith secretary. In discussing the scheme, Major W. E. Alexander, the Auckland director, said the work would apply to all personnel, but particularly to those in the 18-20 age group, recognised as the major problem. Each unit would carry out its own plans, the services helping with materials, advice and encouragement. In each unit an education officer would be appointed, chosen for his interest and enthusiasm for educational welfare and his ability "to appreciate individual and group problems. He would have the assistance of a non-commissioned officer. All the requirements of the men should be known, and each unit had been asked to organise a subcommittee, to offer ideas and suggestions. University, professional and technical courses will be provided.