W.E.A.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19668, 11 July 1929, Page 13

W.E.A.

LARGER GRANT WANTED. (PSE3S ASSOCIATION TELBOaAK.) WELLINGTON, July 10. A deputation from the Workers' Educational Association waited on the BDon. Mr Atmore, Minister for Education, requesting that the Government should increase the grant to the Association by £2OOO a year. A number of members of Parliament were present, more particularly from the Labour benches. Mr H. D. Acland, Christchurch, president of the W.E.A., was the spokesman. He dwelt on the great growth and influence of the movement, and the difficulty of accomplishing work from the financial aspect, especially as regards development in country districts. Other speakers were Mrs E. Maslen, secretary in the Wellington district, Mr B. Martin, president of the Auckland district. Mr H. G. Miller, Otago, Mr G. Manning, secretary of the Canterbury district and Dominion secretary. Replving. the Minister said that as far as "sympathy could be transmuted into something more concrete he could assure them it would be done. The total amount made available by the Government, directly or indirectly, was £6538 a vear, and the Carnegie Corporation had promised a grant of £2OOO for five years for Canterbury and Otago. The Government would have to pay subsidies on that. A grant had been made to the Otago University- of £ISOO for five years fcr home science work in the country districts. Needless to say. something would be done. b*.:t the extent of the increased contribution the Government would make would be a matter for consideration hv his colleagues end himself. Ho would bring it before Cabinet at their next meeting, and he promised to assist as far as he could.