ADULT EDUCATION

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25090, 23 January 1947, Page 8

ADULT EDUCATION

CANTERBURY AND WESTLAND WIDE VARIETY OF CLASSES “While appreciating the shortage of manpower at the present juncture, the Council of Adult Education is satisfied that an increase of staff is essential if adult education in this district is to be put on a solid basis,” said the report on adult education in Canterbury and Westland, presented to the Senate of the University of New Zealand. “The following staffing proposals are regarded as minimal to secure effective maintenance and development of the service:—a whole-time director, residential tutors for the West Coast, South Canterbury, North Canterbury; a home science tutor, drama tutor, and secretary-librarian. The proposed increases would thus provide for two new positions and for the drama tutor being made whole tjrne. “Duping 1946, 26 tutorial classes were organised by the Workers’ Educational Association district Tutorial classes were distributed as follows—Christchurch and suburbs. 21 classes. 629 students; North Canterbury, 2, 34; South Canterbury, 3, 96. Subjects- studied: social sciences, 6 classes. 189 students; literature and arts, t2, 368; science. 3, 88; child study, 5, 114. “Weekly hmch-hour lectures, each of 30 minutes duration were maintained for 48 weeks at tne Addington railway workshops. Various lecturers gave a series of five talks. Attendances varied between 50 and 120. As a Result of talks given by Dr. Vernon Griffiths on music, a choir has been formed. Thirteen lectures were provided for men at Paparua Prison. As in previous years, transport of lecturers was provided by the Christchurch Rotary Club. “With the return to peace conditions there has been a revival in many districts of organisations such as choral and drama societies. Interest has declined in subjects such as international affairs and economics. Subjects such as literature, drama and music are in greater demand. The shortage of tutors in the field limits the quntity and quality of this branch of the work. Each discussion §roup should receive at least two visits a year from a staff tutor. Comparative figures on discussion groups are:— 1945, 60 groups with 626 students; 1946, 58 groups with 624 students. “With the co-operation of Dr. Vernon Griffiths, Professor of Music, a further series of concerts under a ‘Music for the People’ series was organised in South Canterbury. Concerts were given in Geraldine. Timaru, Waimate and Lake Tekapo hydro works. In each case a local committee of representatives assisted in the organisation of the concerts. It is planned to vLsit North Canterbury rural centres in December. It is pleasing to report the formation of several choral groups and orchestras following these visits.” The report also referred to other t special courses and exhibitions arranged.