W.E.A. CLASS ENROLMENTS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30678, 18 February 1965, Page 14

W.E.A. CLASS ENROLMENTS

Decline “Not Unexpected” The effect of television on enrolments in adult education classes was mentioned by Mr A. A. Dingwall, president of the Canterbury Workers’ Educational Association, in his report to Die annual meeting last evening. He said the decline-in aggregate enrolments was not unexpected as the association was aware that television was likely to draw away some of those students with only a fringe interest in adult education classes.

“We can, however, take some encouragement from the fact that evidence from overseas countries, where television had been established longer, is that after three to four years, people do not spend so much time viewing, and many return to their former interests,” said Mr Dingwall. “We must always accept the fact that the public has a right to be selective, or make a choice as to how they spend their leisure time. “The current experience reminds us that one of the important principles upon which the voluntary association vindicates its function is in the role of stimulation. We must never cease to help make the public aware of the opportunities available, and of the great satisfactions to be found in pursuing them.” Mr Dingwall said that membership now stood at 800. This represented a further increase, and a membership of 1000 should be the target for the association’s jubilee year.