Relations Between W.E.A. And University

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31614, 27 February 1968, Page 23

Relations Between W.E.A. And University

Doubt as to the future relationship between the Workers’ Educational Association and the university education system, both through the University of Canterbury and through the National Council of Education, was expressed by the president of the Canterbury Workers' Educational Association (Mr G. M. Miller) in his report to the annual meeting of the association.

“The association has worked under the new legislation (Adult Education Act, 1963) long enough to say that important questions of administration, particularly with reference to the allocation of public accountability for Government funds, remain as yet unanswered,” he said. “The continual uncertainty arising from this has had an unsettling effect on our association. It is hoped that, either by our own local discussions, or by the representations made by the national executive to the National Council of Adult Education, or by discussions at both levels, a satisfactory basis will be established in this year for the new university budgetary period beginning in 1970.” Mr Miller said that at the direction of the national conference of the W.E.A., the association had approached the University of Canterbury asking for discussions on the matter. The association had had a long and generally fruitful relationship with the University of Canterbury, and wanted that to continue. “Our contribution to liberal adult education is known and generally appreciated,” he said.

“However, we face the

hazard confronting many organisations of long standing —that of being taken for granted.” At the request of the New Zealand W.E.A., all regional associations had been asked to examine the implications of a change of title which would describe more precisely the general programme now organised by the W.E.A.

“The matter continues to be under review, and most include the wider question of the future development and provision for adult education in New Zealand,” said Mr Miller. “The Canterbury district council is confident of the ability of this association to make a distinct and substantial contribution in the future.”

Jubilee History

The N.Z.W.E.A. had reached a point where the delay in the compilation of the Canterbury history was likely to delay the completion of the New Zealand history, which it was intended to publish, he said. Efforts would again be made to find a suitable research worker for that field. “After careful consideration of a scheme proposed by the Canterbury Building Society, and requiring W.E.A. members to assign ballot rights for a period of years to the association, the executive strongly recommended the scheme to all members.” Mr Miller said the association now received a monthly income from this source.

Officers elected were:—president, Mr Miller: vice-presi-dents, Mrs J. Ryan and Mr S. Annand; treasurer, Mr K. G. Talbot