School For Writers

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32210, 31 January 1970, Page 12

School For Writers

Great developments had been made in New Zealand writing particularly in the last 20 years, the former Mayor of Christchurch (Sir George Manning) told about 60 persons at the official opening of the South Island Writers’ Association national school in Christchurch last evening. “Organisations such ' as yours are doing something to bring out in ordinary people a contribution in the art of writing,” he said. Sir George Manning said that nearly every normal, member of the community had latent resources. The question was, however, how could these resources be developed for the benefit of the individual concerned and for the benefit of the community.

The association provided a real opportunity for those with an aptitude for or an interest in writing to meet to express their ideas, to learn developments, and to make a contribution to the life of society. Sir George Manning wel-

corned Australian visitors to the school for writers and said that their presence gave New Zealand members a chance to develop closer re, lations in cultural and social activities. Members were also welcomed last evening by the president of the association, Mr J. Watson, editor of the “Mercantile Gazette”; and the course director, Mr M. Marshall, a teacher at the Hagley High School. About 90 persons from throughout New Zealand, among them many established novelists, poets, shortstory writers and journalists, have enrolled for the course which will finish on Monday.