W.E.A. courses

Press, 23 April 1980, Page 20

W.E.A. courses

Sir, — Some 60 years ago in England, I was encouraged to improve my “postschool” education by association with the W.E.A., which, to the best of my memory, was a non-secta-rian, non-political organisation. Along with others of my age group, I have to thank the W.E.A.’s classes for advancement gained from education courses. As the Christchurch W.E.A. has now arranged for local branches, I recently enrolled for the opening course, expecting and hoping to improve and benefit my gen-

eral knowledge. 1 attended. Instead of a constructive, informative lecture, we heard almost an hour of anti-Gov-ernment propaganda, full of sneering remarks, personal opinions, accompanied by stupid and pointless grimaces. The ' whole performance was unbecoming of a person qualified by academic accomplishment as a doctor. I assume the W.E.A. has not become a venue for political aspirants, but if I am wrong in my assumption, I apologise in advance to my friends who may be’ disturbed by my remarks. — Yours, etc., ARTHUR BROMLEY. April 16. 1980. fMr Brian Pauling Director, Canterbury Workers’ Educational Association, replies: “It is a pity that your correspondent did not take the opportunity to . specify his objections during .the ample, time allowed for. discussion at the? end of the address. Such question times are feature of all W.E.A. lectures. Politics and social affairs are controversial. The W.E.A. does not undertake to present a “balance” in any single lecture; to do so would exclude points of view that need to be heard. We maintain our standards as “a non-politicai, nonsectarian organisation” by allowing as wide a spread of opinion, as possible over a series of lectures. Dr K. Cle= ments is a political sociologist of international standing. However, his opinions in such a contentious area as civil liberties will not please everyone. Later in the series there will be lectures presenting other points of view. Perhaps the views ex-

pressed on those occasions will . provide the balance your correspondent seeks.”]