THE BLOOD OF THE IGNORANT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 27, 26 October 1917, Page 7

THE BLOOD OF THE IGNORANT

SPILT FOB LACK OP EDUCATION. Speaking at the anpual meeting oi the Central Chamber of Commerce, Professor ' Hunter referred to the general need for education. Mr, Luke had mentioned that there were no proper facilities for technical education in Wellington, but if the question were closely examined it would be found that tho'lack of facilities for education was really because the people did not care for education.- He did not mean to apply that to technical tducation only, but to education in the broadest sense. Until the people realised that from all and every aspect education was the life and wellare of a people they would lag behind. They had found themselves behind Germany for two main reasons. The first was lack Of education, and, secondly, a disposition to buy goods rather than make them themselves. It was commonly supposed that it was the Working classes who were so badly in need of education, but that was not right—it was really _ all daises of the community who required education. The working man may need education of a kind, but with regard to some aspects of education ho was well versed, and it would surprise many to know the class of literature he went in for. It was true that they needed their horizon widened, but so did tho great middlo class—the commercial class. They wanted to inculcate an Imperial spirit to prefer a better article rather than less price, and to learn to manufacture for. the people the.goods they want. Beferring'to the discussion which had taken place on tho attitude to be assumed towards German trade after the war. Professor Hunter said that it was for Germany to look after herself, and we to do the.same v (Applause.) We would do ourselves a tremendous amount of good if we would improve our trade methods. Commercial men should study economics, geography, history, rnd philosophy ' (study of the life). Professor Hunter then referred to the good work that was . being done quietly by the Workers'. Education Association, an organisation which commenced in England and had spread to Australia, which had no political' aspect, and was absolutely devoid of denominationalism. This organisation took up education where it was required. There was no overlapping at all. They could not afford overlapping, but they 'gavo lectures on English history, economics, electricity—whatever subjects were required. A lutor.was supplied, and it was open to all workers —members of the labour unions, Civil Servants, members of the Undergraduates' Association. There was no attempt to force ideas or cults—they were out to associate their ideas for one end—to find out what the truth is. After the lecturer finishes the students are invited to discuss the subject. That was one means of getting the aspects of the different classes of society. One came to know and appreciate tho uther's point cf view, though one might not agree with it. Their aim was to become a more enlightened and therefore a mors efficient community. (Applause.) Professor Hunter recommended as a "horizon-lifter" a stndy of Grey's "Eclipse or Empire?" which showed very clearly where • we (England) failed. There was an old niaxjm—'"The blood on tlie altars was the bloodvof the ignorant." They must see that' it is no fault of theirs that it will not be the blood of their children tHat will stain the altars of the future. (Applause.) At the conclusion of the address the president (Mr. C. M. Luke) congratulated Professor Hunter on his illuminative little address, and a hearty vote of thanks was tendered to the speaker.