W.E.A. CLASSES

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 144, 15 December 1933, Page 16

W.E.A. CLASSES

THIS YEAR'S ACTIVITIES

FINANCIAL RESTRICTIONS

Activities of the W.E.A. Tutorial Classes Committee in Victoria University College district this year were reviewed by the chairman of the committee (Professor W. H. Gould) in a report adopted at last night's meeting of the Victoria University College Council. Special reference was made by members of the. council to the value of the broadcast talks, their variety, and the high-class standard attained. Professor Gould said that in spite of the severe restrictions in regard to finance, it had been possible to maintain successfully a limited programme of W.E.A. activities in the University district. Permission was obtained to use for general purposes the £250 received as subsidy on the Carnegie grant for W.E.A. library purposes made in 1928. This sum, together with the sum of £300 obtained from the National Endowment Fund, had enabled the work to be carried on. Professor Gould gave a very full report covering the activities and showing the ramifications and appreciation of the" service provided. Dealing particularly with the broadcast talks on Thursday and Saturday evenings, he said it was hoped they could be continued next year, since tho committee regarded it as an extremely important feature of its work of adult1 education.. It was felt, however, that the payment by the Broadcasting Board of one guinea per talk was inadequate. A person who strummed a guitar received practically the same remuneration a"s the lecturer, who perhaps spent three or four hours in preparation of his talk. At the end of this year's activities the committee found itself practically without' funds, said Professor Gould in another section of the report. _ A few pounds remained: in hand which could be used for overhead, expenses next year. The committee was very appreciative of the financial support it had received from the local centres which had for several' years borne a considerable proportion of the expenses, of the district work. It also appreciated the efforts recently made by several centres, notably IJasterton, to secure more local support for W.E.A. work. But it was clear that if W.E.A. activities were carried forward in 1934, and the committee had- every intention of carrying forward all that was possible, the work must be voluntary. It was believed that tutors'would be willing to give short courses of lectures on this basis and it is hoped also to continue the discussion course groups, the box ' scheme groups, the library service, and the broadcast talks. , On the motion of Mr. A. Fair, K.C., it was decided to send a letter of appreciation to Dr. Sutherland.