THE W.E.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 17

THE W.E.A.

ORGANISING THE SEASON

Mr. M. Riske presided last night over a good attendance at the monthly meeting of the Victoria University District Council of the W.E.A.

Two new officers, appointed at the last meeting of the College Council were welcomed. Mr. J. O. Shearer, M.A., lecturer in education at the University, has accepted the responsibility of Director of the W.E.A. Mr. Shearer was the first student awarded a bursary through the W.E.A. and he has had a long and varied association with W.E.A. activities. Mr. Alun Richards, M.A., the new tutor-organ-iser, had a brilliant academic career, and after leaving Auckland University continued his studies at Knox College, Dunedin, and Edinburgh University. Mr. Richards also travelled extensively in Europe, Russia, and Japan before returning to New Zealand.

Mr. Leon de Mauny was also welcomed to the meeting, taking his seat for the first time as representative of the Musicians' Union, of which he is president. Progress was reported on the panel of lecturers to be made available to trade union meetings, there being a very good response so far. Dr. W. B. Sutch. Mr. George Lawn, M.A., Mr. W. J. Scott, M.A., Mr. F. L. Combs, M.A., Mr R. Hogg, M.A., and Mr. M. Riske, M.A., are among the lecturers who have consented, and the subjects will range from Problems of Political Power, The Banking System, Government Import Selection Policy, Education for Socialism, to Intelligence, Parents and Children, Poetry for the Common Man, Literature and Propaganda, and How to Tell Good Writing From Bad. A proposal to organise one-day schools for lectures and recreation occasionally through the winter months was favourably received and referred to the Summer School Committee. It was reported that on the recommendation of the District Council and tutors one of last year's W.E.A. students had been granted a bursary by Victoria College Council and had already commenced his studies at the college. A social evening on April 22 will combine ah informal opening of the W.E.A. session, and a farewell to Mrs. E. Maslen. Short talks will be given and Mr de Mauny is arranging a musical programme. Classes will open on April 17.