W.E.A.

Evening Star, Issue 19583, 15 June 1927, Page 10

W.E.A.

LITERATURE The current number of the W.E.A. paper," the Highway, 1 is devoted to | a general discussion of tho subject, j ‘ Literature as a Subject of Study in the W.E.A That literature is one of the most, if not the most, popular ; subjects in the W.E.A. curriculum is proved by the W.E.A, statistics, which show that a majority ot students prefer literary topics. Miss King’s class is tho largest m Otago—even during the tempestuous weather of last week tho attendance reached forty. Professor Arnold Wall of Canterbury, who contributes the main article, believes that the majority ot people are unable to appreciato tin glories of literature. There is more hypocrisy than understanding. But for those people whoso interest in ooetry and the arts is latent, and requires to bo aroused and .stimulated, the W.E.A. is a useful organisation. “ For the W.E.A. studies,” writes Professor Wall, “ I would abolish all text books of literature and ad annotated editions. I would have the poem or play read aloud by members of tho class, and in many cases I should leave that reading to do its own work without explanation or commentary of any kind. If this general principle bo adopted—that of non-interference between the message and tho recipient— I feel that excellent results will bo accomplished ami all the rest will follow.” ‘ Literature as Criticism ’ is the title of an article by Mr Miller, M.A., staff tutor of Timaru, who, m Ids stride, attacks the usual criticisms of plavs, tho privileges of tho Bank of New Zealand, public finance, and New Zealand history. Mr J. Johnson, M.A., who needs no introduction to Dunedin, shows the value of a study of literature as an approach to tho study of psychology “ AVhilo Macbeth, and especially Ladv Macbeth,” ho says, seem to suffer from disassociatioh duo to some unresolved mental conflict, tho washing of the hands in tho sleepwalking scene ,e a well-known incident to the psychologist.” Other articles are ' A Class in Modern Literature,’ by F W Shaw, Appreciation of Poetry,’ by P. S. Arden, ALA.; 'Tho Drama and Everydav Life,’ by Aliss Marjorie Hannah: and the ‘Short Story,' by H. C. I). Somerset. ALA., in addition to a page of abovc-the-avcrage verse. Altogether, the number is a very interest'nc one, and gives a good idea of the extent of tho W.E.A. studies in literature. Tho July mimof the ‘ Highway 1 will bo to the subject of ‘ AUnration and New Zealand.’ CORRESPONDENCE CIRCLE. Somewhere in Southland, beyond the reach of moving pictures, some distance from oven a church, is a small unofficial class that is studying ‘ World History and World Problems.’ Some of tho neighboring farmers used to meet on a Sunday evening at tho home of one of them, puff their pipes, and discuss problems and persons before tho blazing log fire. Tho women would knit, and engage occasionally in tho conversation Ottcn there were long silences as they gazed into fire of memories. One day, one of the circle saw the advertisement about the W.E.A. correspondence course, joined up, and reco'ved the lectures. They read the lect-ros through, discussing in detail tho various points and answering tho questions that have been ' sot bv the tutor. Sometimes the tutor comes in for ranch criticism, but ns ho is far away in Dunedin he doesn’t mind. Perhaps he deliberately provokes them, that they may think more seriously about their own opinions. One of the members reports to tho tutor, who replies or sends hooks of reference. This is one instance of tho | success of the W.E.A. correspondence course. SUMMER SCHOOL. The last meeting of the District Council decided to open up negotiations with tho Canterbury W.E.A. for a joint summer school during the coming Christmas vacation. Geraldine and Waimato have been suggested as possible sites, convenient to both Otago I and Canterbury students. It is hoped to have a camp of 150 students, which ; will bo a record As tb.e cost will not ' reach ten shillings a day, and there is a long time yet to save, this goal ■should bo attained. The subjects of study have not yet been decided upon, but the lecturers will be tho W.E.A. ; tutors of Canterbury and Otago, j DRAMA-CLASS. 1 Last Saturday evening was devoted to a reading of ‘An Enemy of tho People,’ by Ibsen. Mr Ross introduced tho play with a few words on the place of Ibsen in the history of the European drama, and it has been decided that a similar procedure should , be followed whenever a play is read. ; For tho next meeting students have been asked to prepare speeches, readings,, or recitals on their favorite poets. Tho rest of tho will bn given to a talk on concentration and memory training, vocal exercises, some modern developments in the drama, and the composition of a play by the audience. It is honed in the near future to hold another open evening, when, in addition to items by members, lan Hay’s short play, ‘Personally or By Letter,’ will bo staged.