WINTER TALKS

Evening Star, Issue 26074, 12 April 1947, Page 9

WINTER TALKS

W.E.A. DISCUSSIONS TO OPEN A trend in the direction of the practical is a feature of the programme of talks and discussions arranged by the W.E.A. in conjunction with the University of Otago for the present season. Classes in child study, for parents of both sexes, are offered in two of the suburbs. Gardening, physics in its new development, and physiology in relation to health, have also come into the field in the past few years. Literature and musical appreciation in expert hands can always arouse enthusiasm, and if the trend that has shown itself in England is repeated here, membership m these classes will increase considerably. In drama the W.E.A. is expected to produce something original, and in this it has, not failed of recent years. Psychology always has a good following. In Opoho suburb this year the tutor is venturing into the field of social philosophy with a series on ‘ The Rise and Decline of Liberalism.” ‘ International Relations ’ was for many years the most popular subject among adult classes not only in New Zealand, but in Britain and other countries. After the cataclysmic end of the Second World War and the advent of the atomic bomb, people in this country and elsewhere were for a time rather eager to escape thinking about world.problems. The forces at work were too overwhelming. Mankind seemed helpless. What was the use of puzzling ? However, those directing the W.E.A. believe that the interest in world affairs is bound to revive. They are offering this year a full-length evening course and an afternoon course (on ‘.Africa ’) for women only. Wakari suburb is to have a 12-weelrs’ course on international issues in general. NEW TUTORS. Among new tutors, are:—For literature, Mrs S. Daiches Raphael, M;A., B.Litt., a distinguished literary critic who has been a lecturer at London University; for child study, Miss Stewart Hamilton, principal of the Dunedin Free Kindergai tens; for the women’s course on Africa, Mr K. W. Robinson, M.A., who recently joined the staff of the geographical department at the University; for physiology, Dr J. L. Malcolm; and for physics and electronics, Mr E. E. Suckling, M.Sc., A.M.1.E.E., of the Medical School. Miss Mary Martin, Mus.B., comes back to the music class which she tutored in past years. Mrs Peter Milne, 8.A., will take the main part of the world affairs course, dealing with the Far East and the Pacific, while a panel of speakers, including Professor Morrell and others from the University history department, will give talks on world affairs in general on alternate weeks. Mr John Money, M.A., will give a course on the psychology of everyday personal 1 elationships. Mr Rodney Kennedy will again lead the drama group.

In the suburbs a useful ro-operation has been arranged with the Wakari Community Centre, and besides tlie child study course, a world affairs class has been arranged with a panel of speakers. Mrs Milne will be in charge of the Anderson’s Bay women’s class. Miss G. Williams, N.D.H., will take gardening at Waverley, and Mr G. W. Parkyn will take the Opoho class. Later in the year further literature lectures will be given by Mrs M. 81. Dunningham, M.A., staff tutor, and by some of the leading literary 'igures of the Dominion.

“ How do you play them? ” was a question asked by a visitor to the Hawke’s Bay Art Gallery and Museum in Napier recently when several brass warming pans were being displayed. When the explanation was given how they were used years ago for warming beds, the inquirer replied: “ Oh, T thought they were some kind of banjo.”