ARMY NEEDS EDUCATION

Grey River Argus, 26 November 1942, Page 7

ARMY NEEDS EDUCATION

“The Trade Union Movement should hake gieatei te sponsibility for the Army,’’ states Mr. Maurice Lee who, as U W.E.A. lecturer, has been working among many army units in the North Auckland and Auckland Lity areas. Mr. Lee said he had received the greatest encouragement from both officers and men, who had been appih, ( m. - of the opportunity for greater education. he au io in Auckland had been extremely helpful.

He found many disturbing- things as a result of cussions which usually followed his lectures For one t g the men in the army do not understand what Fascffiffih,, i an what they are fighting for. They do not realise what could be done with victory when it is! obtained.

There is also in a great many cases a comp etc ; understanding of the meaning and impor.ance o i union movement. Mr. Lee was surprise very, common reaction of hostility o\ci no iece strike.

* The trade union movement should take h much more active interest in the army. The recreational acih s army are in the hands of people who aie no p< . friendly to trade unionism. Though most of 1 he)n <)c c ing a good job, they are not likely to be helpful to o ganised Labour. Consideration should be given to 1 e ■ ■ of army huts by the trade unions. lhere is n leaso such huts under Federation of Labour sponsm .dup should be widely established.

Then there is the need for education. The Munster of Education has this matter in hand, but the. s.heme proposed will take some months to gel going. 31ian 1 A trlalia has had a fine scheme m operation 1. 1 ] - rears with 9 0 different kinds of activities including., a ia 'ge library service. The New Zealand Army is almost entirelv without books.

The provision of books would be a good staid is a definite demand for books of a more serious kind bn there are none available. There, must he plenh < i < °ks available in people’s homes, and it would only be a mafic.) o ma h a trow appeal through the radio, newspapers and so on Thwy -nothing ought to be done about purchasing special technical and -other books which are in demland.

There is plenty of scope for help and it is essential that, the Trade Union Movement should be foremost in its he p.