W.E.A.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 4 April 1925, Page 10

W.E.A.

“Most human institutions, by the purely technical and professional manner in which they come to be administered, end by becoming obstacles to the very purposes which their founder had in view."—William James.

Every new invention of science can be used for educational purposes if wo are cunning enough and earnest enough to adapt them to this great purpose. Classes in musical appreciation find the gramophone almost essential. Wireless, too, is being made to perform its part in preparing the people to solve their problems. In a recent number of the English Highway in an article by Mr. Stobart on “Educational Broadcasting,” Mr. Stobart realises the importance of education and feels that the wonderful invention of wireless should contribute to the great national work of providing the people with the means by which they can attempt to solve life’s problems, and to obtain satisfaction in living.

The broadcasting companies are realising that their programmes cannot be confined to music and entertainment. In England the British Broadcasting Company Ltd., consulted the Adult Educational. Committee and the British Institute of Adult Education, and prepared some talks on subjects of popular interest. Let us see then the kind of work that is being attempted in England by the British Broadcasting Company. Take first the 7.10 p.m. period. ' On Monday evenings, fortnightly, the Natural History Museum is providing a series of lectures. Their ! subject this v quarter is “Insects in Relation to Man.” Next quarter it will be “The Sea Shore.” On the alternating Mondays, Mr. Stewart Dick, the principal lecturer at the National Gallery, is giving an account of the nation’s pictures, and thus conveying a brief history of the art of painting. Tuesdays and' Fridays are devoted to the fortnightly talks by our four critics on the drama, books, music and films. On alternate Wednesdays, Mr. Hartley Withers, the well-known economist, is giving a. series of talks on “Money,-.’ dealing with such questions as Inflation. Exchange, Bank Rate, International Payments, Taxation, Investment and Insurance. On the intervening Wednesdays, Mr. C. H. B, Quenneli, the author of many popular books, is describing “Everyday Life in Early Times.” On Thursdays we are, alternating between’a French Talk given by Monsieur Stephen, of the Institute Francais, who devotes five minutes to phonetics each time, and about ten minutes to the dramatic rendering o' French literature, and a “Travel Talk” by some well-known traveller. Anion; them we have had such speakers as Si Harry Johnston, Colonel Gordon Cass erly, Mrs Hugh Spender, and others Further, in our programme at 9.40 p.m., we again have several courses of interesting talks intended for the larger public.' On Tuesdays, Sir Halford Mackinder alternates with Sir William Bragg, the former giving a survey of the British Empire from the point' of view of geography, and the latter dealing with “Sound.” Both these distinguished lecturers are, of course, of widespread interest. On every other Wednesday, Mr. Douglas

Kennedy, assisted by musicians, is giving a series of lecture-recitals on “Folk-songs and Dances” for the English Folk Dance Society. One week, for example, Miss Jean Sharp, daughter of the late Cecil Sharp, illustrated the accompaniment of old folk-dances on the pipe and tabor. This course alternates with a series denominated "The Art of Living,” under which heading various speakers give us talks of a simple, popular kind on the different aspects of the philosophy of life. Then we have allotccl one !• rifiny each month to three Government Departments for short talks given or arranged by their officials on their work. For example. Sir George Newman, of the Ministry of Health, attaches great importance to this opportunity of educating the public on health matters, and the Ministry of Agriculture are providing monthly lectures bv great agriculturists like Sir John Russell, of the Rothamsted Experimental Station, . and Professor Biffen, the breeder of new wheats at Cambridge, and Sir Daniel Hall. On the other Fridays the Overseas Trade Department describe their work in its different sections. On the second Friday in each month, .the British Institute of International Affairs arranges a course of talks on their particular provinces. The first was given by Lord Balfour, and the second by Viscount Grev. Mr. Mdnder, W.E.A. tutor in Wanoanui, lias made arrangements by which’ his W.E.A. lectures on “Outstanding Men in History’ will be broadcasted bv wireless every Saturday evening. It is anticipated that in this way the AV.E.A. will reach many who have not yet been connected with the movement.