THE W.E.A.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XV, Issue 193, 20 July 1925, Page 3

THE W.E.A.

ITS USEFULNESS CHALLENGED (To the Editor.) Sir. -Such is the heading of a column in the ‘•Tribune’’ of Tuesday la&'t, Julv 11, under which appears the views of Professor Stewart of the W.E.A.’s work in New Zealand. Why the Prolessor should go out of his way to so attack that organisation 1 do not know. At the same time T think he had little sound reason and less sure ground for doing so, if my little association with the YY.E.A. is sufficient to enable me to form a judgment of its usefulness. And mv judgment is that the M’.E.A. is a useful organisation!, and very useful to those who avail themselves of the facilities it affords for further culture. What seems to mo remarkable is that there is not. as far as T know, a branch of the W.E.A. in Hastings. Surely in an apparently progressive place as Hastings appears to be there is enterprise enough to start, if one does not vet exist, and carry on a branch of the W.E.A. As to Professor Stewart’s allegation that the vvork of the W.E.A. “is more or less camouflage”—his admission that “he had not a very intimate acquaintance with the W.E. A. in-New Zealand’’ -discounts his ability to form a correct opinion upon that association’s work living beneficial or otherwise, and this, taken in conjunction with the opinions of other witnesses expressed before and to the University Commission, Professor Stewart’s conclusions may, I think, very well lie disregarded because of heintr incorrect. And if it is, as the Rector of the Timaru Boys’ High School said, that “the organisation (W.E.A.) had an effect <>n the whole mental atmosphere of smaller towns”—and also as the Rev. Whitehead said that “as a result of the W.E.A. classes many people had a much wider and deeper outlook on life’s fundamentals.” then why should not Hastings experience and enjoy the advantages of W.E.A. classes? ! am. etc., AY.M. Hastings, 18/7,25. (Several years ago the W.E.A. was established in Hastings, and the classes, held by Mr. I). Ritchie, at one time I lecturer m lu-onomics at AVelliugtoii, | were at first well attended. Later the ' attendance fell a wav and the visit of Air. Marsh Rolierts, who had heen appointed organising secretary iit New Zealand, drove tin* last nail into its coflin as far as Hastings was concerned. Ther<» is certainly no reason why it should not bp re-established in the tow n il sufficient interest is displayed to ensure the enrolment of the requisite number of members for the holding of classes. Ed. H.B.T. |