THE UNIVERSITY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVIII, Issue 52, 13 February 1928, Page 8

THE UNIVERSITY

AND THE PEOPLE, THE W.E.A. MOVEMENT. The purpose of this movement is to spread knowledge and to stimulate thought and discussion; and thus to increase the number of well and widely informed, broad-minded, clear, thinking men and women equipped to play their parts as leaders and active members of the community. The means are:—(l) Courses of public lectures ; (2) tutorial clksses ; ('3) tutorial correspondence with rational discussion groups; (4) loan of books and tutorial guidance in private ingThe University College appoints lecturers'and tutors, and is solely responsible for the teaching. It need hardly be added, theiiefore, that the work is purely educational, and has absolutely no class, party or sectarian significance. Lecture-courses and classes are free and open to all. Whatever its origin, this is now a scheme for general adult education. No regard whatever is paid to class, occupation, age or sex. Last year's students in this university district included: 218 professional men, business men, and senior public servants ; 85 men teachers; 267 clerks and salesmen; 288 workers; 107 farmers and orchardists, etc., etc.; and ladies—49o married and engaged in domestic duties, 145 teachers, 152 clerks, 50 shop assistants, 63 nurses, etc., etc. Much the greater part of the cost is borne by the State and University. Municipal Councils also make substantial grants. So do various trusts and national societies. Local expenses (rent and advertising) are met partly by individual members and subscribers. The organisation of classes and general administrative work are undertaken by W.E.A. local committees. These are composed of representatives of Municipal Councils, Education Boards, Chambers of Commerce, Trades Councils, and Trades Unions, Farmers’ Councils, churches, Friendly Societies, etc., together with representatives of those who attend lectures and class-meetings. These W.E.A. committees are thus as widely-representative as it is possible to make them. . Attractive courses of lectures will he commenced in Hastings on February 23rd, when Mr. A. Ernest Manner will open the session with a series of studies in social philosophy entitled “What is Progress?” These were referred to in Saturday’s issue ■t the “Tribune.”