SUMMER SCHOOL AT OXFORD.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18599, 29 December 1920, Page 9

SUMMER SCHOOL AT OXFORD.

SUCCESSFUL OPENING ON MONDAY.

The Summer School is now settled down to the business for which it is instituted. At present there are about seventy students in attendance, and it is expected that the number will incroaso to the neighbourhood of one hundred. The work commenced on Christmas morning by a lecture by Prolessor Shelley on “ Education, after which there wore student classes in economics, drama, .etc. In the afternoon a walking excursion was made to Ilalley’s Bush, under the guidance of Mr It. M. Laing. The programme as sot out is being followed, and tho^ school promises to be a success. On Sunday morning Professor Shelley gave a. lecture on “ Medieval Miracle and Mystery Plays,” and on Monday Professor Condiiffe lectured on “ Tko Growth, of English Towns.” Class work is being carried on in education and psychology, literature and drama, and economics. The official opeiiihg of the school took place on Monday afternoon, when among those present were Mr Acland (chairman of the Board of Governors of Canterbury Collego and president of the W.E.A.), Mr C. Aschman and Mr Strings Mr It. F. Henderson (chairman of the Oxford County Council) extended a hearty welcome to the school, and expressed pleasure at the fact that Oxford had • beeu chosen to start the scheme of summer schools. Mr Acland, in expressing pleasure at tho inception of the school, stated that its establishment was a historic event, and lie did nor. doubt that in ten or fifteen years summer schools would be held throughout New Zealand. It was necessary to extend the university system so that all who' desired its benefits could secure them. ITe was glad to see so many teachers present, and hoped they would extend the gospel and preach the good news throughout the Dominion. . .

Professor Shelley gave an, inspiring address, in which ho urged his hearers to get into touch with Nature and the realities of life. Ho urged that true education was not a tiling of a set period in life, but extended from the cradle to the grave, and was indeed life. Everyone must have a true sense of proportion and understand the relative valuds of tilings —what is small, and what is great. Ho agreed that the gathering was a historic one, and hoped the summer university would be available for all people. If it was necessary for everyone to have a vote it was necessary for everyone to have a university education. In view of the wet afternoon, Professor .Shelley gave an address on ” Elocution.” As the work of file summer school and its aim conies to he known, interest in its activities increases, and the enthusiasm of boTh staff and is worthy of the greatest ©ucoess. Tho singleness of aim of all concerned, and the determination to carry university advantages into the country, are such that throughout the country there will be a demand for university extension. In its infancy now, and liable to tho complaints of infancy, it will soon develop into vigorous youth, and it may notbe too much to, suggest that, by its activities and the spread of its influence, the democracy of New Zealand will be, in the truest sense, an educated democracy. Caprice and opportunism will take a loss prominent place, and judgment and reason will govern our public and private activities. “ What is the summer school?’’ and “ What is its business ?” are questions that are becoming general, and with the question and' answer the attendance of tho pooplo in the district will so increase thut it is more than likely larger buildings will be required to accommodate* it. As an illustration of this, the heavy rain having temporarily stopped farm work, a number of farmers and their wives attended all the lectures on Tuesday morning. For Dr Chilton's lecture on “ Tho Economics of Health,” which had been 'postponed till 11.30 from 10, the 'Coronation Hall was erowdod, a fair number sitting Maori fashion on the floor. Professor Shelley -had a large attendance at his drama lecture and also at Ids psychology class; and Professor Condiiffe’s class in economics, in which My Johnstoh lectured, crowded tho library. This is a most valuable class, and tho study , of economics as carried on hero is spell that tho populace could follow and appreciate. It waa interesting to have a clear and lucid exposition of tho questions of finance, credit, inflation, taxation, etc.; and the fopljes to questions sot the inquirers on the road to full and accurate knowledge. Not the least benefit of the. school is the social activities. Timo ha-s no dull moments. Monday evening was devoted to folk songs, for which* music and words were provided, and the many, students were instructed in their rendition, and very plearing was the result. The students will go to their homes with a better appreciation of the folk songs of the Old Land. Provision is being made for popular lectures nnd entertainments; in tho Town liali, to which all are welcome. Cricket, tennis, bowls and other sports have their attractions according to persona! desires. In regard to excursions, it is hoped to visit Ashley Gorge, 1 Glent-ui, Blowhard and Waimaknriri Uorge, and to have a. motor run throughout the county.