SUBSIDY TO W.E.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 189, 15 July 1925, Page 11

SUBSIDY TO W.E.A.

ADVOCATE OF INCREASE, Per Proas Association CHRISTCHURCH, July ,If At the University Commission, Mr W. Thomas, rector of the Timaru Boys’ High School, said he felt that the Government subsidy to the W.E.A. should be increased. The organisation had an effect on the whole mental atmosphere of the smaller towns. “The association should be actually promoted by the four university colleges,” said Mr I<\ Milner, headmaster of Wait.aki Boys’ High School. “The work is of supreme importance.” DUNEDIN’S EXPERIENCE. DUNEDIN, July 14. In reference to Professor Stewart’s evidence before the University Commsision, alleging tho ineffectiveness of the W.E.A., Archdeacon Wood Thorpe, who has been closely connected with the work, stated that in Christchurch the movement largely took the form of university extension work under Professor Shelley, specialising in literature and drama, those subjects naturally attracting persons not purely working men. The classes conducted in Dunedin were largely attended by working men. the: subjects being economics, psychology and sociology. Rev. Air Whitehead, who conducted the first W.E.A. class in New Zealand, stated that, in proportion to the population, the W.E.A. attracted as large a percentage of workers as in England. He knew that as the result of the classes "many people had a much wider and deeper outlook on life’s fundamentals.