W.E.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXV, Issue 2, 30 November 1944, Page 8

W.E.A.

At a recent meeting of the committee of the Palmerston North W.E.A. a very favourable report was made upon the successful year's undertakings. A number of new features were introduced into the programme and the work was considerably extended, and in every way the officials were glad to report an outstanding year. The election of officers for the ensuing year resulted: Chairman, Mr N. Gill; vice-chairman, Mr L. Hardy; secretary, Mr W. J. Hall; committee, Mrs E. N. Toon Mr .Foddv, Mr H. M. Scott, Dr. W. M. Smith, and Dr. Dry; auditor. Mr G. A. Brown. The resignation of Mrs Toon from the position of secretary was received with regret and she was thanked for her splendid services over a period of seven years. Mr W. J. Mountjoy, the tutor organiser, reported a considerable increase of interest in the various W.E.A. activities throughout his district. Classes had been formed in many places, where, hitherto, there had been none. In Palmerston North, a feature had been mode of Saturday evening lectures by authorities on various subjects of scientific, economic, and social interest. AVhile attendances in some cases had been small, the lectures had all been excellent. Miss Stephens's class in English literature was very popular. Dr. Smith'o tutorials on current affairs and modern history had also proved very successful. Mr and Mrs Mountjoy's poetry readings had been well attended arid had created wide interest. The W.E.A. had co-operalcd with the Civio Centre Association, which had. been responsible for free monthly concerts of a high artistic standard. Drama classes had been conducted by the tutor at the P.D.C., the Y.W.C.A., and as a separate tutorial. It was hoped that the forthcoming year would seen an even widening circle of activities undertaken, and that even greater interest would be shown in tho various private, classes and public lectures which were proposed. The local branch had made some interesting recommendations io the Minister of Education in connection with the recent Education Conference. Mr Mountjoy reported that his work had been to some extent hampered by petrol shortage, but ho was hopeful of receiving a more generous allocation in the future. Gratitude was expressed for generous financial assistance given by some local organisations.