W.E.A.

North Canterbury Gazette, Volume 1, Issue 45, 16 June 1933, Page 4

W.E.A.

RANGIORA BRANCH Monday's class was devoted to a hasty survey of Russian short stories, Mr. Whitworth acting as chairman in the absence of Mr. C. S. Ayers. Mr. Seward gave a short sketch of Tolstoy's life and read two of the par* able.,, "Elias" and "The Grain of Wheat." Mr. Whitworth read Tchehov's "Vanka," and Mrs. Duff read Andreyev's "An Original." Mr. Goldsbury read an interesting article by Alymer Maude on the "Influence of Russian Literature on the Revolution," while Mr. ' Strachan brought the discussion to a close with a few wordg about Russian literature in general—its atmosphere of hopeless suffering for which there seemed no solution, its vagueness and want of plot. OXFORD BRANCH The weekly lecture was held in the Coronation Hall on Monday evening. There was a very fair attendance. The tutor, Mi - . H. C. D. Somerset, gave an extremely interesting lecture on "Technocracy." The evolution of the machine was briefly traced and its effects on mankind noted. The large part that recent development of machinery has played in the world-wide economic depression was illuminated. An interesting discussion en possible remedies tor unemployment was held at the close of the lecture.

The Drama Circle continues to be popular, and its weekly meetings are always well attended.