ADULT EDUCATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20257, 17 May 1929, Page 13

ADULT EDUCATION.

WORKERS* ASSOCIATION.

ACTIVITIES DURING WINTER. The Workers' Educational Association is finding the present winter ono of the most active ifc has experienced and some of the classes are growing to embarrassingly large proportions, Four of the classes havo regular attendances in the neighbourhood of 100. One of these is the class on international relations conducted by the Rev. W. G. Monckton, which last year was very small, but now has a membership of about 120. The short course in French literature started by Miss D. Miller has proved a distinct success, and much interest is also being shown in the new course on art and life being conducted by Mr. F.- N. Bamford. Another active and prospering class is the one at Takapuna studying modern short stories under the guidance of Mr. D. W. Faigan. Dr. H. Belshaw's class in advanced economics, membership in which is guarded by stringent conditions, is now firmly «stablished, and the limit membership of 30' has been enrolled. Members must have made previous study of the subject and are required to undertake to .write at least six essays during the year. Country branches of the association in the Waikato have been very active, and the tutor-organiser, Mr. F. B. Stephens, .has found it difficult to meet all the demands made upon him. The box scheme of providing groups in outlying districts with material ior studyiug present-day tendencies in music, art and literature :s being widely availed of. There are 13 groups stretching from Kaitaia to Waiuku and from Raglan to Tauranga. Members drawn from a number of different Workers' Educational Association classes have formed themselves into a dramatic club, which is already planning a winter of busy activity. The movement has been in existence for some time, and the establishment of the club will bring together and consolidate various groups that have been interested in studying and producing plays. The movement is largely due to the stimulus provided by the class on modern drama that Mr. J. W. Shaw has been conducting for seven years, and he has been appointed first president of the club. The vice-president and chairman of the management committee is Mr. E. S. Kohn, and Mr. 0. M. Hawson is the secretary and treasurer.

The objects of the Dramatic Club are to cultivate appreciation of and to encourage the study of the drama, to establish reading and study circles, and to produce plays of an artistic and educative character. Tho cltlb will shortly appoint a producer, a production committee arid a selection committee. Tt has already begun to acrjnire sets of plavs which will bo of service not only to the club, but to the association's groups either in town or country.