ADULT EDUCATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21117, 26 February 1932, Page 10

ADULT EDUCATION.

DISCONTINUANCE OF GRANT.

STATE HELP IMPOSSIBLE.

FORMER DECISION UNALTERED.

[BY TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL REPORTER.] WELLINGTON, Thursday.

No success met the representation made to the Minister of Education, tho Hon. li. Masters, to-day, for tho reinstatement of the grant to tho Workers' Educational Association,

In seeking reconsideration of the Government's decision, members of the deputation claimed that the association would have to go out of existence if assistance were not given, and tho plea was made that tho Government should consider making a grant to enable the movement to function on a reduced scalo and to allow the retention of tlie permanent staff.

Replying, the Minister referred briefly to the financial position of the country. All questions of Government activity at present were bound up with finance, in which respect the Government was working, as it were, 011 shifting sand. The fact was that tho revenue was £2,400,000 less than it was at the corresponding stage last year.

As Minister of Education, he was faced with a difficult position, for ho was compelled to create economies, and he found no pleasure in doing that. However, he realised that the alternative to making economies was to increaso taxation. As he had boon compelled to impose economies in certain directions, he could bo reasonably charged with being inconsistent if lie continued tho grant to tho Workers' Educational Association. "It appears to me that those who are so keenly interested in adult education could be reasonably asked at a time like this to spend a greater amount than 2s 6d per annum 011 securing education which the association is providing for tlieni," added the Minister.

A member of the deputation stated that they had tried increasing the charge, but it had resulted in a falling off in tho number of subscribers.

Mr. Masters said lie did not know what recommendation tho Economy Commission might make in the matter. After giving the subject veiy careful consideration, the Cabinet was unable to reverse the decision previously arrived at. in view of the country's financial position, and having duo regard for what they might expect in the future, ho regretted that he was unable to meet the request. ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE. MORE CLASSES LAST YEAR. [DY TELEGRAPH. PRESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON. Thursday. The annual conference of the Workers' Educational Association was opened to-day hv tho Mayor, Mr. T. C. A. Ilislop, who stressed the value of the work which was being carried out by tho association. Mr. H. D. Aeland (Christchurch), president of tho association, urged the necessity of the movement receiving tho support of the community. The report of the Dominion council expressed gratification at the spirit of service which had enabled more work to he accomplished than in any previous year. The total number cf classes was 254, with 7031 students enrolled, which showed an increase of 30 classes and a great increase in the number of students. An Auckland remit urging tho adoption of a uniform class fee in the four centres was lost.