WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16981, 18 April 1917, Page 10

WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

Tho following is of the annual report of the Workers' Educational Association. There arc sixteen unions and other bodies affiliated to tho association and a considerable number of individual members Tho expenditure of the year founts to £260 0s 2d, and the receipts to ±.265 Is leaving a balance to credit of £3 Is 2d. The main work of the association continues to bo tho carrying en of tutorial classes. Five vigorous classes were running during last winter, three in Dunodsn and two in Invercarg\ll, and much good worlc was accomplished. The first established class in economics, under Professor Bedford, has completed its second year. As was to bo expected, tho class has lost a number of members through enlistment. Tho membership was 27, with an average attendance throughout tho session of 21. and tho third year promises to bo equally successful. Tho standard of work lias boon quite satisfactory. Another tutorial class is also studying economics under tho tutorship of Archdeacon Woodthorpo. Tho membership of this class is 25,, with an average attendance of 21, and closo interest was maintained right throughout the session. A third tutorial class is studying "Modern European History," and tho tutor is Mr Jas. "Jeffery. The membership is 25, and tho average attendance has been 20. The lectures were comprehensive and discursive, and as might bo expected with Europe in its present condition, the after discussion in the class was kren and pointed, although perhaps at times -net* strictly relevant to the subject matter. This class is starting on its second year with every prospect of having an equally successful year with its first. Tho study of European history to-day should bo of absorbing interest "to every thoughtful person, and tho tutorial class method of study tends to create a. deeper and more vital interest than any other system. Of tho two classes in Invercargill, ono is studying economics and the other English literature, and the tutors' reports indicate that there is keen interest taken in tho work by the students. Tho council, whilst recognising that the young men going away with the Expeditionary Forces arc tho most likely students, still think that the numbers unrolled are disappointing, and appeal to everyone interested in the movement to do their best to increase the number of classes. The association successfully" arranged a public lecture last April in the v Burns Hall by Professor Bedford on War Finance. The popular scientific'lectures so successfully arranged by tho University Council throughout tho winter probably lcavo tho minds of tho executive of tho association somewhat easy about the necessity of organising other public addresses. But there ought to ba plenty of scope for educative worlc in the shapo of public lectures 6n subjects rather more closely allied to onr industrial and economic development. Tlio council makes an earnest appeal to all memebrs. affiliated bodies, and labour unions in particular, to take a deeper interest in the work of tho association. Tho students of tho classes already organised can do invaluable propaganda work in making known the value of the work and interesting others to enrol. The growing strength of the movement through tho Empire indicates that it is desrinod to have a,.dccidcd influence in the general ''education system of the dominion.