A SUMMER CAMP.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19065, 10 January 1924, Page 11

A SUMMER CAMP.

W. E. A. ACTIVITIES. Since its inception in England in 1907, the Workers' Educational Association has made rapid strides, and to-day it is recognised as the power which, is supplying knowledge, and putting a stop to ignorance among the working classes ot British countries. There are branches of the VV. E. A. throughout New Zealand, and success has greeted the efforts in all directions. An idea of the work of the Association, its aims, and its progress is given by Miss Evelyn E. Pickles, of Dunedin, who attended the fourth annual summer school of the Canterbury centre of the W. E. si., held at Geraldine from December 96 to January 5. Miss Pickles, who is a student of the’ Association, gives an interesting account of the 19 days’ school, which was stated to be. the finest yet held. There were over 15(7 students encamped on the Domain, the use of which was allowed by the Geraldine Borough Council, and the surroundings were beautiful. Situated four miles from the Orari railwaj station, the Domain lies amid picturesque grounds at the foot of Mt Peel, the native bush adding to the beauty of the scene. Peel Forest was in close proximity and easy of access, and here all lovers o'f Nature revelled in the beauty and colour ing of the trees and shrubs. The accommodation for the campers was excellently arranged; the married couples occupied tents down one side of the grounds, single men had tents on the opposite side, single women were accommodated in the State school nearby, and the 50 children present remained with their parents. There was a dining marquee, lecture marquee, and a dark tent in which the weary could seek respite from the hot sun. The grounds were beautifully laid out. There were tennis courts, bowling and croquet lawns, and a swimming pool. The director of the school was Profesor J. Shelley, Canterbury College,, and associated with him as lecturers. were Professors J. B. Condliffe and D. Copland (Tasmania), Messrs A. H. Tocker, M.A., H. Belshaw, M-A., K. M. Laing, M.A., B.Sc., and others. The subject of study was ‘‘The Nature of Freedom ; Political, Social and Economic. ' There were ten students from Dunedin present The Hou. \V. Dowuie Stewart visited ■ the camp and spoke at a luncheon.' The' programme was as varied as it was enjoyable. Lectures commenced at 6.30 a.m., and after breakfast there were further lectures and discussions. The afternoons were devoted to rambles, arranged by Mr Laing, sports, swimming and lawn tennis. Concerts, plays and popular lectures formed the evenings’ entertainment: It may be seen from tins that nothing, either in the way of education, sport or entertainment was wanting. At a camp sflpper given on the Friday before the school disbanded over 200 people assembled, and a most enjoyable time was spent. The students are loud in their appreciation of the generosity and good will of the residents of Geraldine, who did everything to make the stay of the visitors as pleasant as possible. The camp was not.run On rules, and through; out the highest oi:der ruled, and the feeling of good fellowship made the 12 days? camp one to be remembered. The weather was perfect throughout, what rain there was falling at night or early in the morning, and it in no way interfered with the arrangements. The advent of another such camp next year is eagerly awaited, but the location has not yet been decided updn.