THE, W.E.A.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24296, 13 May 1940, Page 4

THE, W.E.A.

ro THE EDITOR Sir, —I accuse the Workers’ Educational Association of being a subversive institution. In doing so I make no attack on Dr Souter, beyond implying that he is in an unfortunate position in being placed at the head of an organisation that needs to be drastically mended or ended. Dr Souter’s failure to reply to the questions I asked him concerning the manner in which the Tutorial Classes Committee acts, leaves no room for doubt that the W.E.A. is only nominally controlled by the University Council. In fact, it is controlled by “Leftist” class members. The tutors for the W.E.A., it would appear, are not advertised for but appointed on the recommendation of the Tutorial Classes Committee by the University Council, In practice it may be assumed that the recommendations of that committee always confirmed by the University whose Chancellor has made the extraordinary statement that there was no Communism among members of the University staff. This committee consists of seven class members and seven representatives of the University Council. I know of one representative of the council who has never attended a meeting of that committee. It may safely be assumed that some of the other representatives of the council have shown a similar lack of interest This leaves the appointment of tutors for the W.E.A. in the hands of the class members. The University Council acts as a cover for appointments determined by seven of them. It is notorious that the enthusiastic class members of the W.E.A. are, to say the least, “ Leftist.” I again challenge Dr Souter to publish the names of last year’s committee. Some years ago a president of the W.E.A. was afraid to ask those attending a W.E.A. social evening to sing “ God Save the King ” lest they should refuse. Government money has been scent for many years in subsidising Leftist education in this way, and in giving it a semi-university standard. Therefore, I accuse this and past Governments of having promoted subversive education in the W.E.A. and the council of the University of Otago of “ covering ” such activities. —I am, etc.. Honest Engine.