WORKERS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 63

WORKERS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION

CONFERENCE OF DELEGATES. IMPORTANCE OF THE MOVEMENT. CHRISTCHURCH, January 24. A conference of delegates from the Workers’ Educational Association centres opened to-day, Mr W. Edwards (Wellington) presiding. The chairman, in opening the conference, said the importance of the movement was not sufficiently-* well known in the dominion, and where the movement was known its objects and ideals were misunderstood or misconstrued. It was necessary for an organisation like that to consider its brand of propaganda, and to educate the people as to the aims and objects of the whole movement. The use of the word “worker” unfortunately had an alleged political significance, and when a Workers’ Association was referred to its activities were thought to be more or less of a revolutionary nature. On the other hand, the workers often referred to the movement as of capitalistic origin, and they doubted its disinterestedness. It was very important, therefore, for those interested in the movement to have adequate propaganda, and to have it properly financed. He felt that university professors should take a personal interest in the movement. It was wrong on their part not to do so, as their reasons might be misunderstood. They should stand for the truth at all times. 'lhe annual report showed that last year there were 72 classes with 2126 effective students in the dominion. At present five permanent tutors were employed in the movement in New Zealand, and Canterbury and Wellington were demanding another each. The conference discussed the following suggestion:—“Fhat as the movement has 72 classes with over 2000 students, and as the demand for classes in Otago, Canterbury, and Wellington cannot be met, this conference should evolve a scheme for increasing the finances of the movement.” The question was discussed for some time, and it was decided that the Dominion Council should wait on the Minister at the end of next session and ask for a substantial increase of the grant; also that the industrial organisations of employers and employees representing the dominion federations should be asked for subscriptions. It was resolved that an annual convention be organised to take place in each centre in turn in conjunction with the dominion conference, at which special speeches will be given to the public on educational matters. The determination of the centre at which the next dominion conference is to be held rests- with the Dominion Council. It was decided that efforts be made to increase the membership of the association at one guinea yearly. It was decided that the principle of a dominion library be accepted, and that Professor J. Shelley’s scheme be discussed by the next Dominion Council. It was decided that the location of the Dominion Council remain in Christchurch. The following officers were re-elected: President, Mr H. D. Acland; treasurer, Mr D. J. Hight; secretary, Mr Geo. Manning.