SUMMER SCHOOL.

Otago Witness, Issue 3854, 24 January 1928, Page 31

SUMMER SCHOOL.

WORKERS’ EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

For the first time in its history, the Otago Workers’ Educational Association officially co-operated with the Canterbury W.E.A. in holding a summer school at Meth ven. The school was organised by Cr Manning, of Christchurch, and lectures were given by Professors Shelley and Fisher, and Messrs H. G. Miller, Lloyd Ross, and J. Johnson. Over 60 students, drawn from Invercargill to Masterton, attended, and proved themselves expert m argument, as well as in folk dancing, singing, mountaineering, and other activities The general subject was “ The Problem of the Contact of Western Civilisation with other Cultures.” The directoi of the school was Professor Shelley, of Canterbury College. An interesting exchange of ideas took place between Mr Waltei Nash (secretary of the New Zealand Labour Party) and Professor Shellev over the aims and value of the Institute of ■Pacific Relations. Dr Fisher, professor of economics at Otago University, gave a valuable lesson to students and tutors in the method of weighing the pros and cons of any subject. One student remarked that after Dr Fisher had finished there was nothing to say, since he had answered all his own arguments. Another .Was certain that if Dr Fisher made a statement it was based on careful wemh ing of all the facts. Mr Miller, °of Timaru, an authority on Maori history, showed very clearly the methods by which the early settlers seized land from the Maoris. Mr Johnston contrasted the school of Lothrop Stoddard with that if Basil Matthews, and Mr L. Ross gave lectures on “ Racial Contacts in Ancient Times,” “ South Africa,” “ White Australia,” and “A World Outlook.” The proceedings- of each day began with a class at 6.30 a.m. in experimental psychology, conducted by Dr Beeby, who recently returned from a course of study at the London University. Some of the students, against the advice of local residents, successfully climbed to the top of Mount Hutt. Concerts of different types, from a play-reading of “Loyalties ” to a “ Trial by Ordeal,” were given in the evenings, and were well patronised by the people of Methven. One of the most pleasing features of the school was the support and enthusiasm* given by the Methven residents. Not merely did they thoroughly enter into the spirit of the school, but they assisted the organiser in many ways. Mr Tooley, vicar, and Mr Smith, who entertained the school at a garden party, were especially prominent. The neighbouring farmers took advantage of the presence of Dr Fisher to hear his views on “ Rural Credits.” and Mr Nash discussed with the president of the local Farmers’ Union on “ The Arbitration Court,” a debate that evoked interest for miles around. At the Sunday service Mr Nash took the service, and Professor Shelley read the lessons. Altogether the echool was a successful experiment in the intellectual fellowship that the W.E.A. xs trying to inspire throughout the Country.