HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ADULTS

Southland Times, Issue 23379, 10 December 1937, Page 9

HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ADULTS

LITERATURE AND DRAMA POPULAR The annual meeting of the Workers Educational Association was held m Everybody’s Hall on Wednesday evening when there was a representative attendance over which Mr G. L. Bwitt, vice-president presided. The anaual report stated that six classes were held in Southland with a roll number of 231 and an average attendance of 18t>, and with the addition of discussion circles the average attendance was much higher. The most favoured subjects had been literature and drama, which included debate, but sociology and other allied subjects had been treated. The aim of each class has been cultural. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balance-sheet Mr T. Swift thanked those who had cooperated in the success of the session, including the newspapers which gave liberal space to the reports ot the meetings, thereby enabling a wider public to realize what was being done. He paid a tribute to the work of the retiring president, Mr I. L. Petrie, who, he said, was consistent and enthusiastic. Other speakers were Messrs A. L. Whelam, C. C. Robinson and R. H. Osborne. The report and balancesheet were duly adopted. The association is to follow the same scheme this year as for last year with only necessary modifications. Mr August appealed for more interest in the discussions circles which were suitable for small groups especially in isolated districts. A series of typewritten lectures on a chosen subject were available, covering courses varying from six to 18 lectures. This scheme had met with much success in the north, he said, and there was no reason why it should not ultimately do so in the south. Groups such as farmers’ unions and political branches would always form a nucleus. The election of officers resulted:— President, Mr G. L. Swift; vice-presi-dent, Mr M. O’Toole; honorary auditor, Mr R. H. Osborne; honorary secretary and treasurer, Mr S. G. August; committee, Messrs J. Stobo, M.A. (advisory), B. Hollander, J. F. McKenzie, A. L. Whelam, L. C. Robinson, A. M. Cameron, R. A. Ridland and I. L. Petrie.