W.E.A. SUMMER SCHOOL

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2144, 29 December 1920, Page 12

W.E.A. SUMMER SCHOOL

A SUCCESSFUL INNOVATION. The summer school at Oxford, under the auspices of the Workers' Education Association, is proving a very successful institution. At present there are about 70 students in attendance, and it is expected that the number will increase to 100 or thereabouts. The work commenced on Christmas morning with a lecture by Professor 'Shelley on "Education," after which | there were student classes in Economics, 'Drama, etc. In the afternoon a walk[ing excursion was made to Dalley's [Bush, under the guidance of Mr B. M. Laing. The programme as set out is being followed, and the school promises j to be a success. On Sunday morning, | Professor Shelley gave a lecture on I "Mediaeval Miracles and Mystery Plays," and on Monday Professor Con'dliffe lectured on the "DevelopIment of English Towns." Class work i is . being carried on ou Education and Psychology, Literature and Drama, and Economics. Oh Monday afternoon the official opening of the school took place, when Mr H. D. Acland (chairman of the Canterbury College Board of Governors, and president of the W.E.A.),M:r C. T. Aschman, Mr L. A. Stringer, and a number of the prominent residents of Oxford were present. Mr B. F. Henderson, chairman of the Oxford County Council, j extended a hearty, welcome to the j school, and' expressed pleasure that Oxford was the place chosen for the iniception of summer schools. Mr Acland expressed pleasure at the inception of the school under such favourable auspices, and the welcome and ; assistance given by the Oxford people. | Ho described the occasion as an hisjtoric one. He did not doubt that, in 10 or 15 years, summer schools would be held throughout New Zealand. It was necessary to extend the University 'system so that .all who desired its benefits could secure them. He was glad to see many teachers present, and hoped they would extend the Gospel and preach the good news throughout tho' Dominion, for he was informed there we>e students from Auckland and from Otago. Professor Shelley gave an interesting address, iu which he urged his hearers to get into touch With nature and the realities of life. He said that true education was not a thing of period in life, but extended from tne cradle to the grave. It was not a part of life, but life itself. Everyone must have a true sense of proportion, and understand the relative value of things—wJjat was small and what was great. He agreed that the gathering was an historic one, and hoped the summer university would be made available for all people. If itwas necessary for everyone to have a vote, it was necessary for everyone _ to have a university education. In view of, the wet afternoon, which" precluded outside activities, Professor Shelley gave_an address on "Elocution." Great enthusiasm is being shown by the staff and students in the work of the summer school. A number of Oxford farmers and their wives attended the lectures on' Tuesday morning. For Dr Chilton's lecture on'"The Economics

of Health," which had been postponed till U. 30 a.m. from 10 a.m., the Coronation Hall was crowded. Professor Shelley liad a large attendance at his drama lecture, and, also at his psychology class, and Professor Condliffe's class in economics, in which Mr Johnston lectured, crowded <!he library. This last is a most valuable class, and the study of economics, as carried on at the school, is such that anyone almost can follow it. A clear and lucid exposition of the questions Of finance—credit, inflation, taxation, etc. —was given, and the replies to questions set the inquirers on the road to full and accurate knowledge. Social activities play a large part in the life at the school. Monday evening was devoted to folk songs, for which music and words were provided, and the many students were instructed in their rendition, the result being very pleasing. Provision is being made for popular lectures and entertainments in the Town Hall, to which all are welcome. Cricket,- tennis, bowls and other sports have their supporters. In regard to excursions, it is hoped to visit tho Ashley Gorge, Glentui, Blowhard, Waimakariri Gorge, and* to have a motor run through the country.