WEEK-END SCHOOL.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 15 November 1924, Page 9

WEEK-END SCHOOL.

OPENED LAST NIGHT,

PROFESSOR SHELLEY’S ADDRESS. There was a large attendance at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms last evening when the week-end school, which is l.eing held under the auspices of the Workers’ Educational Association and the Teachers’ Institute, was opened, by Professor Shelley, with a very instructive and entertaining address on “The Art and Wit of Whistler.” Mr P. J. Rolleston, M.P., who presided, said that the W.E.A. owed a debt of gratitude to the gentlemen who <same from Canterbury College every' year to assist them with the work, and he had much pleasure in introducing to the audience that evening Professor Shelley of Canterbury College. The Rev. W. Jellie briefly outlined the work accomplished at the tutorial classes held throughout the year, and stated that out of 130 enrolled an average of about 75 pupils had attended each class. In addition to the educational work done in Timaru, classes had been formed in other centres throughout the district, and at the end of the year it was apparent that the movement had gained considerable ground. Mr Miller had been appointed to the vacancy caused by Mr Belshaw’s departure for England, and-from what he knew of MiMiller’s educational and tutorial capacity he was quite satisfied that he would succeed as well as his predecessor. • Dealing, with the art of painting in the 19th century, Professor Shelley said that with the exception of the brilliant Whistler, art was in a very low state. The early life of Whistler while living in Russia, and his studies in the Russian schools, and later at West Point Military Academy, was dealt with in a very interesting vein. Whistler’s self assurance ahd ready wit were also illustrated by various amusing anecdotes. With the aid of a number of slides the speaker displayed, copies of many of the artist’s best known works, and in a lucid manner showed the vast difference existing between the pretty type of picture then in vogue (which called- for story telling qualities), and the aesthetic art of Whistler. The story of. Whistler’s famogs libel action against Rusltin, in which the artist was awardfed one farthing damages, was related in Professor Shelley’s characteristic style and was provocative of much amusement. At the conclusion of a very interesting lecture a hearty vote of thanks to Professor Shelley was accorded by acclamation. The school will be continued today, when lectures will be given at 10 a.m., 11.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m., and 8 p,m. The three day lectures will be given in the. Technical College, and the lecture to r night will be given in the Y.M.C.A. Hall.