W.E.A

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16496, 5 August 1921, Page 6

W.E.A

(Contributed.)

The public speaking clas* was the scene of much enthusiasm and iuttrosx on Tuesday night, the occasion being the holding of a Mock Parliament. Air E J. Howard, M.P., was elected Speaker of the House, and Air Elliott was Prime Minister. The Rev J. Pat-

| erson was chosen Leader of the Opposition. There were four parties represented —the Government, the Opposition, the Independents and Extreme Labour. The Bill before the House was called “The Nationalisation of the Medical Services Bill.” The Bill passed the second reading stage and will be taken in Committee next week, when numerous amendments are expected. At the close of the debate, Mr Howard gave an interesting talk on the procedure and conduct of the House. The class this year has had varied topics for discussion, and has adopted the procedure of various public ; institutions. The lecture on Saturday night next by Mr L. Sandstori on Road Economics, comes at an opportune time. The Minister of Public Works has notified the country that he intends introducing a Bill next session on the control and improvement of the main roads in New Zealand. The question of the best method for the construction of roads is a debatable point ; therefore the lecture should prove of great interest. In the future the roads will have to cope with a larger amount of the transportation of goods and materials than hitherto, caused by the great increase in motor waggons. Hence, the desire for improved roads. Mr Belshaw, 8.A., the permanent tutor, left for the Coast 011 Thursday. Before leaving he received the best j wishes of the representatives of the various educational and progressive bodies in Canterbury. His departure for the Coast means the welding of another link between tho two provinces. This time the link represents tfje exj tension of University facilities to the , Coast. Now, for the first time, men j and women across the Alps will become I acquainted with University education in their own province. The extramural work of Canterbury College has now taken a definite shape, and it is not a great step to the full demo- , cratisation of tho University. Should the W.E.A. continue to progress in the future as it lias done in I the past five years, then the day is not j far distant when every intelligent i worker in this country will develop a j greater interest in the affairs of his country than he has hitherto shown. ; Owing mainly to the lack of a good j education, the workers seek pleasure ! and interest in many ways which are not to their best interest. But with an education, and the broadening of their knowledge, questions, which today are beyond their mental power, will become of interest to them and there may develop the desire for investigation into the many problems that confront the community.