PEOPLE’S UNIVERSITY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17568, 19 June 1925, Page 10

PEOPLE’S UNIVERSITY.

W.E.A. ACTIVITIES Among the new books in the library are two of very great importance to working-class students. One, “The Difc of Robert Owen,” written by himself, the other, "Chartism and the Chartist Movement,” by Mark Hovel!. These books contain the story of two great forces that have assisted in bringing civilisation as experienced in Englishspeaking communities up to its present standard. Both these forces were cradled in working-class homes and their influence was exerted in maturity for the benefit of the class from whom they had sprung. Whatever progress has been attained in the life and culture of working people can be attributed, in the first place to the efforts of these two great forces. The first, a man of vision and energy who spent his life and wealth in endeavouring to created the conditions for a better and fuller life for the British working population. The second, a movement with the same purpose as the first, but the means whereby the end was to be attained were purely political. To-day, though both have passed away in seeming failure, humanity is realising the benefits that have resulted from the efforts of those pioneers. The working people in particular are mostly indebted, because the liberty enjoyed to-day was first demanded by Owen and the Chartists. Both agreed that one of the greatest needs of the workers at that time was education. With might and main Owen worked for popular education and cooperation. He stated: “That the creating power is the knowledge required in man to harmonise the earth and its varied products, and especially to harmonise man to nature by consistent obedience bo her laws: and thus to unite mankind thr< ..ugh future ages ] as one man. with one language, feeling, interest and object, as is the evident ultimate destiny of our race. Man must know himself, and by knowing himself to know humanity generally; and through this knowledge to be made to acquire universal love and charity for his race, high excellence in knowledge of the surroundings which are in accordance with his divine nature. and how to apply them most advantageously to practice, and thus to discover the best way to live a richer life, or to attain the full development of all his faculties.” The power, the vision, the organisation, practised by Owen and the Chartist movement reveal what latent or potential power lies waiting for development in the minds of the ordinary workers. Unfortunately, the opportunitv up to the present has been denied the majority of workers, but with the establishment of the W.E.A. in the community the obstacles for development are gradually passing away. Jn ihe aims and objects of this movement can be. seen an attempt to | realise what Robert Owen perceived was the ultimate purpose of life. But the complex social problems of j to-day remind one that the goal is : far from being attained. These problems are mostly concerned with the economic life of soi eiety, with the sufferings and anxiety : of thousands of working people. The i only method by which the problems i can be remedied is by first understandi ing them, and then secondly to apply ■wo II tried and understood remedies i Fur that purpose 11ii>» movement exist®

and our classes formed. The facilities offered are practically ftec of cost to all students, so that the poorest in the land shall not be denied access to the best educational forces that can be procured. Already in Canterbury there arc twenty-one classes with 860 students, but what is this considering the size of the industrial population? Many of the trade unions nave close on 1000 members each, which reveal the fact that the organised workers a.' yet have not really begun to appreciate the truth of Robert Owen's statement concerning the value of education in their own development. Last Saturday evening the Public Speaking Class contributed u very successful programme at the social gathering of students. The varied nature of the programme demonstrated the quality and amount of talent in the class. Shakespearian plays wore recited, it humourous dialogue, an exhibition of vOnlriloquism. ;m instrumental duet, tho reading ..L a poem, and impromptu speeches were given. The evening concluded with dancing. The Lyttelton class <ui the i , same night appreciated a lecture on! “South Africa,” by Mr K. .7. Howard i M-7L Jbe Mayor of Lyttelton pro-; sided and spoke of tho splendid work being done in the community bv the -L.A. with its classes and popular ]ee-To-morrow night Mr C. H. Hewlett lots kindly consented to give liis gramophone concert, which will include instrumental items, vocal quartettes, trios and solos with the world's best artists. This is. an opportunitv for every worker to hear the best ii. the art of music. The association set* out to brmg; the best in culture and art m 1 tliin the reach of the poorest. ,o that lie capacity for real pleasure ma.v bo stimulated and developed. The -iran.a class tutored by Professor J. Shelley continues to attract large .audiences. the loom being packed to the cioo i s cvc r.y I uesday cve ni i .g. Tl,e ■ u cess of tins class demonstrates the lact Hint there is a growing dosm.»P "i ( liristchuuch for plays with a social roZ a^ an,l - ihHt SOW4 ‘ at “Odcrstand the ance°o! ? ”Jr'K 8 ?J ub T % S'.i.lDover Custle? " l . h « vicinity of