W.E.A. NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 851, 26 August 1933, Page 19 (Supplement)

W.E.A. NOTES.

(Contributed.)

The interest taken in the study of drama by W.E.A. students is shown by the fact that two W.E.A teams entered the competition organised by the South Canterbury Drama League. The Timaru literature class produced “ The Golden Fisherman,” by F. Sladen-Smith. and came second in the final, being one mark less than the winning team. The judge of the competition. Miss E. Blake, of Wellington, spoke very enthusiastically- of the team work of the cast and praised it for the new style of play introduced into the competition. The Pleasant Point W.E.A. class, which won the competition last year, came third at this year’s festival with the production of “ A Man of Ideas,” by Miles Malleson. A stutfent of the Timaru literature class wrote a one-act play called “ The Tapu Cave,” and was highly commended by the judge. The winner of this competition was Airs Targuse, who was also successful year. Mrs Targuse is a student of the Christchurch W.E.A. drama class. In the absence of Professor Sinclaire,' a student of the literature class gave a very interesting lecture on “Oliver Goldsmith.” “ The Deserted Village ” was read and explained to the class. Next Wednesday evening another student will lead the discussion. The fact that W.E.A. students can produce plays, and quite a few can write them, that they can give lectures in the absence of their tutors, that they act as chairmen in other organisation's and take a part in the activities of such organisations is clear evidence that the students apply the knowledge received in the classes, and that social life is enriched by their contributions to it. The problem of international relations has become very important ever since the conclusion of the Great War. In order to give the public some information on what has been done in this direction. Airs Leicester Webb, ALA., will give a lecture on Saturday evening, September 2, in the W.E.A. rooms on “The Organisation of InternationalThe lecturer has made a special study of the problems of the Pacific, and has studied the work of (lie League of Nations very closely. The meeting is open to the public, and everyone interested in international problems is invited to attend. Each week during the session two lectures are given over the air by W.E.A. lecturers. This month the subject of psychology is being- dealt with from two different lines of approach. Mr R. Winterbourn, in his talks, deals with “ The Psychology of Emotional Life” and Air A. R. Noonan with “Psychological Factors in Everyday Life." The organisation of the proposed trip to the Franz Josef glacier at the weekend October 21 to October 24 is now being undertaken. Students may invite their friends to join the party. The whole journey from Christchurch to the hostel will be made in one day, giving the party an opportunity of seeing the beautiful scenery which surrounds the old West Coast road from Otira to Hokitika. The cost is £5 14s for four days. The students of the public speaking class are debating to-night with the members of the Wesley Institute on the subject “ That a vigorous immigration policy would be beneficial to New Zealand.” The W.E.A. team will take the affirmative. At the social evening to-night in the W.E.A. rooms the one'-act play “ For Love of Appen ” will be produced, undter the direction of Mr A. Alaequarrie. There was a good attendance of students and visitors at the public speaking class on Monday evening. News was received of the death of Air H. F. Farr, a former secretary of the class, and a vote of condolence with his widow and family was adopted, those present standing in respectful silence. The tutor, Air John Rigg, delivered a lecture on speaking on the public platform, in Parliament and in the open air. The lecturer gave a good deal of practical advice to students. Airs G. Cree delivered a learned and interesting address on the subject of “ Words," and received a hearty vote of thanks. The adjourned debate on the question “ That a Vigorous Immigration Policy would be Beneficial to New Zealand ” was continued by Aliss M. M’Lean and Air A. Jones; then adjourned.