W.E.A. NOTES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20280, 14 April 1934, Page 19 (Supplement)

W.E.A. NOTES.

(Contributed.)

This 1934 session is the twentieth organised by the Canterbury District Council. Tlie first was in May, 1915, when the classes were held in a small room in Hereford Street. In the first year there were three classes in session, while last year there were sixty, with 1584 students. In addition to the formation of classes, other activities are organised, such as public lectures, radio lectures, summer schools, prison lectures, visits to interesting - places, socials and debates. Rural Adult Education Scheme. Two experiments in rural adult education have proved very successful. The first, the box scheme, by which sixteen copies of a lecture, with illustrations, are sent weekly or fortnightly to a circuit < of country classes. This scheme has been extended to all parts of New Zealand. Last year the Carnegie Corporation of New York advised the University of Western Australia to the purpose of studying this scheme and to apply it if possible. The expenses of the delegate were paid by the Carnegie Corporation. The second experiment, which is financed by the Carnegie Corporation, is a travelling library in charge of a tutor. The library is taken fortnightly to twenty-eight different rural areas and the books are loaned for a very nominal fee. In some places the tutor lectures to the group on some cultural subject. On a few occasions paintings by New Zealand artists IT&ve been taken on the circuit and lectures given on the art of painting. By these two experiments the residents of the rural areas are given the facilities for further eduTwo Now Subjects. Tn this session’s syllabus for the Christchurch district there are twelve different subjects for the study of which classes will be formed. There are two subjects in tbo syllabus for the first time, viz., “New Zealand History” and “Europe Since the War.” The first-mentioned subject should appeal particularly to native-born New Zealanders because every adult should be acquainted with the social and political changes that have taken place since the first settlement in 3540. The discovery of New Zealand, the culture of the Maoris, the influence of the whalers and traders, and the missionary settlements are facts of great interest to the present generation. One writer lias stated “What memory is to the individual, history is to the nation.” The second subject, “ Europe Since the War,” is a necessary study for those who are anxious to know the causes of the present depression, and the unrest that, still exists in that part of the world. The failure of democratic Governments will be analysed and the movement for

European federation. The causes that are producing- another race in armaments will be revealed as the lectures proceed. Mr L. C. Webb, M.A., is in charge of this class. Saturday- Evening's’ Activities. The first of the scries of Saturday evening lectures will be given to-night by Mr W. H. Dixon, conductor of the Royal Christchurch Musical Society. Mr Dixon will give short talks on the stories of the various operas, and he and his pupils wil sing excerpts from the operas spoken on. The evening will take the form of a “ Musical Recital.” At these Saturday evening functions the public is invited to attend. Timaru District. The Timaru district wil have three classes in session for this year. i.e., Economics, with Mr P. R. Price. M.A., as tutor; English Literature and Drama, with various tutors; Public Speaking, the tutor of which is yet to be appointed. In addition to the classes a series of public lectures will also be organised. Rangiora. Last Monday evening the Rangiora committee opened the session w...i .1 lecture by Mr J. E. Strachan on the subject, "Is Democracy Doomed?” Tlie next lecture will be given this evening by Mr R. Winterbourne on "Psychology.” The class which will meet on Monday evenings will study " Psychology.” Kaia-ooi, The Kaiapoi class commenced on Friday evening, the opening lecture being given bv Mr W. A. Taylor on ” Banks Peninsula.” The class will study "Public Speaking and Drama,” with Mr George Manning as tutor. Public Speaking Class. There was a good attendance in the class-room at the Trades Hall on Monday evening, when this class was organised for the current year. The secretary of the W.E.A., Mr G. Manning, and the tutor, Mr John Itigg, addressed those present as to the advantages offered by the class and the subjects to be taught during the session. Forty-four students were enrolled, and the following officers were elected: Secretary, Mr N. M'Lachlan (re-elect-ed); librarian, Mr P. C. Cox; and representative on District Council, Miss W. E. Davidson (re-elected). A class-reading was followed by impromptu speaking, in which the following students took part:—Messrs ( onebear, Craig, Hope. Thomson, M’Lachlan. Metcalf, Moran. Warburton, Young, Mrs Temple and Miss Cox.