W.E.A. NOTES

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20441, 20 October 1934, Page 29 (Supplement)

W.E.A. NOTES

The 1934 session is now drawing to a close. The only class left to complete its course is the “ International Relations,” which will conclude in two weeks’ time. This class has been most successful, having an average attendance of sixty students.' The experiment of organising this study at the conclusion of the term of the other classes has been a wise one. By this method the students of the other classes are enabled to take up the study of international relations without giving up too many nights of the week to educational pursuits. It is encouraging, also, to find such a strong group interested in world affaire. The difficulty of interesting New Zealanders in world problems is, to a great extent. brought about by the fact that New Zealand has no foreign policy. Its political relations with other countries are decided mainly by the British Government, which guarantees the defence of the when the self-governing Dominions will demand a share in shaping the foreign policy of the Empire or Commonwealth. That time, however, will not come until the citizens of the self-governing Dominions are interested in the results of j the policies now in force. The W.E.A. ! terest i pre S, ‘ a t' e l ° stimulate that in ~ Other Activities. The main activities of the association for the coming month are, first, the excursion to Franz Josef on October- 20 to October 27, when thirteen students will make the trip; second, an outing to Stewart’s Gully is arranged for Labour Day, the party leaving by the 9.24 a.m. train; third, the socials and dances will he held every Saturday evening until December; fourth, the holding of the summer school at Methven from Boxing Day to January J. Summer School. The summer school is available for any person to join regardless or whether he or she is a member of the association. The fee for the nine days is two guineas. This fee includes tire cost of lectures, board and lodging, sports, concerts and dances. The visits to Lake Coleridge, ltakaia Gorge, Mount Hutt and other places will be charged extra, but only the cost of transport will he addled. Another X>oss. The students of the association throughout Canterbury will regret to learn that a great supporter of the W.E.A. in Canterbury and England has passed away in the person of Mrs J. M’Gllnchy, nee .Miss Ida Thompson, the daughter of Mr G. H. Thompson, the organising secretary of the Yorkshire division of the English W.E.A. Mrs M’Glinchy arrived in New Zealand with the family* in 1923, and within a few weeks of their arrival attended the first Geraldine summer school. Her husband, Mr J. .M’Glinchy, did great work for the W.E.A. in organising a class both in Hornby and Islington. TIW District Council has conveyed to Mr J. M’Glinehy and to Mr and Mrs Thompson its deepest sympathy in the sad loss sustained. Public Speaking Class. The series of debating contests, to take place after the close of the ordinary session, ended on Monday evening. These contests have extended the term by six weeks, making it tire longest on record. The final debate which took place between representatives of the public speaking class and the F.S.U., was on the question, ” That Parliamentary Government is passing through a period of transition, from which it will emerge stronger than ■ever." The speakers for the class, who supported the affirmative, were Mr B. R. M’Laren (leader), Mr A. G. Sparrow and Mr G. Cree. Mr Allan C. Brassington. who acted as judge in giving his decision in favour of the W.E.A., criticised the speeches and delivered an instructive and interesting address on the subject matter of the debate. Being a lecturer of political science at Canterbury College, Mr Brassington was able to show special knowledge •of his subject, and to speak as an authority. His conclusion that constitutional government has much, to recommend, it was received

with applause, and lve was accorded a hearty vote of thanks. Mr John Rigg, tutor, who presided, also addressed those present. He said that, of seven debating contests held this year, the c-las ? had won four. This was not as good a record as last year, when the class won six out of eight. With a view to giving experience to as many students as possible, the winning of an event this year had been made a matter of secondary importance. On no occasion had the three best speakers in the class been included in the same team. The result was that fifteen stud-

ents had taken part in the debating contests—a result which was considered very satisfactory.. If the class had lost anything in reputation, it had gained in usefulness.

Mr Rigg, on behalf of the public speaking class, thanked the Refreshment Committee for thfrir valuable services in connection with' the debating contests. The committee consisted of Mrs Dallas, Mrs Cree, Mrs Skinner. Mrs Last. Miss M. M’Lean, Miss M. Grigor, Mr G. W. Campbell. Mr L. F. Warburton and Mr J. Jack.