SATURDAY CLASSES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 280, 26 November 1936, Page 6

SATURDAY CLASSES

LEISURE OF LEARNING? COLLEGE BOARD DISCUSSION "Which is most important, leisure or learning?” asked Mr A. E. Ballinger, when tne question of Saturday morning classes for youths was being discussed at. last night’s meeting of the Wangctnui Technical College Board of Managers. The principal, Mr 1. E. Newton, when referring to a request from the Wanganui Chamber of Commerce, asking if these classes were possible, intimated that there wtJuld be no difficulty in opening the college on Saturday mornings, providing a su.'licient number of pupils was offering. "The college would be quite prepared to open for Saturday morning classes and it would be so easily done that I don't think any discussion is necessary. I mentioned the matter to the Director of Education this morning. and Mr Lambourn agreed that if Ihe pupils came along in sufficient numbers classes could be arranged." Mr W. J. Rogers said the principle of the 40-hour week had to be considered. He was very much concerned that, the spirit of this should be pul into effect as soon as possible. "It has to be borne in mind that Saturday classes will bring the teachers hack also. Frankly. 1 want to see th? 40-hour week prevail in the fullest seine of the term. Mr F. 11. Allen: It is an excellent idea if the staff is agreeable to coming back on Saturday mornings. Mr W. R. McElwain said that hr would support the idea providing it. was not made compulsory for the staff to work that day. A great deal was heard about the abuse of the 40-hour week, which he considered was one of the greatest institutions ever known. What people did with their spare time ought to be their own concern. Mr Ballinger: Which is most important. leisure or learning? Mr McElwain declared that it was for parents, to see that their children were properly educated. A motion authorising Satur Hy morning classes was carried.