THE W.E.A.

Waikato Times, Volume 88, Issue 13489, 21 May 1917, Page 4

THE W.E.A.

CLASS FORMED JN HAMILTON.

There was a large attendance at the meeting convened lor Saturday night in Hamilton to consider the advisableness of starting a tutorial class under tne auspices of the n orkers' Educational Association. The various Labour Unions were strongly represented, and several ladies were also present. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. W. Ellis) presided. The chairman expressed pleasure at seeing such a large attendance, and also that his first public appearance as Mayor of Hamilton was associated with such a movement as the Workers' Educational Ass. ciation. He spoke briefly of the *iin;s and objects of the Association, and referred to the diffusion of knowledge, which was the nation's greatest asset, and the importance of the study of economics in connection with the problems which the war had forced to the forefront.

Mr J. A. \oung, M.P., in a brief speech, comm nd.d the movement to the support of all. He had been in touch with it siiue its introduction into the Dominion, ai d testified as to what had been accomplished during the two years it had been in active ration; it had spread right through the Dominion, and had proved benenoiai not only to the students but to all who were in.erested in social questions. . ~aj a democratic country, and . ; .

had an equal share in the Government; but they could nut get the best out of Pail.anient if they did not take an inte.ligent and active interest therein. The workers had nothing to fear from the movement —there was nothing tehind it; but it was calculated to benefit all classes of the community. It was necessary for the public to think corre't:y, and by training their intellects ant! disciplining their wills they would be better able to form sound opinions le garding the many comp lex questions which had to be solved. It was highly desirable that such a class should be formed, and the Hamilton workers were ex lcre'; iii having such a

tutor as Mr -Vaiv i.z.e, local inspector of schools, available should they decide to establish a class and take up the study of either economics or physiology. Mr McKenzie tersely explained the methods of working the classes, and stated that lus experience was that as far as promoting knowledge was concerned the W-.E.A. system was preferable to that of the university. The tutor was as one of the class, for, the system being co-operative, he also benefited from the opinions and views of the students. Written work was also provided for, the students being required to submit an essay fortnightly. Each class governed itself; there was nothing compulsory about it, but the members generally berame so interested in the work of their class that the fortnightly essay was not a serious proposition. He was prepared to take a class for either physiology or economies, and he briefly touched upon the course of study for each. This extended over a period of three years, 24 lectures Wing delivered •ach year. Mr Manson, the secretary to the Auckland centre, briefly traced the progress of the movement from its inception by a co-operative society of trade workers at Rockdale (England) in 19U3, its recognition and adoption by the Oxford University in 19H7, and its spread and progress throughout Australasia. It was introduced into New Zealand two years ago, and the University had assist, d it to the extent of £I2OO, while 90 per cent ol the students were wag e liners, the e being 19 trades unions associated with it in Auckland. Tie platform speakers that evening showed how cosmopolitan it was, for they had an employer, a politician, an edrcati. n ilist, and a factory worker, ; nd that was typical of al' the activities of the move lent. '!he movement did not seek to interfere with any student's opinions. Education, however, was the hope of detnoc. a y, and by it their outlook and sympathies would be widened ;-o that it was possible thnt the problem of class a tagonism would be solved by th> complete elimination of < lass. It was a democratic movement, and as the day was not far distant when democracy won'd rule, it behoved them to av;ii! themselves of every opportunity to prepare then selves for that day when it ; arrives.

On tho motion of Mr Murdoch, seconded by ZNTi- Le Deux, it was decided t« form a class, and some 2"> memlicrs enrolled. The subject selected was economies.

Mr W. H. G. Brown was appointed secretary pro t m, and it was decided to meet on Saturday evenings. The first meeting (on Saturday next) will lie held in the Borough Chambers, and it is then hoped to make arrangements for a permanent meeting room. Hearty votes of thanks were accorded the speakers, and also to his Worship for presiding, who, in acknowledging same, felicitated the members upon the establishment of the class for which they predicted- a long and useful career.