ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.

Waikato Times, Volume 111, Issue 18640, 19 May 1932, Page 10

ECONOMIC PROBLEMS.

GREAT WORK OF W.E.A. 'FARMERS’ UNION SYMPATHY. (Special to Times). A UC. K LAN D, Wedn esda y. “Those of us concerned with education consider it is our duty to throw everything else aside and concentrate on economic questions,” staled Mr N. M. Richmond, R.A., Auckland, director of lhe Workers’ Educational Association, addressing the Auckland Provincial conference of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union to-day. He pointed out. Mini, much had been said about equably of sacrifice, but that was begging The question whether sacrifice was necessary. (Hear, hear.) He had been told by the Waikato tutor-organiser that there were lew enthusiasts on economic problems In his district. It appeared that many people were enjoying the slump since, they were so lackadaisical about pressing problems of the day. Referring to the impartiality of the W.E.A., Mr Richmond said his organisation had no hesitation in criticising any system it thought required criticism. Nowadays any one criticising any system was regarded as a Communist. There seemed to be an impression abroad that certain institutions were “divinely appointed." Mr Richmond concluded by referring to the various lecture courses an economics conducted by the W.E.A.

in Auckland and Hamilton, He pointed out that tho world was changing and it was essential for thinking people to understand these changes and their effect’s. “Attempts to Undermine.” •Mr J. H. Furniss (Huntly) warmly commended the splendid work being done by tho W.E.A. in the Waikato. Their lectures had been an amazing success in Hamilton. Attempts were being made to undermine the W.E.A. In New Zealand because it was telling ihe trut.li, and it was incumbent on the Farmers’ Union to support it to the fullest extent. “We seem to he reverting lo medieval times,” said Mr J. Dunning. “We must lake a strong stand against these insidious attempts to prevent, free expression of public opinion.” (Applause). Mr A. Woods (Whangareil crilicised the action of the Government in suppressing certain hooks because they fold the truth. Many questions relating lo lecture courses were answered by Mr Richmond. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Richmond and a resolution "that the Farmers’ Union give whole-heart-ed support to the W.E.A." was carried amid applause.