More Discussion On Education Sought

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31114, 18 July 1966, Page 12

More Discussion On Education Sought

In an effort to promote better understanding of international problems through education, the New Zealand Workers’ Educational Association will urge its members to discuss them more.

The association’s annual conference in Christchurch at the week-end adopted a remit saying that because of increasing international tensions and problems, directly affecting New Zealand—such as the French nuclear tests in the Pacific and the war in Vietnam—increased efforts to promote general understanding should be made. The original remit, which expressed direct concern at mass killings in Indonesia, the French nuclear tests and the war in Vietnam, was amended. The meeting felt that as an educational organisation it could not afford to express political views. Because the W.E.A. had a responsibility to express its opinions on adult education matters, the conference wanted more public statements made. Delegates said that this re-

sponsibility was being neglected. The association had a constitutional right to make regular and Informed public statements and comment on relevant issues. In an attempt to get tutor’s fees uniform, the secretary, Mr V. M. Readman, will approach branches and the National Council of Adult Education to set up a national fees scale. At the moment tutors are being paid varying amounts for their services at different centres. The association will also ask the council to consider the possibility of holding a national conference, or seminar, to consider the problems facing liberal adult education. The conference passed a remit from Auckland, after an amendment, to revive the competition for the Walter Nash cup. The executive will be asked to investigate a scheme and to report to the next annual meeting. The cup is for debating. Invercargill said it would challenge Auckland for the cup later this year. It was decided to hold the next annual conference in Wellington.