ADULT EDUCATION

Chronicle (Levin), 14 December 1946, Page 4

ADULT EDUCATION

COLLEGE PRINCIPAL OUTLINES FUTURE PLANS A "desire to assist in furthering adult education was expressed by the principal of Horowhenua College, Mr. N. A. Byrne, when presenting his report at the annual prize-giving ceremony yesterday. "With the return to more normal conditions, there should be a renewed interest in adult education, not only in vocational training, b'ut in cultural development," said Mr. Byrne. He added that in this re'gard the college could play an important part, and he would like

.o see the establishment of classes in art, crafts, drama and music. During the war years the evening school had practically ceased to function, he said. At the beginning of the' year an effort had been made uo re-establish it and classes had been held in dressmaking, shorthand, type-writing, book-keeping and accountancy, accountancy law, woodwork and motor theory. The total enrolment had been 100 students. Mr. Byrne mentioned that in the development of the vocational side of the evening school, the college was handicapped by the lack of adequate workshop space and equipment. A class in motor engineering theory had been established, but there were no facilities in the workshops for practical work. In the metalwork shop the squipment was still inadequate, but a. grant had been made for the purpose of purchasing two Southbend lathes, which should be available shortly. "If the college is to fulfil its function in the training of apprentices, an extension of workshop accommodation is a necessity," he

added. The work of the science department was also seriously" handicapped, especially in senior classes, by the lack of adequate laboratory space and equipment. There were at present no facilities for the teaching of physics, electricity and mechanics. The lack-of facilities for teaching physics was a real hardship, Mr. Byrne said, especially to students preparing for university studies, and a remedy had to be found as soon as possible. The college was also understaffed on the science section, and this Was another contributing factor in the prevention of the propey development of this important branch of the college's work.