WORKERS' TUTORIAL CLASSES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2442, 22 April 1915, Page 7

WORKERS' TUTORIAL CLASSES

—; —r REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. A deputation from the Workers' Edu. cational Association waited on the Victoria College Council last night, to urge assistance' from them in various lines. The members' of ,the deputation were Professor Hunter, Messrs. A. 11. Hindmarsh, M.P., Mack, Hustler, and Willis, and the hon. secretary of the association, JJr. D. S. Smith.

ill'. Hindmarsh said that the deputation haii come to ask for assistance, for it was believed that the movement would be successful if it was properly inaugurated. The Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants had promised £25, and assistance had been offered from other sources.

. Professor Hunter said that the association was controlling the demands of the students, and the funds would be mainly used in organising the students. One of the main duties of the association would be to start tutorial classes, jciutly controlled by the College Council and the association, and they desired the council to elect four members to the joint board of control. They wanted the council also to help them to got funds, not necessarily as a direct grant, for the council might think it better to give the services of a competent man as a tutor. If they were not able to do so this year the association requested a grant. They were also going to approach the Government. The Hon. A. L. Herdman asked where it was proposed to hold the classes Professor Hunter replied that the classes would be held where convenient to the students. Tho Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants wore going to give a room, and most of the unions would do likewise.

Mr. Wilson asked was it proposed to link 'up the University extension scheme with tho higher branch of the technical school?,

Professor Hunter: The aim of tho Workers' Educational Association is not to interfere with the Technical School. They are not attempting to take at first technical subjects. Mr. Wilson: I wanted to see if the Technical School could not be linked up to encourage students going on from tho Technical School. The elements of economics are taught there. Professor Hunter: I don't think so. They are thinking about it. Professor Hunter pointed out that the college served a wide district, and the Workers' Educational Association would be helping to bring the college into touch with the district. The chairman (Mr. H. H. Ostler): Do you hope to get classes this winter? Profeseor Hunter: Yes, we have enough men enrolled now for probably two classes in' Wellington alone. He mentioned that economics, industrial history, and English literature .would be the first classes.

After, the deputation- had withdrawn, the chairman said that the metter had been before the Finance Committee, who recommended that Messrs. and Watson should represent tho couucil on the proposed committee.' It was finally decided that the whole matter should be referred to tho Finance Committee, with Mr. A. R. Atkinson added, vitli power "to confer 'with the Professorial Board, and to report to next meeting of the council.