WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2454, 6 May 1915, Page 7

WORKERS' EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTE

THE SYSTEM EXPLAINED. The inaugural meeting oftho Workers' Educational Institute of New Zealand was held in the Trades Hal Mast night. Mr. A. H. Hindmarsh, M.P., presided over a good attendance, which included several ladies. The chairman, in a few opening remarks, expressed the hope that those present would, act as nrisfionaries and bring as many! members of the public as possible into the movement. They were, he said, indebted to a very groat extent to Professor Hunter for initiation of the movement in Wellington, and on that account it gave him great pleasure to introduce the Professor, who was to say something about tho tutorial classes and to deliver an address on economics.

Professor Hunter explained- that tho tutorial classes would meet weekly for two-hour periods. The first-hour would be devoted to a lecture by the tutor and the second hour would he spent in a discussion of the topic by the students. This second hour set aside for discussion was a distinct advance in education) as it ensured both views of the subject being obtained. Then there would lie a fortnightly essay by the students, and this was where every student would receive the individual attention necessary for his or her advancement. In joining a class the student was required to give an undertaking to attend the whole of the lectures in a three-years' course, and also an undertaking to attempt the essays, but inability to comply with the condition as to attendance would not absolutely debar anyone from entering the class. Professor Hunter dealt briefly with the advantages of tho whole system, and expressed himself as being pleased that it was making a slow beginning in Wellington because he thought it would thus be more likerly to grow strong and bccome firmly established.

About forty students, who were desirous of enrolling in various classes, then handed in their names to Mr. D. S. Smith, M.A., LL.M., and afterwards they listened to the remarks of ProfosBor Hunter on economics.