W.E.A. class

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 8, 12 July 1928, Page 3

W.E.A. class

, Waiwhetu —Moera District.

At the weekly meeting of the Class held last Monday, the lecturer, Mr. "W. E. Dickinson, M.A., had for his subject, '' The Standard of Living.'' The lecturer outlined the progress of the peaole throughout history in the conditions under which they lived. Progress in sanitation, he instanced, had overcome the devastating epidemics that periodically had swept Europe. He pointed out.that many things that yesterday were luxuries are to-day necessities. There are many things which are not within the reach of all and possession of these give the owners a social distinction. This results in much wasteful expenditure by people who have more than is necessary for their use.' Others strive to attain these distinctions though unable to afford them, by foregoing necessities. The modern business man knew this and by scientific advertising tended to create or foster these desires. The lecturer-pointed out the evils of mortgaging one's income under time-payment systems to obtain these luxuries. He also stated that both Capital and Labour are diverted from the production of necessities to the production of luxuries resulting in a higher cost of the former.

Mr. Dickinson was accorded an attentive hearing, and at the conclusion answered various questions put by members of the Class.