THE W.E.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1921, Page 1

THE W.E.A.

MR MANNING’S ADDRESS.

At tiie meeting,.of the W.E.A. in the Town Hall last night, Mr Manning the organiser stated that the W.E.A. was brought into existence to endeavour to satisfy the demand for education by tho workers of Great Britain i;n 1903. Prior to that time various organisations attempted to educate their own members, such as the Co-operative Societies, and Trades’ Union. As these movements were only able to satisfy a small fraction of the real demand for education, the W.E.A. was formed to meet that demand. Thus it organised the workers who needed education into (lasses, according to the subjects required, and asked the University to supply the tutors. This the University did, and now the Universities look upon supplying the W.E.A. classes with tutors as a, new branch of their work. Thus- the Universities are brought, into direct, touch with the workers, who are beginning to see (hat the Universities! exist not only for one class, but for all classes. On tho other hand the tutors receive n great benefit bv being brought into direct touch with men who take life seriously and in earnest. The students of the W.E.A. bring their practical knowledge, gained hv hard experience, into contact with the theories of tho text book and the tutor, and

from such .contact there emerges a wider knowledge for all concerned. The W.E.A. is purely democratic, non political and non sectarian Its governing body, the W.E.A. Council, is composed of men representing affiliated societies, such a-s public bodies, Trades Unions, and any other organisation. This Council organises the classes, applies for tutors, and generally try to extend the activities of the movement. The W.E.A. Council elects three of its members to sit on the Joint University Council, with three men chosen by the University. This Joint University Council then selects all tutors, secure Government and University grants lo meet the expenses of providing tutors. The students themselves can choose their own subjects, and if twenty students are guaranteed the Joint University Council will provide a tutor. As democracy is obtaining more control o.er the legislature and other institutions of our country' it behoves thu democracy to become conversant with the problems that face it, and the solution of those problems. How then can they perform such a junction if uneducatedf To attain that end, an educated IV-, iiiocracy is the ideal of the W.E.A. For those reasons Mr Manning apI ea.led to those present to do their utmost, to start classes in Hokitika. A further meeting will he called on Thins • lay. March 3rd when prominent local residents will be asked to form themselves into n provisional committee to the W.E.A. a good start off in the town. His Worship tlm Mayor occupied the chair, and a good discussion took place on the best methods to adopt to bring the facilities which the W.E.A. offers to the inhabitants of Hokitika and district,.