W.E.A.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 March 1922, Page 1

W.E.A.

HOKITIKA BRANCH FORMED.

A local branch of the Workers’ Educational Association was formed last evening at the Town Hall, at a meeting called" for that purpose. The Mayor (Mr Perry) presided at the outset, but having to leave early, Mr Jeffries took the chair. Mr Perry spoke encouragingly as to the formation of the branch, and* said the lecture classes would lie interesting and instructive to the young people of the town and district. Mi Belsha.w, the organiser, and lecturer for the Coast. then addressed thie meeting, and gave an outline of the scheme on lines similar to particulars published previously. Mr Belshaw explained that the object was to increase th© thinking capacity of the people, and spoke of the success attending the movement elsewhere.

After a general discussion, and the answering of questions, including a reply that the lectures were open to both sexes, Mr Jeffries moved that a branch be formed, and every co-opleration be given to make the classes a success. Mr Wogan (who had been a member of the Wellington classes up to the time of his transfer to this district) seconded the motion, and said he would be glad of the opportunity to renew his studies. The motion was carried unanimously.

Several students enrolled in the room. The classes proposed at the outset were economics and English literature, with Esperanto if there are sufficient pupils offering. Mr Wild suggested that each person present undertake to enrol three students eaeh and it was resolved to endeavour to give effect to the suggestion. A local committee was set up to manage the local branch, thosle appointed being Revd Purchas, Or Teicbelmann, Messrs Wild, Wogan and A. Seebeck. The question of a suitable lecture night was discussed, Thursday and Friday being the most favored, with a preference for Friday. Mr Belshaw expressed the hope that classes might be commenced tbe week after next of which public notice would be given. Reference was made to the fa ™ erS winter school to be held here in May, and which would be open to students of the W.E.A. ft would be a notable gathering and should have all possible support from the townspeople, as besides the young men and women of the district who would come in. there would be a large influx of visitors from Canterbury for the period of the school. A vote of thanks to Mr Belshaw foi his good work, and to the Chairman for presiding, closed the proceedings.