W.E.A. CONFERENCE.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 January 1923, Page 1

W.E.A. CONFERENCE.

forward policy. [s( TELEQKAPfI PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH, Jan. 2-1. A conference of delegates from the W.F.A. centres opened to-day, Mr W. Edwards (Wellington) presiding. The chairman, in opening the conference, sairl the importance of the movement was not sufficiently well known in the Dominion, and where the movement "as known, its objects and ideals, as well ns its ethics, were misunderstood or misconslrueted. It was necessary for an organisation like that to .consider its brand of propaganda, and to educate people as to the aims and objects of the whole movement. The use of the word “worker,” unfortunately, had an alleged political significance, and when a workers’ association was referred to, i 1 a activities, were thought to he more or less of a revolutionary nature. On the other hand, the workers often referred to the movement as ol capitalistic origin, and they doubted iis disinterestedness. It was very important, therefore, for those interested in the movement to have adequate propaganda. to have it properly financed ; and to have potential subscribers generally understand it. He felt university professors should take a personal interest in the movement. It was wrong on their part, not to do so, as theii should stand lor the truth at all times.

The annual report showed that last year there were 72 classes, with 21,217 effective students in the Dominion. At present, five permanent tutors were employed in the movement: in New Zealand, and Canterbury and Wellington wore demanding another each. The Conference dismissed the follow -

big suggestions: That, as the movement lias 72 olassos with over 20,000 j students, am! as the demand for class- j es in Otago, Canterbury and Wellington ; cannot la.- mot, this Conference should: evolve a scheme for increasing the finances of the movement. The ipios- | lion was discussed for some time, and : ii v.iis decided that the Dominion Conn-j til should wait on the Minister at the j end of next session, and ask for a sub-j .slant ial increase of the grant, and also] that the industrial organisations of J employers and employees, icprosenting the Dominion federations, should bo asked for subscriptions. It was resolved that an annual coni' nt ion be organised to take place in o.sch com re in turn, in conjunction with C Dominion Conference, at which spoihd speeches shall ho given to the I uhlic on educational matters. I'ii. .'olerminatio’i o| the centre a! v.Jno' next Dominion Coiiloreiici i. t,, ho held n is villi the Dominion Council. 1 1 was i loci rod that efforts he mad* p. hir-rco-c ihe membership of the As 5.. t ion . i one guinea yearli. 1; \\ a dei bled (h 11 the plilioiiilo o a lb mii-iim Library bo accepted, am ilia! Dr lb . or J . Shell. \\ '•: si 1 erne 1 dismissed Ip :I’o in vi Dominion Cnnno'|. It was d':la . t!f location o ij: | Vininioii < i-iici ii it mu in m ('hrist t-hcr. h. The following ohhvi-s wi re re-elect. ~,! . !>:■(. .id, Mr !!. D. Adam! : Tree surer. Dr .!. flight : Sec:- tary. M (1.-oi go .dimming.