W.E.A.

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 209, 28 April 1932, Page 6

W.E.A.

WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT TRIES TO DO STUDY FOR KNOWLEDGE SAKE The Workers' Educational Association as an educational factor in the community, is almost too well known to need introduction. Briefly, however, it is an asociation of ordinary men and women, banded together for the purpose of improving their mental equipment, and so their outlook on life generally. There are many oranisations whose main objects are programmes of reform. The Workers' Education Association, on the other hand, instead of' introducing new controversies, concentrates rather on existing facts and passes them on to the public through its wonderful organisation. It is only by the understanding and the appreeiation of the troubles, and points of view of other nations„ and peoples, that we can ever hope for international peace, and the Workers Educational Association deals with these troubles, and points of view in their social, political, and economic aspects, in papers and lectures, written and delivered by men of the highest authority in those subjects. The classes invite discussion on the subject under study and, as undoubtedly the most effective thinking comes from the clash of opinion and points of view, the educational value of these classes is a decided asset to the community. In Auckland the northern headauarters of the W orlcers Educational Association movement, membeis, especially of the International Questions Classes, range from the hardest baked tories to the shaggiest bolsheviks. The questioning, and debating during the discussion period at the end of a lecture, becomes very brisk and sometimes quite heated. The evolution lectures, too, attract larges numbers of people of widely diverging views and opinions. Owing to the prohibitive cost of sending tutors to the country towns, a "box scheme"' has been devised to overcome the difficulty. The local class or classes sele^t a course from those available for distribution, and that course is circulated round the different local centres, in 24 weelcly parts. Each part, or "box," provides sufficient material for about an hour and a-half lecture, and is usually illustrated by photographs, or gramophone recordings. The lecturers are appointed by the local centre, who endeavour, of course, to secure the services of men qualified to handle the subjects set down for discussion. Considering the wide range of subjects treated the almost negligble cost and its non-sectarian and non-party aspects, it is surprising that more people do not take advantage of the excellent educational opportunities offering, combined with the entertainment value of the literary classes of the Workers' Educational Association. The Rotorua study group of the Workers' Educational Association will commence its 1932 session tomorrow night in the Citizens' Club at 7.30 p.m., with an "Opera Evening" and all members, intending members and their friends are cordially invited.