FUNDS FOR W.E.A.

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 480, 9 October 1928, Page 12

FUNDS FOR W.E.A.

LOCAL-BODY SUBSIDIES LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY (THE SUN’S Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, Monday. Srhis amendment is born of ignorance and prejudice,” said Mr. P. Fraser, in the House of Representatives, referring to the amendment made to the Municipal Corporations Bill by the Legislative Council, which inserted a clause restricting to £ 100 the subsidy payable by any local body to the Workers' Educational Association. Mr. Fraser said that it was lonsense to say that the W.E.A. wa3 showing Socialistic tendencies, which seemed to be the fear behind the amendment. lie knew W.E.A. men who were opposed to all schools of political thought, who ridiculed all parties. Labour included. The motion that the amendment be deleted was seconded by Mr. W. A. Veitch, who said that the W.E.A. had done fine work. He was astounded ft the suggestion that it had been biased toward any political party. The Hon. J. A. Young said that the organisation served a very useful purpose. It encouraged individuals to think for themselves. Mr. H. E. Holland said that to limit the subsidy to £IOO was absurd. The limitation had neither logic nor common sense behind it. The Hon. F. .T. Rolleston said that if the clause were deleted local authorities could not make any contributions at all to the W.E.A. from the general fund.

Mr. E. J. Howard said that a real gain had been made in getting this authority. Mr. Fraser agreed not to press the motion, and the Council’s amendment was accepted.