W.EA. ACTIVITIES

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20742, 28 February 1939, Page 9

W.EA. ACTIVITIES

APPRECIATION LACKING ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTED "In general, though perhaps there was a slight improvement on the previous year support accorded the W.E.A. in Hamilton is not worthy of the town and district, and does not show a proper appreciation of the help and guidance which are so readily provided by the staff in Auckland,” stated th> annual report of the Hamilton branch of the association, presented at the annual meeting last evening by Mr F. A. de la Mare. After some years of quiescence, the report stated, the association showed, however, a slight revival of activity during the year, two study groups having been formed and a series of lectures on world affairs organised. In all respects, too, the drama class had a very successful year. The balance sheet revealed a credit at the close of the year’s working. Great Work to be Done It was well, at the beginning of the year, said Mr de la Mare, to take stock of the aims of the association, what it did do and what it could do. As was suggested in the report there was not as much done in Hamilton as might be done. Much of the work, however, devolved on the tutor-or-ganisers and such work could not bear full fruit until members were willing to study under the association, rather than to attend meetings as an intellectual pastime. There was a great work to be done throughout the country for which adequate funds were not yet available. In the meantime, however, the branch in Hamiltop had assisted in keeping the association before the public, notably through the lectures organised last year. Officers Elected Mr de la Mare stressed the fact that the Workers’ Educational Association was not propagandist or in any way political. Its attitude was purely objective. Discussing plans for the coming year, Mr Higgins said that arrangements were being made for the holding of a winter school in Auckland in May, for the benefit of those who attended the summer school and also for those who missed the course at Christmas last. On being put to the meeting, the report and balance sheet were adopted without dissent. The following advisory committee was elected for the ensuing year:— Chairman, Mr F. A. de la Mare, vicechairman, the Dean of Hamilton, Very Rev. T. P. Weatherhog; secretarytreasurer, Mr S. N. Ziman; co-opted members, Messrs C. Croall, D. B. Paul, L. Bannester, F. Jackson, Miss R. Bell and Mrs J. D. M. Foreman (others to be elected).