W.E.A.

For the first time in some years Varsity competed against an outside team in the Wellington Debating Union contest The visitors represented the Workers' Educational Association, and took the affirmative in the motion "That the W.E.A. is fulfilling its function as an Organ of Adult Education."

Mr. Riske, for the W.E.A., had hardly been speaking two minutes when a member of the audience left the hall. He was also interrupted by indifferent swing music coming from upstairs and paused to allow his message to sink in on both occasions. He asserted that the W.E.A. is doing what it set out to do; that is, to provide non-sectarian and non-vocational education in whatever subjects its students are interested. It caters for all who are willing to participate, and the standard is up to that of B.A., Stage I, presented, however, in terms which are understandable to anyone. Although a relatively small number take part they are as representative accross-section as could be obtained anywhere. Difficulties have been met in the past in the shape of attacks on academic freedom and of sabotage from within of its policy of no politics.