Sta,—My limited experience of the W.E.A. may be of interest
to your readers. During the last season they were active in a South Eastern small town, there was a series of lectures on economics given by a very red Socialist. When 1 protested, I was assured that there was a free discussion after each lecture. This may be so, but it is obvious that a lecturer has much more influence on the opinions of his class than any member who may question a statement. There was a course on musical history—interesting but purely recreational; another on "Law and the Citizen," or some such title, the only one in my opinion justifying the expenditure of public money. There was also a one- day course on insurance by a protagonist of nationalisation who left no doubt with the audience as to her views.
This may not be typical of the W.E.A.-1 do not know—but with so many opportunities for evening classes in institutes and the very little interest shown in the classes mentioned above—attendances were always very small, five or six as an average, sometimes less—I think the Minister's cut thoroughly justified.
I must ask you to allow me to sign myself.— Ex-W.E.A.
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