Story: Adult education

The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) was founded in New Zealand in 1915 and became the country's major provider of adult education. James Shelley (standing, at right) was professor of education at Canterbury University College and directed the college's WEA programme. Shelley was an engaging lecturer and his classes were very popular. He instituted summer schools in rural Canterbury which were attended by both women and men. This is a summer school class enjoying the sun and fresh air in Oxford in 1921.