The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1871-10-21 00:00:00

SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE ASSOCIATION.

THE PROPOSED SCHEME FOR ADULT

EDUCATION.

The adjourned meeting upon the proposed
establishment of evening classes in connection
with the South Staffordshire Association, was
held at the Mechanics' lostitute, Stourbridge.
on Monday evening. There was a very good
attendance; amongst those present were the
Revs. D. Maginnis, H. Sherrard, J. S. Bolder°.
T. Williams, J. Richards; and Messrs. A. Freer.
E. B. Marten, G. Perry, H. Newnarn, A. Clarke.
W. Cooper, J. Taylor, Pugett, C. Evers, Thos.
Akerry, &c.
Mr. F. Talbot, secretary of the South Staf-
fordshire Association, was also present.
The Rev. D. Maginnis was again voted to the
chair, and, for the information of those who were
not present at the last meeting, briefly explained
the proposed scheme.
The Rev. T. Williams asked whether the vari-
ous secretaries, who were present, were pre-
pared to state what number of persons connected
with their associations would be likely to join
such classes.

Mr. c.gvers said he had not canvassed
amongst the members of the Mechanics Insti-
tute, but he thought there would be very few
who would join, as they bad no young men.
Mr. Eastlake, on behalf of the Working Men's
Institute, said that its members were very
favourable to the scheme; but they would prefer
something more elementary.
A Member of the Lye Institute said its mem-
bers approved of the proposed scheme, and would
be very glad to send a number of young men.
Mr. T. Akerry, on behalf of the Church of
England Association, said there was a probabil-
ity of some of its members joining the classes ;
and many more would join if the various shop-
keepers were to close their shops a little earlier.
, The Chairman thought if the classes were
! established an appeal might be issued to the
shopkeepers, requesting them to close their
establishments a little earlier.
Mr. Talbot, in reply to questions, said it would
be competent for persons who were not connected
with the institutions of the district to attend the
classes upon pavnient of a little higher fee. The
South Staffordshire Association would, probably,
incur some expense to encourage the formation
of the classes, and to get them well attended.
At Walsall the young men had resolved to estali
lish the classes. The putting out of the pro-
grannue of the proposed scheme might be con
sidered somewhat premature, hut it was done
with the view of obtaining the public opinion
upon it. The association did not propose to do
anything in the shape of elementary education,
bee else provision was already made for that de-
partment in the night schools. Neither won1:1
! they do much in the way of science cla:ses, be-
cause the Government helped them very much
- by the large sums of money given through the
examinations. It would be well to take into
consideration, that for a young man to join the
classes, lie should be up to the Government fit!:
standard or fairly educated; because it might
happen if they had young loon who were net
; fairly educated, they would act as :i drag upon
the others who were better educated. In refer-
ence to amateur teaching as spoken of in the
proposed scheme, the gentlemen who taught the
classes gratuitously, would have to be appointed
subject to the approval of the association, and,
if approved of, the fees of the students would be
remitted. The proposal would be a new experi
went. The association contemplated laying
hold of the young men, and then for means to
be taken to induce some of the rich men in ti-
district to establish free scholarships_
The Rev. H. Sherrard thought if the scheme
was modified, and inode a little lower, it might
meet with more succeas. If they waited until
some scheme was finally settled, they might be
in a better position to know what course to take.
He thought the only difficulty in the way would
be in getting a sufficient number of young men.
Mr. E. B. Marten, C.E., said the question
was whether the young men of Stourbridge did
really value education. He had conducted
science classes in the town for several years,
and the only difliimity waa the attendance of
young men. If a sufficient number could be ob-
tained, he could get any amount of help.
Mr. Newman thought the cost of books as well
as fees would frighten some young men.
Mr. Ta:bot said the cost of books would be but
trifling, and a aimiler obj: ction was raised
:tgainst the payment of feta at the National
tichoola. If the pinup; teen did not take sonic
steps for education they would find that the or-
dinary school boys in ten years time would bd
ah !ad of them, for foreign languages were now
being t night in Naional Schools in the district.
The Ci airman said that they must be ri ally
id unauiumus in establishing the clas-

'fo, at f nu,her of n—istitutions
Ihe !own awl }.. ighboothood from which
it le °tight to be no difficulty in getiing a suf.
ticient uen.ber of young men. There ought to