ADULT EDUCATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 71, 8 May 1946, Page 5

ADULT EDUCATION

LECTURERS INTRODUCED A CULTURAL EVENING A distinct air of culture was present on Monday evening, at the first meeting of those interested in the Adult Education Week, at present being held in Whakatane, which took place in the High School. Mr H. G. Warren was in the chair, and over 100 parents and others interested gathered to meet the lecturers, Mr P. Martin-Smith M.A., L. (Director), Mr Owen Jensen (Music Specialist), Mr J. F. McDougall B.A. and Miss E. M. Smith M.A.

The evening was of a semi-social nature and included, not only an outline of the forthcoming week, but also a number of items presented by local artists.

The programme commenced with a selection by the newly-formed Whakatane Orchestral Society. The proficiency of this group of musicians reached a high standard, and congratulations must be extended to them on the fine manner in which they performed. The Chairman, Mr H. G. Warren, then introduced the four lecturers to the audience, and on behalf of the latter, extended his best wishes for a pleasant stay in Whakatane. He asked the Director to outline the procedure for the week, and the objects of the organisation. Replying, Mr Martin-Smith extended thanks for the welcome accorded them, and stated that he felt sure their stay in. Whakatane would be an enjoyable one. The main objects of the week, he pointed out, were primarily to assist maintain our present democratic system and community life. A second very enjoyable item followed in the nature of a bracket of songs by the Women’s Institute Choir. These particularly were very enjoyable, and the acclaim with which their first rendering was greeted, was in no way diminished at the conclusion of their encore. A violin solo by Mrs Larmer was also fully appreciated. Speaking on behalf of the Whakatane School Committee and teachers Mr J. W. Wilson extended to the visitors his appreciation of their action in coming to Whakatane, and trusted that their stay would be an enjoyable one. The evening continued with further items by Mrs Norman Carter, who rendered a vocal solo, Mrs Larmer (violin), the Orchestral Society, and Mrs Rushbrook (vocal). The soloists were all accompanied by Mrs Ken Stewart, whose pianistic ability was a valued asset. Several requests for Mr Owen Jensen to render an item came forward, and although tired after a long journey, he obliged the gathering with several pianoforte solos. The evening closed, after a few words by the chairman, reminding the gathering, that the first of the lectures took place in the Masonic Hall at 10.30 a.m. the following day.